New York City has always had a rich history tied to nightlife, and its speakeasies are a big part of that legacy. During Prohibition in the 1920s, these secret bars were the center of activity for those craving a drink during the nationwide alcohol ban. While Prohibition ended in 1933, the tradition of hidden bars still thrives in NYC today, with speakeasies scattered throughout the city behind famous landmarks. These bars offer more than just a drink—they provide a unique experience that harkens back to the past, with modern twists that keep locals and tourists alike coming back for more.
Here are some of the best speakeasies in New York City that are hidden behind iconic landmarks. Each location offers a secret escape into the world of classic cocktails and Prohibition-era ambiance.
1. The Back Room – Behind a Bowery Door
The Back Room is one of the most famous speakeasies in New York City, and for good reason. Hidden behind an unassuming storefront on the Bowery, this bar offers a truly authentic Prohibition experience. The entrance is tucked away behind a door that looks like a regular shop, but once you step through it, you’re transported to a world that feels straight out of the 1920s.
The dimly lit space, complete with vintage furniture and retro décor, serves up classic cocktails that were popular during the Prohibition era. Drinks like the Gin Fizz and Old Fashioned are on the menu, and you’ll even find your cocktail served in teacups—just like the old days when alcohol was illegal and bars had to hide their drinks. The Back Room also hosts a secret entrance, which adds to the allure of the place.
2. Employees Only – Hidden Behind a Regular Door in the West Village
Employees Only, located in the West Village, is one of NYC’s most iconic speakeasies. While the front of the bar appears like a regular restaurant, the hidden entrance is what keeps this spot exclusive. The dark, intimate setting, complete with velvet curtains and dim lighting, evokes the mood of an old speakeasy, making it one of the best spots for a true Prohibition-era experience.
The menu features classic cocktails, including a few modern takes on old favorites. Employees Only has a well-deserved reputation for its expertly crafted drinks, and the bartenders here know how to mix up a memorable cocktail. Expect a cozy atmosphere with skilled mixologists behind the bar, delivering drinks that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
West Village from afar
3. Please Don’t Tell (PDT) – Hidden Inside a Hot Dog Joint
Please Don’t Tell (PDT) is one of the most unique speakeasies in NYC, and it’s tucked away behind an ordinary hot dog shop. To get inside, you need to enter Crif Dogs in the East Village, walk past the phone booth, and dial a secret number. This will open the door to a hidden bar where you can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in a retro, intimate environment.
The menu at PDT offers innovative drinks with a modern twist on classic cocktails. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and the bar has earned a reputation for its creativity. The hot dog shop front makes it one of the most unique hidden bars in the city, and the secretive entrance only adds to the thrill of the experience.
4. The Raines Law Room – Hidden in Plain Sight
The Raines Law Room is tucked behind an inconspicuous door in the Flatiron District, making it one of the more understated speakeasies in NYC. To get inside, you’ll need to find the discreet entryway that’s hidden behind a velvet curtain. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere and a menu full of expertly crafted cocktails.
The bar’s décor is classic, with a touch of vintage elegance that transports you to a different era. The drinks are meticulously prepared, and the service is excellent, making this speakeasy a favorite for cocktail lovers. The Raines Law Room’s attention to detail and welcoming ambiance make it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a true speakeasy in NYC.
A person holding a hotdog
5. Bathtub Gin – Hidden Behind a Coffee Shop in Chelsea
Bathtub Gin, located in Chelsea, is another speakeasy that captures the spirit of the Prohibition era. To get inside, you’ll need to find a hidden entrance behind a coffee shop. Once you step through the unassuming door, you’ll be transported to a stylish, vintage bar where you can enjoy a wide range of cocktails, from the classic Gin Martini to more creative concoctions.
The atmosphere at Bathtub Gin is reminiscent of the 1920s, with vintage furniture, a retro bathtub, and dim lighting that create an intimate and exclusive feel. The cocktails are top-notch, and the bartenders here are skilled at crafting drinks that transport you back to the days of Prohibition.
6. The Little Branch – Behind an Unmarked Door in the West Village
The Little Branch is one of NYC’s best-kept secrets, hidden behind an unmarked door in the West Village. To find it, you’ll have to look closely for a small sign that leads you into the dimly lit bar. Inside, you’ll be greeted by plush chairs, candlelight, and a menu full of cocktails that are both creative and timeless.
The Little Branch has a laid-back vibe, making it a great spot to relax with friends or enjoy a romantic night out. The bartenders are known for their skill and creativity, and the drinks here are always well-crafted and flavorful. It’s a hidden gem that’s perfect for anyone looking for a quiet and intimate escape in the heart of Manhattan.
Flatiron District
7. Clover Club – Behind a Unassuming Door in Brooklyn
Clover Club, located in Brooklyn’s Carroll Gardens, is another speakeasy-inspired bar that offers a cozy atmosphere and classic cocktails. The entrance is discreet, but once inside, you’ll find a stylish, vintage-inspired space with a wide range of expertly crafted drinks. Clover Club is known for its impressive cocktail menu, which includes both modern drinks and classic Prohibition-era cocktails.
The space is warm and inviting, with plush seating and a relaxed vibe that makes it perfect for a casual night out. Clover Club also offers a selection of small bites, making it a great spot to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. If you’re in Brooklyn and looking for a hidden bar with excellent drinks and a welcoming atmosphere, Clover Club is the place to be.
8. Apothéke – Hidden Behind a Chinese Apothecary in Chinatown
Apothéke, located in Chinatown, is one of the most unique speakeasies in NYC. This hidden gem is tucked away behind a Chinese apothecary, making it one of the most surprising hidden bars on this list. Once inside, you’ll find a chic, dimly lit space where bartenders craft creative and artfully prepared cocktails using fresh herbs and botanicals.
The menu at Apothéke is inspired by the medicinal history of the space, with cocktails that are made using unique ingredients like herbal infusions and bitters. The drinks are inventive and flavorful, and the setting adds to the overall experience. Apothéke’s blend of old-world charm and modern creativity makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in trying something a little different.
Chinatown, New York City
The Secret Bars of NYC Are Waiting for You
New York City’s speakeasies offer a one-of-a-kind experience that brings a bit of history and mystery to modern nightlife. Whether hidden behind a hot dog joint, tucked behind an unmarked door, or concealed in a vintage pharmacy, these bars capture the essence of the Prohibition era while offering modern twists that keep them relevant today. For anyone looking for an authentic taste of the past, NYC’s speakeasies are the perfect escape. Visit NYC also brings you information about Brooklyn tour guides, top attractions in Queens, and NYC city cruises.
Want to see more than just the classic tourist spots? Check out these wonderful speakeasies today.
