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🚕 Secret Speakeasies and Hidden Bars
Shhhhh don't tell anyone
Good morning, New York.
Ever felt the excitement of walking into an unmarked door and discovering a bar straight out of a 1920s noir film?
Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on the city’s best speakeasies and secret bars—places where you either need to know someone or be subscribed to the best foodie newsletter in NYC (don’t worry, you’re in the right place) to get in.
In today’s low-key edition:
Secret speakeasies and hidden bars that are serving up delicious cocktails 🍸
Two new restaurants bringing fresh energy to the food scene 🍽️
Our bar spotlight of the day 🌟
Let’s keep things hush-hush as we explore the city’s best-kept secrets.
Partnership with Foods of NY Tours
Discover the flavors of Chinatown with Foods of NY’s Gourmet Chinatown Food Tour.
Experience a guided journey through the heart of NYC’s Chinatown, where you’ll explore hidden gems and taste authentic dishes at three seated restaurants.
From fresh dim sum and Peking duck to Malaysian street food, each tasting offers a unique glimpse into the neighborhood’s culinary history.
Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour pairs delicious bites with fascinating stories, making it a perfect outing for food lovers and culture seekers.
Book your spot and immerse yourself in this unforgettable dining adventure!
Local Eats
Fig. 19 – Hidden Craft Cocktails Behind an Art Gallery
131 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002
Fig. 19, located on the Lower East Side, offers a hidden cocktail experience accessible through an unmarked door at the back of an art gallery.
The cocktail menu is short but expertly crafted, featuring creative drinks like The Vanishing Point, made with vanilla and cinnamon-infused gin.
Cocktails are reasonably priced at $17, making Fig. 19 an affordable yet upscale option for craft cocktail enthusiasts.
With its intimate, cozy atmosphere and unique drink offerings, Fig. 19 provides a laid-back yet sophisticated vibe, perfect for those in search of a true hidden gem.
Quick Bites:
Must-try: The Vanishing Point
Region: Cocktail Bar
George Bang Bang – Speakeasy Cocktails with a Twist in Nomad
13 E 30th St, New York, NY 10016
George Bang Bang is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked away behind the Michelin-recommended restaurant Okdongsik in Nomad.
The bar offers an array of inventive drinks, including the bourbon-based Don "Michael" Corleone with smoky flavors and the fruity Notting Hill with passionfruit and mango yogurt notes.
With its dark, gothic ambiance and intimate seating, George Bang Bang is ideal for cozy gatherings and post-dinner drinks.
While cocktails are on the pricier side at around $20, the unique flavor combinations and presentation make it worth the splurge for adventurous drinkers.
Quick Bites:
Must-try: Don "Michael" Corleone and Old Boy
Region: Cocktail Bar
Bathtub Gin – 1920s Glamour and Craft Cocktails in Chelsea
132 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Bathtub Gin is a classic 1920s-themed speakeasy that transports guests to the Prohibition era with its extensive craft cocktail menu and lively atmosphere.
Signature drinks include the SLOE ’N’ EASY (Sloe Gin, Passionfruit, Blood Orange, IPA Reduction, Egg White) and the S’MORES OLD-FASHIONED, featuring graham crackers, vanilla, and white chocolate.
The food menu is small but highly praised, offering upscale options like the Pork Belly with fish caramel glaze and the popular Charcuterie Board.
Bathtub Gin is a lively spot perfect for those seeking an upscale cocktail experience with creative dishes, all while enjoying a vibrant, vintage setting.
Quick Bites:
Must-try: S’MORES OLD-FASHIONED and SLOE ’N’ EASY
Region: Cocktail Bar
What act, passed in 1920, led to the rise of speakeasies in NYC by prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and transport of alcohol? |
Hot & Trending
Kappo Sono – Exclusive Kaiseki Dining with a Global Twist
39 E 13th St 6th Floor, New York, NY 10003
Kappo Sono, located near Union Square, offers an intimate and highly exclusive kaiseki experience under the guidance of Chef Chikara Sono, previously of the Michelin-starred Kyo Ya.
The 12-seat counter allows guests to connect personally with Chef Sono as he prepares a multi-course kaiseki meal featuring globally sourced ingredients such as Alaskan King Crab and South African octopus.
Signature dishes include yellowtail prosciutto, fried abalone croquettes with truffles, and miso saikyo marinated Wagyu. Dessert is crafted by Momoya Soho’s pastry chef, Norie Uematsu.
With only one seating per evening and reservations booked weeks in advance, Kappo Sono is a highly sought-after dining experience, priced at $350 per person.
Quick Bites:
Opened: August 2024
Must-try: Yellowtail Prosciutto and Miso Saikyo Marinated Wagyu
Region: Japanese
Google Maps: 5 | Yelp: 5.0 | Instagram 📷
Lee & Bai Buns and Noodle – Flushing’s New Spot for Traditional Buns and Noodles
38-09 Union St, Flushing, NY 11354
Lee & Bai Buns and Noodle specializes in traditional Chinese buns, dumplings, and noodles, offering an array of steamed and fried options such as pork & chive buns, Chengdu pork buns, and pickled veggie buns.
The restaurant features a cozy dining area, but service can be busy during peak hours. Orders are placed through a kiosk system, which some users have found unreliable, leading to occasional issues with incorrect or missing items.
Despite mixed reviews on service, the unique flavors and variety of buns and noodles make it a favorite for those seeking authentic Chinese cuisine in Flushing.
Quick Bites:
Opened: August 2024
Must-try: Chengdu Pork Buns
Region: Chinese
NYC Bites Spotlight
The Sunken Harbor Club – Nautical-Themed Dining and Cocktails in Brooklyn
372 Fulton St 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201
The Sunken Harbor Club, hidden within the historic Gage and Tollner building, offers a creative menu of small plates and tropical cocktails inspired by tiki culture.
Signature dishes include Accras de Morue (salt-cod fritters with salsa negra), broiled miso oysters, and devils on horseback (dates, smoked almonds, and bacon).
The cocktail list, organized by potency, features drinks like the Mai Tai and the Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner, each designed to transport guests to a nautical-themed oasis.
With a cozy, ship-captain-inspired ambiance, The Sunken Harbor Club is a must-visit for those looking to indulge in flavorful food and imaginative drinks.
Quick Bites:
Must-try: Accras de Morue and Miso Butterscotch Pudding
Region: Seafood/Small Plates
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