Top 10 Hidden Speakeasies in New York You Must Visit

Astoria's answer to Manhattan's speakeasy domination, this Queens gem proves you don't need to cross the bridge for world-class cocktails. Named after a classic Prohibition-era cocktail, their namesake Last Word—with gin, Chartreuse, maraschino, and lime—is executed flawlessly and shows why this neighborhood spot boasts the highest rating of any bar on this list. The unpretentious, community-focused vibe draws locals who appreciate serious drinks without Manhattan attitude or prices, plus the occasional nightclub nights keep things lively for those seeking more energy.

Located above a Korean restaurant in Koreatown, this second-floor hideaway blends Korean influences into their cocktail program with stunning results. The Soju Sour is a revelation—tangy, balanced, and uniquely Korean-American in the best way possible. The intimate space with warm lighting and K-pop-era nostalgia decor attracts a younger, culturally curious crowd who appreciate both craft cocktails and the Korean fusion angle, making it perfect for adventurous drinkers tired of the same old speakeasy formula.

The Gramercy flagship of the Dear Irving collection channels time-period glamour through four distinctly designed rooms spanning different eras. Their house Negroni, perfectly balanced and stirred to silky perfection, exemplifies the classic-with-a-twist philosophy that's earned them the highest rating on this list. The sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere attracts everyone from first-date couples to cocktail connoisseurs, and the period-appropriate music and decor transport you completely—it's theatrical without being gimmicky, a delicate balance few achieve.

Upper West Side's best-kept secret combines speakeasy mystique with a Thai culinary twist, tucked beneath a Thai restaurant on 79th Street. The Bangkok Mule—featuring lemongrass-infused vodka—bridges the gap between their dual identity perfectly, while the late-night nightclub transformation gives it a dual personality rare in the speakeasy world. It's a neighborhood treasure that draws a diverse crowd, from UWS locals grabbing pre-dinner cocktails to night owls dancing until close, offering versatility most hidden bars can't match.

Perched atop a Hell's Kitchen hotel, this rooftop speakeasy breaks the underground mold with stunning Hudson River views and a time-traveling concept featuring different vintage-era rooms. The French 75, served with a theatrical presentation, fits perfectly with the elevated setting—literally and figuratively. Unlike most speakeasies, this spot offers both indoor elegance and outdoor terrace seating, making it ideal for special occasions, sunset cocktails, or when you want speakeasy sophistication with Instagram-worthy skyline backdrops.

Tucked inside The William hotel in Murray Hill, this Victorian-inspired parlor offers the rare speakeasy experience where you can actually make reservations for private, curtained booths. Their Manhattan variation, served over a hand-carved ice sphere, is precision mixology at its finest, embodying the meticulous attention to detail throughout. The sophisticated, library-like atmosphere makes it exceptional for business meetings that need privacy, romantic occasions, or anyone who values craft cocktails without the chaos and unpredictability of walk-in-only venues.

One of the East Village's newer hidden gems, this intimate spot keeps things refreshingly unpretentious while still delivering knockout cocktails. The Tiger's Eye—a whiskey-based concoction with cardamom and citrus—perfectly captures their approach: creative but approachable. With only a handful of reviews, it's still flying under the radar, offering a more relaxed, neighborhood vibe than the tourist-packed speakeasies, making it perfect for locals seeking a quieter escape or low-key dates without the pretense.

Behind an unassuming coffee shop facade lies this Chelsea gem that channels 1920s opulence with plush velvet seating, vintage bathtubs repurposed as planters, and a copper-topped bar. Their Gin Basil Smash is legendarily refreshing, but the real star is the extensive gin selection—over 100 varieties that make this a juniper lover's paradise. The crowd skews young professional with a fun, energetic vibe perfect for groups celebrating or a lively night out, and there's often live jazz adding to the authentic speakeasy atmosphere.

This East Village cocktail temple elevated the speakeasy concept with its sophisticated, dimly lit atmosphere and museum-quality cocktail program. The bartenders here are true artisans, and their signature Oaxaca Old-Fashioned (with mezcal and tequila) is a smoky revelation that's been imitated across the city but never quite replicated. The vibe leans upscale and intimate, making it ideal for serious cocktail enthusiasts and refined date nights—arrive early or book ahead, as this isn't a place for rowdy groups.

Accessed through a vintage phone booth inside Crif Dogs, PDT remains the gold standard of NYC speakeasies since 2007. The dimly lit, wood-paneled space channels serious Prohibition vibes while slinging some of the city's most innovative cocktails—don't miss the Benton's Old-Fashioned, a bacon-infused bourbon masterpiece that put PDT on the map. It's perfect for date nights or impressing out-of-town friends, though be prepared to wait as reservations fill up fast and walk-ins can mean a lengthy queue.