Hidden Gems • 5 hours 5.0 (6)

NYC's Best Hidden Speakeasies: A Secret Bar Adventure

Uncover NYC’s coolest speakeasies hidden in subway stations and more. Sip cocktails and explore the city’s best-kept secrets with a local host!

Avoid annoying a New Yorker by walking too slow or stopping in the middle of the sidewalk to take a picture!

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Start your NYC speakeasy adventure underground at a hidden bar right in the subway.
  • Take a stroll by the *Empire State Building* and snap some photos of this iconic NYC landmark.
  • Step into a speakeasy behind a coffee shop, where the electric-themed cocktails and tasty tapas make this spot a real hidden treasure.
  • Walk through what seems like a typical bodega and discover a hidden cocktail lounge where unique drinks and a cool atmosphere await.
  • End your adventure at a spot tucked away in an unexpected place in the West Village. You'll never guess where it is!

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

5 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Per person
Hosted experience lasting up to 5 hours
Private and tailored to your group only
Immersive walking experience between stops
4 drinks
Public transportation
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations)

What’s not included

Additional food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Additional transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

210 W 50th St, 210 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019, USA

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

A drink in New York City seems like a no-brainer. It's a Sex and the City moment that almost everyone dreams of. What could be better? Maybe heading into a speakeasy for a more mysterious feel. During my time in NYC, I have found a few hidden gems to grab a cocktail from, and I want to share them with you. Get ready to dive into New York City's coolest hidden bars on a speakeasy adventure like no other! With your local host leading the way, we're skipping the obvious spots and uncovering NYC's best-kept secrets—bars that are tucked away in subway stations, behind coffee shops, and even inside a burger joint.

First stop: Nothing Really Matters—and nope, that's not an existential crisis talking. It's a speakeasy literally hidden in the subway! Imagine this: you're standing on a busy NYC subway platform, surrounded by the usual chaos, but then your host leads you through a mysterious door into a dimly lit, super-cool bar. You'll sip on the "So Alive" cocktail, a refreshing concoction that'll get your night started with a bang. While you're settling in, your host will share some insider stories about how these secret bars became a thing during Prohibition and why they're still so popular in NYC today. After soaking in the underground vibes, head above ground to catch a glimpse of Times Square's legendary lights before hopping on the 1 train for your next hidden gem.

Next up, pass by the Empire State Building—because why not? It's one of the city's most iconic landmarks, and since it's nearby, take a quick detour for a photo op. Snap your pics, admire the view, and then it's off to your second speakeasy: Patent Pending. Now, this one's fun. You enter through a coffee shop, but once you're inside, it's like stepping into a world of electric-themed cocktails and moody lighting. Your host will help you settle in with an "Odd Love" cocktail—a drink that's as intriguing as its name—and if you're hungry, this spot's got some seriously delicious tapas. It's the perfect place to relax, chat with your host, and enjoy the secretive, cozy atmosphere.

From there, it's off to another secret hideaway—The Little Shop. From the outside, it looks like any other bodega (maybe you'll even walk past it and do a double take), but once your host takes you to the back, surprise! You're in a sleek cocktail lounge that feels like you've stepped into a hidden gem only locals know about. You'll try the "Miso" cocktail, and trust me, it's as unique as the bar itself. Your host will fill you in on how this quirky spot came to be and might even drop a few hints about other hidden gems nearby.

Your final subway ride takes you to the West Village, where your last stop, The Garret West, is hiding in the most unexpected place—a Five Guys! Yes, you read that right. Behind the counter of this burger joint is a trendy speakeasy, and it's the perfect spot to finish the night on a high note. Sip on your "Sweet Gin Music" cocktail while soaking in the cool, laid-back vibes of the West Village. And if you're still feeling the energy, the neighborhood is buzzing with places to keep the party going after you wrap up.

Throughout the night, your host is your key to discovering NYC's secret drinking spots. They'll navigate the city, share fun facts about each location, and make sure you're having the time of your life. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or just here for the adventure, this experience will leave you feeling like you've truly uncovered a side of NYC most people never see. Have fun!

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

BR-811974098_host_Ross_Horowitz_Midtown_Manhattan_NYC_1

BR-811974098_host_Ross_Horowitz_Midtown_Manhattan_NYC_1

BR-811974098_host_Ross_Horowitz_Midtown_Manhattan_NYC

BR-811974098_host_Ross_Horowitz_Midtown_Manhattan_NYC

BR-802452814_host_Ross_Horowitz_Off_beaten_path_New_York

BR-802452814_host_Ross_Horowitz_Off_beaten_path_New_York

BR-808390744_host_Maurita_Cardone_PizzaandBeer_Brooklyn_NYC

BR-808390744_host_Maurita_Cardone_PizzaandBeer_Brooklyn_NYC

TAZEY3C4_host_George_Jack_Greenwich_Village_New_York

TAZEY3C4_host_George_Jack_Greenwich_Village_New_York

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.

What travelers think of this experience

William Apr 2025

Our tour guide, Olga, took us on a fun, well-paced, historical and scenic tour of Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo neighborhoods. So much to see! Olga was knowledgeable, friendly and culturally aware of what makes Brooklyn so special. We highly recommend her to other looking to explore Brooklyn. I want to book a return trip to spend more time in Brooklyn.

Show more
Sandra Mar 2025

This was a girls trip. Myself, my 9 year old daughter, her best friend and her mom. All first timers, except me, and they all fell in love with NYC. And for me who’s been there many times, saw a whole new side to the city and made me love it even more. Our little girls said they would never forget Olga.

Show more
Ilaria Mar 2025

A full immersion into New York gems. Mei helped me understanding different aspects of NY by visiting Brooklyn, Dumbo, Chelsea and and by taking the ferry, bus and subway.

Show more
Jessica Jan 2025

We opted for the 8 hour tour and it was worth every penny. I sent our guide my desired itinerary with all of the things we’d like to see. Olga made it happen! She was so professional and very personable. She took us to local spots that were not packed with tourists, which we loved. We walked over 11 miles, so be prepared to walk a lot if you have several things you’d like to see. Olga was so well versed with directions in the city, history, art, and all of the buildings we came across. She also curated the tour to match our values and lifestyle. We appreciated her pointing out Catholic Churches along the way and she even took us into the Trump tower-which was totally cool! 11/10 recommend Olga if you want a flawless experience.

Show more
Nicole Jan 2025

Olga was a dream of a tour guide. From the second we got linked with her via email she started emailing with ideas and itinerary items. We travelled with 2 small kids (8/10 yo) and she was patient with them needing breaks from walking. She easily accommodated their food requests. When crossing the street she always made sure they were safe. My kids instantly felt comfortable with her. She not only educated my husband and I on the city but even tailored what she said for the kids to understand. She was patient and kind. We would’ve never have done everything we did/saw in 1 day had we done it alone. She took us to great places that locals use. She was amazing and highly recommend her! If you’re on the fence about it- just do it!

Show more
Carrie Jan 2025

It was very fun!

Show more
SEE ALL REVIEWS