Speakeasies are a hidden world where the past and present collide in New York metropolis, a metropolis full of surprises and mysteries.
Inspired by the Prohibition era, these underground pubs provide an exclusive and immersive experience for those who know.
The most upscale speakeasies in the city will be examined in this piece, along with their secret entrances, elaborate cocktails, and the charm that attracts discriminating customers.
The Hidden Speakeasies in New York You Must Try
Despite the long-gone prohibition, speakeasies continue to captivate people. The secret feelings, vintage atmosphere, and enjoyable experience, after all, are something that stands out from the ordinary.
This means that there are still a ton of speakeasies in New York City, from ones that were open throughout Prohibition to those that are nearly impossible to locate without a map.
In order to identify which speakeasies in the Big Apple were worth visiting, we compiled a list of the best.
In order to determine which speakeasies made the cut, we considered which had the highest reviews, the most intriguing and novel ideas, and stayed true to the original speakeasies that were in operation over a century ago.
The Back Room, Lower East Side
The Back Room’s entrance is still the same way it was during the Prohibition era: it’s through a gate, up the stairs, and behind the sign for the Lower East Side Toy Company.
Following in the footsteps of innumerable others who used alcohol to get around the regulations of the day, including gangsters and mobsters like Meyer Lansky, Bugsy Siegel, and Lucky Luciano, who discovered the location concealed behind Ratner’s, a kosher restaurant, is what you will do. You see, that’s why the name.
The Back Room, which has a gold ceiling, lounge banquettes, wood furniture, and chandeliers from the 1920s, is so realistic that actors on “Boardwalk Empire” used it to get ready for their parts.
Here, celebrities like Martha Stewart, Paul McCartney, Adele, Pearl Jam, and U2 have descended.
Apotheke, Chinatown and NoMad
Alcohol is the main attraction at Apotheke, a speakeasy with sites in Chinatown and NoMad. The host determines who enters Apotheke, so to find your way inside, knock on the door using the red light and the appropriate “Chemist” symbol, and then hope for the best.
To increase your chances, make sure your outfit satisfies the “elegant sophisticated” dress requirement if you’re visiting after 9 p.m.
Expect sconces filled with aromatic liquids, a ceiling covered in gold leaves, a custom marble and tin bar, and a door that is two centuries old and has a peephole.
Apotheke, which is housed inside a former opium den, is all about its extravagant extravagance. Ask any of the satisfied patrons of the bar, which has received 4.5 stars out of hundreds of Tripadvisor reviews.
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Coby Club, Chelsea
With artisan cocktails like the Red Lotus, Pagoda Royale, and Buddha’s Dream available at the Coby Club, you may enjoy the show while sipping your drink.
Light appetizers including chicken satay, crispy rice cakes, and bang bang shrimp are also offered.
You may need to search carefully to locate Coby Club, as the speakeasy is tucked away behind a little entry directly beneath the Elmo restaurant on 7th Avenue (both the restaurant and the club are owned by Bob Pontarelli).
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Little Branch, West Village
During Prohibition, speakeasies were frequently kept in low light to minimize the notice of onlookers and maintain their air of mystery.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Little Branch, which is concealed behind a simple brown door on a street corner, is only illuminated by one candle at each booth and three lightbulbs over the bar.
Additionally, patrons must speak quietly, much as they would have during the Prohibition era. Classic drinks like the Sidecar and Bee’s Knees are served at Little Branch and are cooled with chunks of ice that have been cut from a huge block.
Staff members in suspenders arrive early to prepare the ingredients and squeeze fresh juices to guarantee high-quality drinks.
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The Little Shop, Seaport
There are many beverages on the menu that are called for their main ingredients, like the Strawberry, Carrot, and Black Cherry. In the speakeasy, you may even order your bodega goodies to go with your cocktails.
The oddball bodega was an unplanned project. Anna Bazhenova and Philippe Boujna, the owners, had originally intended to create a convenience shop, but they quickly realized that their new location offered far more space than they would require to sell only necessities.
