Thirteen years of Prohibition left its mark on American culture, so some phenomena that were especially common during that period are still found today.
The most notable of these phenomena are the secret bars, which used to be the only way to get around the law and get into a real bar with alcohol, now they have turned into entertainment for tourists and just places “for their own”, where there is always a special atmosphere.
The principle of these bars is very simple: on the outside they are an ordinary cafe, a barbershop or just any store. This exterior space is usually small and not particularly popular. Everyone who walks in here in the evening heads straight for the completely unremarkable back door, behind which is a spacious bar room with the lively ambience of 1920s America. Rarely do you see small signs or mentions of bars on the buildings.
Despite the veil of mystery, finding a secret bar is not that difficult, the main thing is knowing where to look. Many of these bars are particularly popular because they offer guests not only a specific atmosphere, but also regularly hold performances, live jazz concerts and other entertainment events. In some venues it is not so easy to get a seat in the evening. Below is a list of seven secret bars in New York City that even tourists can get into if they want to.
PDT – Please, do not tell
“Please Don’t Tell” is how the name of one of the most famous secret bars (as strange as it may sound) translates. This place is located in the East Village neighborhood and is incredibly popular. You can get in here only by making an appointment by phone, listed on the website. Make sure to call after 3 p.m., before that time there is simply no one at the bar. The bar is in the back of the Crif Dogs diner (you can get there by going through a vintage phone booth), so look for this sign.
The menu will welcome you with classic cocktails that are prepared according to the original recipe and using the highest quality ingredients. The choice of wine and beer will please you. Also at the bar there is a kitchen where the guests are offered hot dishes and snacks.
Facility’s interior can be described in two words – simplicity and style. Wooden planks, brick walls, animal heads, leather upholstery of chairs and sofas – all this creates the right atmosphere and allows you to feel most comfortable.
Bathtub Gin
Another popular bar is The Gin Bath, located in the Chelsea neighborhood. This establishment hides behind one of the interior doors of an ordinary, unremarkable coffee shop where you can buy pastries and have a cup of coffee. However, if you head to the white door at the back, they will open it for you and take you to a noisy and crowded bar. No reservations are required here. The bar is famous for its performances, live music concerts, and a bathtub that stands right in the middle of the room.
During Prohibition, gin was one of the most popular and affordable drinks, but due to the prohibition of alcohol sales, its quality often left much to be desired. To make it more or less palatable, barmen added other ingredients to the gin, and the first cocktails were born out of it. Now the bar offers cocktails based on high quality gin, as well as a number of other alcoholic drinks and a small menu of appetizers.
Employees Only
A red neon Tarot card fortune-telling sign will serve as a landmark for the entrance to the bar called “Employees Only. On lively evenings you can meet a security guard at the entrance, who will lead you inside the place. Just this fact alone sets the atmosphere of mystery, and the interior of the bar only complements it.
Besides tasty and high quality cocktails, the bar offers a full menu for all tastes. Here you will find dishes from fried chicken to dried clams. The bar offers options for both dinner and appetizers for cocktails and other drinks. The place is popular on weekends, so it’s advisable to arrive early to grab a seat at a table or bar.