Exploring the food scene of New York is a culinary adventure like no other, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of flavours from around the globe. With its diverse neighbourhoods, boroughs and world-renowned chefs, the city offers everything from gourmet dining to beloved street food. Uncover the tastiest treasures of New York, where lesser-known delis, restaurants and food markets await to tantalise your taste buds! Venture off the beaten path with us and discover why there is more to New York across all five boroughs.
Katz’s Delicatessen: In New York’s Lower East side, famous for its mouthwatering pastrami on rye sandwiches and considered one of New York’s best. Katz Delicatessen serves nearly 7,000kg of pastrami each week!
Russ & Daughters Cafe: Since 1914, Russ & Daughters is considered a New York institution in the Lower East side. Don’t miss this cosy spot where you can indulge in delicious bagels topped with fresh schmear, smoked fish and caviar.
Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop: In Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighbourhood, renowned for its fluffy donuts that are worth the trip alone. One of the best places to get a crumb cream!
Chelsea Market: In the heart of New Yorks Meatpacking District. Sample artisanal cheeses, gourmet tacos, and sweet treats – all under one roof. The markets collection of distinctive and diverse merchants creates more than just your average food hall.
Smorgasburg Food Market: This market comes alive on Saturdays in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Featuring an array of vendors offering everything from gourmet grilled cheese to inventive ramen burgers. A true food festival and feast for all the senses featuring over 100 vendors.
Chez Josephine: Found on West 42nd Street, Chez Josephine is a tribute to Josephine Baker and 1930’s Paris, experience perfectly paired French cuisine with live piano music. Fabulous food in a romantic setting!
Frevo: This Michelin Star venue is a modern take on fine dining. It’s concealed behind an art gallery and is an intimate 16-seat setting built around an open kitchen. Located at Greenwich Village. Art & dine in the one sitting.
Tokyo Record Bar & Listening Room: An underground listening room dedicated to fantastic quality music and food! A la carte dining paired with vinyl playlists. Located next to Washington Square Park in New York City.
Chefs Table at Brooklyn Fare: Located in Midtown West, this is the speakeasy of fine dining! Nestled in the back of a busy Manhattan grocery store, where cutting edge culinary expertise and ingenuity come alive.
Exploring the secret speakeasies of New York offers a unique journey into the city’s rich history and vibrant nightlife. These hidden bars, reminiscent of the Prohibition era, provide and intimate atmosphere, creative cocktails, and a sense of adventure as you uncover concealed entrances and intriguing stories. Each speakeasy showcases a blend of vintage charm and modern flair, often featuring live music and themed decor, and is sure to bring the most fun and memorable experiences!
Nothing Really Matters is a popular speakeasy bar located in New York City on West 50th Street. Known for its unique ambiance, it offers a cosy and intimate setting reminiscent of the Prohibition era. The establishment often features craft cocktails, vintage décor, and a curated selection of music, making it a great place to unwind.
How To Get In: 50th Street subway station – downstairs on the Downtown 1 line. Entry next to Duane Reade.
This renowned speakeasy is located in the West Village. Established in 2007, it has gained a reputation for its expertly crafted cocktails and stylish, vintage inspired atmosphere. With its speakeasy charm, often requiring a bit of effort the find the entrance, which only adds to the allure! Try Employees Only’s famous Manhattan with a twist, the Ginger Smash, or the Amelia.
How To Get In: 501 Hudson Street, tucked behind the fortune teller’s booth, round that corner and you’re in!
Sophistication reigns here in Chinatown. Featuring a unique apothecary theme, the bar features a menu that resembles a pharmacy, with cocktails crafted by mixologists in lab coast from fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices. The ambiance is intimate and cosy, with a vintage feel that includes dim lighting and eclectic décor.
How To Get In: At the bend in Doyers Street, look for the door with the red light and the ‘Chemist’ sign hanging above it. Entrance is permitted at the host’s discretion.
Inside the Stone Steet Coffee shop on 9th Avenue in Chelsea, you will find Bathtub Gin. Stepping into this speakeasy will have you feeling like you stepped into the 1920’s New York, but with a modern twist. The décor gives vibes of an upscale hideaway. The bar offers a creative cocktail menu, with an emphasis on gin.
How To Get In: Locate the Stone Street Standard sign in the back of the shop—it’s actually a secret door leading into the club!
Take a journey through the remnants of the oldest tunnel in America - the former Atlantic Avenue Railroad – to enter this bar in Brooklyn Heights. Beautifully decorated with vintage furnishings, creating a warm and inviting space, Le Boudoir is Marie-Antoinette inspired, complete with gilded mirrors designed to emulate the Queens parlour in Versailles.
How To Get In: Inside the Chez Moi bistro, you’ll find a hidden bookshelf that will take you to Le Boudoir
To enter this speakeasy in the East Village, you go through a hot dog joint called Crif’s Dogs! PDT is famed for its creative cocktails, innovative mixology, and unique atmosphere which combines a vintage speakeasy feel with modern touches. The bar features an extensive cocktail menu, often using fresh ingredients and house-made mixers.
How To Get In: Head down the stairs into Crif Dogs and find the phone booth. Pick up the red phone to reach the hostess, but make sure to ring only once!