Unlocking NYC's 15 Best Hidden Bars: Your Ultimate Guide
Uncover NYC's best-kept secrets with our guide to 15 hidden bars. From password-protected lounges to bars behind secret doors, these spots will blow your mind!
15 HIDDEN NYC BARS
Unveiling NYC's Best-Kept Secrets: 15 Hidden Bars That Will Blow Your Mind
Are you tired of the same old boring nightlife scene? Craving something more exclusive and thrilling? Well, buckle up, because we're about to take you on a wild ride through New York City's most secretive and tantalizing hidden bars!
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The Allure of NYC's Speakeasy Scene
New York City, the concrete jungle where dreams are made, is also home to a treasure trove of hidden gems. Among these, the city's speakeasies stand out as the crown jewels of the nightlife scene. These elusive establishments harken back to the Prohibition era, when alcohol was illegal and drinking spots had to operate in secret.
Today, these hidden bars continue to captivate locals and tourists alike with their air of mystery and exclusivity. But fear not, dear reader! We're about to spill the beans on the best-kept secrets in the Big Apple.
1. PDT (Please Don't Tell): The OG of NYC Hidden Bars
Hidden behind an unassuming hot dog joint in the East Village, PDT is the granddaddy of all NYC speakeasies. To enter, you'll need to step into a vintage phone booth and dial a secret number. If you're lucky enough to get in, you'll be treated to some of the most innovative cocktails in the city.
Pro tip: Book a reservation in advance through their website, or risk being turned away at the door like a common peasant!
2. The Back Room: A Time Machine to the Roaring Twenties
Step into The Back Room, and you'll feel like you've been transported back to the 1920s. This Lower East Side gem serves drinks in teacups (just like they did during Prohibition) and features a secret room behind a bookcase. It's like being in a real-life game of Clue, minus the murder!
3. Attaboy: Where Cocktails Dreams Come True
Attaboy may not have a sign, but trust us, it's worth seeking out. This intimate spot on the Lower East Side doesn't have a menu. Instead, the expert bartenders will craft a bespoke cocktail based on your preferences. It's like having a personal mixologist at your beck and call!
4. Dear Irving: A Journey Through Time
Dear Irving is not just a bar; it's a time-traveling experience. With four rooms inspired by different eras, from Marie Antoinette's parlor to a 1960s James Bond-style den, you'll feel like you've stepped into a Hollywood movie set. Don't forget to dress the part!
5. The Garret: The Hidden Gem Above Five Guys
Ever walked into a Five Guys and thought, "Gee, I wish there was a secret bar upstairs"? Well, at The Garret in the West Village, your oddly specific dreams have come true! Head to the back of the burger joint and up a flight of stairs to find this cozy, speakeasy-style bar.
6. Beauty & Essex: The Pawn Shop with a Secret
From the outside, Beauty & Essex looks like a run-of-the-mill pawn shop. But push past the guitars and vintage jewelry, and you'll discover a luxurious restaurant and lounge. It's like finding Narnia in your grandma's attic!
7. Apotheke: The Pharmacy That Prescribes Cocktails
Tucked away in Chinatown, Apotheke is a hidden bar that takes its medicinal theme seriously. Bartenders in lab coats mix up "prescriptions" using exotic ingredients and house-made infusions. Who knew getting your daily dose of alcohol could be so scientific?
8. Angel's Share: The Heavenly Hidden Bar
Hidden behind a Japanese restaurant in the East Village, Angel's Share is a serene oasis in the chaos of NYC. With its stunning views and expertly crafted cocktails, it's no wonder this place is considered a slice of heaven on earth.
9. The Blind Barber: Get a Trim with Your Tipple
By day, it's a barbershop. By night, it's one of the coolest hidden bars in the East Village. The Blind Barber lets you get your hair cut and your drink on in one convenient location. Talk about multitasking!
10. Bathtub Gin: Soak Up the Atmosphere
Hidden behind Stone Street Coffee Company, Bathtub Gin is a 1920s-style speakeasy complete with - you guessed it - a copper bathtub in the middle of the room. Don't worry, it's just for show (we hope).
11. Little Branch: Jazz It Up in the West Village
This underground jazz bar in the West Village is so well-hidden, you might walk right past it. But once you're inside, you'll be treated to live music and some of the best cocktails in town. It's like being in a secret jazz club from the 1940s!
12. UES.: The Ice Cream Parlor with a Boozy Secret
UES. on the Upper East Side looks like a cute ice cream shop from the outside. But push the right freezer door, and you'll find yourself in a sleek, hidden cocktail lounge. It's the adult version of finding a secret passage in your childhood home!
13. The 18th Room: A Speakeasy with a Tech Twist
The 18th Room takes the speakeasy concept into the 21st century. Before you visit, fill out an online flavor profile. When you arrive, the bartenders will use this info to create personalized cocktails just for you. It's like Tinder, but for booze!
14. Employees Only: Where the Pros Go to Drink
Hidden behind a psychic's storefront, Employees Only has been a favorite among NYC's bar industry insiders for years. With its art deco design and world-class cocktails, it's no wonder this place has stood the test of time.
15. Patent Pending: The Electric Speakeasy
Located in the Radio Wave Building where Nikola Tesla once lived and worked, Patent Pending is part coffee shop, part cocktail bar. The drinks menu is divided into categories like "Energy," "Frequency," and "Vibration." It's electrifying!
Planning Your NYC Hidden Bar Adventure
Ready to embark on your own speakeasy adventure? Here are some tips to make the most of your experience:
Do your research: Many of these bars require reservations or have specific entry procedures.
Dress to impress: Some spots have dress codes, so check in advance.
Be discreet: Remember, the first rule of speakeasy club is... well, you know the rest.
Try something new: These bars are known for their unique cocktails, so step out of your comfort zone!
Plan your transportation: After a night of cocktail sampling, you'll want a safe ride home. Consider booking a hotel nearby through Expedia or Trip.com for convenience and safety.
Packing for Your NYC Speakeasy Tour
Don't forget to pack appropriately for your NYC adventure! A sleek, compact carry-on from Travelpro is perfect for navigating the city streets and storing your speakeasy-appropriate attire. After all, you want to look your best when you're sipping cocktails in these exclusive spots!
The Last Drop
New York City's hidden bar scene is a thrilling mix of history, mystery, and mixology. From password-protected phone booths to secret passages behind freezer doors, these speakeasies offer an experience unlike any other. So the next time you're in the Big Apple, ditch the tourist traps and dive into the world of NYC's hidden bars. Just remember to keep it our little secret, okay?
Sources for Further Exploration:
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.
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