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I had no idea what a speakeasy bar was before I moved to NYC. However, I had a general idea that hidden bars existed in American TV shows such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Master of None. By random coincidence, I stumbled on this book, Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide, which led me to fall in love with the concept of cocktails from prohibition era.
So what exactly is a speakeasy (read the history of speakeasy bars here)? Alcohol importation, production, transportation, and its sale were prohibited from 1920-1933 in the USA. This was called the ‘Prohibition Era’. This ban led to the creation of establishments that would serve alcoholic beverages illegally which came to be known as Speakeasy. These were hidden bars that usually had a fake shop or business upfront and served alcohol in the back. The ban was later removed, however, the hidden bar theme remained. And NYC is full of these speakeasy bars!
So here are my favourites and a guide to must-visit speakeasy bars in NYC-
Apotheke
9 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013, USA
Apotheke is situated in the heart of Chinatown. As you walk in the alley, you’ll see a ‘chemist’ sign outside the door.
Apotheke has an in-depth menu including Absinthe-based cocktails.
The bartenders are knowledgeable and give wonderful recommendations based on your palate.
Apotheke doesn’t take reservations, like most of the NYC speakeasy bars.
Find additional tips such as dress code and what to expect in the speakeasy bar below.
Attaboy
134 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Attaboy is located in the middle of Eldridge St.
Usually, there is a wait outside the bar, so it can be easily located. However, in case there is no wait- look for a door that says ‘AB’, ring the bell, and wait for someone to answer (pretty cool, eh?).
My favourite part about Attaboy is that they don’t have a set menu. The bartender will ask about your favourite liquor and taste palates (i.e. bitter, fruity, etc). Based on your choice, they create a cocktail that you will definitely love.
I discovered Attaboy pretty late but it soon became one of my favourite bars in NYC.
Death & Co.
433 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009, USA
Death & Co. has been in NYC for a long time. It also won the ‘Best Cocktail Bar’ award in 2010.
Death & Co. is situated in the East Village and can be located by a blackboard right outside its entrance which spells out ‘Death & Co.’.
Usually, there is a wait of 45-60 minutes to get inside but it’s definitely worth it.
They have an extensive cocktail menu with a lot of good whisk(e)y-based cocktails.
Bo Peep
64 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018, USA
Bo Peep is situated below the Ragtrader bar in midtown Manhattan near Herald Square.
As you reach Ragtrader, you will find a small alleyway with a neon sign pointing downwards. Just walk down the small path and you will find Bo PEe.
It is known for its cocktails, vintage decor, and live piano. I really loved their pizza!
The place is lively and great for dates.
William Barnacle Tavern
80 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA
William Barnacle has existed since the prohibition era (which they proudly display at the entrance).
Apparently, a young Frank Sinatra was a waiter at this bar. But I personally couldn’t find any proof.
It is a rare gem in the East Village which is usually empty. I love this bar for the same reason.
It is a rundown theatre that specializes in Absinthe-based cocktails. And when I say specialize, I mean they only serve Absinthe.
William Barnacle Tavern’s menu consists of different types of Absinthe and varying level of preparations – classic Absinthe or Absinthe cocktails.
If you have never tried an Absinthe drink and want to give it a try – William Barnacle Tavern is the place as the bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable.
Pro tip: Ask for Pete at the bar.
There are a lot of speakeasy bars in NYC which need to be explored. The above list is in no way comprehensive. I have left out a lot of good speakeasy bars that define NYC.
For a more comprehensive list, refer to my Google list of Speakeasy in NYC –
Honorary mentions:
- Employees Only: Who would have thought, the book I read (Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide) so many years ago would finally lead me to the bar where it all started.
- Angel’s Share: It’s next to a hard-to-find Japanese restaurant. They serve an extensive list of cocktails including a lot of Japanese whiskey-based concoctions.
- The Garret: This speakeasy is located above a ‘Five Guys’ in the West Village and serves really amazing cocktails. I really enjoy gazing up from the glass ceiling during the winter.
- Patent Pending: Located inside a coffee shop, this is a Nikola Tesla-themed speakeasy bar. After you make a reservation here, they will send you a secret entry code that you need to dial in outside the coffee shop.
A few things to remember about NYC Speakeasy Bars:
- Be prepared to wait – Speakeasy bars are usually small intimate places which are usually packed at night
- If you don’t understand which cocktail to order from the vast menu, ask the bartender or the server. They are really knowledgeable
- Go with a small group of friends – I cannot emphasize this point enough. Some speakeasy bars will outright decline if you have a group bigger than 5-6 people
- Dress nicely
- Speakeasy bars are somewhat expensive; also, it’s NYC?! Usually, each cocktail will run you up to $20 + in tips
That’s it – these were my favourite speakeasy bars in NYC! You can also find my post on Upper East Side specific speakeasy bars here.
If you liked this list, check out my favorite rooftop bars in NYC.
