From speakeasies that were actually running during the Prohibition era, to laundromat fronts and random, unmarked street doors, NYC is filled to the brim with hidden bars in the most unassuming spots.
For when you’re looking to go somewhere under-the-radar, here are NYC’s best hidden bars with secret entrances to head to:
1. The Office of Mr. Moto, East Village
Those who are able to score a seat at this new East Village omakase speakeasy will receive a letter which must be carefully read in order to solve a cipher that hints at how to enter the hidden restaurant. A Victorian-era mailbox with a pin pad inside is stationed at the unassuming storefront, where visitors will have to enter the passcode. If entered correctly, the opaque front door window will become translucent, allowing guests to enter the space. Read all about the space here.
Where: 120 Saint Marks Place
2. Attaboy, LES
Formerly known as Milk & Honey, the bar on 134 Eldridge Street has been reinvented as Attaboy since 2012. With no menu to pick a cocktail from you’ll have to tell the bartender what you’re in the mood for and trust that they’ll whip up the perfect drink for you. To get in you’ll have to ring the doorbell at the regular gray metal door you come across that simply has the letters “AB” on it. And not only is it one of NYC’s best hidden bars, it’s also one of the world’s best bars.
Where: 134 Eldridge St.
3. Blind Barber, Alphabet City
This one’s a fun place if you’re looking to dance your legs off. Located through a daytime barbershop in Alphabet City, behind a sliding wooden door, you’ll find a small bar with good drinks and good music.
Where: 339 E 10th St.
4. Nothing Really Matters, Midtown
Make your subway commute a little more interesting when you stop for a drink at the 50th Street subway station on the downtown 1 line–yes, literally inside the station! This hidden NYC gem serves mouthwatering cocktails beneath beaming lights, giving you an intimate experience without the intimidation. Read more about this cool spot here.
Where: 210 W 50th St.
5. Tomi Jazz, Turtle Bay
Find the staircase leading below 53rd Street and walk into an intimate, cozy space that’s the epitome of what a jazz bar should be. Make sure to order their Japanese-inspired bites to pair with any of their wonderful cocktails.
Where: 239 E 53rd St.
6. La Noxe, Midtown
Unbeknownst to many straphangers and New Yorkers alike, La Noxe is hidden away at the 28th St. subway station behind an inconspicuous door. But once found, guests are quickly whisked away into a secret world that’s been right underneath their nose! Elegant dishes and signature cocktails come together at this hidden spot to make for an unforgettable experience. It seems like NYC really likes to tuck away their hidden bars in subway stations! Read more about this spot here.
Where: 315 7th Ave. (Subway Staircase to Train 1 Local)
7. Lovers of Today, East Village
For more hidden staircases, locate Lovers of Today by spotting a glowing red neon heart sign tucked behind another East Village bar, Niagra. Head beneath street level and sip on mouthwatering “love potions” and enjoy both their intimate indoor and outdoor spaces.
Where: 132 E 7th St.
8. Edie’s, Kips Bay
Edie’s is the Andy Warhol-inspired speakeasy in the back of the Kips Bay restaurant called The Factory 380. The bar is named after “THE Factory Girl” and is a funky space reminiscent of old New York.
Where: 380 3rd Ave.
9. 99 Franklin, Greenpoint
Enter this charming spot after walking through their fully operating coffee shop front. There’s even a back patio where guests can roast marshmallows for s’mores—the drunk snack we never knew we needed!
Where: 99 Franklin St.
10. The Woo Woo, Times Square
Nestled underneath the Mean Fiddler, this vintage stop called The Woo Woo is taking us back a few decades to NYC’s grunge era. To find it you’ll have to ring the bell at the door inscribed with “Come As You Are,” where you’ll then enter into a time machine of graffiti walls, neon lights, and vintage punk concert posters. Inside you’ll even find an adults-only sex shop that’s sure to bring a blush to your cheeks. Read more about this spot here.
Where: 266 W 47th St.
11. Fig. 19, LES
Fig 19 can be found through a door at the back of an art gallery on the Lower East Side. It’s a small space that’s the complete opposite of the all-white gallery you passthrough before entering.
Where: 131 Chrystie St.
12. Chapel Bar, Flatiron
This exclusive, members-only bar is located inside a 19th century chapel. Coming from Fotografiska and NeueHouse, this awe-striking spot serves up impressive cocktails and gorgeous architecture. See here how to become a member and visit this spot.
Where: 275 Park Ave S.
13. Key & Heels, UES
Upper East Siders beware, your seemingly neighborhood locksmith & shoe repair shop might not be what you expect. In fact, it’s a hidden speakeasy! Behind the glowing neon sign and incredibly believable “since 1971” banner, you’ll find thisspeakeasy utterly disguised in plain sight. And the only thing they’re fixing here for you is a drink! Read more about them here.
Where: 1488 2nd Ave.
14. The Little Shop, Seaport District
To get to this extravagant cocktail bar entirely decorated with eclectic antique finds you’ll have to head through an actual bodega on Front Street. Get past the sliding door and instant noodles and be amazed by the incredible interior where you can enjoy quality craft cocktails.
Where: 252 Front St.
15. Little Branch, West Village
Behind this unmarked door on a West Village corner is the small underground bar, Little Branch. It’s an intimate space that doesn’t fit many and some nights they host live jazz sessions!
Where: 20 7th Ave.
16. Mezcaleria La Milagrosa, Williamsburg
This audiophile mezcal bar can be found behind a freezer door in a Williamsburg bodega. Known for their margaritas and great music, this is the perfect spot for a low-key night.
Where: 149 Havemeyer St.
17. Patent Pending, NoMad
In the back of a coffee shop in NoMad (called Patent Coffee) you’ll find the Tesla-inspired speakeasy, Patent Pending. Cute, right? Well it gets even better because the drinks are broken down into four electric categories: energy, frequency, vibration, a descent.
Where: 49 West 27th St.
18. Thyme Bar, Flatiron
Did you know this hidden cocktail lounge was right beneath your feet whenever you walked by Madison Square Park?! Well, now you do! This underground hideaway takes you back more than a century in a pre-war cellar–a space that actually once belonged to a gambling den and speakeasy in the 1920s! Thyme Bar offers a revolutionary take on mixology in both taste and presentation, and you can read more about them here.
Where: 20 W 23rd St., Cellar
19. Loulou, Chelsea
In the heart of Chelsea you’ll find Loulou, a cozy French bistro that has a swanky basement speakeasy…well maybe, if you know what to look for. In order to get inside you’ll have to head through a vintage Coca Cola refrigerator door. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by a glimmering chandelier and a dark staircase which leads you to a lively bar and seating area with music and an extensive craft cocktail menu. Read all about it here.
Where: 176 8th Ave.
20. Sake Bar Decibel, East Village
This one isn’t exactly “hidden,” but it’s hard to find if you don’t know what you’re looking for—and it always impresses people when you show them. Located in the East Village, there’s an easy-to-miss sign with a sake image, and you’ll know if it’s open based on the lit up “On Air” sign above. The bar is completely dedicated to sake, and you don’t need a secret password to get in…but it feels like you should.
Where: 240 East 9th St.
21. Mr. Fong’s, Chinatown
You’d never suspect the magic hidden behind this modest door on the corner of Madison and Market Streets. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by a dimly-lit atmosphere with loud music and Chinese-inspired cocktails. This watering hole is one of the local’s best kept secrets and we get why!
Where: 40 Market St.
22. Death & Company, East Village
Behind ominous, wooden doors on 6th street lies an incredible cocktail institution, Death and Company. With other locations in Denver and L.A., this humble spot is full of surprises and delicious drinks upon entry.
Where: 433 E 6th St.
23. Sunshine Laundromat, Greenpoint
NYC’s most hidden bars prove to be super creative, like at this spot where you can do your laundry, play pinball games, and drink with friends all at the same time. This speakeasy and arcade can be found behind a washing machine door in the back of the laundromat.
Where: 860 Manhattan Ave.
24. KBG Bar, East Village
One of NYC’s best hidden bars is a writer’s haven located on the second floor of an unassuming East Village building. The Soviet Union-themed bar is known for its cheap but powerful drinks.
Where: 85 E 4th St.
25. The Back Room, LES
Being that this was actually a working speakeasy during the Prohibition, you’ll have to follow the rules of the past and remain completely silent as you walk down the alleyway from the curb to the bar. You’ll use the same hidden entrance used in the 1920’s, and sip your cocktails from tea cups. There’s also a secret room you can enter behind the bar’s bookcase…
Where: 102 Norfolk St.
26. UES., UES
One of NYC’s sweetest hidden bars is actually a real ice cream shop on the Upper East Side! However, we should know by now that not everything in NYC is as it seems. Behind their wall of ice cream is a gorgeous little speakeasy.
Where: 1707 2nd Ave.
27. PS, Hudson Square
You’ll never know when browsing around NYC’s newest provisions store Pine & Polk that there’s a hidden spacious backlit bar and inviting lounge area in the back! Located behind a disguised door stocked with chocolate bars, PS (as in Pacific Standard) presents an expansive list of 12 signature cocktails and 6 remained classics. Read more about them here.
Where: 300 Spring St.
28. Tokyo Record Bar, Greenwich Village
This underground listening bar lets you curate the playlist for the night! Choose a song from their extensive, decade divided vinyl menu and wait to hear it as you feast on an izakaya-style menu. You can find Tokyo Record Bar below Air’s Champagne Parlor (a great spot to start your night off with some bubbles before dinner). And to make the experience even better than it already is, they give you a slice of pizza to-go as your last course.
Where: 127 MacDougal St.
Also published on Medium.