NYC hidden speakeasies are a thrilling part of the city’s nightlife, offering unique cocktails and vintage ambiance that transport you back to the Prohibition era. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or just curious to explore, these hidden bars capture the spirit of a bygone time with secret entrances, vintage décor, and unforgettable drinks. This list highlights some of NYC’s best-hidden gems, each with its own specialty cocktail and recipe for you to enjoy.
1. Please Don’t Tell (PDT)
Located behind a vintage phone booth in Crif Dogs, PDT (short for “Please Don’t Tell”) is a quintessential NYC speakeasy. Opened in 2007 by cocktail connoisseur Jim Meehan, PDT quickly gained fame for its inventive drinks and quirky entryway. The bar channels a sense of mystery with its hidden entrance and cozy interior that feels like a well-kept secret. Inside, you’ll find dim lighting, leather booths, and taxidermy-adorned walls that create an intimate, slightly eclectic vibe perfect for adventurous cocktail lovers.
Signature Cocktail: Benton’s Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Four Roses Bourbon
- ¼ oz. maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well-chilled and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Website: PDT NYC
2. The Back Room
One of only two original Prohibition-era speakeasies still operating, The Back Room has been serving cocktails since the 1920s. During Prohibition, this bar was frequented by famous figures like Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky. Its authenticity remains intact: cocktails are still served in teacups, just as they were back in the day. The bar’s vintage furnishings, low lighting, and hidden entrance down an alley add to the allure, making you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to a place where only insiders were allowed.
Signature Cocktail: The Back Room Special
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz. vodka
- ½ oz. St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- ½ oz. fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz. simple syrup
- Champagne, to top
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions:
- Shake vodka, St-Germain, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
- Strain into a teacup and top with champagne.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Website: The Back Room NYC
3. Angel’s Share
Hidden behind an unmarked door inside the Village Yokocho restaurant, Angel’s Share opened in 1993 and is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. This Japanese-inspired speakeasy emphasizes quiet conversation and refined drinks. Inside, the ambiance is serene, featuring soft lighting, elegant décor, and a mural of angels over New York’s skyline. Angel’s Share’s rules—like no standing at the bar—create an atmosphere of sophistication and tranquility, making it ideal for a more low-key night.
Signature Cocktail: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Scotch Whisky
- ½ oz. Drambuie
- ½ oz. honey-ginger syrup
- ½ oz. fresh lemon juice
- Candied ginger, for garnish
Instructions:
- Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with candied ginger.
Website: Angel’s Share NYC
4. Employees Only
Behind a neon psychic sign in the West Village lies Employees Only, one of NYC’s most iconic speakeasies. Opened in 2004, it combines a relaxed atmosphere with a party vibe, featuring bartenders who perform daring feats with their cocktails. The interior has Art Deco accents and elegant details that harken back to the 1920s, and as the night goes on, the energy here builds—making it a fun, lively place to end your evening.
Signature Cocktail: Amelia
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. vodka
- 1 oz. St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz. puréed blackberries
Instructions:
- Shake all ingredients with ice, then strain into a martini glass.
- Garnish with a blackberry.
Website: Employees Only NYC
5. Apotheke
Nestled in Chinatown, Apotheke draws inspiration from old-world apothecaries, offering botanical cocktails crafted with fresh ingredients. Opened in 2008, the bar’s dim lighting, apothecary-style shelves, and vintage vibe make you feel like you’re in a 19th-century potion lab. Apotheke’s ambiance is both mysterious and inviting, and the bartenders—dressed in lab coats—are experts at mixing medicinal-inspired drinks.
Signature Cocktail: The Deal Closer
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. gin
- ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz. honey syrup
- ¼ oz. ginger syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Fresh rosemary, for garnish
Instructions:
- Shake all ingredients with ice, then strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with rosemary.
Website: Apotheke NYC
6. Bathtub Gin
Behind a coffee shop in Chelsea, Bathtub Gin is a glamorous speakeasy with 1920s décor and a classic gin tub centerpiece. Established in 2011, it’s a nod to the Prohibition era when homemade gin was produced in bathtubs. The bar’s opulent décor, plush seating, and live jazz make it a hotspot for both locals and tourists looking to experience a night in the roaring ‘20s.
Signature Cocktail: Bathtub Gin & Tonic
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. gin
- 4 oz. tonic water
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions:
- Pour gin over ice in a highball glass and top with tonic.
- Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.
Website: Bathtub Gin NYC
7. The Garret
Hidden above a Five Guys in the West Village, The Garret is a relaxed and intimate bar with a welcoming ambiance. The rooftop-like space features art-adorned walls and cozy seating, creating a vibe that feels more like a friend’s loft than a bar. Since opening in 2014, it has become a favorite spot for those looking for creative cocktails without the formalities of other speakeasies.
Signature Cocktail: The First Lady
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz. gin
- ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz. simple syrup
- ½ oz. egg white
- 3 basil leaves
- Basil leaf, for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle basil with simple syrup, then shake all ingredients with ice.
- Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with basil.
Website: The Garret NYC
8. Little Branch
Located in the West Village, Little Branch is a cozy, underground speakeasy known for its jazz music and classic cocktails. Opened in 2005 by the team behind Milk & Honey, it has become a beloved spot for those looking to relax with a drink. The bar’s low ceilings, candlelight, and vintage jazz create an intimate, warm setting perfect for conversation.
Signature Cocktail: Gold Rush
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. bourbon
- ¾ oz. honey syrup
- ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions:
- Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass over ice.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Website: Little Branch NYC
9. Raines Law Room
Raines Law Room, named after an 1896 law that restricted alcohol consumption, is an elegant speakeasy with a plush, vintage aesthetic. The bar offers an upscale, lounge-like atmosphere where patrons can press a button to request service—a nod to the past. Since opening in 2009, Raines Law Room has earned a reputation for its relaxed, sophisticated vibe with plush armchairs, dim lighting, and expertly crafted cocktails.
Signature Cocktail: The Wildest Redhead
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz. blended Scotch whisky
- ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz. honey syrup
- ¼ oz. allspice dram
- ¼ oz. Cherry Heering
- Lemon twist
Instructions:
- Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Website: Raines Law Room
10. The Up & Up
Located in the West Village, The Up & Up is a sophisticated speakeasy with a twist on the classics. Originally the Gaslight Cafe, a famous 1960s folk music spot, this cocktail lounge preserves its history while offering a fresh take. The bar’s comfortable leather seating and chic décor give it a modern feel while its cocktails honor old-school mixology.
Signature Cocktail: Penicillin
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Scotch whisky
- ¾ oz. honey-ginger syrup
- ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
- ¼ oz. Islay single malt Scotch
- Candied ginger
Instructions:
- Shake whisky, honey-ginger syrup, and lemon juice.
- Float the Islay Scotch on top and garnish with candied ginger.
Website: The Up & Up NYC
11. Attaboy
Once home to the famous Milk & Honey, Attaboy has no fixed menu—bartenders create each cocktail based on patrons’ preferences. Opened in 2013, this Lower East Side bar has a raw, unpretentious vibe. With its dimly lit, no-frills interior, Attaboy is perfect for those who want a personalized cocktail experience without the formality.
Signature Cocktail: Paper Plane
Ingredients:
- ¾ oz. bourbon
- ¾ oz. Aperol
- ¾ oz. Amaro Nonino
- ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
- Lemon twist
Instructions:
- Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Website: Attaboy NYC
12. Dear Irving
Dear Irving, located in Gramercy, is known for its themed rooms that take you on a journey through history—from Marie Antoinette’s era to the Mad Men-inspired 1960s. Opened in 2014, each room has unique décor, plush seating, and luxurious touches, creating a different experience in each space.
Signature Cocktail: The Madame George
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Irish whiskey
- ½ oz. Amontillado sherry
- ½ oz. Benedictine
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
Instructions:
- Stir all ingredients with ice, then strain into a rocks glass.
- Garnish with orange peel.
Website: Dear Irving NYC
Final Thoughts
New York City’s hidden speakeasies are more than just bars—they’re time capsules that capture the allure of the Prohibition era. Each of these establishments offers a unique slice of history, artfully paired with a carefully curated cocktail experience. From the intimate, taxidermy-decorated walls of PDT to the historical elegance of Raines Law Room, these bars invite you to step into a world of mystery, where every detail—from the entrance to the ambiance—adds to the allure.
Next time you’re in New York, take a break from the bustling streets and uncover these hidden gems. Or, if you can’t make it to the city just yet, try one of these signature cocktails at home to get a taste of NYC’s secret nightlife. Cheers to discovering NYC’s best-kept secrets, one hidden door at a time!