Keys &amp; Heels

559

286

2217

3 months ago

We came for the magic show and I had so much fun! My roommate and I succeeded in the ticket drop odds, at roughly 75$ it was nice to have a drink with the show. Only my second magic show and I will say I don't know how they do any of their magic, but I enjoyed every second of it! It was fun, engaging, and active. They split the audience into three different groups and had three magicians that rotated from each group then finished up with a couple whole group magic tricks. It was fun to see different styles with different focused. I definitely would recommend this for the vibes and a good fun night. We are at uva next door beforehand since they only have chips for service on show nights. read more

Keys & Heels - Drink - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Keys & Heels - Vibes - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Peta W.

14

250

790

2 months ago

Always a good time at Keys & Heels. It was a booming Thursday and Marcus did his thing behind the bar. Music was good, a little dancing going on, active patrons, I keep going for that very reason! read more

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Business owner information

Jayne M.

Thank you so much Peta for such a great review!

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Vidhi S.

270

83

499

7 months ago

If you're looking for a speakeasy vibe spot for some amazing cocktails, this is the place to be in upper east side. We tried half their menu and were left super impressed. The service is great. They'll accommodate your requests read more

Keys & Heels - Espresso martini - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Keys & Heels - High society - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Julie T.

223

297

528

4 months ago

OMG LOVEEEE it here. Was looking for a place for post dinner on the E side and found Keys and Heels. Such a vibe wow!!! Place was absolutely packed and everyone was having a great time. Without a reservation it is standing room only but with their playlist it was better to stand/dance!! Drinks were on point and delish! Absolutely will be returning! read more

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Christine L.

52

303

1004

1 year ago

This bar is hidden behind a locksmith shop (hence the name Key and Heels). Made a reservation for my friend's bday outing and we were quickly seated by a friendly hostess. It is very very lively inside- not quite a traditional speakeasy but a fun vibe. Loud music and lots of people chatting by the bar. I got the spicy lychee martini- kinda a weird flavor combination, not sure if it worked IMO. Drinks also took a bit to come out and it was hard to get our server's attention. Glad I stopped by but probably won't be back. read more

Keys & Heels - Drinks - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Keys & Heels - Inside - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Jessica Y.

155

573

1814

11 months ago

This is a cute bar in the UES that's located by a locksmith shop (but still not too difficult to find). The interior is cute and cozy, and got busy pretty quickly! I ordered the Dealer's Choice (virgin mojito). I appreciated that the price of a mocktail was much more reasonable compared to other places! Drinks came out reasonably quickly and didn't feel pressured to leave. It's a little on the smaller side, and I heard they even have magic shows some nights which could be fun! Not a bad experience, but nothing in particular stood out either. read more

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Alyssa S.

28

187

48

5 months ago

The cocktails here were unique and delicious, as was the service. I think the space looked slightly unfinished but other than that we had a great experience. read more

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Shannon F.

18

258

742

9 months ago

Love key & heels! UES has a notoriously sleepy reputation but key and heels completely goes against that. Great music, great space, and great drinks! read more

Keys & Heels - Daddy issues and cosmo - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Caroline C.

8

62

166

1 year ago

My boyfriend and I went to try out this spot. It was so fun to walk in through the door. We got sat at a nice spot in the corner. They quickly brought us water w/ ice and a small cute chip bowl. They were the perfect chip. It was nice that they weren't served with salsa. Sometimes I think I don't need it. I quickly realized I messed up and didn't look at the menu before coming. We should have ate before. The two snack we ordered were not very good... On the other hand... drinks. The cocktails were delicious. I loved my spicy drink. We had 3 drinks each and I was feelin it! After the bar we grabbed pizza because we didn't eat! Some of the review photos have nice pretty sandwhichs but the one we got wasn't great. read more

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Melisa M.

145

203

294

1 year ago

such a cute speakeasy in the UES!! Depends what day you go but usually very packed and open late. Super cute decor and bartenders are great at recommending a drink. The daddy issues drink (pornstar martinis) were delicious. A cute place for drinks on a whim: read more

Keys & Heels - vibe - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Keys & Heels - daddy issues - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Keys & Heels - bar area - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Joely T.

319

86

133

9 months ago

I absolutely love it here to grab a nice cocktail when I'm looking for a more upscale bar but not a full on restaurant in the neighborhood. While I haven't tried the food, I've tried several cocktails and they have all been great! The crowd is usually in their 30s and in my experience it's more of a spot to come with friends and sit with a reservation or walk in and mingle by the bar read more

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Sarah S.

52

7

0

2 months ago

I have been coming to this bar for four years and have always enjoyed it. However, tonight I was very abruptly kicked out of my table for another reservation after only an hour and fifteen minutes. The waitress approached and said they needed the table as the following reservation had arrived and would be right back to see what they could do, then immediately returned with the check and let us know we needed to leave. Very bizarre and very disappointing. I would have appreciated knowing we had a time limit on our reservation when we initially sat down. read more

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Kay K.

4

165

135

1 year ago

Intimate, fun and distinctively upper east side. DJ situation was a bit odd as it was just a foldable stand in the corner which was incongruent to the other ambiance. It also was challenging to get to the bar. read more

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Sarah C.

10

66

47

1 year ago

Had a few drinks with a friend! It was a lot of fun. Got to escape the noise of the UES. A hidden gem. Lovely. Not a lot of seats though!

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Kirsten G.

120

13

19

1 year ago

Love coming here with my girlfriends! We usually get espresso martinis and they are great. I've recently been obsessed with pornstar martinis, and the daddy issues is very similar! Loved it! Typically we go without a reservation, but standing at the bar is fine, and it doesn't get busy until 9/10pm, so make sure you go early if you don't have a reservation. read more

Keys & Heels - daddy issues (left) and keys spritz (right) - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Lianna T.

406

654

623

1 year ago

Speakeasy located on the UES, this spot tucked behind a neon sign for a key shop has the perfect atmosphere. The bar is backlit and quite striking and the cozy tables and chairs strike just the right vibe. All of the decorations from the furniture to the napkins and coasters are well thought out and aesthetically cohesive and fun. We ordered the tuna tartar tostada. They were just alright -- the serving of tuna was definitely a bit meager. For drinks, we ordered a cocktail with Gin that was pretty delicious. Would definitely come back to try more of the drink menu. read more

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Amanda G.

0

29

21

8 months ago

Oh my gosh, what a stellar experience! From the front that looks like a shoe repair/key shop to the BEAUTIFUL speakeasy inside, I was truly impressed. Everyone was so nice, especially Amara who made some killer recommendations! We loved the Pretty Little Psycho and the High Society, although everything was delicious. We came up from Nashville and this is definitely a place we'll make a point to come back to! read more

Keys & Heels - High Society - delicious!! - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Keys & Heels - Exterior - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Amanda C.

54

90

256

3 years ago

Fun speakeasy ! I have walked by this place dozens of times and not realized it was there. 5/5 for ambiance and service Drinks were well done. I agree with some other reviews that you should probably eat somewhere else. We got pretzel bites and mini tacos, which were fine but nothing special. read more

Keys & Heels - High heeled ambition - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Nicole N.

240

1132

4012

2 years ago

I was initially really excited to check out Keys and Heels but it didn't quite meet my expectations. My party of 3 only had a wait a short while before being let in. When asked about the tables, the inside staff said we had to speak to the host outside. We tried to talk to him but he said there was no waitlist to be added on. We ended up just hanging out in the back which was kinda disorganized itself while watching two empty tables the entire time we were there. People didn't really move out of the way after ordering so it was a little frustrating logistically. After managed to make our way to the bar, I got the Moroccan Hourglass. It was very herbaceous with the mint-infused liqueur and minty tea. The rose syrup made it on the sweeter side, but I liked it that way. The concentrated flavors were amplified by the fact that it didn't include any ice, so it was a little too strong for my friends. It came with two pretty yummy frozen grapes. The High Society was very cucumber forward and not too sweet. Decor wise it definitely gave off speakeasy vibes. The bar is disguised as a locksmith/shoe repair shop with a simple neon sign/light. You enter the door that says its "closed." Music was alright but not consistently my vibe. I think logistically it was frustrating and confusing so I didn't have the best time here. read more

Keys & Heels - cocktail menu - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Andrea H.

1378

1010

4733

3 years ago

Is it a locksmith, is it a shoe repair, is it a speakeasy? Yes, yes, and yes. I read about this and had to see for myself. What a great idea... a Cocktail bar located directly behind a locksmith. There's a covered entrance with a hostess. Reservations are highly recommended if youre going later in the evening. They open at 6 Wednesday through Saturday and close around 2. I went with a friend. We did not have reservations, but it was early ( just after 6) and we were able to sit at the bar. I will say, by the time we left at seven it was starting to get crowded. The inside is pretty cool with an intimate, upscale vibe. I loved the atmosphere and the inside decor, the art work was great. Live DJ spinning some good music made for a fun time. Cocktails are creative and fun, they go along with the speakeasy theme. I do think they are a bit pricey, but its NY and i definitely think this a unique concept, so im sure ill stop in next time I'm on the east side . read more

Keys & Heels - a bartender at a bar - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Keys & Heels - Inside bar - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Tina M.

258

206

223

2 years ago

Was waiting on a table at Uva and decided to stop in. Looks like an old school hardware store in the front and a gorgeous french lounge in the back. There are tufted couches, rich deep wood moulding and paneling, and just an overall grown and sexy atmosphere. It was the place i was introduced to a "french 75" for the first time kind of grown just to give you an idea. Great for drinks and chat on your way to somewhere else, like a meet up spot but only because its too small to be in there all night. read more

Business owner information

Jayne M.

Thanks so much for this detailed review Tina, we love it! Hope to see…

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Alina L.

426

211

440

3 years ago

Bartender recommended Adulting and I was extremely pleased with how the cocktail tasted. Ambiance is classy and elegant inside. Workers were very polite and respectful. Just great vibes overall! Speakeasy read more

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Tahini R.

142

433

852

4 years ago

We were super excited to check this place out after seeing all these cool videos on tik tok but unfortunately the experience felt a bit underwhelming. We had reservations for this place on a Thursday night at 8 pm. Upon arriving we were greeted by a very friendly host and were seated right away. We ordered their version of an Aperol spritz which is a very simple drink yet they messed it up. It came in a very cool format where you basically do a DIY spritz concoction but it tasted average and wasn't anything special for the price. Ambience was great and loved the music and vibes but wasn't anything special in my opinion. read more

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Anthony P.

313

1015

3816

3 years ago

The drinks are pretty solid, but I'm not sure that they were with the price tag. The vibes are pretty good. I like the disco ball that turns on after a certain point in the night. The outside cabana is actually just a shed that is on the street and is a more intimate setting that has less loud music so that you might be able to enjoy your conversational bit more but you won't get that experience of being in the speakeasy itself. The drinks themselves were solid and try to get their versions of margaritas as these were the most popular ones. Also, the service was top-notch, and the woman outside was extremely helpful and our waitress was very accommodating - answered all of our questions, and very generous. read more

Keys & Heels - a glass of lemonade with a red pepper garnish - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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George C.

20

171

465

4 years ago

We were excited to try Keys & Heels as there aren't many speakeasy type places in UES. The concept is cool and it's pretty easy to find the location - you won't get lost trying to find a "secret" entrance. The inside vibe is cool but the tables are slightly close to one another. There's probably only 1-1.5 feet between our table and the one next to us. After 10pm, the place does get crowded and loses its "speakeasy" vibe. People are allowed to stand near the bar area and it feels very crowded, especially as you try to walk to the bathroom. Drinks were pretty good though you should ask the waitress for recommendations. a lot of the drinks are Key and Heels own spin on standard cocktails, so you may/may not like their version. Our waitress was really great and attentive read more

Keys & Heels - Adulting - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Roshan R.

110

429

439

3 years ago

This was my first speak easy experience and I was very excited. The place was easy to find and we had reservations. The ambience inside is pretty cool but like any other bar, just slightly upscale. Also, the place is pretty small and congested. The seats are quite uncomfortable. The drinks were fun though. Right from their names to some innovativeness in the way it is served. Slightly overpriced. Not a lot of food options. Probably wouldn't go back. read more

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Alexa T.

65

784

3610

4 years ago

I came here without a reservation on a Saturday night. My friend and I only had to wait 5 minutes. The place is smaller than I thought but I love the vibes! There's a disco ball. It was standing room only, but we saw a couple leave so we immediately took their table.! I got the Keys Spritz Bomb and it was okay. I like spritzes but this was not my favorite. read more

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Danielle G.

44

258

362

4 years ago

Such a fun find on the UES! Keys & Heels is one of the new offerings in a part of the city that lacked interesting bars focusing on experience. This bar, hidden behind the guise of a repair shop, transports you into an intriguing world filled with funky dance music, a disco ball, and cocktails served out of chemistry vessels. I ordered the bar's version of an aperol spritz which involved me learning how to pour my drink in stages (so fun!) All the people in the bar looked like they were having a fun time and I definitely was to. Will be back soon! read more

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Pamela P.

58

222

909

4 years ago

Drinks were ok but served on a tiny kids' size glass, so in my opinion overpriced for size and the overall experience. Since the place is extremely small is not a very pleasant experience unless you have a table, but in order to have a table you need to make a reservation, not sure why they have so many tables if they don't offer a proper food menu, so the dynamics are just weird. On a positive note the DJ was playing great music (uncle Mike) I was just frustrated because we didn't have enough space to dance. The decor is beautiful, they did a great interior design job. We were really uncomfortable only had one drink each (2 people) paid about $50 with tip and left. read more

Keys & Heels - people sitting at tables in a dimly lit restaurant - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Keys & Heels - a close up of a drink in a glass - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Amanda W.

274

712

3397

4 years ago

Just opened, brand new speakeasy with great drinks and music right in the middle of the upper east side! Highly recommend if you are looking for something easy going, but fun at the same time. We went on busy Friday night at 8pm, was told it would be a 15 min wait without reservation and they were right. They were very easy going and nice. No issues whatsoever at the door. Only if you want food, then recommend making a reservation. Otherwise, if you are looking for an after dinner drink, then this is your spot! Even got to meet a Fox five idol! Once you get in, it's a small venue so I can understand that they need to do crowd control. The drinks were speakeasy and very good! Got the Barefoot & Topless, light citrus flavored drink. Perfect for an after dinner digestivo! Go before word get around and lines get around the corner!! read more

Keys & Heels - Outside - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Keys & Heels - Straight up martini on top and the Barefoot & Topless - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Marissa G.

393

190

765

3 years ago

Omg loved it. I was visiting NYC wandering into places with friends and this was a hit! They have a great list of crafted cocktails. I loved the one I got so much I had to get it twice. Will definitely be back if I'm in the area. read more

Keys & Heels - Palo Santo and chill - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Tyler D.

0

25

44

3 years ago

Back in the hood and had to come in for my fave cocktail of theirs called 'Pretty Little Psycho'. Be warned - it's not a spicy margarita but a SPICY margarita! :) read more

Keys & Heels - Lounge - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Kara F.

Elite 24

7

89

130

2 years ago

LOVED it here! The service was amazing- right when we walked in we were warmly greeted. You couldn't ask for a better ambiance & the drinks were phenomenal! Can't wait to go back! read more

Keys & Heels - Cosmopolitan - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Ale A.

24

296

224

3 years ago

Cute place. Drinks are great. Nice crowd great music. Only thing it's so dark inside . Staff was great. The place is so cute. Looks like a hardware store, but it transforms into a beautiful lounge. read more

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Ashley J.

20

294

2055

2 years ago

The cutest hidden gem of a speakeasy. Fun menu of craft cocktails. Tables were all reserved but still able to walk in to the bar before dinner on a Saturday night. read more

Business owner information

Jayne M.

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review Ashley,…

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Hector C.

7

75

5

2 years ago

Neat date spot. It mimics a speakeasy---the storefront looks like a shoe repair shop but it conceals a dark interior with cool ambience. My advice is to get drinks and skip the appetizers---the food was uniformly meh and waaay over- priced for what they give you. Stick to drinks and you'll be OK. No complaints about the service. read more

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Caroline C.

19

37

92

3 years ago

My boyfriend and I went to try out this spot. It was so fun to walk in through the door. We got sat at a nice spot in the corner. They quickly brought us water w/ ice and a small cute chip bowl. They were the perfect chip. It was nice that they weren't served with salsa. Sometimes I think I don't need it. I quickly realized I messed up and didn't look at the menu before coming. We should have ate before. The two snacks we ordered were not good... On the other hand... drinks. The cocktails were delicious. I loved my spicy drink. We had 3 drinks each and I was feelin it! After the bar we grabbed pizza because we didn't eat! Some of the review photos have pretty nice sandwhichs but the one we got wasn't great. read more

Keys & Heels - Seating was very tight. The stool my boyfriend was sitting on wasn't comfortable for him - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Keys & Heels - a glass of alcohol with a spoon in it - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Keys & Heels - Chips - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Keys & Heels - Seating - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Olivia N.

Elite 23

41

496

1698

3 years ago

Overall rating 4.3, average is valid. This is not a speakeasy.. I feel like in order to be a speakeasy, you actually have to have a "front" (see PDT, bathtub gin, back room, garrett, etc). This is a bar with a key-making window. There is a bouncer & a hostess outside. Drinks were good. I got the barefoot & topless which was very light / borderline tasted like water. Not pictured, I also got the Good Night Negroni which was more my speed. Arrived around 7 on a Thursday & was able to "walk in" by 7:30. Reasonably crowded, but mostly women. I could come here again if I was in the area, but won't be seeking out or recommending. read more

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Christine M.

46

360

1021

4 years ago

Keys & Heels hit the mark for vibes and decor! I came here with a couple friends early Friday evening with reservations. If you walk in there is standing at the bar and a very small section to sit, but don't have high expectations to get a seat without a reservation. There seems to be a time limit on tables due to reservations, but unclear how long one can reserve a table. I estimated an hour and a half. Their cocktails are creative and tasty. Service was excellent. If you don't like your drink, no worries, you can order another one at no charge. If you are looking for a change of pace in your regular bar rotation, I recommend checking out Keys & Heels. Overall good vibes, atmosphere, and drinks. I plan to return for a second visit (maybe more)! read more

Keys & Heels - Expresso Martini - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Austin S.

184

611

222

4 years ago

Had really high hopes for this place but was let down. Had a reservation for 1115 and showed up around 1110 but didn't get in until about 1130 despite them letting in a lot of people from the walk-in line. Also saw the bouncer get blatantly greased by a group of 5-6 seemingly underage kids which was a bit odd. They have one bathroom for the whole place so there is often a line of 4-5 waiting. I liked the music and disco ball vibes. Chips were also a nice touch and I liked them. Our server was friendly and service was pretty quick. My date and I both got the vodka drink which we didn't really like and there menu is heavily weighted towards manhattan-like whisky drinks without much variation. Probably won't go back. read more

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More info about Keys & Heels

1488 2nd Ave
New York, NY 10075
Upper East Side, Yorkville
Directions
(917) 557-0217
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.keysandheelsnyc.com

Hours

What time does Keys & Heels open?

Keys & Heels opens at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Keys & Heels close?

Keys & Heels is closed on Monday, Tuesday and Sunday.Keys & Heels closes at 12:00 AM (Next day) on Wednesday.Keys & Heels closes at 1:00 AM (Next day) on Thursday.Keys & Heels closes at 2:00 AM (Next day) on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Tue, Sun ClosedWed 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)Thu 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM (Next day)Fri-Sat 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)

Payment methods

Does Keys & Heels take credit cards?

Yes, Keys & Heels takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Keys & Heels serve alcohol?

Yes, Keys & Heels serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Keys & Heels allow dogs?

Yes, Keys & Heels allows dogs.

Does Keys & Heels have TVs?

No, Keys & Heels does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Keys & Heels have bike parking?

No, Keys & Heels does not have bike parking.

Does Keys & Heels have outdoor seating?

No, Keys & Heels does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Keys & Heels have parking?

Yes, Keys & Heels has parking options.

Other Amenities

Does Keys & Heels allow outdoor smoking?

No, Keys & Heels does not allow outdoor smoking.

Does Keys & Heels have free WiFi?

No, Keys & Heels does not have free WiFi.

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The Woo Woo

If you love great cocktails, this hidden speakeasy is an absolute must-visit! From entering with a…read moresecret passcode to the very last sip, the entire experience is incredible. It has easily earned a spot as one of my favorite bars of all time. The underground space flawlessly captures a raw, seedy, 1980s rock 'n' roll vibe, with eclectic decor that extends beautifully to the themed menus and custom glassware. Sitting at the bar was a highlight--the bartenders were fantastic, clearly proud of their craft, and they even humorously indulged my game of trying to guess the ingredients of each drink they mixed. The cocktail lineup is phenomenal. A few absolute highlights: the Purple Rain with its purple ice and peppercorn, the flambéed Dirty Dancing, a brilliant espresso martini riff called Flick The Bean, and Pure Temptation--which has glassware you just have to see for yourself. Don't miss this place if you're in NYC!

The Woo Woo is loud and touristy--and honestly, that kind of sums it up…read more They market it as a speakeasy, which... technically yes. You need a password (easy to find online), and you go through a hidden door down a staircase. But it feels more like a novelty than anything else. NYC has way more iconic speakeasies, so this isn't somewhere I'd go out of my way for more than once. Nothing wrong with the vibe--it's Times Square, so you already know what you're getting--but it's definitely a one-and-done kind of spot. The drinks are good and super fun, but they're very extra (smoke, presentation, all that), so between that and how packed it gets, it can take a while just to get one cocktail. Didn't try the food. Overall, go for the pics and TikToks--it's perfect for that. I'd recommend checking it out once, but I don't really see it being a repeat spot.

Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls

A speakeasy bar in the basement

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The end of the bar. Pay no attention to that small TV.

Nothing Really Matters

"There's a bar in the subway and it's amazing!…read more When we were trying to find a cool spot to go after our Broadway play, I looked towards the Infatuation app and we were close to this Bar. When we put the directions in, we could not find this location, which is funny because I looked and it said it was in the subway, literally. Such a fun spot, excellent cocktails and extremely nice bartenders! A great spot to go after a show. You can order pizza nearby and bring it into the bar if you get hungry! Cheers.

The ambiance of a "Speakeasy" was there, but the hidden door aspect was not there…read more I did my research for all the "Speakeasy"-like bars in NYC and this one was mentioned numerous times. Some people even stated they had difficulty finding the front entrance, but when we got there, the front door was wide open, which disappointed me. Once inside, the hostess/server was extremely helpful and accommodating. The lighting was great and the bar was amazing, but unfortunately, the pictures online looks better than the bar in person. The bar looks huge online, but it's actually quite "cozy". The drinks were great and quite strong. Overall, it was a great bar, but not really a "Speakeasy" IMHO.

Best dirty martini near HK and Ali makes a phenomenal one!

Manhattan

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Times Square Smash (SPRING ONLY)

Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar

4.3

(389 reviews)

2.2 mi

Beautiful rooftop bar on the west side. It's dark and cozy inside; invites intimate conversation…read more The cocktail selection is great, a wide range of tart and tangy to sweet and smooth. The service at Dear Irving is top notch, they are reliable and quick. They understand the difference between providing privacy and providing assistance. Great date night spot.

As I've said previously, I try to avoid midtown. It's congested and touristy and the restaurants…read moreare usually just not that great. But Irving on Hudson is an exception. The view is gorgeous and sweeping. The service is attentive and professional. The drinks are sophisticated. I ended up here because I saw a video about their gin and tonic. Sounds simple, but it's one of my favorite drinks, and I'm always looking for someone who can do it well. I ordered their "dear G&T" and it was a fruity, complex riff on my old favorite. I also got the foreign forage, "a bourbon smash with a mint zing." It was also a delicious take on a classic. They have several types of cocktails, all broken down by spirit and flavor profile. They also offer a lot of spirits made in New York State. They have cocktails with earthy notes, fruity notes, fancy martinis, and a section boasting limited edition and special spirits, if you're "feeling fancy" and wanna cough up 35 bucks instead of 20 or 25! They have a bar snacks menu (sliders, nuts, and the like). I had their thick cut fries and they were light, seasoned, and tasty. I couldn't stop eating them. Midtown or not, I highly recommend this spot, which also has a couple other locations, including Gramercy.

Caviar toast

View from the balcony

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Christmas Eve

Bar 369 Miroku

4.8

(26 reviews)

2.0 mi

I had researched speakeasies in Midtown West of Manhattan before we traveled there to celebrate our…read morefifth wedding anniversary. From our initial trip last year, I had marked a place called Bar 369 Miroku located in Hell's Kitchen. Being that we didn't make our way to the spot on our trip last year, and were staying in Hell's Kitchen this time around, I wanted us to check out. The only challenge was actually finding it. If you're seeking out this gorgeous speakeasy. You aren't going to find it through some darkened alleyway or non-marked door of a building outside. No. You need to check the website and read between the lines of it being located within a sushi bar on West 46th Street. I could tell you the name, but what fun would that be? Figure that part out. But once you figure out how to access, the staff at said-sushi bar will direct you to the back of the restaurant to wheee you will see a sign for the bar and a stairwell to take you up to the second floor. Once you reach and look around, it looks at first you have reached a dead end between the emergency exit you see and a door that looks locked. There is a black curtain in the darkened hallway you need to notice and peer through. And alas, you will discover the bar that is Bar 369 Miroku. Once you have been checked for ID, and your party number, you are escorted into the small, darkly-lit enclave with plush decor, a bit of a Rolling Stones theme with its large poster hung in the back and artwork perched next to the bar shelving. It's an intimate and relaxed energy that makes it perfect to enjoy one of the Japanese-inspired cocktails on an evening after dinner. The hideaway offers a creative mix of craft cocktail options such as the Ichitaki Spritz (a variation of the Aperol spritz with sake in it), which was quite delightful that I enjoyed immensely within the dark lounge surroundings. If we were here more often, I would have taken advantage of their Japanese whisky selection that looked on point. There is a delectable charm to their curation and craftsmanship of their cocktails, combined with the luscious ambience that makes for a great hangout spot to get away and relax for the night. Bar 369 Miroku hits the mark regarding the speakeasy experience you would think to have when describing one, outside of not needing a password. The bar combines dark, stylish elegance with modern Japanese mixology magic to create an environment nestled deep away from the busy Manhattan streets outside.

Awesome upstairs speakeasy behind an Asian restaurant…read more Went after dinner for a few cocktails. Was a last minute thing so did not have an RSVP, but luckily there was an open table. Ordered a few various drinks - all very good and balanced. A pretty intimate vibe also, which is appreciated. Would come back!

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Valerie

Came for Brunch on a Sunday . Great food (try the shrimp &…read moreGrits- different but really good). Live music is fabulous (Danny Lipsitz) and the drinks are perfect. Of all the places to go In New York, Glad we stopped here . The attentive service (Bar and Restaurant) made the experience even better. Great job Valerie's !!

Came here for brunch and had a decent time. The place wasn't too busy, likely due to the crappy…read moreweather, so we were able to sit there for a while after our meal concluded. Service was good. We had the fried chicken Benedict and the crab cake Benedict. I was a bit confused when I saw that each Benedict dish only had one poached egg - shouldn't it always be two? I guess that's shrinkflation (plus inflation) for you. That bent said, the crab cake was actually really big and filling. The side of potatoes were really delicious. Would I come back for brunch again? Very unlikely. But, it does seem like a pretty "safe choice" if you need a last minute reservation for a group.

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Pocket Bar NYC

Small cozy with intimate vibes. Yet the bar will surprise you with its funky handles. The…read morebartender's sweet, service is good and the prices are typical for midtown. They have popcorn too. I really enjoyed their music, not current but just might have you singing along

SUCH a cute little bar! Came out to "investigate" yesterday around "Happy Hour" time (note: there…read morewas no actual happy hour here) around 5-6pm on a Friday. It IS a small bar, but there were only about 4-5 folks here already, engrossed in a conversation at the bar that anyone could join. I quietly took a seat at one of the 3 tables on the plush high-top bench and the lone, friendly bartendress was immediately attentive (I was greeted the moment I stepped through the door!). Now, there's no ACTUAL liquor here, ONLY the beer and wine on the small menu, so don't try asking her to whip you up something not on the menu. Luckily for me, there was a fruity sangria special, so I opted for that, served with a decorative shark adornment and a metal straw, and was immediately given a little bucket of popcorn to accompany it. Now, this is part of the reason why I wanted to check this place out. Fresh popcorn is my weakness. Bars that give free snacks with drinks are top tier in my book. You could probably lure me into the back of a white van with a signature red and white filled popcorn bucket. So I sat, and I sipped, and I munched, and I listened to the conversation from the others, and the bartendress, god bless her, would check on my bucket and refill it any time it got low. Now I'm really a mixed drink girly, but the vibes were SO cool here that I would most definitely come back. :D Also note, there's cool little padded seating by the window that I noticed that would be great for people-watching outside.

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The Rum House

We were staying in Times Square and were looking for a cool spot with live jazz. What luck that the…read moreRum House was just a few blocks away! Tucked into a very cool art deco hotel, the Rum House is a tiny little oasis amidst the insanity of Times Square. There was a guy at the door asking about reservations. We did not have one, but we were admitted regardless, and a friendly server / hostess informed us of the 2 drink minimum and seated us right near where the musicians were set up. The drink menu is a ode to rum. All kinds of rum; spiced, dark, overproof, high end. Most of the cocktails are tiki cocktails, but do not be turned off if you don't like sweet drinks! It's a myth that tiki cocktails are all sickly sweet. A properly crafted tiki drink will be a great balance between alcohol, sugar, mint and acid. These drinks were properly crafted! I honestly cannot remember what Larry and I ordered but all four of our drinks were delightful! You really can't go wrong with any of their rum cocktails. We were with Larry's brother, who is not much of a drinker. He ordered a whisky sour made with Crown Royal. The whisky sour was a surprising standout! The sour mix is house made (of course), which elevates this drink from an overly sweet attempt to cover up cheap whisky to a complex beverage that can be savored. The jazz was great - they had 4 musicians (kind of a lot in the small room) who played 2 songs before breaking and returning for another 2 songs, etc, etc. The short sets were welcome as they allowed for conversation between the entertainment. The Rum House is a great stop; don't miss it if you are in the area!

Been wanting to check this place out for YEARS... I finally have. It was really small. It looked so…read moremuch bigger to me in pictures. This is not a bad thing, I was just surprised. Regardless, I love the dark decor. Its not loud or anything, just a more relaxing environment for drinks where you can actually speak to each other. They have a huge selection of drinks, not too much to eat but there's plenty of restaurants in the area to handle that for you. The popcorn did smell good though. It was also the end of Happy Hour when we arrived. My husband got the 'Hot Buttered Rum' and I got the 'Escape' which was Bacardi 8yr Rum, Coconut Crème, Pineapple Juice, Sweet Vermouth. The drinks were STRONG. They are also pricy but the Hot Buttered Rum was part of Happy Hour so that helped. The service was super friendly, knowledgeable and quick. I would come back or recommend if you are in the area. It was a nice little place and glad I finally tried it.

Rose & espresso martini before the show

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Hold Fast Kitchen & Spirits

Stopped in and ordered two Endless Summer drinks and wow, so good! Light, refreshing, and perfect…read moreif you're looking for something easy to sip on. Our server did great with the rec. Great vibe overall and a fun spot to grab a drink while exploring Hell's Kitchen.

What a great find! I stopped in on a Saturday night after seeing a show, initially just for a…read moredrink, but enjoyed the vibe and ambiance so much that I ended up staying for food and a couple more drinks as well. Erin the bartender was friendly and fun, which is always especially nice when going somewhere solo, and she made great drinks! I ordered the fried burrata, which Erin said is their most popular menu item, and I can certainly see why. It was SO good. Light breading, melty cheese, zesty marinara sauce, good bread, and a side salad, all in one bowl. Incredible.

Slow Cooked Pork Taco

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Tuscan Negroni

The Friki TIki

4.3

(43 reviews)

2.1 mi

Stopped by before seeing a play to get a quick bite and test out their happy hour. The place is…read morelowkey and cute, tiki inspired decor of course and lots of pretty lights. Lots of seating available besides the bar, looks like it is good for groups. Sat at the bar and service was attentive and friendly. The hurricane was my favorite out of the 2 drinks I had. The wings were delicious, definitely get those and the cigars were good too nice and crispy and loved the smoky sauce that came with it.

Just a few blocks from the Theater District and with a 5-8p Happy Hour, Friki Tiki makes sense for…read moreBroadway pregaming with or without your friends there. The $10 frozen paloma was fruity and icy, while the $10 zombie was tropical and tasty. A great soundtrack was piped through all evening, and the bar staff is friendly with each other and having a great time. At 5:30p on a Friday there were already 3 groups in there.

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Dutch Freds

Stopped by Dutch Fred after seeing a show in the area. We asked for a table outside and we were…read moreable to sit and enjoy the New York scenery. We decided on the Wagyu sliders, Honey Sriracha Wings and Parmesan Truffle Fries. So glad we did bc all of our choices were fantastic. The sliders were served on a pretzel bun and the Wagyu melted in your mouth. The wings were perfectly cooked. They were smokey with the perfect amount of heat. The fries were just okay. They could have been cooked better or served "fresh." Overall we enjoyed our time at Dutch Fred's and would return after another show.

Was really looking forward to coming to this restaurant after reading reviews and seeing pics of…read morethe food, but honestly it was only a "meh"! Service was definitely off, food was just okay, and our table was sticky giving the impression of "dirty". Not worth the time or money.

Inside

Mousse and cheesecake

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Bar

Monkey Bar

4.3

(500 reviews)

1.3 mi

The truffle monkey bread while a total carb and calorie bomb was delicious and left a lasting…read moreimpression. It featured a crispy, sugar-glazed exterior and a soft, chewy interior, topped with truffle cheese and served with a truffle butter dip; the pairing was superb, and it tasted great both on its own and with the dip. For the main course, I ordered the miso-glazed black cod. The flavor was flawless, and while the portion was small (which was acceptable), the pool of broth accompanying it was completely unnecessary; it was inedibly salty, so what was the point of serving it? After finishing the fish, I was left with a plate full of broth, rendering the plate unusable. Plus, it was overpriced; for this dish, you're better off going to Strip House Strip House remains the undisputed king of this dish in New York. A friend ordered the chicken parmesan. It was just average. Another friend ordered the short rib stroganoff. The flavor was decent, but it was far too rich and heavy. As someone whose palate is split 50/50 between Western and Chinese cuisine, I could manage only five bites at most. If you have a palate that prefers 100% Chinese food, proceed with caution on this dish. Friends ordered sides of mac & cheese and mashed potatoes. These are dishes originally meant for low-income Americans to fill up on cheaply; there's no limit to how good they can be, but also no floor to how bad they can get. Both were on par with the average quality found in upscale restaurants. Honestly, these are two dishes I would never order myself. To sum up: the atmosphere was great. It's also hard to get a reservation; the place was packed when we had lunch at 2 PM. Aside from that monkey bread, I didn't feel like anything else justified the price or offered something you couldn't find elsewhere. I don't quite get the hype. Perhaps I just didn't order the right dishes; maybe next time I'll try the burger and the steak.

The Truffle Monkey Bread (9/10) was easily the best thing we ordered. It had a crispy honey-glazed…read morecrust, plenty of truffle, and an amazing truffle butter on the side. The Thick Cut Bacon (8.5/10) was sweet, crunchy, and cooked perfectly. The Wagyu Cheeseburger (7.5/10) tasted good, but the bun was too dry, dense, and oversized for the burger. The King Crab Rangoon (8/10) was packed with crab, almost too much for my taste, but the sweet chili and hot mustard sauces balanced it out nicely. The Espresso Martini (6/10) was a pretty standard espresso martini. The Long Island Cold Brew (3/10) tasted like cold brew mixed with vodka, which just wasn't for me. Service was fine overall (7/10). The highlight was the complimentary sorbet they brought out for my friend's birthday. The vibes were classic Hogsalt with dim lighting, old-school jazz, and a cozy atmosphere (7/10).

Truffle Monkey Bread (~$35)

Spicy Shrimp scampi

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Truffle Monkey Bread

Fraunces Tavern

If you're looking for a place that combines great food, history, and an unforgettable atmosphere,…read moreFraunces Tavern is a must-visit in Manhattan. We stopped by for drinks and a few appetizers with my parents, my husband, and our daughter, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of their trip. My parents absolutely loved it! The food was delicious, the drinks were excellent, and the live music created such a warm, lively atmosphere that made us want to stay longer. It's one of those places where you can truly relax, enjoy great conversation, and soak in a bit of New York's history at the same time. Whether you're visiting NYC or you're a local looking for a unique spot, Fraunces Tavern is definitely worth adding to your list. My parents are already asking to come back--and honestly, so are we!

Came here for lunch when my friend was in NYC for the day during July 4th weekend. We sat at the…read moreback bar and he had the chicken pot pie which was huge and even some other people at the bar wanted ti take a picture of it because they could not believe how big it was. I ordered the pretzel which was good. We both also had some beers and cocktails. I had the bees knees which was ok and he had some whiskey I think and we both had a beer. He had the Fraunces tavern option on tap and I had a Narragansett summer one. The bartender seemed fine and nice. Ambiance here is as it is an old tavern it sure has that feeling to it. There are many rooms and dinning options within this tavern. I have only sat at the bar area the times that I have been here.

Here is where GW used to hang out with his pals...

Lobster & Shrimp Roll

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Washington's long room. A must see

Shuka

This place was absolutely incredible. Genuinely blown away!!…read more We stumbled upon Shuka after a morning of exploring downtown. Although we arrived at 2pm, we were told there was a 40 minute wait, which ended up being around 15-20. We started with the sweet pea hummus dip which was unreal, it was so good. I got the chicken sandwich and my friend got the green shakshuka, and both were so fresh and delicious. We both decided we need to come back next time I'm back in the city!

I ordered the lamb kebab. It only comes with half a pita! You pay $30 and don't get a whole piece…read moreof pita even though one pita would be the right amount of pita for a kebab. Just give me a pita! What is that about? But okay, I ordered an extra pita, I'm still hopeful. But out of the 5 pieces of lamb in my kebab, two were *grisly*! They don't give you a sharp knife, so you kind of have to bite off pieces; but when a piece is grisly you can't tear off a piece and end up with a full piece in your mouth, chewing for many minutes around the grisly center. Everyone knows what this is like and it's to be expected in life, but NOT at a high-end restaurant where you've paid a significant margin above the average meal, and don't even get a full pita. Guys, do some QC and soul-searching - and be generous with pita.

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Chi Restaurant & Bar

Chi Restaurant offers an extensive, authentic menu that's divided out by type of food - chicken,…read morebeef, pork, vegetable, etc. Everything is also labeled for dietary restrictions. Service is very fast and they kept the water flowing (spicy dishes really are spicy!), and the portions are huge. Though you have to pay extra for white rice ($3 a bowl), the overall value was reasonable for the main dishes. The restaurant is dark and elegant inside, with a large tv over the bar that was showing sports when we were there. It had a nice ambience.

Located on the Westside behind Port authority. This un suspecting authentic Chinese restaurant sits…read morein a busy block. They have a banner for great HH specials that can only be redeemed at the bar (until next time). The space is large and modern. Suitable for big groups, date night, pre show, post showing dining. The staff is extremely friendly and attentive. The food: Soup dumplings- had a nice glisten to the outer bun. The under carriage held firm and with a delicious soup bro inside. Fish filet with ginger and scallion- nice portion size and a flavorful and clean dish. Braised pork belly- jam packed in flavor and cooked so tender from the meat to the fat. The pan fried noodle- normally a favorite in Chinese restaurants. This didn't hit its marks. There wasn't much noodles. The outer brim wasn't crispy. And it was a lot of sauce. The protein was scarce. And they had more veggies than protein. We were a table of 5 including a 6 year old. And everybody left full. And satisfied.