The Best Hidden Speakeasies to Visit in NYC
1. Bathtub Gin (Chelsea)
📍 Location: Chelsea
🍸 Signature Drink: Silver Screen Martini
I was thrilled to secure a reservation at Bathtub Gin in Chelsea! First, we had to find the entrance, which was at a fake coffee shop with a bouncer stationed out front.
Upon approaching the bouncer, we provided him with the reservation name, and he allowed us to enter.
As soon as we entered, we were brought through the curtain, where we saw the iconic brass bathtub in the middle of the room. We were seated at a comfortable table, and the fun began.
Cocktails At Bathtub Gin
I first tried the Silver Screen Martini, a strong and silky cocktail made with vodka, dry vermouth, coconut oil, popcorn, and salt.
It honestly tasted just like a bucket of popcorn, with extra butter at the movies. It was unique, weird, and truly delicious.
Their cocktail menu was creative, featuring a variety of alcohol and, of course, Gin.
Their Gin & Tonic list features a global selection of gin-based drinks, including Gins from Africa, Japan, Greece, and many more.
Want to learn more about Bathtub Gin? Read Bathtub Gin: The Hottest Speakeasy In Chelsea NYC!
2. LOULOU (Chelsea)
📍 Location: Chelsea
🍸 Signature Drink: Firebird
Just a five-minute walk from Bathtub Gin, LouLou. is another must-visit hidden bar in NYC.
The entrance is disguised as an old-school Coca-Cola vending machine—just wave your hand over a sensor to enter.
Inside, you’ll find Adélaïde’s Salon, a speakeasy offering live jazz, burlesque shows, and unique cocktails.
Cocktails At LouLou
While we didn’t catch a performance, we enjoyed their expertly crafted drinks, each one beautifully presented.
I enjoyed the Firebird, which had Patron Silver, Cointreau, lime juice, and hibiscus.
As you can see, their cocktails are unique, exactly how a speakeasy should be!
Before heading to Bathtub Gin, read 8 Amazing Things To Do In Chelsea NYC This Year!
3. The Raines Law Room (Midtown)
📍 Location: Midtown & Chelsea
🍸 Signature Drink: 7th Millennium
I had heard amazing things about The Raines Law Room, one of the top-rated speakeasies in New York City. They have two locations: one in Chelsea and another in Midtown at The William.
Since we were staying in Midtown, near Grand Central Station, we made reservations at The Raines Law Room at The William.
The Raines Law Room is a hidden cocktail lounge that feels like stepping back in time.
If we hadn’t known exactly where we were going, we could have walked right past it—it’s truly hidden.
Inside, the library-style seating and moody lighting create an intimate setting, perfect for a date night in NYC.
A unique touch? Each table has a small light you turn on when you’re ready to order, preserving the relaxed vibe.
Cocktails at The Raines Law Room
The drinks were incredibly creative. I tried the Imperial Gibson, featuring Japanese gin, sake, blanc vermouth, house-made mirin brine, and watermelon radish.
The highlight of the night was the 7th Millennium, a mix of Mexican gin, baijiu, bergamot, and strawberry essence—one of the most complex and intriguing drinks I’ve ever tried.
We spent hours talking and losing ourselves in the dimly lit room—it was an amazing date spot, hidden behind an unassuming door on the streets of New York City.
We came here after a visit to Bryant Park during the holidays. Here is Everything I Ate at Bryant Park Winter Village!
4. Please Don’t Tell (East Village)
The trendiest and most sought-after speakeasy in New York City right now is Please Don’t Tell, located in the East Village. I had to visit this speakeasy after hearing about it from a friend.
If you ask any local about the best speakeasies in NYC, chances are they’ll mention Please Don’t Tell or as locals call it, PDT.
This legendary spot has been a cocktail destination since 2007 and is consistently ranked among the best bars in the world.
Cocktails At PDT
First of all, finding the entry point was so much fun, as it is hidden inside Crif Dogs on the East Side, only a 15-minute walk from Washington Square Park. Once you enter, you will need to find the phone booth.
Once you find your way inside, you can order a variety of creative cocktails accompanied by their Chef Dogs, which were the best hot dogs I have ever had.
Pro tip: Reservations open seven days in advance, and they fill up fast—book ASAP!
If you want more tips, check out: Please Don’t Tell NYC: How to Get In and What to Expect
5. Nothing Really Matters (Midtown)
📍 Location: Midtown (Inside a Subway Station!)
🍸 Signature Drink: The Dancing Queen
Head over to Midtown to visit Nothing Really Matters! As you make your way down the subway station stairs at 210 W 50th, you will hear the loud music and see the bouncer outside.
There are plenty of original speakeasies in NYC, but Nothing Really Matters is one of the newer ones. There is no code to get in; just finding it will allow you access.
Cocktails At Nothing Really Matters
The vibe here is trendy and edgy, with bartenders crafting bold, creative cocktails.
I tried The Dancing Queen, a refreshing mix of vodka, white cranberry, lemon, lime, and rosemary.
Want to learn more about Nothing Really Matters? Read my guide on this NYC Speakeasy Located In A Subway!
6. Madame George (Midtown)
📍 Location: Midtown (Near Rockefeller Center)
🍸 Signature Drink: Andy Warhol Soup Can
My favorite speakeasy that I’ve visited so far in NYC is Madame George in Midtown Manhattan.
Located just a short walk from Rockefeller Center, this hidden cocktail bar not only serves unique drinks but also features live jazz music.
To find it, look for the projection on the sidewalk—we walked past it a few times before realizing where it was.
Once inside, we were led down a flight of stairs to the building’s basement.
As soon as the doors opened, live music filled the space, and it felt like we had stepped into another world.
Cocktails At Madame George
The cocktails at Madame George were incredible. I tried the Andy Warhol Soup Can which is literally served in a soup can. As a fan of Andy Warhol, there was no question I would try it.
We also tried their jam drinks and tipsy teas. Every single drink was beyond creative. Their food menu was always delicious.
I can’t recommend this place enough—it’s a must-visit if you want to experience a true speakeasy!
Want to see all the cocktails I had at Madame George? Along with pictures of the delicious food? Read Madame George: NYC’s Best Hidden Speakeasy with Live Jazz!
7. The Garrett
Location: West Village
🍸 Signature Drink: 3 AM in K-Town
One of NYC’s quirkiest hidden bars, The Garrett, is tucked away above a Five Guys in the West Village—yes, literally above the burger joint.
Walk through the fast food spot like you’re just grabbing a bite, then head upstairs to discover a stylish speakeasy with a relaxed vibe and creative cocktails.
The Cocktails at The Garrett
I tried the “New York is Blue,” a bold drink made with popcorn-washed Ron del Barrilito rum and finished with Cracker Jack salt. It’s playful, unexpected, and perfectly fitting for this offbeat hideaway.
We also sipped on 3 AM In K-Town, which featured Apple Gin, mizu lemongrass schochu, sake, lychee, and sesame. It was a whole experience!
If you get hungry, stop at Five Guys on your way down the stairs!
8. Employees Only
Location: West Village
🍸 Signature Drink: Manhattan
Tucked behind a small, almost unnoticeable sign on Hudson Street, Employees Only is one of NYC’s most iconic speakeasies.
We spotted the discreet entrance and were led into a dimly lit, intimate space.
We were lucky enough to grab seats at the bar, where the cocktail menu truly stood out.
One favorite was Ash on My Tomatoes—a garden-inspired blend of Illegal Mezcal Joven, tomato, rhubarb, spices, fresh lime, clarified milk, and carbonation. It was savory, smoky, and totally unique.
I also loved the Fraise Sauvage, a refreshing mix of Fords Gin, wild strawberries, Tahitian vanilla, and EO prosecco. It was bright, fruity, and perfectly balanced.
They do take reservations but note that is for dinner only, not just drinks. If you want to grab a few drinks get their early and try to get a spot at the bar.
I recommend pairing this find with The Garrett to see some of the West Village’s unique speakeasies!
Tips for Visiting NYC Speakeasies
- Book reservations in advance – Some speakeasies (like PDT & Bathtub Gin) fill up fast.
- Dress smart casual – No strict dress codes, but stylish attire is recommended.
- Look for hidden entrances – Some are inside restaurants, coffee shops, or even subway stations!
- Bring cash for tips – Some speakeasies prefer cash for gratuity.
NYC Speakeasy Tour: Watch the Video!
More NYC Cocktail & Food Guides
These are my favorite speakeasies in NYC, but make sure to bookmark this blog. Because everytime I visit the city I try to discover more.
Want to visit more hidden bars all around the world? Read my Cocktail Bars & Speakeasies Travel Guides!
If you loved this guide, check out my other NYC food & drink recommendations:
❄️ Bryant Park Winter Village: Everything I Ate
🍝 Bar Primi: The Best New Italian Restaurant in NYC’s Penn District
🍦 NYC’s Chinatown Ice Cream Shop: Soft Swerve
🍰 Little Italy’s Famous Cannoli – Is It Worth the Hype?
🌭 My Honest Review of the Hot Dog Cocktail in Brooklyn
🗽All New York City Travel Guides
Which speakeasy would you visit first? Let me know in the comments!
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