How to Have a Perfect Speakeasy and Bar Night Tour in New York City

Visitors to New York City have plenty of nightlife options from jazz clubs to rooftop lounges. But if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, a speakeasy and bar night tour is the perfect choice. Speakeasies are hidden bars typically disguised as a legitimate business like cafes or offices. Not only do speakeasies give you the opportunity to explore some of the city’s most interesting nightlife spots, but they also often come with an element of mystery.

So if you’re ready for a night filled with hidden gems and Prohibition-era glamour, keep reading for our ultimate guide to the perfect speakeasy and bar night tour in New York City. We offer the complete experience, featuring the best tours, the top speakeasies, and insider tips so you have a night to remember.

The Best Tours

The best place to start your speakeasy and bar night tour is with a guided tour. Not only do they save you time searching for the best spots, they can also provide valuable insight into some of the city’s most mysterious watering holes.

Below we’ve listed some of the top-rated New York City nightlife tours. Our selection is based on traveler reviews, insider tips, and our own firsthand experience with some of the city’s best speakeasies:

• Uncle Bobby’s Speakeasy Tour: This isn’t your ordinary pub-crawl. Uncle Bobby’s Speakeasy Tour takes you on a unique and extraordinary journey through New York City’s Prohibition past. Along the way you will visit several great speakeasies and learn about the cultural history of this time period. The tour includes free entrance to up-scale venues and free drink specials.
• Manhattan Prohibition Bar Crawl: This one-of-a-kind journey through Manhattan’s hidden drinking dens provides an entirely new perspective on the city’s bar scene. The crawl starts at a clandestine venue close to Grand Central Station and then ventures off on a boozy mission around town, taking in several of the city’s oldest, most vibrant speakeasies. Enjoy exclusive deals on food and drinks as well as some awesome stories about the Prohibition era.
• Insider Harlem Nightlife Tour: Harlem is renowned for its music, art, and diverse culture—so why not explore it all on a speakeasy tour? From local dives to hidden gems, this tour is packed with great music, local beers, and plenty of surprises. You’ll even get the chance to sample some traditional Southern-style cooking!
• East Village Bar Hop: Get ready for an unforgettable night out on the East Village Bar Hop! Led by an experienced guide, this tour takes you on an epic adventure through some of New York City’s most famous—and not-so-well-known—speakeasies. Enjoy exclusive discounts on drinks and food along the way.

You can find more information about these amazing speakeasy tours on Get Your Guide. With top-rated reviews, exceptional customer service, and prices that won’t break the bank, they’re the perfect starting point for your bar tour.

The Top Speakeasies

Once you’ve chosen a tour, it’s time to take a closer look at some of the best speakeasies in New York City. They come in all shapes and sizes but they all share one thing in common—a unique atmosphere that can’t be found anywhere else. Here are some of our favorite hidden haunts:

• Please Don’t Tell: This one is tucked away inside a hot dog shop in Manhattan’s East Village and it is one of the most well-known speakeasies in New York City. It has an extensive menu of craft cocktails as well as an extensive snack selection. To enter you need to dial a secret number before being ushered into the backroom.
• The Back Room: Tucked away behind a fake closet door in Manhattan’s Lower East Side is one of the city’s most iconic speakeasies—The Back Room. They leave out the pretense here, so expect to be welcomed with open arms. The drinks are also top notch, as is their live jazz performances every Sunday evening.
• Death & Co.: As one of America’s most celebrated bars, Death & Co. is one of the places every serious cocktail enthusiast should visit. With an incredible cocktail menu that changes regularly, this underground spot has become a hotspot for locals and visitors alike.
• The Up & Up: Hidden away in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village is this cozy little haven known as The Up & Up. Inside you’ll find vintage high-backed chairs, velvet couches and members-only room, giving it an exclusive feel that you won’t find elsewhere.
• Older Brother: Voted as one of America’s best cocktail bars in 2018, Older Brother in Brooklyn has cemented its place as one of NYC’s hottest hangouts; their menu is full of creative drinks inspired by classic cocktails and unexpected ingredients.
• Fig 19: Don’t let the unassuming entrance fool you—Fig 19 is one of Manhattan’s most beloved speakeasies. This underground bar boasts a carefully curated cocktail list that focuses on seasonality and creativity.

From delightful hidden gems to buzzy hot spots, these are just some of the incredible speakeasies and bars that await you on your tour of New York City. With so many incredible destinations to choose from, be sure to map out your itinerary beforehand so you don’t miss any of the highlights.

Insider Tips

To ensure you make the most of your bar crawl experience, here are some insider tips from locals who have done their fair share of bar hopping in NYC:

• Reservations are key: Many of these venues have limited capacity—especially at peak times—so booking ahead is essential. Make sure you reserve your spot or you risk finding the place full when you arrive.
• Go with a group: Many places offer great deals when you show up in groups—so why not invite friends along? Not only will it make your night more fun, but it can also save you money.
• Watch out for faux speakeasies: Beware of false “speakeasies” that offer overpriced cocktails and stale atmosphere. Check out online reviews before making a reservation to make sure you’re hitting up a legitimate hidden hotspot.
• Say “No” to pre-made cocktails: If you want to get the most from your night out on the town, make sure you avoid pre-made cocktails and opt for handcrafted drinks instead. There’s nothing quite like experiencing an expertly crafted cocktail at its freshest.

With these top tours and insider tips in mind, you’re now ready to embark on your own speakeasy and bar night tour in New York City! If you’re ready to book your unique experience now check out the incredible offerings on Get Your Guide. Get ready for mystery, adventure and a night unlike anything else!