One of the awesome things about the city that never sleeps are the hidden speakeasies all over Manhattan. I love a great cocktail and when I found out that there are hidden gems all over the city I knew I had to search them out. And yes, each of these is somehow hidden. If you don’t know how to get in, you wouldn’t be able to find the place.
So here they are, my top four favorite speakeasies and how to get into them.
- Please Don’t Tell
Hidden inside of Crif hotdog 's is this stylish place. You gain entry through a vintage phone booth within Crif and enter a too-cool-for-school speakeasy-style space. Over time the PDT bartenders have created close to two hundred original cocktails. Arrive early though or you will be waiting a couple of hours to get in.
- The Blind Barber
You guessed it. This speakeasy is hidden inside of a barbershop. You gain entrance through a non-descript white wall where you enter into a large (for New York) dance floor and a wall of alcohol. A great selection of whiskey and whiskey drinks are available here. After that get your groove on to the beats of the dj.
- Death and Company
Walking along the street you’d never guess that there was a small upscale bar behind their black exterior. Hidden in plain sight this low-lit and intimate interior exudes a cool, jazzy vibe. Be prepared to wait for your drink though. Perfection cannot be rushed and many of the cocktails are stirred up to 50 times, as well as being meticulously taste-tested by the bartenders.
- Angel’s Share
While not as intimate as the others I like the drinks here the best. In order to find this place you have to go up the stairs of a Sharaku sushi restaurant and through the door near there. The drinks here are quite superb. A menu based on classic cocktails allows bartenders to highlight classic Japanese cocktail making techniques. The bar also offers a collection of Japanese whiskeys, including special and rare options.
And there are still more I haven’t had a chance to get to yet. I’ll keep you updated as I get to more of them. Until then I hope this helps you and that you go try them out!