The Best Speakeasy Bars in New York City

Step through a hidden gate into NYC’s authentic 1920s speakeasy: cocktails in teacups, plush velvet interiors, secret tunnels, and a legendary Lower East Side legacy that feels like stepping back in time.

Discover dual‑level elegance at Sip & Guzzle: start upstairs for vibrant 1860s‑style saloon vibes, then descend into a tranquil Japanese‑inspired speakeasy—astounding cocktails and izakaya fare await.

Hidden behind a historic door in Chinatown, Apotheke is a theatrical apothecary‑themed speakeasy where white‑coat bartenders craft medicinal-style cocktails using house-made tinctures for an immersive, chemistry-inspired experience.

Enter through a phone booth inside Crif Dogs to discover PDT, an award-winning speakeasy serving inventive cocktails in a cozy, taxidermy-adorned setting.​

Employees Only NYC is a legendary speakeasy hidden behind a psychic’s storefront in the West Village. Known for expertly crafted cocktails, late-night vibes, and top-notch hospitality, it’s a must-visit for cocktail lovers.

The Chapel Bar is a moody speakeasy-style lounge inside a restored 19th-century chapel adjacent to Fotografiska, with jewel tones, velvet booths, creative cocktails & live events. A dramatic spot for late-night elegance.

Hidden beneath a NoMad coffee shop, Patent Pending is a Tesla‑themed speakeasy with electric cocktails categorized by Energy, Frequency, Vibration and Descent. Expect moody brick arches, teal booths, and bold mixology.

Tokyo-meets-West-Village charm in a bi-level izakaya bar: expert highballs, inventive cocktails & Japanese-American bites served warm by “Masa” himself. Cheeky, cozy, unforgettable.

A subterranean cocktail institution in the East Village, Death & Co serves theatrically crafted drinks alongside refined bites in a moody, intimate ambiance.

Lantern’s Keep: a timeless speakeasy tucked behind the lobby of the Iroquois Hotel—expect pre-Prohibition cocktails, plush velvet seats, soft lighting & a refuge from the Midtown buzz.

Descend into Flatiron’s pre-war cellar & taste cocktails as art—botanical whispers, immersive presentations & a tasting escape beneath 23rd Street.

A minimalist Lower East Side speakeasy where expert bartenders craft tailor-made cocktails without menus—just tell them your flavor mood and let the magic unfold in an intimate, lived‑in setting.

A vibrant mezcal‑and‑tequila haven in NoHo, Ghost Donkey blends Mexican hospitality with neon‑lit charm—perfect for celebratory cocktails, wild nachos, and a fun, energetic night out.

A Marie Antoinette–inspired speakeasy hidden beneath Brooklyn Heights—a plush Rococo hideaway down a secret bookshelf, where decadent absinthe cocktails and burlesque nights meet 19th-century subway tunnel thrills.

Hidden within the 28th Street subway station, La Noxe offers an intimate speakeasy experience with velvet interiors, inventive cocktails, and a retro ambiance.

A sleek, hidden speakeasy-sports hybrid in NYC — J.Bespoke offers craft cocktails and intimate game viewing behind an unmarked brass door, where style meets fandom in an elevated lounge setting.

Chic and playful French‑inspired bistro with floral décor and a secret speakeasy downstairs, mixing elevated cuisine with creative cocktails in the heart of Chelsea.

A hidden gem in Long Island City, Dutch Kills serves world-class cocktails in a dimly lit, vintage setting that channels the spirit of a classic New York speakeasy.