Hidden Gems • 5 hours 5
(30)

NYC's Best Hidden Speakeasies: A Secret Bar Adventure

Uncover NYC’s coolest speakeasies hidden in subway stations and more. Sip cocktails and explore the city’s best-kept secrets with a local host!

Avoid annoying a New Yorker by walking too slow or stopping in the middle of the sidewalk to take a picture!

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Start your NYC speakeasy adventure underground at a hidden bar right in the subway.
  • Take a stroll by the *Empire State Building* and snap some photos of this iconic NYC landmark.
  • Step into a speakeasy behind a coffee shop, where the electric-themed cocktails and tasty tapas make this spot a real hidden treasure.
  • Walk through what seems like a typical bodega and discover a hidden cocktail lounge where unique drinks and a cool atmosphere await.
  • End your adventure at a spot tucked away in an unexpected place in the West Village. You'll never guess where it is!

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

5 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Per person
Hosted experience lasting up to 5 hours
Private and tailored to your group only
Immersive walking experience between stops
4 drinks
Public transportation
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations)

What’s not included

Additional food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Additional transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

210 W 50th St, 210 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019, USA

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

A drink in New York City seems like a no-brainer. It's a Sex and the City moment that almost everyone dreams of. What could be better? Maybe heading into a speakeasy for a more mysterious feel. During my time in NYC, I have found a few hidden gems to grab a cocktail from, and I want to share them with you. Get ready to dive into New York City's coolest hidden bars on a speakeasy adventure like no other! With your local host leading the way, we're skipping the obvious spots and uncovering NYC's best-kept secrets—bars that are tucked away in subway stations, behind coffee shops, and even inside a burger joint.

First stop: Nothing Really Matters—and nope, that's not an existential crisis talking. It's a speakeasy literally hidden in the subway! Imagine this: you're standing on a busy NYC subway platform, surrounded by the usual chaos, but then your host leads you through a mysterious door into a dimly lit, super-cool bar. You'll sip on the "So Alive" cocktail, a refreshing concoction that'll get your night started with a bang. While you're settling in, your host will share some insider stories about how these secret bars became a thing during Prohibition and why they're still so popular in NYC today. After soaking in the underground vibes, head above ground to catch a glimpse of Times Square's legendary lights before hopping on the 1 train for your next hidden gem.

Next up, pass by the Empire State Building—because why not? It's one of the city's most iconic landmarks, and since it's nearby, take a quick detour for a photo op. Snap your pics, admire the view, and then it's off to your second speakeasy: Patent Pending. Now, this one's fun. You enter through a coffee shop, but once you're inside, it's like stepping into a world of electric-themed cocktails and moody lighting. Your host will help you settle in with an "Odd Love" cocktail—a drink that's as intriguing as its name—and if you're hungry, this spot's got some seriously delicious tapas. It's the perfect place to relax, chat with your host, and enjoy the secretive, cozy atmosphere.

From there, it's off to another secret hideaway—The Little Shop. From the outside, it looks like any other bodega (maybe you'll even walk past it and do a double take), but once your host takes you to the back, surprise! You're in a sleek cocktail lounge that feels like you've stepped into a hidden gem only locals know about. You'll try the "Miso" cocktail, and trust me, it's as unique as the bar itself. Your host will fill you in on how this quirky spot came to be and might even drop a few hints about other hidden gems nearby.

Your final subway ride takes you to the West Village, where your last stop, The Garret West, is hiding in the most unexpected place—a Five Guys! Yes, you read that right. Behind the counter of this burger joint is a trendy speakeasy, and it's the perfect spot to finish the night on a high note. Sip on your "Sweet Gin Music" cocktail while soaking in the cool, laid-back vibes of the West Village. And if you're still feeling the energy, the neighborhood is buzzing with places to keep the party going after you wrap up.

Throughout the night, your host is your key to discovering NYC's secret drinking spots. They'll navigate the city, share fun facts about each location, and make sure you're having the time of your life. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or just here for the adventure, this experience will leave you feeling like you've truly uncovered a side of NYC most people never see. Have fun!

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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What travelers think of our USA experiences

Julie May 2025

First time in NYC! Jason P was very knowledgeable and good storyteller. It was a great way to meet NYC.

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Daan Nov 2023

Maurita of City unscripted showed us New York south of 23rd West street. She has been an excellent guide, very knowledgable of the local areas, Wall Street area, China Town, little Italy, Brooklyn Bridge, Greenwich, West Village. We truly enjoyed her company and historic knowledge. Highly recommended.

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Daan Nov 2023

Maurita, took us out for the day in owner Manhattan and an in depth knowledge of the history and local stories of the various neighbourhoods we visited. Her Italian background furthermore enhanced the experience in this part of Manhattan, very muchrecommended.

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Jackie Feb 2019

Would like to say what a fantastic time we had with Mei she was brilliant. Really felt like we were meeting up with a old friend and the information she gave us was great. Would highly recommend her we even braved the subway the following day on her advice as the quickest way to get around thanks Mei for a wonderful day

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Mary Jun 2018

I booked a one on one tour of New York. My guide, Denise, was amazing. Not only did she take me to sights that I wanted to see but she also included some things that she thought might interest me. We had a great day with lots of laughs along the way. I would go back to New York in a heart beat and would definetly catch up with Denise again. Thank you City Unscripted for a great guide and a great day!

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Melodie & Ed Mar 2018

Greg was a great tour guide, not only does he love his city, he knows it like the back of his hand! He showed us all the different areas of NYC, explained what to do in each area i.e where to eat/drink and what to do there. He also took us away from all the tourist areas and showed us places we would have never gone to on our own which was great - we got the real new yorker experience! Greg provided us with some great facts and history about the city and showed us some of the city’s hidden gems. He is a big foodie likes us so was able to give us lots of recommendations for markets and restaurants which we loved! He also gave us some good tips and apps to download for the subway, restaurants, taxis etc. which were helpful for the rest of our trip. We had a great time with Greg, he is very easy to get along with and clearly has a passion for his city – we would gladly recommend him!

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