One of our favorite things about living in New York is just how many hidden gems are waiting to be discovered. Case in point: these ultra-cool and oh-so-secret drinking dens (well, secret-ish). For historical context, speakeasies were a big thing in the 1920s when purchasing and consuming alcohol was illegal. Once the Prohibition Era ended, these hush-hush bars no longer had to operate clandestinely, but maintained their popularity, nonetheless. And these days, these covert spots are downright trendy (because who doesn’t want to sneak into an exclusive locale?). So, if you’re looking to upgrade your drinking experience (and impress your friends), here are 10 speakeasy-themed spots in NYC that are definitely worth checking out.
10 Hidden Bars and Speakeasies in NYC Worth Seeking Out
Can you keep a secret?
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Updated Mar 23, 2026
Bathtub Gin/Attaboy/Foxtail
Courtesy of The UES
1. UES Storage Room
Satisfy your sweet tooth at this Manhattan ice cream shop first, then sneak behind a door (decorated in different pint flavors) to enter a hidden dark and gilded drinking den. Now, don’t expect regular ol’ cocktails here. The Storage Room has a host of fun and interesting drinks to choose from, like the Devil Wears Nada (a Mezcal-based concoction infused with a housemade pepperoncini spirit), I Left My Heart In Yorkville (blueberry-infused gin in a heart-shaped glass) and The Next Stop Is Hunter College (a boozy ice cream cone of rum and chocolate). Cheers.
1707 2nd Ave; 646-559-5889 or theuesnyc.com
SponsoredCourtesy of Foxtail NYC
2. Foxtail
Offering sneaky drinks for the “sly and wild,” Foxtail lives up to its name with its bespoke cocktail den tucked away on the ground floor of the Arlo Soho. The vibe itself feels moody and mischievous. An homage to mid-century glamour, you’ll find an impressive list of sips that all pay homage to the cheeky creature himself. For example, the Sly Fox is a Grey Goose cocktail punched up with grapefruit, hibiscus and black pepper, while the Dapper Fox supplies a Bourbon-style drink punctuated with vanilla, strawberry and champagne. (Other craft cocktails—like the Casablanca, topped with luscious apple foam—are equally as inspired.) But that’s not all: Go for the drinks, stay for the light bites (sneaky fries with truffle aioli and hamachi crudo included).
231 Hudson Street; 929-577-5911 or foxtailnyc.com
Courtesy of Attaboy
3. Attaboy
If you’re walking the streets of NYC, you just might miss this one. The bar’s entrance looks like a typical apartment door (marked with a subtle “AB”), but ring the bell and a bartender will consider letting you in. Ahem, it might be worth securing a reservation just in case. Still, once you’re inside, don’t expect a drinks menu. The mixologists at this LES spot sling handcrafted cocktails to match your personal preferences. Fancy.
134 Eldridge St.; attaboy.us/nyc
Courtesy of Apotheke NYC
4. Apotheke
OK, any door with the word “Chemist” written on it has to be intriguing, no? Go through the wooden door of the Chinatown location and immerse yourself in a mixologist lab. You’ll find bartenders in lab coats creating the most intricate cocktails that are both delicious and aesthetically pleasing. We’re big fans of the Carolina Queen (a Bourbon-based drink garnished with smoked celery seed salt) and the Summer Bee (this one features an ultra-refreshing mix of gin, raspberry, tangerine, lime, Prosecco and tarragon). Chef’s kiss.
9 Doyers St.; 212-406-0400 or apothekemixology.com
5. La Noxe
Next stop: A speakeasy hidden inside an NYC subway station. Yup, this Chelsea hotspot is only visible the second you step off the train and head to the southeastern-bound exit. But don’t let the gritty location fool you—step inside and you’ll feel like you’re in a chic Instagram-inspired apartment. The drink menus aren’t posted, but they are ever-evolving. It’s also worth noting that La Noxe recently opened a buzzy second location—called La Noxe Trinity—in the Financial District.
315 7th Ave. and 111 Broadway.; 917-477-3103 or lanoxenyc.com
6. The Garret
Trick your date by walking them all the way to the back, past the employees-only door and up the stairs to a fun surprise. The intimate setting is great for small groups and sipping elegant cocktails like Green Juice, But for Adults (this features Pisco, mint, basil, elderflower, grapefruit and more) or a more humor-inspired concoction called Stanley Tucci Was Wrong (Rosaluna Mezcal infused with cucumber, bergamot, Lillet Blanc and Sotol Desierto).
296 Bleecker St.; thegarretwest.com
7. Patent Pending
Grab yourself a coffee in the morning and head to the back for a drink at night. This NOMAD spot is electrifying...literally. With bright light bulbs illuminating the bar selection in the back of the coffee shop, this speakeasy can’t be missed. Aspiring mixologists will especially appreciate the menu featuring intricate details about each signature cocktail straight from an inventor’s notebook. Check out the Radio Waves (a tequila specialty) or Strange Magic (a vodka, prosecco, seltzer mix) for starters.
49 West 27th St.; 212-689-4002 or patentpendingnyc.com
8. Please Don’t Tell
With a name like Please Don’t Tell, you know what you’re getting yourself into at this under-the-radar spot. (Even the website doesn’t give away any details.) As soon as you enter Crif Dogs (a hot dog joint), step inside their phone booth for a set of instructions on how to get inside this exclusive place. Once you’re given access, relax and order some classic drinks (like a mezcal mule or old fashioned) or specialty cocktails (like Good Thyme, a gin and wine fusion).
113 Marks Pl.; pdtnyc.com
9. Beauty & Essex
Need a pawn shop? We know just the place. Oh, and it also happens to double as a restaurant, lounge and bar. Browse through the vintage gems before heading downstairs for a bite. We recommend gin cocktails like The Pink Panther and Beauty Elixir.
146 Essex St.; 212-614-0146 or taogroup.com/venues/beauty-essex-new-york
Courtesy of Bathtub Gin
10. Bathtub Gin
Speaking of gin specials, fans of the liquor will enjoy this Chelsea find that’s hidden behind a coffee shop. Although they have different cocktail options, you’ll appreciate their long list of special gin & tonic mixtures (like the Silver Screen Martini or Drop a Dime Collins). And while you’re perusing their drink options, don’t miss out on their Monday night jazz and Tuesday night burlesque.
132 9th Ave.; 646-559-1671 or bathtubginnyc.com
