Best Speakeasies Near East Village and Kips Bay

While many trends from the 1920s are now out of fashion, the speakeasy is not one of them. With their clandestine entrances and mysterious atmospheres, these secret cocktail spots pique our curiosities while making our taste buds salivate. New York City is not short of superb speakeasies, with a wide range of creatively themed spots to choose from. To help you navigate New York City’s speakeasy scene, we’ve compiled a list of the best speakeasies beneath 16th street:  

East Village

Lower East Side  

Attaboy  

Behind an unlabeled steel door next to a tailor shop lies Attaboy, the speakeasy recognized by World’s 50 as the Best Bar in North America.  Walking into this cocktail bar, with its dark design and intimate vibe, feels like a walk back in time to the Prohibition era.  When you take your seat, don’t expect to receive a menu.  Instead, you’ll speak to your bartender about your tastes and preferences and leave all the decision making to them.  It may be hard to score a seat at Attaboy, but if you do, it will be well worth thewait.   

Website: https://attaboy.us/ 

Address: 134 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002  

Hours: Mon-Sun, 5:00pm-3:00am  

Ye’s Apothecary  

Unlike other speakeasies in this guide, Ye’s Apothecary is lauded more for its authentic Asian dishes than its superb drinks. This speakeasy celebrates culture through cuisine, paying homage to the flavors and traditions of different cities across Asia. The bold and spicy flavors of Szechuan culinary traditions take the spotlight on the menu, where traditional dishes are given a unique and modern twist. The Dan Dan Noodles and Szechuan Dumplings are staple dishes to try, especially when paired with a Jasmine Green Tea Martini or Plum Old-Fashioned. To top it off, the classic Asian decor gives the bar an intimate and inviting energy, making it the perfect place to indulge in quality cocktails, quality cuisine, and quality conversation.  

Website: https://yes-apothecary.club/ 

Address: 119 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002   

Hours: Tues-Thu, 5:00pm – 12:00am  

             Fri-Sat, 5:00pm – 1:00am  

             Sun, 5:00pm – 12:00am  

Banzarbar  

At the end of Freeman’s alley, hidden on the second floor of Freeman’s Restaurant, lies the Banzarbar, a nautical-themed speakeasy that embodies the seafaring traditions of old-world voyagers. The tiny, dimly lit cocktail bar encourages exploration, bringing guests a global selection of cocktails and dishes amidst a backdrop of an upscale sailors pub. Guests can delight in Japanese, Norwegian, and Spanish flavors all in one night. If you are having trouble deciding what to order, you can’t go wrong opting into their tasting menu, which pairs a selection of cocktails with small bites. 

Website: https://www.banzarbar.com/ 

Address: 191 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002  

Hours: Sun-Mon, 5:00pm-10:30pm  

             Tues-Sat, 5:00pm-11:30pm  

Garfunkel’s  

Only treasures belong in a bank vault and Garfunkel’s is truly a hidden gem.  Located behind a bank vault door, the cozy, Gatsby-esque speakeasy is the perfect spot to visit for a plethora of occasions, whether you’re looking for a late-night drink or a new afternoon tea spot. Gin and whiskey are featured in many of their cocktail concoctions, but their comprehensive menu caters to everyone’s taste buds.  The TNT (tequila, Ancho Reyes, tamarind, and habanero bitters) and the 1933 (aged rum, pear liqueur, angostura, and black mission fig bitters) are fan favorites, but if you’re in the mood to be adventurous, you can trust the bartenders to create a custom drink adhering to your personal predilections.    

Website: https://www.garfunkelsnyc.com/ 

Address: 67 Clinton Street, New York, NY 10002  

Hours: Cocktails – Tues-Sun, 6:30pm-Late  

             Tea with the Duchess – Sat-Sun, 12:00pm-5:00pm (reservation required)  

Written by Sophia Tazerouni 

Photo of Garfunkel's: https://www.garfunkelsnyc.com/