The Best Speakeasy Bars in New York
New York is home to unique bars unlike any other: Speakeasies. These former underground bars transport you back to the 1920s, to the days of Prohibition.
What Is a Speakeasy?
- The term Speakeasy referred to illegal bars during Prohibition in the United States, from 1920 to 1933. Alcohol sales were banned, but across the country, people broke the law by gathering in hidden locations. The word Speakeasy itself comes from the need to “speak easy”—to talk quietly and avoid drawing attention from police.
- Prohibition ended long ago, but New York has preserved some of these clandestine bars. Visit one to enjoy a drink and discover another chapter of American history.
- Most New York speakeasies open from 5 pm or 6 pm until 1 am. On Friday and Saturday, some stay open much later. Fig. 19, for example, closes at 4 am on weekends.
The 4 Best Speakeasies in New York
PDT (Please Don't Tell): New York's most famous speakeasy
PDT (Please Don’t Tell) is New York’s most famous speakeasy. The name itself recalls Prohibition: “Please don’t tell” means keep it secret. The bar is in the East Village, near Tompkins Square Park, but you won’t see any sign outside. Better yet: at the address, you’ll find a restaurant called Crif Dogs. Enter the restaurant and look for a telephone booth on the right. Step inside the booth, dial 1, and wait for someone to answer. The rest is a surprise.
The counter at Please Don't Tell. (Photo jmh's random shots) Address: 113 St Marks Place.
Neighborhood: East Village.
Metro: Astor Pl.
The Back Room: the most authentic
The Back Room also operated during Prohibition. It had found a clever way to stay under the radar. Nothing outside suggests a bar is here. When you reach the address, look for a sign for the so-called “Lower East Side Toy Company.” Push the door and head down the stairs. This discreet entrance hasn’t changed since Prohibition days. To complete the atmosphere, wines and cocktails are served in teacups and beer bottles are carefully wrapped in newspaper. You’ll feel like you’re breaking the law and drink hoping to avoid a police raid.
A quiet room at The Back Room bar. Address: 102 Norfolk Street.
Neighborhood: Lower East Side.
Metro: Delancey St-Essex St.
Speakeasy Fig. 19 in New York: the most mysterious
Fig. 19 requires you to solve a small puzzle to reach the bar. When you arrive at 131 Chrystie Street, you’ll see an art gallery, The Loge Gallery. Yet this is the place. Climb the few steps, push the door, and walk through the art gallery as if you belong there. At the far end, you’ll see a door leading to a perfectly discreet bar. You’ve found it. By the way, how do you pronounce the name? Simply say “Figure Nineteen.”
Address: 131 1/2 Chrystie Street.
Neighborhood: Lower East Side.
Metro: Spring St.
Frankie & Johnnie's: the most visible
Frankie & Johnnie’s is a historic speakeasy near Times Square. Founded in 1926 during Prohibition, this respectable restaurant once hid an illegal bar in its back room. Access was through a hidden door, and customers had to give the password to enter: “Frankie” or “Johnnie.” Today, no password is needed, but the restaurant preserves its heritage and cozy bar. Frankie & Johnnie’s displays its address openly. Still, it’s worth visiting with its history in mind.
Address: 32 West 37th Street.
Neighborhood: Theater District.
Metro: 34 St-Herald Sq.