Discover the 12 Must-Visit Speakeasies in New York City
New York City has long been a hub for hidden bars and secretive drinking establishments. During Prohibition, the city boasted over 30,000 speakeasies, far exceeding the number of legal bars that existed prior to the Volstead Act. This underground drinking culture not only shaped New York nightlife but also influenced the American cocktail scene as a whole. Today, the thrill of discovering a hidden bar remains, albeit with different stakes than in the 1920s.
The city’s current speakeasies operate with a level of craft and intentionality that justifies the effort required to find them. Here are twelve of the most noteworthy establishments worth seeking out.
PDT (Please Don’t Tell), East Village
PDT is credited with launching the modern speakeasy movement in New York City. Opened in 2007 behind a vintage red phone booth inside Crif Dogs on St. Mark’s Place, PDT earned a James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program in 2012. The bar has influenced countless cocktail establishments. Reservations can be made seven days in advance via Resy, and the intimate space accommodates fewer than forty patrons. Owner Jeff Bell oversees a cocktail program recognized for its technical precision.
Attaboy, Lower East Side
Located on Eldridge Street, Attaboy operates without a sign or menu, relying on a unique premise: bartenders craft drinks based solely on patrons’ preferences. This model, inherited from the legendary Milk & Honey, has garnered Attaboy a ranking of No. 37 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026. Limited reservations are available through OpenTable, but walk-ins are welcomed starting at 5 PM. Guests are encouraged to arrive with a clear idea of their flavor and spirit preferences.
Angel’s Share, West Village
The original Angel’s Share opened in the East Village in 1993, establishing a foundation for Japanese-influenced craft cocktails in New York. The current location at 45 Grove Street continues this legacy with a focus on quality and precision. Ranked No. 31 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026, the bar is designed for the drink rather than the crowd. It operates on a walk-in basis only, with a strict policy against parties larger than four. The cocktails, featuring Japanese spirits and artistic presentations, are among the finest in the city.
The Back Room, Lower East Side
The Back Room is one of only two bars in New York City that operated as a speakeasy during Prohibition and continues to serve today. Its entrance at 102 Norfolk Street is marked by a gate labeled “Lower East Side Toy Company.” Inside, the 1920s aesthetic is preserved with velvet booths and crystal chandeliers. Cocktails are served in teacups and paper bags, honoring the original concealment practices. The bar has a rich history, having hosted figures like Meyer Lansky and Paul McCartney.
Raines Law Room, Chelsea and Midtown
Raines Law Room has two locations—one in Chelsea and another at The William hotel in Midtown. Both venues feature dark Victorian interiors and reserved seating in private nooks, creating an atmosphere conducive to leisurely evenings. Reservations are recommended, as the experience is enhanced when treated as a destination. The cocktail menu draws from classic American and European traditions, reflecting a curated approach.
Keys & Heels, Upper East Side
Disguised as a key-cutting and shoe-repair shop, Keys & Heels is the Upper East Side’s best-kept secret. Inside, the bar offers a chic and intimate setting that embodies the neighborhood’s discreet sophistication. The dress code encourages guests to “keep it sharp,” and the cocktail program is inventive yet understated. Despite being a newer addition to the scene, it has quickly become essential.
Little Branch, West Village
Little Branch, located on Seventh Avenue South, has been a staple since 2005, known for its disciplined cocktail experience. There is no signage, website, or reservations—guests descend a staircase into a warmly lit room where bartenders craft drinks with the seriousness reminiscent of the 1920s. The intimate setting and jazz-influenced soundtrack contribute to a genuinely transported experience.
Bathtub Gin, Chelsea
Bathtub Gin presents itself as a coffee shop, specifically Stone Street Coffee Company on Ninth Avenue. The transition from espresso counter to bar is one of the city’s better-kept secrets. Inside, a brass bathtub serves as a focal point, complemented by exposed brick and candlelight. The cocktail menu is inspired by Prohibition-era techniques, and the back room often features live music, making it a full evening experience.
LouLou, Midtown
LouLou features a vintage Coca-Cola vending machine as its entrance. Upon activation, the machine reveals a bar characterized by plush interiors and a thoughtful cocktail list. Located in Midtown, LouLou attracts a crowd that discovers it through word of mouth, enhancing its secretive allure.
Bar Goto, Lower East Side
Bar Goto, helmed by Kenta Goto, offers a distinctive cocktail experience characterized by Japanese aesthetics and seasonal ingredients. While not hidden in the traditional sense, the experience of finding and settling into the bar feels like a discovery each time. The sakura martini, featuring elderflower, sake, and lychee, is a standout signature drink.
Employees Only, West Village
Employees Only has been a high-volume cocktail bar since 2004, known for maintaining quality despite its popularity. Located behind a psychic’s sign on Hudson Street, the bar features a warm Prohibition-era interior. Its cocktail program, grounded in classic techniques, earned it recognition as a Best International Cocktail Bar at Tales of the Cocktail. The kitchen remains open until 3:30 AM, making it a reliable option late at night.
Ophelia, Midtown East
Situated on the 26th floor of the Beekman Tower, Ophelia offers stunning views of the East River. The entrance is discreet, and the intimate space features a 1930s supper-club design. The cocktail program is ambitious and inventive, and the views are among the most underrated in Midtown.
Speakeasy Etiquette
The culture surrounding speakeasies carries an implicit social contract. Patrons should maintain a respectful volume and arrive with a clear idea of their drink preferences. At establishments like Attaboy and Angel’s Share, engaging with the bartender is essential. Reservations, when available, should be honored, and guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for the experience they wish to have.
FAQ
What is the most famous speakeasy in New York City?
PDT (Please Don’t Tell) is widely recognized as the bar that initiated the modern speakeasy movement in New York. The Back Room is notable for its historical authenticity, having operated since the Prohibition era.
Do you need a reservation at NYC speakeasies?
It varies by establishment. PDT requires reservations via Resy, while Attaboy primarily operates on a walk-in basis. Angel’s Share and Little Branch are walk-in only, whereas Raines Law Room and Keys & Heels accept reservations.
What should I wear to a speakeasy in NYC?
Smart casual attire is generally expected. Keys & Heels specifically requests that guests “keep it sharp.” LouLou and Raines Law Room reward those who dress for the occasion.
Are NYC speakeasies expensive?
Cocktails at these bars typically range from $20 to $35, aligning with Manhattan’s premium cocktail market. The Back Room and Little Branch tend to be slightly more affordable, while Attaboy’s bespoke cocktails are priced individually.
As reported by hauteliving.com.
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Published on 2026-07-19 17:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk