25 Best NYC Speakeasies and Hidden Bars to Experience

As you navigate the city’s vibrant nightlife, you’re drawn to the allure of hidden bars and speakeasies, where the thrill of discovery meets exceptional mixology. Behind unmarked doors and secret entrances, you’ll uncover a world of expertly crafted cocktails, sophisticated decor, and enchanting ambiance. From iconic institutions to hidden gems, each venue offers a distinct experience, beckoning you to explore the city’s best-kept secrets. What secrets will you uncover in the city that never sleeps?

Attaboy

You’ll find Attaboy, a pioneer of NYC’s modern speakeasy scene, tucked away in a quiet corner of the Lower East Side.

It showcases exceptional cocktail creativity behind a secret entrance, offering a unique experience.

230 Fifth

Many of NYC’s best-kept secrets are hidden in plain sight, and Fifth Avenue’s discreetly located Fifth is no exception.

You’ll discover:

• Hidden entrances
• Secret cocktails
• Exclusive vibes

The NoMad

The NoMad’s unmarked entrance, tucked away in a historic Beaux-Arts building, is easy to miss, but it’s worth searching for.

You’ll discover a hidden gem with vintage vibes, upscale ambiance, and mixology mastery, offering exclusive experiences with artisanal ingredients in an elegant, intimate setting.

Death & Co

From the sophisticated ambiance of The NoMad, your search for NYC’s best speakeasies and hidden bars now takes you to Death & Co, a cocktail bar that’s been shaking things up.

• Expert cocktail craftsmanship
• Rich speakeasy history
• Innovative drinks

The Westlight

Sophisticated cocktail enthusiasts, you’re in for a treat as you step into The Westlight, a chic rooftop bar perched atop the William Vale hotel in Brooklyn.

You’ll enjoy stunning Westlight views and craft Westlight cocktails, expertly mixed to perfection.

Slowly Shirley

You’ll uncover a hidden gem in Slowly Shirley, a swanky underground bar.

• Classic cocktails
• Vintage decor
• Jazz music

The Top of the Standard

Leaving the vintage charm of Slowly Shirley behind, you’re now heading to a spot that’s as stylish as it’s exclusive: The Top of the Standard.

It offers stunning views, signature cocktails, and a chic atmosphere, making it perfect for sunset sips with a strict dress code.

Little Branch

How does a bar manage to evoke the classic charm of a bygone era while still feeling utterly contemporary?

You’ll find it at Little Branch, with its

• expert mixology
• vintage decor
• classic cocktails

Milk & Honey

Milk & Honey’s unmarked entrance on the Lower East Side is easy to miss, but once you’ve found it, the bar’s sophisticated charm envelops you.

You’ll discover a milk & honey menu with craft cocktails and an intimate milk & honey ambiance that’s perfect for a night out.

The Raines Law Room

You’ll find another gem in NYC’s hidden bar scene at The Raines Law Room, where sophistication meets intrigue.

• Expertly crafted cocktails
• Intimate cocktail ambiance
• Historic Raines Law setting

The Dead Rabbit

As you step into The Dead Rabbit, the sounds and scents of 19th-century Ireland envelop you, transporting you to a bygone era of expertly crafted cocktails and warm, convivial atmosphere.

Savor Irish whiskey-based signature drinks, crafted with cutting-edge mixology techniques, amidst unique decor and a lively atmosphere.

This hidden gem is a local favorite, often hosting themed events and attracting celebrity sightings.

The Penrose

From the cobblestone streets of Lower Manhattan to the Upper East Side, a new era of sophistication awaits at The Penrose, a stylish cocktail bar that redefines the art of mixology.

You’ll be transported to a bygone era amidst its vintage décor, where expert bartenders craft innovative cocktails that elevate the city’s cocktail culture.

• Rich, velvety textures and unexpected flavor combinations tantalize your taste buds
• Antique fixtures and plush furnishings evoke a sense of nostalgia and refinement
• Intimate, dimly lit spaces invite you to linger and savor every sip

Sweet Liberty

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Lower East Side, Sweet Liberty is a hidden gem that bursts with personality.

Its eclectic décor and lively atmosphere drawing you in like a magnet.

You’ll savor sweet liberty cocktails amidst the vibrant sweet liberty ambiance.

The NoMad Hotel Bar

You’ll find a stark contrast to Sweet Liberty’s eclectic vibe at The NoMad Hotel Bar, where old-world sophistication and luxury take center stage.

Step into the opulent space, surrounded by rich wood accents and plush furnishings, and let the expert bartenders transport you to a bygone era with their meticulous cocktail craftsmanship.

• Savor classic cocktails with a twist, like the famous Nomad or the Clarified Pimm’s Cup
• Take in the Nomad ambiance, complete with a stunning atrium and elegant seating areas
• Enjoy live jazz performances that add to the sophisticated atmosphere

Attaboy NYC

As you descend into the unmarked entrance of Attaboy NYC, a sense of exclusivity washes over you, like being privy to a secret only a select few know.

You’re enveloped in a dimly lit, intimate space where cocktail culture reigns supreme. Expertly crafted drinks are served with precision, and the air is thick with the promise of a memorable night.

The VNYL

Stepping into The VNYL, a vinyl record store by day, is like stumbling upon a hidden oasis in the midst of Manhattan’s chaos.

By night, it transforms into a sophisticated cocktail bar, offering:

• Expertly crafted vnyl cocktails, each named after a iconic album
• A dimly lit, intimate ambiance that’s perfect for a night out with friends
• A curated selection of vinyl records playing in the background, adding to the unique atmosphere

The Garret

The Garret’s unmarked entrance, tucked away on a quiet West Village street, is a deliberate misdirection, hinting at the thrill that awaits inside.

You’ll discover a sophisticated ambiance, with expertly crafted cocktails and a menu that nods to its Prohibition-era history.

The crowd is chic, the vibe is intimate, and the decor is rich, making for an unforgettable nightlife experience.

The Late Late

Behind an unassuming door in the Lower East Side, you’ll stumble upon The Late Late, a swanky underground lair that’s a far cry from its humble exterior.

This intimate setting transports you to the Prohibition Era, complete with vintage vibes and unique decor.

• Savor craft cocktails from the hidden menu, expertly crafted to elevate your late-night experience.
• Feel like you’re part of an exclusive social gathering, hidden from the rest of NYC nightlife.
• The atmosphere and ambiance are unparalleled, making this secret entrance a must-visit for any speakeasy enthusiast.

The Top Bar

One of the city’s most elusive drinking dens, The Top Bar is nestled discreetly within the iconic Hotel 50 Bowery, its existence a mere rumor to the uninitiated.

You’ll need to know the password to gain entry, but trust us, it’s worth it.

This hidden gem is a shrine to cocktail culture, serving up expertly crafted drinks in an intimate setting that feels like a secret society.

The 18th Room

You’re likely still reeling from the exclusive experience at The Top Bar, but now it’s time to uncover another gem.

The 18th Room, a hidden gem in Chelsea, is a masterclass in cocktail culture. This intimate, 20-seat bar is a shrine to craft cocktails, with expertly crafted concoctions and a menu that changes seasonally.

• Expert mixologists who can whip up bespoke cocktails to your liking
• A menu that rotates with the seasons, ensuring a unique experience every time
• An intimate setting that makes you feel like you’re part of a secret society

The Bar Downstairs

As you descend into the underground lair of The Bar Downstairs, the hustle and bustle of Midtown Manhattan fades away, replaced by the smooth sounds of jazz and the soft glow of candles.

You’ll discover a secret entrance, a craft cocktail menu, and hidden ambiance that exudes vintage vibes.

This cozy, intimate setting is a local favorite, embodying speakeasy culture with its unique decor.

The Django

Two flights down from the bustling streets of Greenwich Village, The Django awaits, its unmarked entrance hiding a sophisticated world of craft cocktails and vintage glamour.

As you step inside, you’re enveloped in a refined atmosphere, perfect for sipping on expertly crafted Django cocktail recipes.

• Immerse yourself in the sounds of Django live music, performed by talented musicians.
• Savor the rich flavors of their signature drinks, crafted with precision and care.
• Take in the opulent decor, complete with velvet curtains and antique accents.

The Bar at Baccarat

Inside the luxurious Baccarat Hotel, The Bar at Baccarat radiates opulence. Its lavish space is adorned with crystal chandeliers, velvet banquettes, and gleaming marble countertops.

You’ll be enveloped in the Baccarat ambiance, where expertly crafted cocktails are a demonstration of exceptional cocktail craftsmanship. Every sip is a masterclass in flavor and technique, making this bar a must-visit for discerning palates.

The Roof at The Viceroy

One of Manhattan’s most stylish rooftops, The Roof at The Viceroy, beckons you to its chic, 29th-floor oasis.

• Rooftop views
• Cocktail culture
• Chic ambiance

The Blind Barber

You’ll find The Blind Barber tucked away in the East Village, its unassuming facade giving no hint to the swanky, Prohibition-era-inspired bar within.

As you step inside, you’re transported to a bygone era, surrounded by vintage barber chairs and antique decor.

The Blind Barber Experience is all about embracing the Speakeasy Vibes, with expertly crafted cocktails and a sophisticated ambiance that’ll leave you feeling like a true insider.

Conclusion

As you navigate the unmarked doors and secret passages, the mystique of NYC’s speakeasies and hidden bars envelops you. With each crafted cocktail, the city’s nightlife unfolds like a velvet curtain, revealing the essence of a bygone era. From iconic haunts to hidden gems, these 25 enchanting destinations will transport you to a world of refinement and revelry, where the art of mixology meets the thrill of discovery.