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NYC Speakeasies and Cocktail Bars: Drinking Behind Hidden Doors

There's a particular thrill to pushing through what looks like a phone booth in a hot dog shop and finding a candlelit bar on the other side. That's not a metaphor — it's literally how you get into Please Don't Tell on St. Marks Place, and it captures something true about New York's speakeasy obsession. Born during Prohibition and revived with real gusto over the last two decades, the hidden bar has become an art form here. This is our guide to that secret world, and how to actually get in. A Short History of the Speakeasy The original speakeasies sprang up after the Volstead Act took effect in 1920, when selling alcohol became illegal and drinkers gathered in concealed rooms that operated in plain sight. New York, never especially fond of being told what it could do, became home to thousands of them — from basement clubs in Harlem to backroom bars downtown. One of the few that survived the era in spirit is The Back Room on the Lower East Side, which still serves co...
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NYC Food Guide: Where to Eat in New York City

Friends sharing a table of burgers, fries and drinks at a New York City restaurant

Photo via Unsplash

New York is one of the great eating cities of the world, a place where a two-dollar slice and a tasting-menu dinner can both feel completely essential. This is our running guide to eating well across the five boroughs, gathered from the articles we have published over the years. Whether you are chasing the perfect bagel, hunting down the best halal cart, or planning a night of rooftop cocktails, start here and follow the links to our full guides.

The NYC Classics

Some foods are simply part of the city's DNA. Before you chase trends, make time for the institutions that built New York's reputation: the corner pizzeria, the appetizing counter, the all-day deli.

Coffee, Cafés, and Casual Bites

Between meals, the city runs on coffee. The independent café scene has exploded across Brooklyn and Manhattan, and knowing where to sit and recharge is half the battle on a long day of walking.

Eating Your Way Around the Boroughs

Some of the best meals in New York are tied to a specific neighborhood. Harlem's soul food traditions and the global street food of the outer boroughs reward travelers who venture beyond Midtown.

Drinks with a View

When the sun goes down, head up. New York's rooftop bars turn the skyline into the backdrop for a cocktail, and they are some of the most memorable evenings the city offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What food is NYC most famous for?

New York is best known for its pizza, bagels, deli sandwiches like pastrami on rye, and street-cart staples such as halal platters and hot dogs. Our delis, bagels, and pizza guide is the best place to begin.

Where should I eat on a budget in NYC?

Street food and food halls offer some of the best value in the city, with quality far above the price. Our street food guide covers halal carts, dumpling shops, and the growing food-hall scene.

Is NYC good for vegetarians and vegans?

Yes, New York has one of the most developed plant-based dining scenes anywhere. Our vegetarian and vegan dining guide highlights dedicated restaurants and reliable options across the boroughs.

This guide is maintained by our editorial team and updated as we publish new food coverage. Have a favorite spot we should try? Tell us through our contact page.

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