New York City is known for its nightlife. After all, we are the citizens who never sleep. Of course, you could spend your weekend at a regular bar, but it’s way more fun to sneak into a secret remnant of the 1920s. Impress your friends with a sneaky speakeasy visit this weekend and enjoy some thankfully permitted cocktails.
1) The Back Room
102 Norfolk Street
New York, NY 10002
Image credit: The Back Room
The Back Room is everything you could want from a Speakeasy. It’s one of two O.G. speakeasies in NYC that actually ran during prohibition and still exists today. Back in the 20s, it was called "The Back of Ratner’s," and was continuously filled with theatre folk, movie stars, and gangsters such as Bugsy Siegel, Lucky Luciano, and Meyer Lanksy. To get in, look for the sign that says "Lower East Side Toy Company." Open the gate and head down the stairs to go in the same entrance that was used almost 100 years ago. Make sure you check the bookcase for an extra surprise. Let’s just say that you’ll find more than books behind it.
2), Please Don’t Tell
113 St. Marks Place
New York, NY 10009
Image credit: PDT
The St. Marks location of Crif Dogs is lit for so many reasons, the biggest of which might be PTD. Have you ever noticed the phone booth behind the curtain to the left? Yeah, that booth gives you access to an underground bar that serves cocktails and the Crif Dogs menu. Pick up the phone and press the buzzer one time only, and the hostess will answer. They may ask you to come back at a reserved time if it’s at capacity. If they have space for you, the back wall of the phone booth will open to let you into the bar.
3) Mezcaleria La Milagrosa
149 Havemeyer St
Brooklyn, New York 11211
Image credit: Mezcaleria La Milagrosa
Williamsburg’s latest speakeasy is the trendiest place to impress your date this weekend. Chef Felipe Mendez, who owns La Superior and Cerveceria Havemeyer next door, created this secret mezcal bar for the hippest of the hip. The entrance is through the freezer door in the bodega at 149 Havemeyer. To enjoy the mezcal tasting menu and curated music, you have to call ahead and make a reservation at (718) 599-1499.
4) Bathtub Gin
132 9th Ave
New York, NY 10011
Image credit: Bathtub Gin
Bathtub Gin is named after the actual gin made in bathtubs during the 20s. Since alcohol wasn’t easy to buy, people brewed their own—literally in bathtubs! Keeping with the theme, the bar has a bathtub within the space and hosts plenty of burlesque-style entertainment. Naturally, they offer several gin-based cocktails such as The Gin-Gin Cup, which sweets the liquor with wildflower honey, pressed ginger, and lavender extract. You’ll find the entrance inside Stone Street Coffee Co. The hostess will check you in and press a button to open the lounge.
5) Attaboy
134 Eldridge St.
New York, NY 10002
Image credit: World’s Best Bars
When Milk and Honey closed its doors, Attaboy opened behind the same unmarked door at 134 Eldridge St. Two former bartenders from M&H remade the space and the vibe. To enter, knock on the door once or twice, then try ringing the bell. The bartender will take your number and text you when a table opens. With ridiculously talented bartenders such as these, there is no menu. The bartender will approach your candle-lit table and ask you what you’re in the mood for, and what type of liquor you’d like. They will construct a customized cocktail based on your taste, and trust me – it will be perfect.
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