The Underground Cocktail Tour: NYC’s Best Hidden Cocktail Gems
New York City’s cocktail culture has always embraced secrecy, from the hidden speakeasies of Prohibition to modern-day bars tucked behind unmarked doors. The thrill of discovering a hidden cocktail bar—whether behind a subway station, inside a barber shop, or concealed behind a bookshelf—turns an ordinary night out into an adventure.
For those who love the mystery and exclusivity of secret bars, The Underground Cocktail Tour takes you through some of NYC’s most elusive speakeasies, where finding the entrance is part of the experience.
Why NYC is the Ultimate City for Hidden Speakeasies
New York’s history with hidden bars dates back to Prohibition (1920–1933), when selling alcohol was illegal, and secret establishments known as speakeasies flourished. Many of today’s hidden cocktail bars pay homage to that era, using unmarked doors, secret passwords, and unexpected entrances to create an atmosphere of exclusivity.
What makes these speakeasies special?
The Hidden Entrance: Whether it’s behind a fake bookshelf or through a subway station, getting inside feels like unlocking a secret.
The Cocktails: Many of these bars specialize in classic, spirit-forward drinks that honor Prohibition-era recipes.
The Atmosphere: From dimly lit lounges to jazz-filled hideaways, these bars transport you to another time and place.
If you love mystery, craft cocktails, and a bit of a challenge, these underground bars are a must-visit.
NYC’s Best Hidden Speakeasies for an Underground Cocktail Tour
1. La Noxe (Hidden in a Subway Station – Chelsea)
A Cocktail Bar Beneath NYC’s Streets
Tucked away inside the 28th Street subway station, La Noxe is one of NYC’s most unexpected hidden gems. What looks like a maintenance door actually leads to a dimly lit, intimate speakeasy, perfect for those who love the idea of drinking cocktails in a secret underground hideaway.
How to Find It:
Look for an unmarked door in the 28th Street subway station.
What to Drink:
Noxe Spritz – A floral and citrus-forward twist on the classic spritz.
Desert Rose – A mezcal-based cocktail infused with hibiscus and smoked salt.
For those who love the thrill of drinking beneath the city, La Noxe offers an unforgettable experience.
2. The Back Room (One of NYC’s Last True Prohibition-Era Speakeasies – Lower East Side)
A Bar That Hasn’t Changed Since the 1920s
Unlike modern speakeasies that recreate the Prohibition-era aesthetic, The Back Room is the real deal. This bar actually operated during Prohibition and still serves cocktails the old-fashioned way—in teacups, just as they did to avoid suspicion in the 1920s.
How to Find It:
Enter through a nondescript door on Norfolk Street and walk down a hidden alleyway.
What to Drink:
The 1920s Old Fashioned – Bourbon, bitters, and sugar, served in a teacup.
The Bank Robber – A smoky, rye-based cocktail with absinthe and vermouth.
The Back Room is a true time capsule of NYC’s speakeasy history, making it a must-visit for classic cocktail lovers.
3. Blind Barber (A Cocktail Bar Behind a Real Barber Shop – East Village)
A Haircut and a Negroni
At first glance, Blind Barber looks like a traditional barbershop, offering straight razor shaves and classic haircuts. But behind an unmarked door, the shop transforms into a hidden cocktail bar, complete with vintage decor, cozy booths, and a menu of expertly crafted drinks.
How to Find It:
Walk into the Blind Barber barber shop and look for the door at the back.
What to Drink:
Smoke & Dagger – Mezcal, ginger, and smoked honey.
Sweeney Todd – A gin-based cocktail with chamomile-infused vermouth.
Blind Barber combines old-school grooming with high-end mixology, making it one of NYC’s most unique speakeasies.
4. Employees Only (Behind a Psychic’s Shop – West Village)
One of NYC’s Most Iconic Hidden Bars
Employees Only has become legendary in NYC’s cocktail scene, but its hidden entrance behind a fortune teller’s shop still keeps it feeling exclusive. Once inside, guests are transported to a lively Art Deco cocktail lounge where some of the world’s best bartenders craft inventive drinks.
How to Find It:
Look for a “Psychic” sign on Hudson Street and walk past the fortune teller’s table.
What to Drink:
EO Manhattan – A signature blend of rye, vermouth, and Grand Marnier.
Amelia – A vodka cocktail with elderflower and blackberries.
With its award-winning bartenders, lively atmosphere, and hidden entrance, Employees Only remains a top destination for cocktail enthusiasts.
5. Please Don’t Tell (Behind a Phone Booth – East Village)
The Ultimate NYC Speakeasy Experience
No underground cocktail tour would be complete without Please Don’t Tell (PDT). This iconic bar is hidden inside Crif Dogs, a casual hot dog joint. The only way in? Through a vintage phone booth—where you pick up the receiver and wait for a hidden door to open.
How to Find It:
Walk into Crif Dogs and step inside the phone booth. Dial the secret code to be granted entry.
What to Drink:
Benton’s Old Fashioned – A bacon fat-washed bourbon Old Fashioned.
Paddington Bear – A rum cocktail infused with orange marmalade.
PDT is one of the most famous speakeasies in NYC, and its entrance alone makes it worth the visit.
How to Plan Your Underground Cocktail Tour
To make the most of your hidden speakeasy adventure, follow these tips:
Go Early or Make a Reservation – Many of these bars have long wait times, so arriving early is key.
Dress for the Occasion – Some speakeasies have a dress code or prefer a more polished look.
Be Discreet – Part of the fun is maintaining the mystery, so avoid drawing too much attention when entering.
Try the Signature Cocktail – Each speakeasy has a specialty drink that showcases its unique style.
An underground cocktail tour is more than just bar-hopping—it’s a journey through NYC’s hidden drinking culture.
Host a Speakeasy-Themed Private Event with Art of the Cocktail
For those who love the mystery and craft of speakeasy cocktails but prefer a private setting, Art of the Cocktail offers a bespoke speakeasy experience, featuring:
Secret Cocktail Menus – Custom drinks inspired by NYC’s hidden bars.
Speakeasy-Style Setup – A vintage bar experience with period-accurate glassware.
Professional Mixologists – Expert bartenders who recreate classic speakeasy drinks.
Private Locations or In-Home Experiences – Whether at an intimate venue or your own space, we bring the speakeasy to you.
Perfect for corporate events, milestone celebrations, or private gatherings, this immersive mixology experience captures the elegance, secrecy, and artistry of NYC’s underground cocktail scene.
The Magic of NYC’s Hidden Bars
There is something undeniably thrilling about stepping through an unmarked door and discovering a world of expertly crafted cocktails. Whether it is a subway station speakeasy or a bar hidden behind a barber shop, NYC’s underground cocktail scene blends history, secrecy, and world-class mixology.
For those who love the mystery, adventure, and artistry of speakeasy cocktails, the right mixologists can bring that experience anywhere—even into your own private event.
