Top 10 secret bars of New York

December 5th in America is the anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition. On this day in 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the 21 th amendment to the Constitution and uttered an almost catch phrase: "And now, I think it's time to drink a beer." Now every year December 5 in 21.00 (in honor of the amendment number), it is customary to raise glasses, celebrating the abolition of the law that has ruined the lives of Americans for entire 13 years.

However, even eight decades after the repeal of Prohibition, no one is in a hurry to close the secret bars in which this very law was violated. Nowadays people go to places like this not only to drink a hundred grams, but also to drink in a fun and creative way. After all, even finding one of these bars can be difficult. Instead of entrance doors in such establishments there are sliding walls, telephone booths, mirrors, and old slot machines. This is all part of the fun that precedes drinking. Plus - you need to reserve a place in advance, know the password, and then, as a rule, also wait in line.

“Forum” compiled its own rating of secret bars in New York and showed the establishments on a map to make them easier to find. And as a bonus, he revealed the secrets of how to get there.

Campbell apartment

Where: 15 Vanderbilt Ave, Grand Central

Opening hours: Mon-Tue: 12.00 – 01.00; Fri- Sat: 12.00 - 02.00; Sun: 12.00 – 24.00

Secret advice: Dress smartly if you want to get into this bar - you won't be allowed inside in jeans and a sweater. Although there is no sign outside, institution is not as difficult to find as others. You go through the central entrance to the station, turn right, take the stairs or the internal elevator to the third floor.

Average bill: $80

The Campbell Apartment is one of the richest of the secret bars. The establishment is named after John Williams Campbell, an American millionaire who, during the heyday of Prohibition, set up an office in this place, which at night turned into a closed club “for his own.” The room has an area of ​​350 square meters, with ceilings almost 8 meters high and a huge fireplace - to match this scope. The owner's metal safe is still stored in the fireplace.

After the death of a millionaire in 1957, the office was turned into the storeroom of the Central Station. However, in 1999, the room was returned to its former luxurious decoration and turned into a bar. The update cost 1,5 million dollars.

As in other bars of this kind, it is worth paying attention to the cocktail menu and, if possible, catching live music - it sounds especially beautiful in this room.

Angel's Share

Where: 8 Stuyvesant St

Opening hours: Sun-Wed: 18.00 – 1.30; Thu: 18.00 – 2.00; Fri-Sat: 18.00 – 2.30

Secret advice: Be sure to try sushi and any hot cocktail. Be careful: the bar is so secret that the check will show only the total amount without specifying exactly what you are paying for.

Average bill: $35

The entrance to one of the best whiskey bars in New York is through the Village Yokocho restaurant. The waiting time in the live queue, even on weekends, is no more than half an hour. You can find the secret door by going up to the second floor and going to the end of the restaurant hall. Images of angels and demons will not only appear on the cocktail menu, but will also constantly surround you in the form of paintings on the walls. According to critics, this place is one of the best for first dates: jazz, a pleasant cinematic atmosphere, huge windows overlooking the city.

Manderley Bar at the McKittrick Hotel

Where: 530 W 27th St.

Opening hours: Thu-Mon: 22.00 - 24.00; Fri - Sat: 2.00 - 4.00; Su: 21.00 - 23.00

Secret advice: It is better to come here on Thursday, after an open day in the galleries of Chelsea (schedule of galleries can be viewed here). It is worth asking for a guided tour of the building. Compliance with evening dress code will help to plunge into the atmosphere.

Average bill: $80

McKittrick Hotel is the most mysterious hotel in New York. A lot of interesting things happen in a building that doesn't have a single sign on it. For example, the famous show Sleep No More takes place here, where the audience becomes actors, but there is no stage at all. There is also Manderley Bar, which will take you into the atmosphere of the 20s, and another bar on the roof, which, unfortunately, is open only in the summer.

You can get to Manderley Bar by reserving a table in advance. A short face control - and you will be seated in an old elevator, from where you will get into a train carriage, then through telephone booths - into a cabaret, with waiters corresponding to the spirit of the hotel's era. And then, if you're lucky, a married couple, who in real life is the owners of the place will flirt with visitors in the style of 20's. Luxurious outfits of attendants, the ability to conform to the spirit of old New York, live music and a rich cocktail menu await guests in this mysterious place.

Employees Only

Where: 510 Hudson St

Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 18.00 - 6.00

Secret advice: Definitely needed tell fortunes on Tarot cards - everything comes true. It is worth taking a place at the end of the bar - it is there, despite the small size of the room, that after midnight the dancing begins and the most cheerful visitors gather. If you come too late on a weekend, there simply won’t be room in the bar.

Average bill: $ 60

The establishment, created by five friends, has not lost its popularity for more than 10 years. During this time, the bar itself and the bartenders have been recognized more than once as the best in New York and in the world. Forum often noticed bar owners relaxing there like ordinary visitors.

The entrance to a small establishment is decorated with a small red sign. "For employees only." The interior is quite ordinary, but the establishment is famous for its atmosphere, audience and music. Everything is beautiful and fun. Almost every evening ends with dancing. You can also just have dinner at the establishment. Advance table reservation is required.

PDT Please Don't Tell

Where: 113 St. Marks Pl (Between Avenue A & 1st Ave)

Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 18.00 - 2.00

Secret advice: It is worth try a hot dog from the establishment through which you get to the bar. You can reserve a table right on the spot and wait while listening to live music in the next bar. It’s better to sit at the bar: this way you’re more likely to enjoy the atmosphere and get an unusual cocktail.

Average bill: $ 40

Please Don't Tell is one of the most popular places for those who decide to spend the evening in Lower Manhattan. They get to the bar through a telephone booth, from which you can also call a hostess if there is no prior reservation. You need to reserve a table every day and only after 15:00.

The bar is located in the next room to the Crif Dogs diner, so it’s worth looking for the diner, and in it - that same telephone booth. The bar is located in the basement, where daylight does not penetrate, so it is easy to lose track of time.

Chip institution is considered a cocktail "Guess what I want" from the bartender. If the bartender does not guess and makes a cocktail not to your taste, it will not be included in the bill.

Little brunch

Where: 20 7th Ave S.

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 19: 00 - 3: 00

Secret advice: Entrust bartender choice cocktail. Carry cash because cards are not accepted.

Average bill: $40

The bar is also located in Lower Manhattan, in the West Village. Of course, this secret bar has no sign. You can find it by the iron door, the path to which lies down On the stairs. Afterwards we find ourselves in the atmosphere of the 20s, with jazz and a corresponding interior. Employees maintain style in appearance and behavior. There is no advance reservation, but if you arrive too late, the bar may already be full and you will have to wait about 40 minutes. But the game is worth the candle, otherwise there would be no queues of regular customers lining up next to this bar.

The Raines Law Room

Where: 48 17th West Street

Opening hours: Mon-Wed: 17.00 - 1.00; Sun: 19.00 – 2:00

Average bill: $ 50

Secret advice: It is worth trying rum cocktails.

Raines' Law Room is located near Little Brunch - we're still in the West Village. Instead of a sign, you should look for a back staircase leading down to a wooden door. After a short call - face control. You should reserve a table in advance, because without this it is not easy to get into the establishment. It is worth paying attention to the rum cocktails - the bar is famous for drinks made from this Cuban potion.

Death & co

Where: 433 East 6th Street


Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 18.00 -2.00

Average bill: $ 50

Secret advice: You do not need to reserve a table, but you must come in advance.

The title "Death and Company" is taken from Andrew Volstead's Prohibition Enforcement Act. The document introduced control measures over the ban on the production, transportation and sale of alcohol. Violators usually acted in company with accomplices, and the threat of death hung over them all.

Twilight, a good company of people who know and love to drink, as well as the absence of punishment for all of the above awaits the visitor if he manages to find a bar. After all, at the above address - surprise - there is a store. ABOUTwooden panels instead of windows will serve as a reference point. A metal plaque on the floor at the Death & Co entrance will indicate the correct address.

Bathtube gin

Where: 132 9th Avenue


Hour of work: Mon-Sun: 17.00 – 2.00

Secret advice: There is no need to make a reservation, but keep in mind that the appetizer menu is small, so you won't be able to eat.

Average bill: $ 70

We continue to walk through the secret places of Lower Manhattan, Chelsea area. The Gin Bath is a bar for lovers of gin, which was the most accessible drink during Prohibition. The bar has been around since the days when drinking gin was punishable and police raided secret locations. The entrance to the establishment can be found in the bar counter, which hides the white door, in a regular coffee shop at the specified address.

In the middle of the bar is a bath. According to the legend, as soon as the police appeared, the remnants of alcohol poured into the bathroom and the waitresses got there, pretending to bathe. Thus, the bar owners avoided responsibility for violation of the Dry Law.

The bar is always very fun, live music and theatrical performances.

Jbird

Where: 339 75th East Street

Opening hours: Mon-Thu: 17.30 – 2.00; Fri-Sat: 17.30 – 4.00

Secret advice: Visit to unitsA private secret bar on Upper East needs to be planned in advance.

Average bill: $ 80

To find yourself in the bird's secret bar JBird, you need to go to the hotel Hilton Garden Inn, go up to the hotel bar XVI on the top floor. Further, the birds on the walls will indicate the path to the elevator, where you need to go up to the roof, and then the staircase going down will lead to two doors with the inscription “EXIT”. These doors lead to the bar.

JBird is one of the newest spots on the list of secret bars. It is famous for its unusual cocktails and, due to its convenient location, is popular among white collar workers.