New York City is renowned for its culinary scene, with thousands of restaurants offering cuisines from all around the world. However, some of the best dining experiences can be found off the beaten path in hidden restaurants and speakeasies known mostly to locals. If you’re looking to dine like a true New Yorker, here are some secret spots that offer unique dishes and unforgettable atmospheres.
1. Please Don’t Tell (PDT)
Description: Located in the East Village, Please Don’t Tell (PDT) is one of New York’s most famous speakeasies. The entrance is hidden inside a hot dog joint called Crif Dogs. To get in, you need to enter the phone booth, pick up the phone, and dial to request entry.
Highlights:
- Unique cocktails crafted by expert mixologists.
- Gourmet hot dogs and other bar snacks with a twist.
- Intimate and cozy ambiance perfect for a special night out.
Location: 113 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
2. Freeman’s Restaurant
Description: Freeman’s is a hidden gem at the end of an alley off Rivington Street on the Lower East Side. This colonial tavern-style restaurant offers a rustic, cozy atmosphere with vintage decor and taxidermy on the walls.
Highlights:
- American comfort food with dishes like artichoke dip, pork shoulder, and lemony roast chicken.
- Charming and intimate setting perfect for a romantic dinner or a quiet evening with friends.
- Seasonal menu with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Location: Freeman Alley, New York, NY 10002
3. The Back Room
Description: One of only two speakeasies in New York that operated during Prohibition and still exists today, The Back Room is hidden behind a toy store sign on Norfolk Street. Inside, it retains the clandestine, vintage vibe of the 1920s.
Highlights:
- Cocktails served in teacups and beer in paper bags, adding to the speakeasy feel.
- Live jazz music on certain nights.
- Historical decor that transports you back to the Prohibition era.
Location: 102 Norfolk St, New York, NY 10002
4. Bohemian
Description: Bohemian is a truly hidden restaurant with no signage, located behind a Japanese butcher shop in NoHo. To get a reservation, you need to know someone who has dined there before or be given the contact information through a referral.
Highlights:
- Japanese-American fusion cuisine with dishes like washu beef short rib sashimi, miso black cod, and foie gras soba.
- Intimate, modern setting with an exclusive feel.
- Personalized and attentive service.
Location: 57 Great Jones St, New York, NY 10012
5. Angel’s Share
Description: Nestled inside a Japanese restaurant in the East Village, Angel’s Share is a hidden bar known for its sophisticated cocktails. Entry is through an unmarked door within the restaurant.
Highlights:
- Elegant and innovative cocktails crafted by skilled bartenders.
- Quiet, intimate atmosphere ideal for conversation.
- A small, refined selection of bar snacks to complement the drinks.
Location: 8 Stuyvesant St, New York, NY 10003
Discovering these hidden restaurants in New York City can turn an ordinary meal into a memorable adventure. From speakeasies with historical charm to secret dining rooms offering exclusive culinary experiences, these spots allow you to dine like a local and experience the city’s vibrant and diverse food scene in a whole new way. Next time you’re in the Big Apple, step off the well-trodden path and explore these secret treasures for a truly unique gastronomic journey.