Over the last few months, work has taken me to a bunch of awesome cities, like New York, Singapore, Boston, among others (also explains why I love my job)! And because it’s never all work and no play, I did a little exploring everywhere I went. Besides the stunning museums, street foods, and theatre, any talk of speakeasy bars (which basically means that they’re bit hidden) got me very excited too… Love a good hunt!
It was a quick game of hide and seek at times, but always well worth the effort. Especially once you’re on the inside, trying quirky concoctions made by some of the best mixologists in the city. So here are the few speakeasy bars that I discovered, and absolutely loved! #desigirltraveler
Backbar
What: Hidden behind another bar in Union Square, this one was a great find. We enjoyed watching the mixologists as they carefully constructed each cocktail (I now know what a beer can sleeve is)! Just as interesting were the interiors by the way… They take their Star Wars memorabilia very seriously. 😉
Where: 7 Sanborn Court, Union Square, Somerville, MA 02143, Boston
Tip: Stop over at Journeyman right next door (make a reservation though). Started as a secret supper club, this spot is now a dual-concept hideaway which offers a curated menu from Thursday to Sunday. And come Monday (until Wednesday), it appears as Heat, where you can walk-in and enjoy an a-la-carte dining experience. Once you’re there, you can pick your drink at backbar & dine at journeyman (or Heat), all at the same time.
A delicious bite of diver scallop, cucumber, shiso and shiso seeds, and salmon roe pic.twitter.com/KgJdhiQVJN
— Journeyman (@eatatjourneyman) June 26, 2015
To know more about Backbar, click here, and for Journeyman, here.
Maison Premiere
What: Found this one while out for a walk in Williamsburg. Well known for it’s oysters and Absinthe drips, this cocktail den has a cool horse-shoe bar and an enchanted garden!
Where: 298 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11201
Tip: Try to make it here for brunch over the weekend. That garden on a sunny day… Gorgeous!
To know more about Maison Premiere, click here.
Angel’s Share
What: This speakeasy cocktail bar in the East Village can be bit hard to find. So if you end up in a quiet Japanese restaurant, you’re in the right place! Just look for the unmarked wooden door in the corner (right after you come up the stairs)… That’s when you actually enter Angel’s Share. And then come the cocktails, some of the best I’ve ever tried!
Where: 8 Stuyvesant St, New York, NY
Tip: Try the flirtiebird!
To know more about Angel’s Share, click here.
Little Branch
What: Right at a street intersection, you’ll see this unmarked door. On the other side, a flight of stairs will lead you into this underground speakeasy, best known for their old-fashioned cocktails and live jazz sessions.
Where: 20 Seventh Street, West Village, New York, NY
Tip: Copies of the ‘Rules Of The Bar’ are available upon request. Get one! #sofunny
To know more about Little Branch, click here.
Employees Only
What: The bright red neon light might say ‘Psychic’, but inside is this very cool speakeasy bar. Just like the creative cocktails, the food here is really tasty too. The Bone Marrow Poppers and Bacon Wrapped Lamb Chops were few of our favorites!
Where: 510 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
Tip: Sunday is their burlesque night, and quite fun I’m told!
To know more about Employees Only, click here.
Bar Stories
What: Tucked away in Haji Lane, this one has no menus! Once you’re seated, you’ll have to answer few questions, and then it arrives… That stunning cocktail, custom made each time, just for you.
Where: 57A, Haji Lane, Singapore
Tip: This is the one time you don’t ask for wine or beer.
To know more about Bar Stories, click here.
28 Hong Kong St
What: Once you find this scrappy white building, you’ll think you’re in the wrong place. But if you see the bold black number ’28’ on it… You have arrived! Step in through the thick theatre curtains, and just trust the bartender’s choice. They are the best in Asia!
Where: 28 HongKong Street, Singapore
Tip: This one can be very hard to find (and the website won’t help!), so if you have friends in Singapore, ask them for a little extra help!
To know more about 28 Hong Kong St, click here.
They say all good things must come to an end, and I completely disagree! So am back home now (that’s New Delhi), hitting up my favorite haunts. One of them being yet another speakeasy…
PCO
What: Camouflaging as a phone booth, this hideaway has two halves to enjoy once you’re on the inside. Head upstairs for a more quiet, intimate setting, and downstairs to enjoy the upbeat jazz music with a few friends. Either way, the well crafted cocktails will keep you coming back for more!
Where: D-4, D Block Market, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi 110057
Tip: Plan to go after hours, because ‘doors open’ at 6pm only.
To know more about PCO, click here.
So what did you think of our little discoveries? Tell us in the comments below, especially if you’ve got some awesome recommendations to share. 🙂
Until then, cheers!