The Top 3 Speakeasy Bars in New York

The non-descript entrance to Death & Co 

The passage of the Brooks High License Act in Pennsylvania in 1888 requiring saloon owners to increase their taxes from $50 to $500 immediately resulted in the closing of "legal" drinking establishments thus opening the doors for speakeasy's to operate under the radar to sustain their businesses. One McKeesport, Pennsylvania "illegal" saloon owner, Kate Hesler,  is credited for coining the term "speakeasy" when she instructed her saloon guests to
"Speak easy, boys! Speak easy" when things start getting out of hand. The resurgence of the speakeasy became more prominent during the prohibition years.

The allure of the speakeasy continues to this day. Speakeasy's usually have a secret code, passageway or a fake storefront to cover up the "illegal" activity inside the bar. New York claims three of the top speakeasy's in America. Each with it's signature libation and seductive appeal.

On this fateful night in the city, my speakeasy tour guides were my brother, Brian, and his girlfriend, Vivian. No online research can replace the inside knowledge of locals. Brian and Vivian are the perfect companions for they provide first hand experience from each joint along with the occasional friend guarding the door or tending the bar. We hit four bars but one bar, PDT, failed miserably on the guest service portion by putting us on a 45 minute wait list but neglecting to call us when a table became available. So much for the hype on the Travel Channel - PDT is banned from my list of reputable speakeasy's.

MAYAHUEL

304 E. 6th st.

212.253.5888

Subway: Astor Pl. 8th st Lexington

Dig: home to the best bar tacos and tequila cocktails in NYC

Mayahuel's basement bar is home to the finest tequila cocktails. From the 

basic blanco to reposado to anejo to mezcal. Every cocktail on the list

raises tequila's status from bar shot torture to cocktail heaven. 

Michelada - spicy sangrita with citrus & beer $9

I've had my share of incredible tacos, but Mayahuel's is special. Above is

the chorizo and tinga (stewed pork) tacos with cilantro, radishes and lime.

DEATH & Co.

433 E 6th

212.388.0882

Subway: Astor Pl 8th st Lexington

Dig: NYC's best mixologists work here

The menu ups the ante on bar food - Goat Cheese Profiteroles with red

pepper and Mexican honey $12 to Crispy Pork Belly with polenta, mission

figs, port glaze $14.

Last train to Oaxaca - Pueblo Viejo Anejo, Los

Amantes Joven Mezcal, Lillet Blanc, Don's

Spices $13

Floor to ceiling wood sets the masculine tone at Death & Co

Chandelier above our booth

Hotel Delmano

82 Berry St Williamsburg, Brooklyn

718.387.1945

Subway: take a cab

Dig: Old Buenos Aires atmosphere, good but pricey cocktails

Despite the name, don't expect a bellman to escort

you to your room because there are none. This

former tattoo parlor is divided into three salons

filled with thirty something Brooklynites

The red salon

Delmano's unisex bathroom is a voyeur's legal

delight.

An authentic Parisian absinthe dispenser

Buenos Aires finds

Why not...
PDT
113 St. Marks Pl
212.614.0386
Take the steps down to Crif Dogs, go inside the
phone booth and beg for admittance

"Secret" entrance to PDT

Vivian on the phone - only to be forgotten by
the hostess guarding the secret door