Beyond the Prohibition Speakeasy

Manhattan is no stranger to hidden back room bars, underground passages through Time Square hotels and businesses to the party - how else were they going to survive prohibition? Beyond Bathtub Gin, Please Don’t Tell, and Beauty and Essex are places more like Joel’s Chinatown Club as a passageway to the illegal gambling ring down the stairs in Marvelous Mrs. Masiel.

The House of the Red Pearl

Located on the top floor of the Tin Building (Seaport), Mercantile is a little open-space shop of teas, spices, and kitchenware. But, as you wait to check out, you may notice people disappearing behind a corner. Beyond the wall and past a black curtain lies a hidden Chinese restaurant powered by Jean George, House of the Red Pearl. Decorated with red and gold foil wallpaper, paper lantern lighting, velvet booths and lux accents, you’ll have to depend on luck as no reservations are taken at this time.

Chez Zou

Already mentioned in our blogs, we can’t leave it off this list. Street side, a mediterranean restaurant, Zou Zou’s, welcomes guests for a sit down meal from Chef Madeline Sperling. Walk to the elevator just past the host stand and you will find access to Chez Zou. So secret, their web page leads you straight to their Instagram account with just a mural of cocktails.

Double Chicken Please

Not really hidden - the sign is visible from the street, but the experience is a reveal. Walking into a long narrow space, it feels like a stark bar with drinks on tap. Seating is first come, first serve for tap drinks and food. Check in with the hostess for your back room reservation and they will lead you farther into the space through a door frame that opens up into a dimly lit space with a large ‘U’ shaped bar and seating, couch seating and table tops, dark wood and chicken art as homage to the name. A lounge vibe with unique cocktails: cold pizza, Japanese cold noodles, mango sticky rice and signature chicken sandwiches (and other menu items).

Husos - Marky’s Caviar

Feeling fancy? Head to Marky’s for an afternoon of caviar and champagne. Located on Madison Ave, shop the freshest caviar and large selection of caviar for home enjoyment or a gift. Then slip into Husos, a farm to spoon experience with a curated wine menu and lunch and dinner items outside of just caviar.

The Campbell Bar

Grand Central Station may seem like just another portal for traveling and trains. There are the usual shops, dining options, and people watching. Seek a little further and you will find The Campbell Bar. Restored to its previous resident’s decor, John Campbell’s private office and reception area, with grand ceilings, frescos, original glass window and stone fireplace teleporting you to Jazz Age 1923. With extra time between transfers, head to terminal 15 for lite bites and a drink.