Best Speakeasy bars in New York

Been a drug store lately? A Chinese medicine man? How about a secret Chinese prescription bar to drown your sorrows? This devilishly hidden apothecary-styled bar tucked away on a curvy Chinatown street will definitely keep you medicated enough to avoid an unnecessary trip to the druggist. Go on a Wednesday and brush up on your Prohibition Era knowledge to decipher the password through doorman’s possibly helpful hints. Jazz and French 75s galore.

On a busy Chelsea avenue sits a mysteriously late-night busy coffee shop by the name of Stone Street Coffee Company. Can't miss the spot as the commotion outside reminds one more of a hard to get into NYC-nightclub, and if you find yourself thinking as such, you won't be wrong. Behind the secret door in the back of the (fully-operational and thoroughly delicious) coffee shop lies the bar of bars - Bathtub Gin. Here you'll find prohibition-proper cocktails, mixology geniuses, and bites to boot! Open late-night the busy NYC hot spot is definitely not to be missed, by a local or a cool visitor to our great city.

Named in honor of the 18th Amendment to ban alcohol sales and consumption during the 1920s in the United States, a period known as the "Prohibition Era" - The 18th Room, sister to the infamous Bathtub Gin next door, stacks up well in the much-respected NYC-speakeasy scene. Beyond the gorgeously crafted drink list (by design and taste), the bar/restaurant concept offers delicious full dinner menu that runs from regular dining hours deep into the lateness of the night. Make sure to try their version of a drink "amuse bouche" - delicious sangria-like wine starter and definitely order the hanger steak. The 18th Room is a new comer and definitely here to stay - I know where I'll be spending my late nights from now on for sure!

Secret underground bar featuring a vast list of handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, small space. Live jazz on Thursday evenings.

PDT (Please Don't Tell)

Enter through the hot dog shop - Criff Dogs - through the phone booth inside the East Village eatery. Also order from a special hot dog menu while inside the bar.

The Back Room

Owned by the infamous Susan Sarandon, The Back Room is located in the back of.an old toy company - this speakeasy bar features cocktails in the classic 1920s style, traditionally served in tea cups as in the Roaring Twenties.

Undercote

A secret bar hiding underneath one of the greatest meat joints in town (Michelin-starred Cote restaurant), featuring the largest selection of Special Club champagnes in the United States. Each day the Sommelier - Daniel Ng - selects a new bottle to be enjoyed by the glass in this chic darkness. 🥂

The Garret

Located upstairs of a Five Guys burger place, where you enter directly through the joint - The Garret is a West Village go-to.