Behind an unassuming coffee shop in Chelsea, a world of velvet, jazz, and gin-soaked glamour awaits.
Recently named one of the best speakeasies in the country by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Bathtub Gin has officially secured its place as one of America’s most unforgettable hidden bars.
Opened in 2011 by Brooklyn-born entrepreneur Dave Oz, this Roaring Twenties-inspired cocktail lounge perfectly captures the illicit thrill of Prohibition-era New York.
Named after the homemade alcohol that once filled literal bathtubs during the 1920s, Bathtub Gin combines historic nods with a modern, transportive energy that keeps locals and visitors coming back night after night.
Step past the façade of “Stone Street Coffee Company” and you’ll discover a dimly lit, lavishly decorated hideaway anchored by its namesake brass bathtub — one of NYC’s most photographed bar centerpieces.
Plush booths, vintage wallpaper, and flickering candlelight set the stage for an evening that blurs the line between past and present.
At the heart of Bathtub Gin’s acclaim is its gin-forward cocktail program, spotlighting inventive creations like the Silver Screen Martini (vodka, coconut oil, popcorn, salt), BTG Espresso Martini (vodka, salted maple, Stone Street Coffee), and the S’mores Old Fashioned, complete with graham cracker and white chocolate notes.
The globally inspired gin and tonic list showcases spirits from around the world — from Japan to Greece to South Africa — while its chef-driven dinner menu elevates the typical bar experience with charcuterie, small plates, and tableside s’mores.
The energy evolves as the night goes on — what begins with live jazz and burlesque shows transitions seamlessly into a DJ-fueled dance floor, turning the space into a 1920s-style party with a modern twist.
Add in impeccable service, free coat check, and the undeniable thrill of knowing you’ve found one of NYC’s most secretive spots, and it’s easy to see why USA Today’s readers ranked it among the nation’s best.
Reservations are definitely recommended and we highly suggest checking out their entertainment schedule, which varies by evening.
The 10 best speakeasies in the U.S., according to USA Today
- Shanghai MKE — Milwaukee, WI
- Hell or High Water — Louisville, KY
- Blind Barber — Chicago, IL
- Bathtub Gin — New York, NY
- Hidden Bar at Noelle — Nashville, TN
- The Drifter — Chicago, IL
- 21st Amendment at La Louisiane — New Orleans, LA
- Midnight Cowboy — Austin, TX
- Del Rey at Villa Royale — Palm Springs, CA
- The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. — Philadelphia, PA
📍 Bathtub Gin, 132 9th Ave, Chelsea
🍸 For more information, full menus, and reservations at Bathtub Gin