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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.
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.
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, keep reading to find a list of all of my favourite speakeasy bars in NYC.
I really love speakeasy bars because of their unique cocktails. So being an ex-resident of the Upper East Side, here are my favourite speakeasy bars in Upper East Side, New York!
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.
1707 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128, United States | MAKE A RESERVATION
2nd Floor Bar and Essen (Deli)
2nd Ave Deli is a really famous deli in the Upper East Side known for its overstuffed sandwiches and meat.
However, not a lot of people know that they have a secret bar on top of the deli called the 2nd Floor Bar and Essen.
2nd Floor serves a wide variety of cocktails that you can try. From their stirred to sours and seasonal selection of cocktails; the 2nd Floor has something to offer to everyone.
You can also order sandwiches and meat from their deli below.
Like any other speakeasy bar in New York City, the 2nd Floor is dimly lit and perfect for dates.
My favourite cocktail here is Yorkville🥃.
1442 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10021, United States | MAKE A RESERVATION
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.
1125 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States | MAKE A RESERVATION
From a huge list of bars in the Upper East Side, these are my absolute favourite speakeasy bars. If you don’t know anything about the history of speakeasy bars, read this article. And, if you want to see other speakeasy bars in NYC – please read my other post. You will also like my post on the best Indian food in NYC.
I have also created a Google Maps list of all the speakeasy bars in NYC that you can save by clicking on the button below –
