The Hidden Cocktail Lounges Beneath NYC’s Streets: Where to Find the City's Underground Bars
Beneath the bustling streets of New York City lies a world of hidden cocktail lounges, secret speakeasies, and underground bars tucked away in old tunnels, bank vaults, and basements. These clandestine spots offer a unique drinking experience, blending history, mystery, and world-class mixology.
Whether you are looking for a secret subway bar, a Prohibition-era hideaway, or a vault-turned-lounge, these subterranean cocktail bars promise an unforgettable night out. Here’s where to find the best underground bars in NYC.
1. Nothing Really Matters (Midtown) – A Cocktail Bar Hidden in a Subway Station
📍 50th Street & Broadway Subway Station, Midtown
Tucked away inside the 50th Street subway station, Nothing Really Matters is a true hidden gem. The entrance is unmarked and mysterious, adding to the thrill of discovery. Inside, you’ll find a stylish underground bar with neon lights, exposed pipes, and a cocktail menu as bold as its location.
Best Drink to Try: The Subway Spritz – A bubbly, herbaceous cocktail that feels both refreshing and sophisticated.
2. La Noxe (Chelsea) – A Tiny, Secret Bar Beneath the Streets
📍 28th Street & 7th Avenue Subway Station, Chelsea
Another subway speakeasy, La Noxe is hidden inside the 28th Street station, offering a tiny, intimate space for those in the know. The dim lighting and low-key, sultry ambiance make it a perfect date-night spot or a place to sip a nightcap away from the chaos above ground.
Best Drink to Try: The Underground Negroni – A darker, richer take on the classic cocktail.
3. Nōksu (Midtown) – An Underground Chef’s Counter in a Former Barbershop
📍 34th Street Herald Square Subway Station, Midtown
What was once an old barbershop inside a subway station has been transformed into Nōksu, a 12-seat chef’s counter restaurant and cocktail bar. Here, guests can watch their food and drinks being prepared right before their eyes, making it one of the most immersive underground dining experiences in NYC.
Best Drink to Try: A Sake-Based Martini – A perfect balance of umami and smoothness.
4. Le Boudoir (Brooklyn Heights) – A Secret Bar with a Tunnel Connection
📍 135 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn Heights
Inspired by Marie Antoinette’s private chambers, Le Boudoir is an opulent speakeasy hidden beneath Chez Moi. The entrance is concealed behind a bookshelf, leading guests into an intimate, French-style lounge with velvet drapes and antique decor.
What makes this spot even more intriguing? A secret back room connected to the historic Atlantic Avenue tunnel, one of the oldest subway tunnels in NYC.
Best Drink to Try: The Guillotine – A sharp, citrusy cocktail with a touch of absinthe.
5. Trinity Place (Financial District) – A Bar Inside a 1904 Bank Vault
📍 115 Broadway, Financial District
For a truly historic underground experience, visit Trinity Place, located inside a bank vault built in 1904. The original steel doors and intricate ironwork remain intact, making this bar feel like a time capsule of NYC’s financial past.
Best Drink to Try: The Gold Standard – A whiskey cocktail that matches the elegance of its surroundings.
6. The Woo Woo (Midtown) – A Hidden 1980s Speakeasy Below Broadway
📍 1635 Broadway, Midtown
Beneath The Mean Fiddler in Times Square, The Woo Woo is a 1980s-themed speakeasy filled with nostalgia, neon signs, and retro-inspired cocktails. If you’re looking for something playful yet intimate, this underground lounge delivers.
Best Drink to Try: The Ferris Bueller – A fun, fruity cocktail inspired by the classic movie.
7. Polly’s (Midtown) – A Speakeasy Hidden Beneath Tanner Smith’s
📍 204 W 55th St, Midtown
If you love Prohibition-era speakeasies, Polly’s is a must-visit. Hidden beneath Tanner Smith’s, this bar feels like stepping back into the 1920s, complete with classic cocktails and a cozy, candlelit ambiance.
Best Drink to Try: The Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned – A smooth, well-balanced take on a classic.
Why NYC’s Underground Cocktail Lounges Are a Must-Visit
Each of these hidden bars offers more than just great drinks—they provide a sense of adventure, history, and exclusivity. Whether you’re sipping a Negroni in a subway station or enjoying a Manhattan inside a 1904 bank vault, the experience is just as important as the cocktail itself.
Master the Art of Cocktails with Art of the Cocktail
If these underground bars have inspired you to elevate your cocktail game, why not learn from NYC’s best? Art of the Cocktail offers hands-on mixology classes where you can:
Learn classic and contemporary cocktail techniques
Master the art of balance in mixology
Discover secret bartender tricks used in NYC’s top speakeasies
Perfect for aspiring home bartenders or anyone looking to add a sophisticated touch to their cocktail knowledge.
NYC’s Underground Cocktail Scene
New York City is filled with hidden gems, but there’s something especially thrilling about discovering a cocktail lounge tucked beneath the streets. Whether you are looking for a historic speakeasy, a cozy tunnel bar, or a glamorous underground retreat, these bars offer a drinking experience unlike any other.
Find them, savor the atmosphere, and enjoy a perfectly crafted drink in one of NYC’s most secretive spaces.
