As far as the best bars go in New York, the selection is endless. There certainly is no shortage of bars and speakeasies to enjoy a cocktail or two in New York City! But what about the best secret bars in New York City? Well, you’ll need to be in the know. And so, with that, we present to you our favourite bars flying under the radar in New York City!
Employees Only, West Village
Whether you fancy a West Side (an inventive retake on the Southside classic) or a Ginger Smash (a zingy taste of Spring), the one thing you can be certain of when visiting Employees Only is a damn good drink. This unassuming little bar in the West Village has a reputation for crafting the best cocktails in the city. And with so many bars to choose from in New York City, this is no easy feat!
Location: 510 Hudson St, West Village, New York
Manhattan Cricket Club
Manhattan Cricket Club is the best private member’s club you don’t need a membership for. Granted, membership will guarantee you a handful of benefits like preferred seating, but the fact you won’t need a membership to enter is enough for us common folk to get in the front door.
Location: 226 W 79th St, New York
Please Don’t Tell, East Village
Hidden behind a phone booth in the trendy East Village, Please Don’t Tell has easily become New York’s worst-kept secret. But for out of towners, the speakeasy experience is still an exciting one, so be sure to make your way over to Crif Dogs – the hot dog shop you’ll find the phone booth entrance inside of.
Location: 113 St Marks Pl, New York
Apotheke
After discovering Apotheke in Los Angeles, we were dying to find out where Apotheke New York was located. The cocktail bar – come – speakeasy is hiding away in Chinatown. The open space is large and inviting, but there is limited seating so be sure to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Location: 9 Doyers St, New York
The Campbell
Located inside Grand Central Terminal, The Campbell bar became popular a few years back for being the bar that featured in Gossip Girl. But with the show long behind us, the bar has continued to fly under the radar as one of New York’s best secret bars. The space is also known as the Campbell Apartment, and has long been a New York institution, tucked neatly away in otherwise chaotic midtown.
Location: 15 Vanderbilt Ave, Midtown, New York
Lantern’s Keep
Serving an extensive list of Prohibition-era cocktails, Lantern’s Keep is a bit of a time warp. The saloon style digs make it feel as if you have stepped back in time, which is only further amplified by the classic decor details. Located in midtown at the Iroquois Hotel, this cocktail bar is understated and best kept a secret (don’t say we sent you!)
Location: 49 W 44th St, New York
Still want more? Check out our guide to New York!
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Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.