9 hidden bars you must visit in New York in 2026

Planning a trip to New York and w want to find out where the locals drink? Looking to get off the beaten path, away from the main tourist areas and discover yourself in a rum-filled speakeasy? This is the guide for you. Behold, 9 of the best unique, hidden, weird and wonderful bars in New York. These are the spots you have to visit.

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1. Angel’s Share

This legendary Japanese-inspired whiskey bar has been a New York institution since 1993, and after a brief closure in 2022, it reopened in a stunning new West Village location. You’ll find it at 45 Grove Street, a space that maintains the intimate, classy vibe that made the original so beloved. The cocktail list here is exceptional, with bartenders who treat mixology as a serious craft. It’s the kind of place where you can lose a few hours over perfectly balanced drinks in a dimly lit room that feels worlds away from the street outside. Find Angel’s Share at 45 Grove Street, New York, NY 

2. Death & Co.

A favourite in New York, Death & Co. can be found by looking for a storefront on East 6th Street with wooden panels, in place of windows, and the words ‘Death & Co.’ shaped in metal letters on the concrete. Yep, on the pavement, not in the window. To get in you’ll need to give the bouncer your number and wait for a call back. Inside, you’ll discover an exciting list of cocktails from the classic to the unusual and a snack menu which includes treats like crispy fries, truffle mac and friskets. Find Death & Co. at 433 E 6th St, New York, NY 

3. Please Don’t Tell

It has to be one of the most famous ‘hidden’ bars in New York, the ” used because a lot of people know about it but it’s still really, really cool. How do you find it? Visit late-night hotdog spot, Crif Dogs, then pick up the phone in the phone booth inside the shop. What happens next? You’ll have to go to find out. There’s a no-standing policy inside, so you’ll need to book (early!) to secure yourself a spot. The cocktail list here is unique and wonderful and when you get hungry, you can have food from Crif Dogs delivered to your table. Find Please Don’t Tell at 113 St Marks Place, New York, NY 

4. Employees Only

Look for a glowing red sign that says ‘Psychic’ and you’ll have found unique New York spot, Employees Only. It isn’t just a sign, there’s a tarot card and palm reader close-by, should you need to see your future. (Hint: it involves booze). This is the place to try Employees Only classic cocktails, like a Manhattan and the infamous Billionaires Cocktail. If you’re hungry they have a dinner and late-night menu, but it’s the dessert here that should not be missed. Find Employees Only at 510 Hudson Street, New York, NY 

5. Little Branch

Make your way to the West Village, to basement bar, Little Branch. Find an unmarked metal door and push through it uncover one heck of a speakeasy. This place prides itself on its mixology, so tell the bartenders what you fancy and they’ll whip you up a bespoke cocktail (or five). Thursday to Sunday the place comes alive with jazz music and it’s cash-only, so don’t show up with your credit card, ready to max it out. Authentic, low-key speakeasy’s don’t come much better than Little Branch. Find Little Branch at 20 7th Avenue S, New York, NY 

6. Blind Barber

The name ‘Blind Barber’ is actually a pretty clever name, given this place is a barbershop and a speakeasy! Barbers gettin blind! This place in the East Village comes alive in the evenings, Tuesday to Saturday, with absolutely wild dance parties. The vibe here is really fun and laid back, while the cocktail list hosts classic favourites and some really cool seasonal and house cocktails, like the Sweeney Ted. If you get hungry, they serve pizzas. Brilliant. Find Blind Barber at 339 E 10th St, New York, NY

7. Apotheke

As the name suggests, the vibe at this place is straight up chemist-style. Bartenders in white lab coats will mix you up your own personalised drink, prepared with local and organic produce or sourced from their rooftop herb garden. So cool! The cocktails here are totally unique and unlike anything else you’ve tried before. The decor is always pretty dang awesome! Follow your cocktails up with a snack from the seasonal bar menu. Find Apotheke at 9 Doyers Street, New York, NY

8. The Garret

Find your way to Five Guys Burgers in the West Village. Above this you’ll find second-floor bar, The Garret. It’s the perfect spot to start early and watch the sunset, as it has a really cool sunroof. This place is old-school cool, with dark wood and great views out onto the street below. Work your way through their cocktail list then order a burger from Five Guys, downstairs. Perfect! Hot tip: they also have a location in the East Village. Find The Garret at 296 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 

9. Bathtub Gin

This place is absolutely wild. Find the Stone Street Coffee Company on 9th Avenue, tucked behind it is Bathtub Gin. There really is an actual bathtub in the middle of the bar and if you drink enough gin, which you definitely will, you’ll find yourself in the bathtub before the night is over. Bathtub Gin has a strong 1920-1930’s influence that’s really enjoyable, with a smoky, old-world feel to it. Try as many gin cocktails as you like, then feast on their absolutely delicious dinner menu. Find Bathtub Gin at 132 9th Avenue, New York, NY 

Frequently asked questions about NYC’s hidden bars

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