By Wine Wilderness Wanderlust
Speakeasies are so much fun, from finding the hidden entrance to sipping creative cocktails. These secret bars started during the Prohibition era when drinking was illegal. Being such a large and lively city, NYC is full of speakeasies, each offering something unique. I’ve visited plenty of the hidden cocktail bars and now that Dry January is over, here are six New York City speakeasy recommendations to visit in 2025.
Bathtub Gin
I was thrilled to secure a reservation at Bathtub Gin in Chelsea! First, we had to find the entrance, which was at a fake coffee shop with a bouncer stationed out front.
Upon approaching the bouncer, we provided him with the reservation name, and he allowed us to enter.
As soon as we entered, we were brought through the curtain, where we saw the iconic brass bathtub in the middle of the room. We were seated at a comfortable table, and the fun began.
I first tried the Silver Screen Martini, a strong and silky cocktail made with vodka, dry vermouth, coconut oil, popcorn, and salt.
It honestly tasted just like a bucket of popcorn, with extra butter at the movies. It was unique, weird, and truly delicious.
Their cocktail menu was creative, featuring a variety of alcohol and, of course, Gin. Their Gin & Tonic list features spirits from all over the world, including Gins from Africa, Japan, Greece, and many more.
LOULOU
Only a five-minute walk from Bathtub Gin is another creative speakeasy in the Chelsea District, LouLou.
This restaurant and bar has a speakeasy entrance inside the old-school Coke machine near the front door. All you have to do is wave your hand in front of the small back circle to gain entry.
Upon entering you will be brought to Adélaïde’’s Salon, which has live jazz music and burlesque performances.
We did not attend a show, instead, we tried to take advantage of Loulou’s creative cocktails at the bar.
As you can see, their cocktails are unique, exactly how a speakeasy should be! Chelsea is an amazing neighborhood, I recommend checking out the art galleries in the area.
The Raines Law Room
I had heard amazing things about The Raines Law Room, one of the top-rated speakeasies in New York City. They have two locations: one in Chelsea and another in Midtown at The William.
Since we were staying in Midtown, near Grand Central Station, we made reservations at The Raines Law Room at The William.
If we hadn’t known exactly where we were going, we could have walked right past it—it’s truly hidden. Inside, the hostess seated us in a dimly lit library filled with comfy couches and moody décor.
One of the best parts was a small light at the table that we could turn on when we were ready to order.
The drinks were incredibly creative. I tried the Imperial Gibson, featuring Japanese gin, sake, blanc vermouth, house-made mirin brine, and watermelon radish.
The star of the evening was the 7th Millennium, made with Mexican gin, baijiu, bergamot, blanc vermouth, and a hint of strawberry essence.
We spent hours talking and losing ourselves in the dimly lit room—it was an amazing date spot, hidden behind an unassuming door on the streets of New York City.
Please Don’t Tell
The trendiest and most sought-after speakeasy in New York City right now is Please Don’t Tell, located in the East Village. I had to visit this speakeasy after hearing about it from a friend.
Since its opening in 2007, Please Don’t Tell, also known as “PDT” by locals, has received widespread acclaim and has become a must-visit destination for cocktail enthusiasts in New York City.
It has consistently ranked among the top bars in the world, and I will tell you why.
First of all, finding the entry point was so much fun, as it is hidden inside Crif Dogs on the East Side, only a 15-minute walk from Washington Square Park. Once you enter, you will need to find the phone booth.
Once you find your way inside, you can order a variety of creative cocktails accompanied by their Chef Dogs, which were the best hot dogs I have ever had.
Please don’t tell is one of the NYC speakeasies that take reservations. Book your reservation as soon as they are released, seven days out.
Nothing Really Matters
Head over to Midtown to visit Nothing Really Matters! As you make your way down the subway station stairs at 210 W 50th, you will hear the loud music and see the bouncer outside.
There are plenty of original speakeasies in NYC, but Nothing Really Matters is one of the newer ones. There is no code to get in; just finding it will allow you access.
Nothing Really Matters is the best speakeasy in Midtown! This New York City speakeasy has so many unique handcrafted cocktails for you to try all using exciting ingredients.
I recommend trying The Dancing Queen which has Vodka, White Cranberry, Lemon, Lime & Rosemary.
Madame George
My favorite speakeasy that I’ve visited so far in NYC is Madame George in Midtown Manhattan.
Located just a short walk from Rockefeller Center, this hidden cocktail bar not only serves unique drinks but also features live jazz music.
To find it, look for the projection on the sidewalk—we walked past it a few times before realizing where it was.
Once inside, we were led down a flight of stairs to the building’s basement. As soon as the doors opened, live music filled the space, and it felt like we had stepped into another world.
The cocktails at Madame George were incredible. I tried the Andy Warhol Soup Can which is literally served in a soup can. As a fan of Andy Warhol, there was no question I would try it.
We also tried their jam drinks and tipsy teas. Every single drink was beyond creative. Their food menu was always creative and delicious.
I can’t recommend this place enough—it’s a must-visit if you want to experience a true speakeasy!
TV and City 