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food & drink
Published OCT 21, 2024
New York's Best Hidden Speakeasies
Where to find old school glam and cutting-edge cocktails tucked into New York’s secret corners. 🍸

By New York Bucket List
With its glamorous nightlife and endless going-out options, New York City is known as a place to see and be seen. But some of the city’s most exclusive spots are hidden away, just waiting to be discovered by an adventurous soul. If you're looking to experience a side of New York City most people never see, you have to check out this list of must-visit speakeasies—if you can find them.
From prohibition-era decor and live jazz to cutting-edge cocktails and decadent cuisine, these hidden gems offer experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Put on your best outfit and head out into the night. You never know what kind of hidden fun you might find! And don’t worry—we’ve got the inside scoop on how to get in the door.
27 Secret Speakeasies in New York
Sushi Suite 1001
Midtown
Sushi Suite 1001 offers the world's first hotel room-turned-restaurant experience. When you arrive, check in and receive your room key to unlock your unique food experience, featuring a 4-seat sushi counter and your very own private chef for a 90-minute, 17-course progressive Omakase.
Pro-Tip: Plan to get there early to enjoy a cocktail or two at the outdoor Terrace Bar.
Where: Hotel 32|32: 32 E 32nd St Suite 1001 Suite 1001, New York, NY
How to get in: Head into Hotel 3232 and get your key at the front desk.
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The Woo Woo
Midtown
The Woo Woo is a one-of-a-kind hybrid bar and sex shop, serving up craft cocktails with a heavy pour of seduction. This speakeasy pays homage to the sexual promiscuity of 1980s Times Square while honoring the sex positivity of today. Anyone can enter, but guests may be asked for a password, which can be found in a clandestine spot on their website.
Where: 266 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
How to get in: Ring the doorbell located at the front door of The Mean Fiddler.
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Fernando's
This sleek, 70s-inspired speakeasy in Tribeca is kind of like stepping into a life-sized disco ball—mirrored walls, mirrored ceiling, and a shimmering disco in the middle of it all. The entire space pays homage to New York's disco era with retro-chic paneling, orange and red hues, and moody vibes.
Where: 160 W 54th St, New York, NY
How to get in: Located above Bartley Dunnes
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Jewel Thief
NoMad
Jewel Thief takes the label “hidden gem” quite seriously. Located beneath Spritz in NoMad, the exotic hideaway offers artisanal cocktails with seasonally themed ingredients. With its opulent decor, you’ll feel transported to a new world or perhaps the inside of a jewelry box. To call a waiter to your table, you press a call button that lights up behind the bar.
Where: 30 W 30th St, New York, NY
How to get in: Hidden beneath Spritz Nomad. Reservations accepted.
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Nothing Really Matters
Midtown
Nothing Really Matters is a hidden subway bar located before the turnstiles at the downtown-bound 1 train at the 50th Street station. It’s the perfect place to grab a drink before or after a commute, and it's out-of-the-box and unique enough to make your Instagram feed.
Fun Fact: The name is an homage to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” lyric.
Where: W 50th St, New York, NY
How to get in: 50th St subway station, down the stairs on the downtown 1 line. Enter next to Duane Reade.
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Bo Peep Cocktail & Highball Store
Midtown
Stop by Rag Trader and enter Bo Peep Cocktail & Highball Store, a dimly-lit subterranean cocktail bar with plish banquettes and nightly live piano music—just like they did it in the 20s. Order a few apps and small plates or share a pizza with the table. Whatever you choose, make sure to pair it with a fizzy cocktail, citrus highball, or even a zero-proof mocktail.
Where: 70 W 36th St, New York, NY
How to get in: Reservations recommended. All reservations are for two hours.
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Employees Only
West Village
This Prohibition-style speakeasy is open seven days a week. It was established in 2004 and has become a staple in the upscale New York City cocktail bar world since. The bar’s decor has subtle Eastern European touches that pay homage to Croatian heritage, which is where the executive chef is from. Try Employees Only’s famous Manhattan with a twist, the Ginger Smash, or the Amelia.
Where: 510 Hudson St, New York, NY
How to get in: Reservations for dinner only. Tucked behind a fortune teller’s booth. Round the corner and you’ll enter the bar.
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Garret West
West Village
Let’s cut to the chase: The Garret West sits above a Five Guys. This hidden but much-loved speakeasy offers a cozy environment and the perfect place to sip a cocktail. With a massive skylight and living room ambiance, it’s the kind of place you can spend all night at. We’d opt for a burger as a nightcap.
Where: 296 Bleecker St, New York, NY
How to get in: On the corner of 7th Ave and Barrow Street. Find a hidden staircase in the back of the Five Guys and head to the second floor. Walk-ins and reservations accepted.
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Angel's Share
West Village
Previously located in the East Village, this iconic drinking den found a new home in the West Village in 2023. One of the city’s first “new wave” speakeasies, this bar does cozy and classy right, with flickering candles and jazz music setting the scene for an intimate evening.
Where: 45 Grove Street, St, New York, NY
How to get in: Look for a door with an angel on it
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Apothéke (Chinatown)
Chinatown
Sophistication reigns supreme at Apothéke, where mixologists donning lab coats use fresh seasonal herbs and botanicals to whip up complex medicinal-themed cocktails. This speakeasy’s eclectic design takes inspiration from a blend of traditional European apothecaries and 19th-century Parisian absinthe dens. Thursdays through Sundays, patrons can enjoy live music ranging from New Orleans brass to jazz to burlesque.
Where: 9 Doyers St, New York, NY
How to get in: At the bend in Doyers Street, look for the door with the red light and the “Chemist” sign hanging above it. Entrance is permitted at the host’s discretion.
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Attaboy
Lower East Side
This address has housed not one but two legendary New York speakeasies. The space was originally home to one of the original NYC neo-speakeasies, Milk & Honey before they moved uptown. Attaboy was opened by two veteran M&H bartenders carrying on the tradition. These days, they’re dishing out killer cocktails with a laid-back, lively ambiance.
There’s no drink menu here. Instead, you simply tell the bartender what you like, and they create a bespoke concoction just for you.
Where: 134 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002
How to get in: Once you’ve arrived, ring the doorbell or knock to enter. You’ll know you’re in the right spot when you see the M&H Alterations sign on the window!
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Bathtub Gin
Chelsea
Inside Stone Street Coffee on 9th Ave, you’ll find Bathtub Gin, a dark and fabulously ornate speakeasy in Chelsea. The exquisite gin-centric cocktails here build on classic drink recipes from the 1920s while adding a modern twist.
Stepping into the bar will have you feeling like you’ve stepped straight back to the roaring ‘20s. The decor features gleaming copper ceilings, fringe-covered lamps, and a funky clawfoot bathtub that makes for a great photo op. Nightly entertainment includes burlesque, disco, and live DJs.
Where: 132 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
How to get in: Locate the Stone Street Standard sign in the back of the shop—it’s actually a secret door leading into the club.
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Dear Irving (Gramercy)
Gramercy
Prepare to journey through time when you arrive at Dear Irving. With decor inspired by Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris, this speakeasy’s rooms are inspired by four distinct historical eras. Gaze upon sparkling chandeliers as you sip elegant cocktails on a settee in the Marie Antoinette parlor, relax in a luxurious leather chair in the JFK room, channel your inner Gatsby in the F. Scott Fitzgerald room, or sidle up to the dark wood bar in the Abraham Lincoln room.
The best part? Each table comes equipped with its own buzzer to summon your waiter.
Where: 55 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003
How to get in: You’ll find a nondescript maroon awning over a short staircase when you arrive.Head up the stairs and through the unmarked doors to enter.
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Coby Club
Chelsea
Coby Club is a speakeasy that pays homage to Miss Coby Yee, a famous burlesque dancer in San Francisco’s Chinatown from the 1960s. You can expect cocktails made with fresh fruit purées, craft beers, and chilled champagne as well as a small plates menu. The speakeasy on 7th Avenue lies underground and is full of dark velvet and silk decor, offering an alluring and mysterious environment for your next night out.
Where: 156 1/2 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011
How to get in: Look for a small entrance on 6th Avenue (hint: it's tucked discreetly beneath Elmo restaurant).
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La Noxe
West Village
This speakeasy is hidden behind a black door in the 28th Street uptown-bound 1 train station. The food is mostly Latin, with a menu of delicious tapas and lean natural wines. The space is intimate and feels retro-chic, and it's the perfect spot to enjoy casual after-dinner drinks with friends—before 10:30, that is. Come after that, and it transforms into a walk-in-only party. You might never want to go above ground again.
Where: 315 7th Ave Entrance at 162 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001
How to get in: Find the street-level entrance inside the 28th Street subway station.
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Le Boudoir
Brooklyn Heights
Indulge like the royalty you are at this Marie Antoinette-inspired cocktail lounge. To get to the bar, you’ll actually go on a journey through the remnants of the oldest tunnel in North America, the former Atlantic Avenue railroad tunnel.
Once inside, immerse yourself in the indulgent atmosphere of this ornate bar (with a cocktail in hand) featuring plush tufted red velvet and gilded mirrors designed to emulate the queen’s parlor in Versailles.
Where: 135 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
How to get in: Inside the Chez Moi bistro, you’ll find a hidden bookshelf that will take you to Le Boudoir.
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Patent Pending
Nomad
Patent Pending is a trendy coffee shop by day and an innovative cocktail bar by night. This speakeasy is housed in the historic Radio Wave building, where famed inventor Nikola Tesla performed his radio wave experiments. The bar pays homage to Tesla with thoughtful touches throughout the space.
The electricity-inspired menu delivers inventive cocktails and tasty small plates. Edison bulbs and vintage leather accents set the tone for the buzzing atmosphere within the space. Look around, and you’ll also find several birdcages scattered throughout—a callback to Tesla’s love of pigeons.
Where: 49 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
How to get in: Go to 49 West 27th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and ring the doorbell at street level. Walk through Patent Coffee and find the hidden door that leads to Patent Pending
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Please Don't Tell (PDT)
East Village
A hot dog joint might be the last place you’d expect to find a cooler-than-cool cocktail lounge, but that's exactly where you'll Please Don't Tell. This iconic speakeasy features quirky taxidermy decor and a wood-slatted ceiling to create a cozy, low-key atmosphere. But don’t let the relaxed vibe fool you—the cocktails here are serious business. With a sprawling menu featuring page after page of innovative libations, you’ll need to visit more than once to choose a favorite.
Pro-Tip: Pair your drink with something from Criff's exclusive hot dog menu, which features dogs named for legendary NYC chefs and unexpected sides like tater tots topped with caviar.
Where: 113 St Marks Place, New York, NY 10009
How to get in: Head down the stairs into Crif Dogs and find the phone booth. Pick up the red phone to reach the hostess, but make sure to ring only once!
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Peachy's
Chinatown
At Peachy’s, almost everything goes. There are just two rules: no photos and no fighting. But the bar’s wow-worthy decor, featuring an eclectic mix of glowing lanterns, hanging peach blossoms, and Gucci wallpaper, makes that a tough order to follow. The menu features a creative array of cocktails for a more health-conscious crowd, with botanicals and adaptogen-infused drinks making frequent appearances.
Where: 5 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013
How to get in: Find the glowing neon-pink sign next to Chinese Tuxedo, then head down the stairs and into Peachy’s!
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Storage Room at UES.
Upper East Side
Visitors to UES. Scoop Shop are in for an unexpected treat. Hidden behind the shop’s sweet pink exterior lies a glamorous speakeasy space named Storage Room, a chic neighborhood spot serving up UES-inspired drinks in fun, kitschy vessels like sippy cups and ceramic waffle cones. While the atmosphere is whimsical, remember to dress to impress—cocktail attire is strictly required.
Where: 1707 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128
How to get in: Once inside the shop, ask the staff if you can check out the “storage room” to gain access.
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The Back Room
Lower East Side
The Back Room is as OG as OG gets. It’s one of only two remaining speakeasies that actually operated in New York during Prohibition. In keeping with the theme, drinks are served in teacups and bottles of beer come in paper bags. A sliding bookcase hides another surprise—a VIP-only lounge hidden away from the rest of the space.
Where: 102 Norfolk St, New York, NY 10002
How to get in: You’ll use the same entrance used in the 20s. Look for the Lower East Side Toy Company sign, then head through the gate, down the alley, and up the steps.
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Thyme Bar
Flatiron
Located steps away from Madison Square Park, this once-secret Prohibition-era gambling hall now transports guests to an underground hideaway where whimsy reigns supreme. Thyme Bar’s floriography-inspired libations push the limits of mixology, incorporating visual elements and botanical flavors to create seriously photo-worthy presentations.
For a truly indulgent experience, try the prix fixe menu, which pairs extravagant cocktails from the Le Jardin and Floriography menus with thoughtfully prepared small plates and decadent desserts.
Where: 20 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10010
How to get in: Find Thyme Bar in the cellar hidden underneath Patisserie Chanson on W 23rd Street.
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Little Branch (LB)
West Village
If you’re seeking a classic speakeasy experience, Little Branch is the place to go. With its nondescript entrance and old-school house rules (no raised voices or bad behavior here), you’ll feel like you stepped right back into Prohibition times.
The menu is straightforward, offering a generous selection of quintessential cocktails plus complimentary snacks. There are plenty of cozy booths for a romantic date night, but for true cocktail aficionados, the bar is the place to be—you'll catch suspender-clad bartenders whipping up cocktails, served to patrons over freshly chipped ice straight from the block.
Where: 20 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014
How to get in: Look for the unmarked brown door on the corner of Leroy and 7th Avenue.
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Basement
Chinatown
Inspired by Hong Kong game bars, this NYC speakeasy is hidden behind a Coca-Cola fridge. Enjoy beer pong, darts, dice, and classic card games with your group. The unique, in-house cocktail menu features drinks like the Chinatown Old Fashion, HK Milk Punch for boba lovers, and the Shanghai Mule. It's the perfect spot for a memorable night with your crew.
Where: 45 Mott St, New York, NY 1001
How to get in: Go down a flight of stairs and pass through a fridge door.
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Tanner Smith’s
Midtown
Tanner Smith, the bar's namesake, was a 20th-century New York City gangster infamous for running a social club with the Gopher Gang’s Owney Madden. The cocktail bar oozes with prohibition-era vibes. Try the teapot cocktails for two, like the Tipsy Tea Paloma, which consists of Blanco tequila, lime, and grapefruit soda, served in a cute vintage-style teacup and teapot!
Where: 204 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019
How to get in: Reservations and walk-ins accepted
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Chez Zou
Chelsea
Eastern Mediterranean restaurant Zou Zou’s has a secret hidden above the main restaurant: the Chez Zou speakeasy. Opened in 2022, this midtown cocktail lounge features a lush and luxurious space with playful, inventive cocktails and riffs on familiar favorites. In the warmer months, you can enjoy their expansive outdoor terrace, perfect for drinks, late-night bites, and summer gatherings.
Where: 385 9th Ave Suite 85, New York, NY 10001
How to get in: Head to the Manhattan West Plaza at 385 Ninth Avenue. Enter Zou Zou’s and take the elevator behind the host stand to the fourth floor.
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The Little Shop
Seaport
The Little Shop is tucked away behind an unassuming bodega in the Seaport. Their cocktail list includes concoctions like the Purple Vesper (Empress Gin, Lillet Blanc, shop-made lavender bitters) and Sour Candy (Suntory Whiskey, pear brandy, honey, lemon), and you can purchase small bites from the shop to snack on while you sip.
Where: 252 Front St, New York, NY 10038
How to get in: Enter the store and head towards the back. Enter what looks like a back-of-the-store storage room. You’ll see a sliding door that leads you to the speakeasy.
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