South Side of the Street, Look for the "Out of Order" ATM in the Sports Bar , the entrance is hidden there
cool speakeasy bar. there's no sign, you go down the stairs and the entrance is at the back of the building. there's a secret room behind a bookshelf. fridays and saturdays are 25+ to enter.
Enter through Cipriani on the balcony at Grand Central & you'll feel as if you have entered a bygone era. Drinks are expensive ($15 martini) but the atmosphere is worth it. Reserve a table in advance.
One of the best subterranean spots in the city. Since they don't have noise complaints worries, some parties have rocked til 5am. Make sure you know what party you're attending when the doorman asks.
Loved this place until I brought a group of friends. Anything goes normally, but wear shorts and suddenly the bouncer treats you like trash not a regular. No more XIX on my nightly agenda.
It's rare to find a tiki bar in Manhattan. Rarer to find one that limits you to one-per-customer of their stronger drinks. Rarest to find one where the drinks really are strong enough to deserve it!
Friendly bartenders, low key atmosphere and very dog friendly. Stay upstairs for a casual drink or go downstairs to dance.
The bouncer's here are always reading on the job. If you don't know the password, feign familiarity with the book he's cracked that night and charm your way in.
Entrance is through the coffee shop, in an unmarked door that blends with the wallpaper. food: kobe sliders. booze: the sling if you like gin, el diablo if you like tequila.
Ever been to the catacombs? This is like it, but better—there’s beer. You enter into a dim, tomb-like underground. The beers are imported and largely monk-made. Ask for a Trappist recommendation.
Below Chelsea Market, it epitomizes the qualities that make a New York bar popular: trendy, hard to find, and without significant markings. The difference is this one has reasonably priced drinks!
Awe a new love at this New Orleans–inspired saloon, where you can sample one of 26 varieties of absinthe, or pick a selection from barkeep Maxwell Britten’s smart cocktail list. Read more.
At the weekly Quizz-Off (Wed 7:30pm), teams battle through six rounds of questions with hopes of scoring a bar tab (first place $75, second $40, third $15). Read more.
Browse the vintage tomes that line this bar's walls with a bookish date, or head downstairs for one of the venue’s music or comedy shows, such as Eugene Mirman’s weekly Pretty Good Friends. Read more.
This small French space hosts one of the city’s most diverse music scenes in its back room. Arrive early to take advantage of happy hour, with $1 off beers and $3 off cocktails. Read more.
Win major points with a beer lover at this subterranean gastropub: A selection of 12 stellar craft and microbrews is always on tap. Read more.
Come to this sexy secluded little spot. It's perfect for bringing a date you've dated before or escaping the bridge and tunnel douches.
This upscale tiki lounge/restaurant have cocktails that come in coconut shells and beautiful tiki glasses. Try one of the Pu Pu Platters - definitely a must here!
Enjoy one of 53 different vodkas - $3 shots during happy hour. You’ll feel like you’re walking into a Russian mafia film.
Smith & Mills is one of my favorite places in the city. Better to go earlier in the evening (or on a weekend or on an off-night). Otherwise, the tiny spot is packed+loses charm
I love this izakaya. Just when you thought there was no cool place to eat in this 'hood. Go downstairs, grab a table in the nook or the bar (only two spots I like) and try everything on the menu
My favorite bar. Divey, and every night is different and unique. I hear happy hour is great but never make it for that. $2 PBR and $3 drafts on Tuesday, the best night.
Pop into this chic neighborhood bar to sip a glass of vino and share small plates. If your evening is going well, stop by Harlem Vintage, the adjoining wineshop, and get a bottle to split at home. Read more.
Come to this seductively lit haunt for the House of Scorpio’s Lip Service the best party to kiss a stranger. It’s a naughty and nice make-out mixer. Read more.
There is no formal cocktail list, but the bartender asks the type of spirit you like & if you like your drinks sweet, sour, etc. Then he creates a custom cocktail for you.
The best cocktails in Manhattan! Hidden down a dark staircase, it's great for a date, or just for after work unwinding. Amazing mint juleps. -Anita Lo, Top Chef Masters
Enter through the rustic pawn shop and suddenly reveal a whole secret lounge. Tapas dishes and exquisite cocktails, this is a great place to start the night. Free champagne in the bathroom? Yes!
Go through the Japanese restaurant and to the unmarked door that faces you as you get to the hostess stand. No parties more than 4. The specialty cocktails are impressive here.
Underground sake bar and Japanese tapas (izakaya). Dark and intimate. Love this place. Claire and my first date. -Francine, The Real L Word
Found behind a “secret” door next to Crif Dogs, this place is a favorite for classic and tweaked cocktails. As seen on Travel Channel’s The Layover with Anthony Bourdain.
The perfect rooftop escape that is still manages to be a well-kept secret. On the 14th floor of the La Quinta hotel serving outdoor drinks and views of the Empire State Building.
A taste of Tokyo is hidden in the basement of a Midtown East office building -- your friends will be impressed you found this place. Go for lunch and sake -- their platters are a multi-course steal.
It's a secret- go up the stairs into the non descript brownstone and you'll find this charming little bar. Good cocktails
This is one of our most favorite (and hidden) and exotic lounges in Manhattan. It’s a great place for a romantic interlude over wine and hummus.
Tuna ceviche (which is really more like tuna tar-tar) is awesome. Skip The salmon/mango ceviche & the Gravity Bong Oysters are gimmicky. But I'll be back to work my way thru ceviche menu.
This East Village restaurant is outfitted with vintage wallpaper and pages from a 1915 etiquette text. Sample one of the pre-Prohibition quaffs, like the Sherry Cobbler (sherry and lemon juice). Read more.
