201 366 8692
Speakeasies came into prominence during America's Prohibition Era. Defined as establishments that served alcohol illegally, the name literally means to speak quietly and discretely about the venue, lest your favorite gin joint get raided.
Today, speakeasies across the country — and even in countries that never had a prohibition period — embrace an underground, retro vibe, frequently focused on craft cocktails and great entertainment. If you want to ratchet up the quality and the class that defines your nightlife experience, perhaps with that special someone in tow, venture up to Harlem where one of these timeless speakeasy-themed locales will most definitely do the trick.
Below Red Rooster at 310 Malcolm X Blvd. (between 125th and 126th streets)
Set below the uber-popular Red Rooster, there’s nothing Ginny’s Supper Club misses when it comes to delivering a flawless speakeasy-style atmosphere. Featuring live music, to-die-for specialty cocktails and a meticulously designed décor, this Harlem hotspot transports guests back in time. Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s world renowned cuisine will delight your taste buds, while a Harlem Mule — Japanese whiskey, ginger, basil and bitters, served in a kitschy tin mug — wets your whistle.
2082 Frederick Douglass Blvd. at 113th Street
Blink while strolling through Harlem and you might miss this tiny, barely marked joint. Owner Karl Franz Williams named the establishment 67 Orange Street in honor of Almack’s Dance Hall that stood at that address (now Baxter Street) in the notorious Five Points district. Almack's was one of the first African-American-owned bars in New York City, and the venue played host to an eclectic and lively mix of early Irish immigrants and newly emancipated African Americans. With rustic interiors and velvet curtains dimly lit by Edison bulbs, the 60-seat space gives off a decidedly discreet, speakeasy vibe. Unbelievable craft cocktails are paired with mouthwatering small plates, such as lobster mac-n-cheese, and a raw bar.
Below Row House at 280 1/2 115th Street near Frederick Douglass Blvd.
Once you finish off your drink at 67 Orange Street, stroll a couple blocks north to the recently opened Row House restaurant (brought to you by the owners of Harlem Tavern). From the outside it might not look like much of a speakeasy, but, trust us, there’s a discreet downstairs lounge. Find the password on the venue’s social media accounts, sport your finest threads, and spice up your life with one of Under Bar’s signature cocktails, Hot Enough to Last, made with honey jalapeno bourbon, basil simple syrup and Jamaican ginger beer.
2331 12th Ave. at 133rd Street
Set near the banks of the Hudson River, under the grand arches of the Riverside Drive viaduct, you’ll find a Caribbean-themed getaway conceived by Karl Franz Williams of 67 Orange Street. The eclectic space combines industrial, modern and West Indian influences they may not immediately conjure a private drinking lair, but their speakeasy-style rum cocktails and out-of-the-way location in the Manhattanville Factory District helped Solomon & Kuff force its way onto this list. Alongside rustic, gastropub fare, Solomon & Kuff's feature more than 100 rums and cocktails that bring a taste of the Caribbean to Harlem with ingredients like sorrel, avocado, seaweed, fruits, vegetable, herbs and spices.
148 W. 133rd St. between Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. blvd.
As a nod to the actual speakeasies of the Prohibition Era, we've included one BYOB establishment. Bill's Place is situated on the former site of an authentic 1920s speakeasy that once played host to a young Billie Holliday. This tiny spot in the basement of a brownstone building is the home of the best live straight-ahead jazz in the city as Bill Saxton leads his Harlem All Stars on stage Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. The performances are worth the $20 cover charge, but be sure to bring your favorite libation from home. Bill's does not sell alcohol, and wine and beer vendors are sparse in the immediate area.
Not only is Harlem notorious for their underground speakeasy scene, Harlem's fantastic restaurant scene is now a well-known fact across the five boroughs and beyond. Read about Our 5 Favorite Harlem Restaurants.
