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Speakeasy bars are known for their dimly lit ambience and artisanal cocktails and Upper East Side has some of the very best speakeasy bars in New York City. I fell in love with the idea of these bars after coincidentally stumbling on a book, Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide.
Speakeasy bars are hidden or secret bars that were famous during the Prohibition Era. Now, even though selling alcohol is legal, the speakeasy or hidden bar theme has stuck and they are very well done in NYC. And the Upper East Side is no different.
As an ex-resident, here are my three favourite speakeasy bars in Upper East Side:
- UES (Ice Cream Shop bar)
- 2nd Floor Bar and Essen (NYC Deli)
- Sugar East (Merchant’s Cigar Bar)
If Speakeasy bars are your thing, here is a list of my favourite speakeasy bars in NYC.
UES (Ice Cream Shop Bar)
UES is one of the best ice cream shops in the Upper East Side. But what is my favourite part about UES? It is their hidden storage room.
When you enter UES, just ask the person behind the ice cream bar “I would like to visit the storage room”. This is the secret password to get in! 🤐
They will let you know if there is a wait or if you can go to the bar directly. As you go in, you will be welcomed to the dimly lit bar brimming with chatter.
UES is, you guessed it right, an Upper East Side-themed speakeasy bar. Right from the quirky ‘NYC guide’ menu to the wall murals, UES reeks of Upper East Side preferences and history.
UES has a wide variety of cocktail selections that are served in the most Instagram-friendly setting.
My favourite part about UES is that you can order ice cream and cookies from the store to compliment your cocktail!
I have visited UES multiple times during my stay in the Upper East Side and had a great experience each time.
However, make sure you comply with the dress guideline detailed on their website. I would also recommend making reservations if you are a party of more than 8.
2nd Floor Bar and Essen (Deli)
Above the famous 2nd Ave Deli lies the 2nd Floor Bar and Essen, a hidden gem offering a wide range of cocktails.
The dimly lit ambiance makes it perfect for dates, and you can also enjoy sandwiches and meats from the deli below.
My personal favorite cocktail here is the Yorkville🥃.
Sugar East
Sugar East in this list is the least ‘speakeasy’ bar that I found in the Upper East Side. Easily findable once you’re in the block, Sugar East serves good cocktails and food.
As you walk down the narrow stairway, you will enter a dimly lit bar with a working fireplace and leather sofas.
They have a huge selection of cocktails. I would recommend their Cacao. I am a whiskey person, so all my recommendations will be whiskey-based.
The staff and atmosphere in Sugar East are exceptional which always makes it a fun night.
From a huge list of bars in the Upper East Side, these are my absolute favourite speakeasy bars. If you want more Speakeasy Bar recommendations:
