NYC's hidden gem bars are the city's drinking architecture at its most theatrical. Phone-booth entries, knock codes, and unmarked doors — but behind every gimmick, the drinks have to deliver. The 10 below earn their secrecy.
Part of our 50 Best Hidden Gem Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
Read the world list
The 10 best hidden gem bars in NYC
01 · New York
Lower East Side
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Speakeasy · Knock at metal door
Sasha Petraske's last room. There's no menu — they build a drink to your taste. Knock the metal door at 134 Eldridge.
Order: A Penicillin
02 · New York
East Village
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Phone-booth entry
You enter through a phone booth inside a hot dog shop. The trick is famous; the drinks are still excellent.
Order: Benton's Old Fashioned
03 · New York
NoHo
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Members-only Japanese
You need a referral to get in. Behind a butcher shop. Six tables, Japanese omakase-paired drinks.
Order: Whatever the chef pairs
04 · New York
Lower East Side
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1920s · Cocktails in tea cups
Genuine Prohibition speakeasy that survived as one. Cocktails served in tea cups, beer in paper bags.
Order: A Sazerac in a teacup
05 · New York
East Village
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Through a Japanese restaurant
Through an unmarked door inside a Japanese restaurant. Iconic NYC speakeasy template.
Order: A Japanese-spirit signature cocktail
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06 · New York
Flatiron
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Speakeasy · Reservations
Reservation-only Flatiron speakeasy. Classics-driven menu, polished service.
Order: Bartender's choice with their reserve gin
07 · New York
Greenwich Village
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Speakeasy · Hidden
Hidden Greenwich Village speakeasy. Reservations only.
Order: A perfect Manhattan
08 · New York
Hell's Kitchen
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Speakeasy · Reservations
Hell's Kitchen speakeasy. Modern technique with classical leans.
Order: A signature cocktail with rye
09 · New York
East Village
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Through a barber shop
Through a working barber shop in the East Village. Speakeasy-style cocktail bar behind.
Order: A whiskey-led signature
10 · New York
NoMad
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Hidden hotel rooftop
On top of the Park South Hotel. Hidden rooftop with Empire State view.
Order: A signature with the building's silhouette
More NYC hidden gemsThe full NYC hidden-gem-bar index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
How to find the bars no one's telling you about
Attaboy is the no-menu reference. Please Don't Tell is the iconic phone-booth entrance. The 10 above all reward the effort.
