The Back Room
Nestled at 102 Norfolk Street, The Back Room is one of only two New York City bars still operating that once served patrons during Prohibition. Known as the Ratner’s Back Room speakeasy in the 1920s, it's steeped in gangster lore—Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel allegedly used its covert tunnels and multiple exits for clandestine meetings. Visitors enter through the unassuming “Lower East Side Toy Company” gate, cross a dim alleyway, and descend stairs into a richly furnished space. Inside, crystal chandeliers, dark wood, paisley wallpaper, velvet seating, period portraits, and antique Mutoscopes combine to evoke an atmosphere of 1920s glamour fused with secret society mystique. Cocktails are whimsically served in vintage teacups; beers come in brown paper bags—a playful nod to speakeasy codes of concealment. While the menu is intentionally small, the immersive authenticity, history, and clandestine access make every sip feel like a journey. Live jazz on certain nights, particularly Mondays, further heightens the period ambiance—swinging rhythms, cozy lighting, and an intimate crowd keep the vibe both nostalgic and alive. The Back Room offers a unique historical experience fused with New York nightlife—ideal for drinkers seeking more than just a cocktail, but a peek into forbidden pasts.
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