NYC invented the modern speakeasy — Milk & Honey opened in 1999 and started everything.
Part of our 20 Best Speakeasies 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 speakeasies in New York
01 · New York
East Village
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Iconic · Phone-booth entry
You enter through a phone booth inside Crif Dogs.
Order: Benton's Old Fashioned
02 · New York
Lower East Side
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Iconic · 1920s Prohibition
Genuine 1920s Prohibition speakeasy — cocktails in tea cups.
Order: A Sazerac in a teacup
03 · New York
East Village
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Iconic · Through Japanese restaurant
Through an unmarked door inside a Japanese restaurant.
Order: A Japanese-spirit signature cocktail
04 · New York
Flatiron
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Iconic · Reservation-only
Reservation-only Flatiron speakeasy — buzz to enter.
Order: Bartender's choice with their reserve gin
05 · New York
East Village
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Iconic · Behind a barbershop
Behind a working barbershop on 10th Street.
Order: A precise Manhattan
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06 · New York
NoHo
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Iconic · Members-only
Six tables, members-only, Japanese omakase-paired drinks.
Order: Whatever the chef pairs
07 · New York
West Village
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Iconic · Hidden basement
Hidden West Village basement speakeasy.
Order: Bartender's choice
08 · New York
Lower East Side
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Iconic · Hidden behind unmarked door
Hidden LES speakeasy — Paris sister.
Order: An ECC signature
09 · New York
Chelsea
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Iconic · Through coffee shop
Through a coffee shop on 9th Avenue.
Order: A Bathtub Gin Negroni
10 · New York
Lower East Side
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Iconic · Knock to enter
Sam Ross's iconic LES bar — unmarked door, knock to enter.
Order: Penicillin (the original lives here)
More New York speakeasiesThe full New York speakeasy index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
How to find a speakeasy in New York
The 10 above are where New York hides its best cocktails — behind phone booths, fridges, bookcases, and unmarked doors. The point is the secret. The reward is the cocktail on the other side.
