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    The Back Room

    3.5 (1k reviews)
    ModerateLounges, Speakeasies
    Closed 6:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    The Back Room Photos

    Business Info

    THE BACK ROOM ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Dressy

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    Recommended Reviews - The Back Room

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    Mixed drinks in teacups
    Gabriella L.

    Getting here felt a little sketchy, but that's part of the fun came for a jazz night and would advise coming earlier rather than later to secure seating. It was packed, but nevertheless, still an amazing vibe. The drinks were strong and well worth your $.

    Inside
    Fabienne M.

    Back room is exactly what it says it is. This speakeasy has a very antique, vintage style and aura. Big in size large bar area, a good amount of lounge chairs and couches. Classy and flavorful cocktail drinks served in tea cups with saucers. I really enjoyed it here. Service was on point. Great for date nights, night caps, or just hanging with the girls.

    Anastasiya N.

    I really enjoyed that place! This is a speakeasy with unique design, they serve cocktails in tea cups as a reference to prohibition times. I tried their penicillin cocktail that was very delicious. I would highly recommend it!

    Ingrid C.

    A not so secret, secret bar - it's easy to miss by the decorated gate a couple of steps away from the subway. Reserved for those 25 years and older, you're guided down a flight of stairs, some graffitied walls and up into an entrance leading you into a dark lit room. The vibes are warm, cozy and classic. There's very few places to sit, and tables/couches must be reserved. They even serve your drinks in tea cups reminiscent of the prohibition era. If you like a classier atmosphere as your go-to speakeasy, then it's worth paying a visit at least once.

    Cozy living room
    Christine L.

    Definitely a true hidden speakeasy, my aunt and I got a bit lost trying to find this place haha. Go down the toy gate and walk all the way to the back up the stairs by the trucks and it's that door. Inside is beautiful, it feels like you're in a cozy fancy living room with soft candles and comfy couches. Wish the fireplace was working to rly emphasize the vibe. Drinks are fine, preferred the Bees Knees to the Pink Slipper, but all are served in cute teacups as a nod to their prohibition roots. It got pretty busy on a Saturday night, but the bartenders were friendly and speedy. Note- 25 yrs and up is only for Friday and Saturday. Other nights is anyone of legal drinking age

    Natalie M.

    Really cool speakeasy with an actual "hidden" entrance! The inside is super cozy and dark, and very spacious. I was there on a Friday night and it was busy enough that most of the seating was taken but there was lots of areas you can stand and not feel crowded at all. Like for the bar was short and bartenders were super nice. Drinks were standard and the tea cups were cute! Pricing is the same as any other bar in the area. I would definitely come back.

    Priscilla L.

    10/10 service and drinks! It's a bit of a challenge to find if you're a new comer but that's the fun part. You'll figure it out eventually! My favorite part was the free coat rack. Every drink is served in a tea cup (it's a small history lesson look it up) but definitely worth it. It gets packed so snag a seat but the vibes are very relaxed.

    Teresa C.

    The entrance is obscure as a speakeasy should be. A creepy neon lit ally leads into a fire escape type staircase. Other than the entrance, the bar itself is a bit underwhelming. We went on Christmas Eve which is the best time to go since it wasn't crowded at all. The drinks didn't seem very prohibition or speakeasy themed. When I saw the $16 price tag I thought that was super affordable for a speakeasy, but the drinks was served in a tiny tea cup and pretty weak so the cheap price made more sense. The ambiance was pretty cool considering it really was a prohibition bar back in the day, but the drinks aren't that unique.

    Derek N.

    Back Room was a really cool speakeasy! This was my first time patronizing such an establishment, and I'm so glad that I stopped in. This is the type of place you'd expect to see in a Prohibition-themed movie, and fits the bill of an underground speakeasy perfectly. Would highly recommend, it was a great time.

    Farah K.

    I was very hesitant to return to this place after 9years from my last review and thought Dean would still be there but after a bit of peer pressure from my sister I gave in and I must say it was the best decision I made after dinner (at Dhamaka which you must try!). From the beginning Brandon was very friendly and approachable and was not greedy as Dean from 9yrs ago. He was very attentive and listened to what I wanted. Of course the drink decisions was on point with no regret. I wish he was the bartender from the beginning but unfortunately Brandon is only there Tuesday & Wednesday but I will definitely be returning when he's there! Ambiance remains the same but it's the service that counts! THANK YOU Brandon!

    Penicillin.
    Cindy Z.

    The thing about a speakeasy is that they're usually hidden away from the public eye. I was a little lost on where the entrance was when I arrived since I didn't do my research, so let me help me. There's a short gate that leads down a staircase just between Nurse Bettie and The Blue Residential Tower. I noticed another couple looking lost on their phones until they followed us in. Once you go down the stairs, you go through an alley all the way to another set of stairs going up. There's some toys on display and you have arrived. As soon as you walk in, it really takes you back to the Prohibition era from the music, style, and mood of the space. The bouncer made sure to inform us that the bar is cash only, but they do have an ATM machine next to the men's restroom. Each drink is $14-16, so keep that in mind for how much cash to bring with you. I ordered the Penicillin ($16) and the boyfriend got the P.T.Z. ($14). The drinks are served in a teacup just like they did during the Prohibition, although this meant the drinks are smaller than usual especially with the ice too. I honestly couldn't tell too much of a difference between the drinks and they were more fruity than alcohol forward. I can't say the drinks are worth coming for, but it's the atmosphere that's really cool. I love that it's one of two bars still operating today from the Prohibition era, so it feels so real being here to enjoy some libations. Not sure what happened either, but when I gave $40 for my $30 drinks, I was only given $8 back. I wasn't sure if I was still supposed to tip if they already took some extra from my change, so weird. I tipped anyways, but not sure how it's charged being cash only and all too.

    Green tea shots
    Melkys V.

    This speakeasy is such a vibe, the decor and atmosphere is so cool. Kind of made me feel like I was in a different timeline. They serve all drinks in mugs like they used to back in the day when alcohol was not legal haha, so cool! This is not the place to come to if you want to dance around with friends. It is more of a sit down and catch up place, even the music is lower and I'm assuming it is because of this! Important to note this place is 25y and up.

    Drinks
    Liana M.

    I've been wanting to visit The Back Room since I heard about it. I love anything 1920s, especially if it's authentic. I think this is only one of two or so surviving speakeasy bars from the Prohibition era in NYC. The entrance is easier to find than you might think but it definitely gives you pause when you enter. Like, is this right? It is. Keep going. The interior is gorgeous. Love the moody red lighting. It's definitely a more intimate atmosphere. Lounge-y. The seating is a little hit or miss though. There are some big comfy seating areas and then these little makeshift vignettes with 2 stools and a tiny table. We started at the latter and then moved to the former once people moved on. From what I remember, the music was good. People mostly kept to themselves in the various corners, though. It was fun to drink out of the teacups. But honestly, the drinks weren't very good. I think they're premixed since they have to fit in the small cups. So don't come looking for a mind-blowing cocktail experience here. It's more about the novelty and the vibes!

    Inside

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    Page 1 of 26

    The Back Room Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Back Room

    Do you offer any mocktails for non alcoholic drinkers?

    I see it says jazz? Is there live music nightly?

    Not nightly

    Do we have to make a reservation?

    They don't take reservations, it's a bar and crowd size varies by day. I recommend checking it out on s weekday.

    Does this place have a dress code?

    "Our dress code is casual, but neat.. We do not allow baseball hats, sloppy ripped jeans, team jerseys or white undershirts. We also have a unique policy—we do not allow real fur. This includes fur collars. Please alert your guests!!!!!! (Fake… Read more

    Is it really busy on a Friday or Saturday night?

    It is. Theres a bar, standing room, then a second floor with couches and further standing room. In my experience, I booked a couch for bottle service. My friends had ample room.

    Does this place take credit cards? I was there tonight and they only accepted cash but I see people mention paying with credit cards on other nights. Just curious what the deal is?

    They usually take credit cards. Their system was down last night.

    Is it true that you have to be at least 25 on Fridays and Saturdays, or will 21 and up suffice?

    Nope, went last night and I'm 24. Half the crowd inside looked like they were 18. I don't think the 25 rule applied last night so maybe not every weekend.

    View All 8 Questions

    Review Highlights - The Back Room

    Dimly lit and fairly quiet with large comfy sofas, this place was pretty awesome.

    Mentioned in 23 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    The Woo Woo - Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls

    The Woo Woo

    4.4(344 reviews)
    2.9 miTheater District, Midtown West
    $$

    Who knew a random Tuesday could feel like such a vibe? From the moment you walk up and give the…read morepassword to get in, you instantly feel like you're part of something special. The whole experience is fun, a little mysterious, and honestly just exciting. The inside is just as stylish as the staff--everyone fits the energy perfectly and makes the night even better. And the food? Surprisingly really good, not just an afterthought like most spots like this. Definitely one of those places that turns an ordinary night into something memorable.

    The Woo Woo is loud and touristy--and honestly, that kind of sums it up…read more They market it as a speakeasy, which... technically yes. You need a password (easy to find online), and you go through a hidden door down a staircase. But it feels more like a novelty than anything else. NYC has way more iconic speakeasies, so this isn't somewhere I'd go out of my way for more than once. Nothing wrong with the vibe--it's Times Square, so you already know what you're getting--but it's definitely a one-and-done kind of spot. The drinks are good and super fun, but they're very extra (smoke, presentation, all that), so between that and how packed it gets, it can take a while just to get one cocktail. Didn't try the food. Overall, go for the pics and TikToks--it's perfect for that. I'd recommend checking it out once, but I don't really see it being a repeat spot.

    Photos
    The Woo Woo - Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls

    Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls

    The Woo Woo - A speakeasy bar in the basement

    A speakeasy bar in the basement

    The Woo Woo - The end of the bar. Pay no attention to that small TV.

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    The end of the bar. Pay no attention to that small TV.

    Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar - Gorgeous sunset

    Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar

    4.3(386 reviews)
    2.6 miMidtown West, Theater District, Hell's Kitchen

    Beautiful rooftop bar on the west side. It's dark and cozy inside; invites intimate conversation…read more The cocktail selection is great, a wide range of tart and tangy to sweet and smooth. The service at Dear Irving is top notch, they are reliable and quick. They understand the difference between providing privacy and providing assistance. Great date night spot.

    As I've said previously, I try to avoid midtown. It's congested and touristy and the restaurants…read moreare usually just not that great. But Irving on Hudson is an exception. The view is gorgeous and sweeping. The service is attentive and professional. The drinks are sophisticated. I ended up here because I saw a video about their gin and tonic. Sounds simple, but it's one of my favorite drinks, and I'm always looking for someone who can do it well. I ordered their "dear G&T" and it was a fruity, complex riff on my old favorite. I also got the foreign forage, "a bourbon smash with a mint zing." It was also a delicious take on a classic. They have several types of cocktails, all broken down by spirit and flavor profile. They also offer a lot of spirits made in New York State. They have cocktails with earthy notes, fruity notes, fancy martinis, and a section boasting limited edition and special spirits, if you're "feeling fancy" and wanna cough up 35 bucks instead of 20 or 25! They have a bar snacks menu (sliders, nuts, and the like). I had their thick cut fries and they were light, seasoned, and tasty. I couldn't stop eating them. Midtown or not, I highly recommend this spot, which also has a couple other locations, including Gramercy.

    Photos
    Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar - Caviar toast

    Caviar toast

    Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar - View from the balcony

    View from the balcony

    Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar - Christmas Eve

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    Christmas Eve

    Pocket Bar NYC - Sharknado Sangria & Complimentary Popcorn

    Pocket Bar NYC

    4.7(343 reviews)
    3.1 miHell's Kitchen, Midtown West
    $$

    Small cozy with intimate vibes. Yet the bar will surprise you with its funky handles. The…read morebartender's sweet, service is good and the prices are typical for midtown. They have popcorn too. I really enjoyed their music, not current but just might have you singing along

    SUCH a cute little bar! Came out to "investigate" yesterday around "Happy Hour" time (note: there…read morewas no actual happy hour here) around 5-6pm on a Friday. It IS a small bar, but there were only about 4-5 folks here already, engrossed in a conversation at the bar that anyone could join. I quietly took a seat at one of the 3 tables on the plush high-top bench and the lone, friendly bartendress was immediately attentive (I was greeted the moment I stepped through the door!). Now, there's no ACTUAL liquor here, ONLY the beer and wine on the small menu, so don't try asking her to whip you up something not on the menu. Luckily for me, there was a fruity sangria special, so I opted for that, served with a decorative shark adornment and a metal straw, and was immediately given a little bucket of popcorn to accompany it. Now, this is part of the reason why I wanted to check this place out. Fresh popcorn is my weakness. Bars that give free snacks with drinks are top tier in my book. You could probably lure me into the back of a white van with a signature red and white filled popcorn bucket. So I sat, and I sipped, and I munched, and I listened to the conversation from the others, and the bartendress, god bless her, would check on my bucket and refill it any time it got low. Now I'm really a mixed drink girly, but the vibes were SO cool here that I would most definitely come back. :D Also note, there's cool little padded seating by the window that I noticed that would be great for people-watching outside.

    Photos
    Pocket Bar NYC - Sharknado Sangria! 3/5. IG: @amei.eats

    Sharknado Sangria! 3/5. IG: @amei.eats

    Pocket Bar NYC - Popcorn and Cabernet

    Popcorn and Cabernet

    Pocket Bar NYC - Greek White Wine

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    Greek White Wine

    The Rum House - A rum and tonic

    The Rum House

    3.9(714 reviews)
    2.8 miTheater District, Midtown West
    $$

    Been wanting to check this place out for YEARS... I finally have. It was really small. It looked so…read moremuch bigger to me in pictures. This is not a bad thing, I was just surprised. Regardless, I love the dark decor. Its not loud or anything, just a more relaxing environment for drinks where you can actually speak to each other. They have a huge selection of drinks, not too much to eat but there's plenty of restaurants in the area to handle that for you. The popcorn did smell good though. It was also the end of Happy Hour when we arrived. My husband got the 'Hot Buttered Rum' and I got the 'Escape' which was Bacardi 8yr Rum, Coconut Crème, Pineapple Juice, Sweet Vermouth. The drinks were STRONG. They are also pricy but the Hot Buttered Rum was part of Happy Hour so that helped. The service was super friendly, knowledgeable and quick. I would come back or recommend if you are in the area. It was a nice little place and glad I finally tried it.

    Loved this place! They had live music on a Tuesday evening and the drinks were awesome. Got the…read morehotel nacional which was just a lovely level of sweetness - some pineapple and apricot and a mixture of light and dark rum served with lime and a luxardo maraschino. So classy. The ambiance is fantastic. Classy. The live music definitely makes it! Not a ton of seating, dim lights, feels historic!

    Photos
    The Rum House - Rose & espresso martini before the show

    Rose & espresso martini before the show

    The Rum House
    The Rum House

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    The Back Room - lounges - Updated May 2026

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