The Back Room

1394

3887

10544

3 months ago

The Back Room in the Lower East Side is such a fun speakeasy experience. I love the way they serve the drinks in teacups and mugs, which gives it that classic Prohibition era vibe and makes it feel a little different from other bars. The space itself is great too, with cool art on the walls that adds to the atmosphere. Definitely a great spot if you are looking for a unique night out in New York. read more

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Serena X.

150

378

771

4 months ago

Went to the back room with some friends on a weekday evening, and the ambiance was very cool - this place is a challenge to get to if you don't know which door you're looking for, and beware that some classic city rats may be scurrying above you as you enter. Nonetheless, I like how all the drinks are served in teacups in honor of the prohibition era. One note though, I wasn't a fan of the music - it didn't match the ambiance and was an odd mix of pop and rap. read more

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Adam F.

7

69

97

3 months ago

This place was the best speakeasy experience I've ever experienced, and I go to speaksies around the country regularly. I love the entire vibe of this place, the atmosphere makes you feel as if you have walked into the the perfect setting for a classic romance. The antique decor, drinks in teacup, and live jazz music, with swing dancing made the perfect night. The service was excellent as well, the bartenders were on point. read more

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Sonia P.

1

679

136

2 months ago

This place is sooo cool and romantic , such a great vibe and delicious drinks can't wait to go back .

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Fabienne M.

146

258

1030

10 months ago

Back room is exactly what it says it is. This speakeasy has a very antique, vintage style and aura. Big in size large bar area, a good amount of lounge chairs and couches. Classy and flavorful cocktail drinks served in tea cups with saucers. I really enjoyed it here. Service was on point. Great for date nights, night caps, or just hanging with the girls. read more

The Back Room - Menu - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

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Naz K.

165

167

145

6 months ago

I came here a few times over the years with friends for a drink. It's quite hidden but once you're inside its almost like you entered Narnia. The interior has a historical design and makes you feel like you've travelled back in time. You get your own drink at the bar and find your own seating in a first come first serve bases at one of the older style couches. I think this is a great place to bring friends visiting new york city. read more

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Anastasiya N.

2

76

187

11 months ago

I really enjoyed that place! This is a speakeasy with unique design, they serve cocktails in tea cups as a reference to prohibition times. I tried their penicillin cocktail that was very delicious. I would highly recommend it! read more

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Gabriella L.

0

4

3

5 months ago

Getting here felt a little sketchy, but that's part of the fun came for a jazz night and would advise coming earlier rather than later to secure seating. It was packed, but nevertheless, still an amazing vibe. The drinks were strong and well worth your $. read more

The Back Room - Mixed drinks in teacups - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

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Ingrid C.

39

288

767

1 year ago

A not so secret, secret bar - it's easy to miss by the decorated gate a couple of steps away from the subway. Reserved for those 25 years and older, you're guided down a flight of stairs, some graffitied walls and up into an entrance leading you into a dark lit room. The vibes are warm, cozy and classic. There's very few places to sit, and tables/couches must be reserved. They even serve your drinks in tea cups reminiscent of the prohibition era. If you like a classier atmosphere as your go-to speakeasy, then it's worth paying a visit at least once. read more

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Christine L.

52

303

1004

2 years ago

Definitely a true hidden speakeasy, my aunt and I got a bit lost trying to find this place haha. Go down the toy gate and walk all the way to the back up the stairs by the trucks and it's that door. Inside is beautiful, it feels like you're in a cozy fancy living room with soft candles and comfy couches. Wish the fireplace was working to rly emphasize the vibe. Drinks are fine, preferred the Bees Knees to the Pink Slipper, but all are served in cute teacups as a nod to their prohibition roots. It got pretty busy on a Saturday night, but the bartenders were friendly and speedy. Note- 25 yrs and up is only for Friday and Saturday. Other nights is anyone of legal drinking age read more

The Back Room - Cozy living room - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

The Back Room - Pink Slippers (left), Bees Knees (right) - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

The Back Room - Street entrance - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

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Natalie M.

65

99

91

8 months ago

Really cool speakeasy with an actual "hidden" entrance! The inside is super cozy and dark, and very spacious. I was there on a Friday night and it was busy enough that most of the seating was taken but there was lots of areas you can stand and not feel crowded at all. Like for the bar was short and bartenders were super nice. Drinks were standard and the tea cups were cute! Pricing is the same as any other bar in the area. I would definitely come back. read more

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Priscilla L.

253

374

459

1 year ago

10/10 service and drinks! It's a bit of a challenge to find if you're a new comer but that's the fun part. You'll figure it out eventually! My favorite part was the free coat rack. Every drink is served in a tea cup (it's a small history lesson look it up) but definitely worth it. It gets packed so snag a seat but the vibes are very relaxed. read more

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Teresa C.

295

401

759

2 years ago

The entrance is obscure as a speakeasy should be. A creepy neon lit ally leads into a fire escape type staircase. Other than the entrance, the bar itself is a bit underwhelming. We went on Christmas Eve which is the best time to go since it wasn't crowded at all. The drinks didn't seem very prohibition or speakeasy themed. When I saw the $16 price tag I thought that was super affordable for a speakeasy, but the drinks was served in a tiny tea cup and pretty weak so the cheap price made more sense. The ambiance was pretty cool considering it really was a prohibition bar back in the day, but the drinks aren't that unique. read more

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Ryna D.

226

3204

6340

2 years ago

After dinner at Dhamaka, one of my friends suggested we come here for drinks. Last time I was here was over a decade ago.. Maybe it's me but in my opinion, this place didn't exactly survive the test of time.. Won't be coming back again.. read more

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Derek N.

12

456

4631

1 year ago

Back Room was a really cool speakeasy! This was my first time patronizing such an establishment, and I'm so glad that I stopped in. This is the type of place you'd expect to see in a Prohibition-themed movie, and fits the bill of an underground speakeasy perfectly. Would highly recommend, it was a great time. read more

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Cindy Z.

Elite 26 All-Star

1790

3055

7079

3 years ago

The thing about a speakeasy is that they're usually hidden away from the public eye. I was a little lost on where the entrance was when I arrived since I didn't do my research, so let me help me. There's a short gate that leads down a staircase just between Nurse Bettie and The Blue Residential Tower. I noticed another couple looking lost on their phones until they followed us in. Once you go down the stairs, you go through an alley all the way to another set of stairs going up. There's some toys on display and you have arrived. As soon as you walk in, it really takes you back to the Prohibition era from the music, style, and mood of the space. The bouncer made sure to inform us that the bar is cash only, but they do have an ATM machine next to the men's restroom. Each drink is $14-16, so keep that in mind for how much cash to bring with you. I ordered the Penicillin ($16) and the boyfriend got the P.T.Z. ($14). The drinks are served in a teacup just like they did during the Prohibition, although this meant the drinks are smaller than usual especially with the ice too. I honestly couldn't tell too much of a difference between the drinks and they were more fruity than alcohol forward. I can't say the drinks are worth coming for, but it's the atmosphere that's really cool. I love that it's one of two bars still operating today from the Prohibition era, so it feels so real being here to enjoy some libations. Not sure what happened either, but when I gave $40 for my $30 drinks, I was only given $8 back. I wasn't sure if I was still supposed to tip if they already took some extra from my change, so weird. I tipped anyways, but not sure how it's charged being cash only and all too. read more

The Back Room - Penicillin. - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

The Back Room - Penicillin and P.T.Z. - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

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Farah K.

27

280

2490

2 years ago

I was very hesitant to return to this place after 9years from my last review and thought Dean would still be there but after a bit of peer pressure from my sister I gave in and I must say it was the best decision I made after dinner (at Dhamaka which you must try!). From the beginning Brandon was very friendly and approachable and was not greedy as Dean from 9yrs ago. He was very attentive and listened to what I wanted. Of course the drink decisions was on point with no regret. I wish he was the bartender from the beginning but unfortunately Brandon is only there Tuesday & Wednesday but I will definitely be returning when he's there! Ambiance remains the same but it's the service that counts! THANK YOU Brandon! read more

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Liana M.

152

340

1180

3 years ago

I've been wanting to visit The Back Room since I heard about it. I love anything 1920s, especially if it's authentic. I think this is only one of two or so surviving speakeasy bars from the Prohibition era in NYC. The entrance is easier to find than you might think but it definitely gives you pause when you enter. Like, is this right? It is. Keep going. The interior is gorgeous. Love the moody red lighting. It's definitely a more intimate atmosphere. Lounge-y. The seating is a little hit or miss though. There are some big comfy seating areas and then these little makeshift vignettes with 2 stools and a tiny table. We started at the latter and then moved to the former once people moved on. From what I remember, the music was good. People mostly kept to themselves in the various corners, though. It was fun to drink out of the teacups. But honestly, the drinks weren't very good. I think they're premixed since they have to fit in the small cups. So don't come looking for a mind-blowing cocktail experience here. It's more about the novelty and the vibes! read more

The Back Room - Drinks - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

The Back Room - Lounge area - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

The Back Room - Felix says shhhhhh - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

The Back Room - It's tea I swear - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

The Back Room - More seating - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

The Back Room - Moody drinks - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

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Dipali G.

336

614

1222

3 years ago

This is such a cool speakeasy! Located in east village, we were genuinely confused on how to get in (though they take reservations which takes a bit away from the speakeasy vibes). Once we did get in, we were served champagne in tea mugs which made this such a cool experience and really felt as if we were not drinking alcohol There is a lot of seating and they even offer cigars! read more

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Kimberly A.

246

81

119

3 years ago

I was looking forward to my visit here and frankly, was disappointed. First off, there is no marking on the gate. Luckily some people were leaving and it gave us the heads up where it was (later in the evening there was someone standing by the gate). The vibe of getting into the speakeasy was really cool, but the place definitely looks larger in pictures. It was also quite disappointing to know that the actual speakeasy from the era, was their VIP/rental room and it wasn't able to be entered, even just to take a look around. The age on the weekends is 25+, but it is also at the bouncer's discretion... it seemed as though there was a younger crowd last night and it threw off the vibe a bit. The dress code is "casual, but nice", but they don't really enforce the "nice" part. Again, didn't match the vibe. I had emailed ahead of time asking about how reservations worked and was assured as a party of 2, especially earlier in the evening, there would be plenty of room - while that was correct, I didn't think I was going to be standing. All the tables (including a small couch that would hold 2-3 people, when reservations were only accepted for 5 or more) were "reserved". I knew that the drinks were served in teacups, but they were small and filled with ice as well. I don't believe you get the value for what you pay for. The surrounding area is also not the nicest. Unless you're a fan of Mexican or pizza, there really isn't any place to sit down and eat prior to/after your visit. Overall, nice concept, but it is overhyped. read more

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Melkys V.

Elite 25

9

71

85

2 years ago

This speakeasy is such a vibe, the decor and atmosphere is so cool. Kind of made me feel like I was in a different timeline. They serve all drinks in mugs like they used to back in the day when alcohol was not legal haha, so cool! This is not the place to come to if you want to dance around with friends. It is more of a sit down and catch up place, even the music is lower and I'm assuming it is because of this! Important to note this place is 25y and up. read more

The Back Room - Green tea shots - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

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Nicole K.

310

336

820

2 years ago

This is a really cool place when it's not too crowded. It's cash only, and it's 25+ on weekends. They serve drinks in little mugs which is fun. read more

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Annie L.

13

102

163

2 years ago

I've been wanting to visit The Back Room for a while now, and it's such a cool place! I came in with a friend on a Thursday night at around 9 pm and was blown away by the inside. The atmosphere is enchanting, with vintage decor, moody lights, and cocktails served in teacups (which I might add, were quite strong)! The staff were all very sweet and welcoming, with entertaining personalities too. One of them helped us find an open seat since the place was pretty dimly lit. We kept our visit short though and left in about an hour. Around that time, that's when more people started to trickle in, so it seems like a fun time for sure! read more

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Karen N.

Elite 26 All-Star

112

1197

3718

2 years ago

A speakeasy in Manhattan with an obscure entrance. Getting to the actual bar area is through a few stairways and you wonder where it will lead. The speakeasy is dimly lit. There was a DJ , but the music was just loud enough to still have a conversation. They offer many unusual drink selections, and all are served in tea cup. The drinks are pricey, especially since the tea cup was loaded with ice. This is a place to stop in once for the experience. read more

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Pamela P.

58

222

908

3 years ago

Friendly spacious speakeasy with good prices and music, nice place for hanging out with friends to enjoy some drinks. 25+ years is required on the weekends which creates a much different vibe than the other bars in the area which are full of college kids, imo a very good alternative if you want to avoid a drunk and noisy crowd. Bartenders were nice but not consistent with drink preparation, I ordered the same drink 3 times and each time it tasted different. The cups they use to serve the drinks are cute but small and with the amount of ice they served I saw a lot of cocktail getting thrown away from the mixers because it couldn't fit the cup. Not sure why they would rather served you ice instead of the drink that was already prepared. The cocktails list is short and precise with very interesting options, beer and draft beer is not listed in their menu but is also available. Music was good, the DJ made a good curation that didn't sound like radio hits, music was cheerful and enjoyable but not obvious. If you want a table I would recommend making a reservation as is not first come first served and even if you arrive early and spot a table you might be asked to move in order to accommodate a reservation later on. I enjoyed this place mostly because everyone was very friendly and I appreciate that more than whatever wasn't perfect, hospitality in NY has become brutality and finding a place where they still treat people with kindness is hard these days, so for that I'm pretty sure I'll be coming back. read more

The Back Room - Entrance - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

The Back Room - Girl Friday and pear love - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

The Back Room - people sitting at the bar - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

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A J.

0

113

1

10 months ago

One of my favorite speakeasies downtown. The entrance is pretty hidden so I recommend asking for help with directions. Very rich 50s/60s history according to one of the bouncers. The bar is dimly lit with red velvet finishes. Perfect night cap. read more

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Kelly G.

232

255

643

2 years ago

A true speakeasy in NYC! I won't tell you how to get there from the street... Sometimes there is an attendant outside to help you find it, otherwise best of luck. Their specialty drink list is wonderful and creative, the rest of their drinks are subpar. I can highly recommend for the atmosphere, and their lounge. I heard you can make reservations and will be trying so soon. There is live jazz on Mondays with no cover, which is our best NYC tip! Lots of dancing and wonderful bands. I would come every week if I could. read more

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Greg T.

359

1830

207

3 years ago

Pretty decent speakeasy type set up on the LES. Decor and ambiance are sadly better than the limited drink menu. There are only a small offering of pre-batched cocktails available although you can order others. Seating was comfortable as we had made reservations be be advised there is a minimum per hour or bottle service required. Staff was friendly and the prices were okay. read more

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Albany P.

42

56

115

2 years ago

It's a cool speakeasy. Very crowded and almost impossible to find a seat. Bouncer kept telling my husband to take his hat off even though other people had hats on?? Worth a stop but I wouldn't go back. read more

The Back Room - Drinks served in coffee cups - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

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Deivis L.

1

25

111

2 years ago

Speakeasy where they serve you the drinks in teacups. Music was good. Drinks were good. It's good if you want to have a different experience. read more

The Back Room - a bar with a chandelier - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

The Back Room - a mural of two men smoking - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

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David B.

0

2

0

2 years ago

Don't bother- Rude musician lectured my wife and I about how people stand too close to "her area" every week (nobody was playing yet). You'll walk through an alley to get in and overpay for average drinks. Try Madame George uptown instead! read more

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Jamie L.

217

736

1537

2 years ago

The Back Room has been around in the Lower East Side for a while. To reach this speakeasy, you have to find a small hidden gate, then head down the steps and through an alley. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the place, especially their cocktails, which are all served in teacups. If I do go, I stick to ordering the Penicillin--it's the only one I'd recommend. read more

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Kylie L.

20

184

215

2 years ago

very cute little speakeasy. they still use teacups here! pretty good drinks. open space like you're hanging out in someone's home. i also love that the names of the drinks really do suggest they are non-alcoholic the way i imagine they were named during the prohibition era. i haven't seen another speakeasy bar do that anywhere yet and i've been to quite a few. a fav of all the speakeasies i've been to because it really does feel like i'm tucked away somewhere to have an innocent little drink. service: when the bartender set my drink on the counter my friend noticed there was a chip in the glass and immediately told the bartender. they apologized and remade the drink. good service. read more

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Alicia T.

59

326

244

3 years ago

"Val about townnnn, town about Vallll" went here to tickle that Broad City fan itch and don't regret it. My drink came in a tea cup, neat! The bouncer was nice but overall they're very particular about where people are sitting and whether you can put your jacket down or not. The drink we got had vodka in it. It was cheap vodka (kinda wish they had asked what kind of vodka we'd want) but it was a heavy heavy pour and sweet. Nice for what it was and then left. Worth checking out. read more

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Deborah W.

358

603

1921

3 years ago

Came here for a friend's birthday party on a Saturday night. We had the very back room rented out which you can get into from a bookshelf which was very cool. The room itself was quite small with a smattering of couches and a bed in the back. The seats/bed were very comfy. They serve all of their drinks in tea cups. I got a sprite since I don't really drink but it was pretty flat. They really blare the music in the room as well so it is difficult to hear anyone if you are anywhere near the speakers. The experience of going into the speakeasy though was very cool. It is also very easy to miss the entrance because there is just one bouncer standing next to a small gate asking for your ID. Then he ushers you down some steep steps and you walk through a narrow alley to another building which houses The Back Room. The time sent in the Back Room was enjoyable but apart from the bookshelf/entrance into the speakeasy nothing else really stands out. read more

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Elissa D.

171

44

61

3 years ago

Music 8/10 - pop, hip hop, and afrobeats - was pleasantly surprised it wasn't just pop music. Me and my friend have different music tastes and we were both happy with it. Interior 10/10 - classy, sexy vibes. velvet couches and walls, chandeliers everywhere. prettiest speakeasy I've been to!! Also, this was an actual speakeasy during prohibition times! Drinks 7.5/10- pretty good, but there was too much ice and the teacups were very plain. I wish they had teacups with different designs and garnished them for a better presentation. Still good though! The bartender was also very nice. Fridays and Saturday are for ages 25+ only read more

The Back Room - ambiance - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

The Back Room - cocktails in teacups - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

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BarExamEmma R.

0

21

0

1 year ago

The Backroom is a great place to take a friend from out of town. It's an old timy speakeasy from the 20s that hasn't changed since its construction. There are two levels and a few different rooms. It's one of my favorites because it's featured in an episode of Broad City where we are introduced to Val(Abby's drunken ego). We came by on a Saturday night and a Monday night to see the difference. Both nights were very fun great martinis but bartenders could have been friendlier. Portion size for the price wasn't great but this was due to the glassware they used to make the speakeasy vibe authentic. The performances were great. Great jazz and dancing on the Monday but the Saturday was just regular DJ music. We will be stopping by again in a few months for a follow up and a video will be posted via TikTok and Insta read more

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Ava F.

6

40

96

3 years ago

Definitely went all out for Halloween! This review is a little bit late, but deserved for this bar. I hadn't been here in several years but I was so happy to see it has stayed true to what it always was: a great place to chill with friends, with a great playlist and some interesting characters. I believe it is one of the few NYC bars that survived the prohibition era, so definitely worth visiting if you like all things 1920s. The only downside is the limited drink menu, I think it is a missed opportunity given the amazing theme and ambiance of this place. read more

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Mason A.

280

208

2022

5 years ago

The Back Room is an authentic speakeasy cocktail bar that is a welcome change of pace from the more pretentious one's around the city! This is one of two speakeasy cocktail bars in NYC that was actually open through the prohibition period. The tradition is kept alive here with teacup cocktails in a living room environment and special hidden parties. One of the main things I like about the Back Room when we went is that it feels like you are actually hidden away and part of a community. We went on a Sunday evening where The Poetry Brothel was taking over! There were magic trick performers, tarot card readings, boutique items for sale, poetry reciting, dancing, Christmas music, and some special deliveries from a scantly clad Amazon mailman! It was a fun night all around here and the cocktails were really good and not overly priced or served with a disregard for service. The bar staff was welcoming and attentive, too! All in all, it was very exciting to find this place because I feel like it was a refreshing reminder of what I originally enjoyed about speakeasies in NYC...unpretentious, no long wait to get in, an adventure to arrive at the entrance, and a good crowd of fellow speakeasy-ers! read more

The Back Room - Swanky 20s decor and self coat check - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

The Back Room - Inside poetry night/holiday office party event - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

The Back Room - Spirits speaking - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

The Back Room - Tarot card readings tonight - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

The Back Room - Teacup cocktails - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

The Back Room - Behind you as you enter through the alley - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

The Back Room - The cocktail list - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

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Karina M.

5

97

180

2 years ago

One of my favorite speakeasy because of the decor, such a cozy vibe. The oldest bar in town. Would recommend for them to add more seating, there is literally such less. The service is not the best tbh. Drinks are very good read more

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More info about The Back Room

102 Norfolk St
New York, NY 10002
Lower East Side
Directions
(212) 228-5098
Call Now
Visit Website
http://backroomnyc.com

Hours

What time does The Back Room open?

The Back Room opens at 6:00 PM on Monday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does The Back Room close?

The Back Room closes at 1:00 AM (Next day) on Monday and Sunday.The Back Room closes at 2:00 AM (Next day) on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.The Back Room closes at 3:00 AM (Next day) on Friday and Saturday.

Mon, Sun 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM (Next day)Tue-Thu 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)Fri-Sat 6:00 PM - 3:00 AM (Next day)

Payment methods

Does The Back Room take Bitcoin?

No, The Back Room does not take Bitcoin.

Does The Back Room take credit cards?

Yes, The Back Room takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does The Back Room serve alcohol?

Yes, The Back Room serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does The Back Room have TVs?

No, The Back Room does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does The Back Room have bike parking?

No, The Back Room does not have bike parking.

Does The Back Room have outdoor seating?

No, The Back Room does not have outdoor seating options.

Does The Back Room have parking?

Yes, The Back Room has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Does The Back Room allow outdoor smoking?

Yes, The Back Room allows outdoor smoking.

Does The Back Room have free WiFi?

No, The Back Room does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

We are an authentic speakeasy. We serve our drinks in tea cups!

History

Established in 1918.

The Back Room is one of only two speakeasies in New York City that operated during Prohibition and is still in existence today. It is a timeless example of the underbelly of New York past. The original 1920's speakeasy, known simply as "The Back of Ratner's," played host to many theater and movie actors of the "Roaring Twenties," as well as famous gangsters of the era. These gangsters included Bugsy Siegel, Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky. They were known to use the space for "business meetings."

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Review Highlights - The Back Room

“Dimly lit and fairly quiet with large comfy sofas, this place was pretty awesome.”

Mentioned in 23 reviews

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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)

2.6 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)

2.9 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 a slightly early dinner after a Broadway show with a party of 4 on a Sunday evening…read more We had a reservation, but it didn't seem like we would have needed one, but I suppose better safe than sorry. The ambiance feels straight of the golden age, which is an aesthetic I'm certainly a sucker for. Even their robust cocktail menu fits the bill and is one of the prettiest menus I've ever had the joy of perusing. Staff was able to sit us a little bit ahead of our reservation which was also much appreciated. Wait staff was also very helpful and attentive, I don't think I've ever had my water glass so topped off! Starting off with cocktails, this place is a gin bar through and through and you'd be making a mistake if you didn't try one of their many options. I went with the 10,000 words, which you simply just give a spirit of your choice (I picked gin of course) and whether you antes) wanted your drink shaken or stirred and the bartender does the rest, so a bit of a surprise! I wound up with their version of The Last Word which was delightfully citrusy but I was hoping I'd wind up with something a little more adventurous app things considered. My girlfriend got the blackberry G&T, which was not only very pleasing to look at but delicious to boot. For food, we started with splitting some zucchini blossoms and beef cheek bao buns (both come in portions of 3). Both were tasty, but I love a good bao bun and these were so light and pillowy, I could have just went for an order of those for my main course. For the entree I went for the roasted half chicken, perhaps the most unassuming choice on the menu but this was maybe the best roast chicken I've ever had. Prepared perfectly, cooked to perfection, excellent portion size, and the kicker of it all was the stunning gravy that I was tempted to lick my plate for. Chicken is very easy to screw up, and they nailed it on all fronts here. My girlfriend went for the Valerie Signature burger with white cheddar and this thing did not mess around! A very rich patty, cooked to her temperature of choice served alongside some garlic truffle fries that made an American classic feel just a little more elevated. Our experience was delightful and I'd love to comeback here again, especially to check out more of the cocktail menu and soak in more of that golden age aura the place gives.

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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)

2.8 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)

2.9 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.

After visiting The Vessel, we walked about 15 minutes to Chi for dinner, then headed back to The…read moreEdge for sunset. It turned out to be the perfect CityWalk. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, and everything was delicious. The cold appetizer platter was a great start, the crispy shrimp were perfectly crunchy, and the braised beef short ribs were so tender with a rich sauce that was amazing over rice. The dim sum sampler was also a nice way to try a little of everything. For drinks, The Pavilion was light and refreshing, while the Diamond Dragon came in a diamond-shaped glass with dry ice, making it both fun to drink and great for photos. The restaurant was busy even on a weekday evening, with a big screen showing a soccer match that added to the atmosphere. Great food, great vibes, and a perfect stop after exploring Hudson Yards. I'd definitely come back.