Have you heard about speakeasy? It’s an expression used to refer to certain bars here in New York. This is a subject that many readers have already asked me to write about it, but I thought it would be best to invite someone who really understands the topic! That’s why today’s guest is Anna Gaby, who lives here in New York City. We met through a friend in common and when I found out she loves speakeasies, I invited her to write a post for the blog. If you do not know what I’m talking about, keep reading the post …
New York City is a place that surprises us. It surprises with the skylines, possibilities, diversity, and certainly surprises with the number of extraordinary restaurants and bars. When I arrived here, I wanted to visit all the places! Over time, you realize that in order to know all the places in New York you need to live at least eighteen lives. So, because you can not have it all, I decided to focus on the bars that most captivated me in this Big Apple: the famous speakeasies.
I still remember the first time that my husband, then boyfriend, took me to this kind of bar. He told me he was going to take me to dinner at a Mexican place he loved. I got ready for the date and was all excited when suddenly he stops in front of a kiosk of tacos, quite simple. I love tacos, but I was all dressed up, with makeup, so I looked at him and said: “you got to be kidding me!” He laughed and pretended not to hear me. We got into the kiosk, spoke to a guy, and suddenly, a door opened and I followed my boyfriend. I was finding it all very weird when I saw myself passing by a kitchen with some people cooking and down a ladder going to a basement. I thought, “Now we have to take out the trash.” But to my surprise, I arrived at the most amazing restaurant-bar I’ve ever been to. With Dj, celebrities, beautiful people, extraordinary food, and wonderful drinks! And that’s how I became a huge fan of these hidden bars known as speakeasies.
Speakeasy bars originally referred to illicit drink houses during the Prohibition era (1920-1933) in the United States. At that time, it was illegal to sell and consume alcohol – so people began to serve alcohol behind closed doors in discrete places, often known by few people. These people usually used a code to enter. Therefore, “Speakeasy” is any bar that has been modeled on the Prohibition era, thus being hidden bars.
Because they are hidden bars, tourists generally do not know these places. What makes it even more interesting for a tourist to know, get out of Times Square and Brooklyn Bridge and go live with the locals. And in my opinion, there’s nothing more New York than a “speakeasy.” A trendy, mysterious, charming and quality place
Below, I list five speakeasies that I love:
- La Esquina: This dwells in my heart. It was the first speakeasy I’ve ever been to and it’s the place I told you right up there. They serve Mexican food and it is excellent! You have to order a margarita too! But actually, any drink is good at this bar. The Dj is always amazing and is a great place to start or finish your evening. It’s always packed so I suggest you make a reservation! Address: 114 Kenmare St.
- Beauty and Essex: In the heart of the Lower East Side, this is already better known, but it is also hidden! The entrance is a simple pawn shop, but when you enter it is a spectacular restaurant and still features a second floor with a dance floor! Like all speakeasy, the food at this restaurant is wonderful! However, you will never imagine that the best of this place is the bathroom, which is charming and they serve champagne! That’s right, glamorous! Address: 146 Essex St.
- The Back Room: This bar has existed since the Prohibition era! It was the favorite of the gangsters from the 20s. Needless to say, the drinks are great, but the interesting thing is they are all served in teacups! One is more charming than the other. Great for a date, since it’s a half-light bar, so everyone looks beautiful! Address: 102 Norfolk St.
- Please Don’t Tell: Also known as PDT, one of my favorites! This bar, in fact, is inside another bar, which is very famous for its hot dogs. So by going there you can already have two very New York experiences: eat a hot dog and go to a speakeasy bar. The entrance is a vintage English telephone booth inside the Crif Dogs bar. Enter the booth and press the bell only once (not two, not three, just one) and hit! The problem is that, because it is wonderful, it is ALWAYS packed and they do not take reservations, but they have waiting lists if you have the time and patience to wait. Address: 113 St Marks Pl.
- Employees Only: To find this place, look for a neon sign of a tarot reader and enter! On busy days, you will see a line outside. This speakeasy is my husband’s favorite, he loves the New York ribeye from there. The menu is a must, as well as, as always, the great drinks. After getting out of a sensational night out, why not try your luck on a hand reading or tarot? Great for going with friends, this bar is guaranteed fun. Address: 510 Hudson St.
Well, these are my five favorites ones but that there are a lot of speakeasies scattered throughout this city and around the world, as several countries have embraced this idea. You can also check out The Law Room, B Flat, Little Branch, The Garret, among many others hidden away. Enjoy!
Thank you, Gaby, for this AMAZING post!
Content creator and journalist in New York City. Here, I share lifestyle, beauty, NYC tips, thoughts, and the struggles about living in the most amazing city in the world! I’m not gonna pretend to be another person: I’m a Brazilian immigrant and I think this is my soul, it is part of who I am. I hope you enjoy my content! Follow me on Instagram!
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