16 Best Hidden Speakeasy Bars in NYC

Published on January 16, 2017 at 4:10 am by Jay Martin in Lists

Which are the best hidden Speakeasy Bars in NYC?

Speakeasies in New York are a very old game. Of course, they were all the rage during prohibition – see the history below. Then they enjoyed a new renaissance during the early aughts–particularly due to the labors of Sasha Petraske–along with his talented bartenders, now bar-owners themselves, like Chad Solomon, Christie Pope, Toby Maloney and Sam Ross. Thanks to them and others we now have for your consideration the 16 best hidden speakeasy bars in NYC.

Petraske opened his first bar Milk & Honey on the Lower East Side in 1999. It took me two years to get the (unlisted) phone number of Milk & Honey – at the time it was the only way to get into the bar. You had to call to make a reservation, but the phone number was not public information.

Eventually the trend began to catch on – there were mixologists swinging handcrafted cocktails all over town. People began to get really precious about their ice. What freezer do you use? Home bars also were on the rise, but still, the speakeasy loomed large and the cocktail craze was upon us – for the second time.

Originally speakeasy bars were illicit establishments that sold alcohol during the Prohibition Era (1920-1933) in the U.S. Because booze was illegal, people got very crafty about how they hid their bars. There were bars behind bookcases, in backrooms, password-only back-alley establishments. Most of them became legitimate or disappeared completely after the prohibition was lifted.

So one might ask, what are speakeasy bars doing in present-day New York? At this point the term is basically used to describe the theme and the atmosphere of the bar. These bars may not advertise their presence to the public with colorful neon signs or try to be conspicuous.

They usually keep a low key and their interior also try to instigate the feeling of Prohibition-era nostalgia with their decor and even the bartender’s dress. The cocktails can range from pure classics to innovative twists, playful combinations, and highly inventive ingredients. It all depends on which speakeasy you choose. We should also know as places continue to crop up the trend becomes more and more diluted. Many new bars lack the authenticity, style, and care of the best are clearly commercial enterprises.

If you are looking speakeasy bars in order to get a date, we have a much better modern option for you – 10 Best Free Dating Apps For Android Phones. After you find your perfect match, using one of these apps, you can maybe take her out to one of these great bars on our list below.

Everyone loves the idea of having a secret hideout, this is the reason still people get so excited over speakeasies. Some of these bars also offer really extraordinary service. If you are willing to explore a few and don’t know where to start, I highly recommend going through the full article to know about the 16 best hidden speakeasy bars in NYC.

16. THE BACKROOM

You will find this bar thanks to a white sign that says Lower East Side Toy Company – supposedly one of the original prohibition era speakeasies still operating today. If you want your cocktails served in teacups, and bottled beers in wrapped in brown paper bags, then this is the place you want to go to. And, yes, there is also a backroom within the Backroom, but that’s usually reserved for private parties.

Address: 102 Norfolk St, New York, NY 10002

Phone: +1 212-228-5098

15. ATTABOY

If you want to experience the industrial era definite bar, then this is where you will find it. It is famous for its innovative cocktails and classical concoctions that you can only find here. This bar resides in the original Milk & Honey location. Great cocktails and, if for some reason you’re not in the mood, they also carry Bud. This is a great place to hang out with your place because is one of the best hidden Speakeasy Bars in NYC.

Address: 134 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002

Phone: +1 855-877-9900

Ivan Mateev/Shutterstock.com

14. PDT (PLEASE DON’T TELL)

Speakeasies are secretive, but this bar takes it to another level. To gain entry you need to enter through the phone booth within the gourmet hot dog joint Crif Dogs – stop and pick up some tater tots while you’re there you won’t regret it. Don’t just stand in the booth like an idiot – pick up the phone to speak to the host.

Address: 113 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009

Phone: +1 212-614-0386

13. SUNSHINE LAUNDROMAT

This is more of a modern take on the idea of speakeasy. There are video/arcade style games and TV things you would not normally see in a speakeasy.

Address: 860 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Phone: +1 718-475-2055

12. LE BOUDOIR

This place is modeled after Marie Antoinette’s bedchamber. The design includes a Versailles-inspired look. There are gilded mirrors, tufted seating, and exposed-stone walls. It’s a nice date place if you don’t lose your head.

Address: 135 Atlantic Ave Brooklyn, NY 11201

Phone: (347) 227-8337

11. THE RAINES LAW ROOM

This ground floor speakeasy is has a lot of plush sofas segmented into different areas equipped with a button to call your server. There is a small bar in the back – a very wintery location. Great for a second date – trust me on this one.

Address: 48 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011

10. LITTLE BRANCH

One of Petraske’s follow-ups to Milk & Honey this is an interesting basement bar where you can imbibe excellent cocktails. The wait can be quite long as the place is small but so goes for most of these on the list of the best hidden Speakeasy Bars in NYC.

Address: 22 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014

Phone: +1 212-929-4360

9. ANGEL’S SHARE

You have to access this place through the second floor Japanese restaurant. The door is to the left once you come up the stairs. You can actually see this one from the street if you just look up.

Address: 8 Stuyvesant St New York, NY 10003

Phone: (212) 777-5415

8. MANHATTAN CRICKET CLUB

Not quite a speakeasy but hidden nonetheless behind a green door. You will find it with the Australian restaurant Burke and Wills. If your idea of spending a quiet afternoon involves sipping an exotic drink from bar hidden in an oasis, then this is the place for you.

Address: 226 W 79th St, New York, NY 10024

Phone: +1 646-823-9252

7. DUTCH KILLS

Tiny–this place is small. Not super well hidden–a flashing “bar” sign tells all, yet still provides great cocktails.

Address: 27-24 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101

Phone: +1 718-383-2724

stockphoto-graf/Shutterstock.com

6. B FLAT

You can say from the name that this is a place where prohibition-era drinking den and jazz music happens. You can also grab a delicious bite of exotic foods like the Teriyaki Burger.

Address: 277 Church St New York, NY 10013

Phone: Phone number (212) 219-2970

5. The Grain

Another must go for any Jazz enthusiast. The environment is of an old farm house, where live jazz and awesome combo is sure to satisfy your nostalgia.

Address: 893 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

Phone: +1 646-398-9663

bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock.com

4. Bathtub Gin

As the name suggests, if Gin is your favorite drink to hang out with, then this is the perfect place for you. In one of the best hidden Speakeasy Bars in NYC, they also have great live music and cabaret performances on Sundays. Also, as the name suggests, there is, in fact, a bathtub.

Address: 132 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Phone: +1 646-559-1671

3. Bar Centrale

If you love Broadway and would love to meet the stars in person, then you might want to take a look at Bar Centrale. Because often Bar Centrale plays host to Broadway starts post show.

Address: 324 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036

Phone: +1 212-581-3130

Igor Normann/Shutterstock.com

2. 19

Even the name of this speakeasy is ambiguous. If you get thirsty while going through the brightly lit art gallery Envoy Enterprises. Then you might want to take a look at Fig. 19.

Address: 131 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002

1. Blind Barber

I’ve gotten my haircut here several times – it’s hard to pass up the free cocktail that comes with it. But that is during the daytime hours. At night you can enjoy the expansive bar behind the barbershop. Despite the space this place fills up fast – especially on weekend nights.

Address: 10797 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Phone: +1 310-841-6679

Now that you’ve enjoyed 16 best hidden speakeasy bars in NYC get out there and try them out.