Speakeasies are secret bars that you can date back to the Prohibition Era in the United States. This was a time when alcohol sales and distribution were illegal, so these hidden and secret locations started to pop up inside barber shops, restaurants, and other types of bars.
While the alcohol was important for people who loved to dabble, the intrigue added an extra element of fun and excitement to the experience.
Today, speakeasies are still popular. While alcohol is legal, the excitement of finding these locations makes them some of the best places to spend the night out with friends or family. In New York, you'll find plenty of speakeasies to choose from, and each location will have some fun environments, liquor, and sometimes even some food.
This article takes you through the best speakeasies across New York City. Get ready to discover hidden adventures waiting for you in the Concrete Jungle of Manhattan.
What Are the Different Types of Speakeasy Bars in New York City?
There isn't one type of speakeasy in New York. Instead, there are a handful of options to choose from. One feature they all tend to share is a feeling of excitement and exclusiveness. Since the idea of these bars comes from an era when alcohol was illegal, you'll find that most speakeasies are hidden in normal-looking buildings and rarely heavily advertised.
Still, some speakeasies like to change the idea and go beyond the 1920s style. For example, speakeasies may embrace modern styles or concepts instead of focusing on old-fashioned furniture or amenities. Therefore, if you want that 1920s vibe you'll have to look for a specific speakeasy that fits it.
It's also important to note that many speakeasies in New York will enforce some type of dress code – they don't just want anyone walking in off the street.
The Best Speakeasy in New York City: Our Top 5 Picks
In New York City, you'll find a lot of speakeasies if you know where to look, but with so many options, how do you know which ones are the best? What makes it challenging to find the best spots is how exclusive some locations can be and how some locations aren't around permanently.
The good news is that we've taken a look at them all, and to narrow down your options we include the five best speakeasies we found below.
1. Please Don't Tell
Image sourced from: https://www.pdtnyc.com/.
When you’re looking for a speakeasy you can't go wrong with a place called Please Don't Tell. It perfectly captures the vibe, and to get into the building you'll have to follow some secret steps. In fact, you have to call from a payphone that's inside a hotdog stand next door – a place that goes by Crif Dogs.
Once inside, you'll figure out why this place is famous for cocktails in a hurry. The mixologist knows what they're doing, and some of the fun and exclusive cocktails will impress you. Plus, plenty of food is available as well, so there's a little something for everyone at Please Don't Tell.
In order to be eligible to enter, you'll have to make a reservation. These can be made up to seven days in advance via Resy. However, bar seating is available for everyone on a first-come first-serve basis. Your party will have to be less than four people for this to work, though.
2. Patent Pending
Image sourced from: https://www.patentpendingnyc.com/.
Patent Pending gets the name from the significance of the location – it's the place where the one and only Nikola Tesla performed his various experiments on radio waves. He would transmit those waves to his laboratory, where Trinity Church in downtown Manhattan is located.
What makes this special is the fact that the waves that were first tested all those years ago are what get you there today via GPS and WiFi.
When it comes to drinks and atmosphere, Patent Pending nails the speakeasy vibe. Everything has a classic feel to it, so you don't have to worry about feeling like you’re in a modern bar. This is true down to the way you dress and the products you order.
Food and liquor are available, with plenty of options from gin to scotch being available. Some staples, like Zombie Syrup, are also available at Patent Pending.
Unlike some other speakeasies in New York City, Patent Pending is on the easier side to get in. After 5 pm it's on a first-come first-serve basis, so you don't always have to have a reservation. That said, having a reservation will help you get in faster, so we always recommend booking one.
3. The Back Room
Image sourced from: http://www.backroomnyc.com/.
When you're looking for an authentic speakeasy experience, the Back Room is one of your best options because it really captures those 1920s vibes. It's one of the few speakeasy locations in New York City that's been around since the 1920s, so you get to experience good drinks alongside history when you stop by the Back Room.
In addition, the Back Room has some theater culture as well. Plays were held here and famous gangsters like Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, and Lucky Luciano used to hang out here back in the day.
When it comes to drinks, this joint doesn't disappoint. Expert mixologists can make just about anything that comes to mind, and of course, there are some exclusive options you'll only find in the Back Room.
You can enter as a walk-in or make a reservation – we recommend the reservation route for the most success. Once you arrive, you'll have to use the same secret entrance that was used back in the day and drink from teacups that people used to use to drink in secret!
While most bars in NYC are for people over 21, it's important to note that the Back Room only serves guests over 25 on Friday and Saturday. Keep this in mind before you head on down.
4. Bathtub Gin
Image sourced from: https://www.bathtubginnyc.com/.
If you’re looking for a transformative experience that brings you back in time to the 1920s, Bathtub Gin is the go-to destination. Not only does the furniture and decor give you a speakeasy vibe, but you have to enter through a secret door, so it gives you the full experience.
While drinks may have been limited in the 1920s due to prohibition, this isn't the case with Bathtub Gin because the booze is definitely flowing. Whether you want something simple, like an Old Fashioned, or something more niche or modern, Bathtub Gin’s mixologists have you covered.
Aside from good booze and an even better atmosphere, the icing on the cake is the sense of adventure you get with Bathtub Gin. If the secret entrance wasn't enough, the jazz music and live bands will be. Overall, every night at Bathtub Gin is an adventure with different live performances for you to enjoy.
To get in you'll have to go in through the secret door behind the Stone Street Coffee Shop. You can make a reservation or try your luck on a quiet night. We always recommend going the reservation route for the best results.
5. Employees Only
Image sourced from: https://m.employeesonlynyc.com/gallery.
Employees Only is a great speakeasy if you’re looking for an old-school environment with a new wave of delicious cocktails.
Aside from cocktails, plenty of dinner options are also available, so it's a great spot for a date night if you're looking to do dinner and drinks. Whether you want seafood, a burger, or even something simple like a side of fries, Employees Only has you covered.
Like other speakeasies in New York City, Employees Only is discreet. There's not a lot of information available on their website, aside from the gallery, so you'll have to go in and experience all that Employees Only has to offer yourself. The location is made clear, though, so it's not as hard to find as some other speakeasy locations.
When you want to go for dinner or drinks, walk-ins, and reservations are acceptable at Employees Only. Booking a reservation is always your best option, and that's something you can see a few days out.
How to Find a New Speakeasy in New York City?
Finding a speakeasy in New York City is easier than you might think. Sure, these are supposed to be hidden bars, but the owners have to make money, and drinking isn't illegal, so finding them isn't always difficult.
We recommend checking social media, local papers, and of course, asking around. In fact, you can Google most speakeasies and find them on Google Maps or through other resources.
Some speakeasies are harder to find than others. Some speakeasies thrive on the exclusiveness of the operation, so they may pop up for only a few weeks or months. In these cases, you'll have to hear about them through word of mouth.
If you're ever worried about finding a speakeasy in New York City, you can keep an eye on them using Speakeasy.com’s guide to speakeasies. You can also go for a walk in your town or keep an eye on events in your building or city center.
Find the Best New York City Speakeasy
Speakeasies in New York come in a wide range of vibes, themes, and even activities, and the speakeasies in this article give you a little bit of everything. Whether you like a more quiet and relaxed vibe, or a club-like atmosphere full of dancing and partying, New York City has you covered with hidden great times around the corner.
Take some time to consider the types of speakeasies you like, and get ready to enjoy a night out in the Big Apple! Also, keep an eye on pop-up events because sometimes a speakeasy will be around for a limited time.
While the speakeasies we covered in this article are among the most popular, you'll find that some of the best hidden gems are only around for a little while, so be ready!
