Tag Archives: Speakeasy

5 Magical NYC Activities to Try This Winter

Swingers Gold NYC Activities Winter Behind the Scenes NYC

Come explore 5 magical NYC activities to try this winter! So many unique spots to enjoy, so let us help you out!

There’s no shortage of exciting things to do in New York City. But, in this season of wind tunnels and freezing rain, locals and tourists alike have to get creative! So, come check out 5 magical NYC activities to try this winter!

Ice skating and holiday markets are all well and good, but what about some more original activities to try in NYC during the winter months?

To help keep up your spirits until the city starts to thaw, here are five magical NYC activities to try this winter.


#1 Go crazy golfing in a botanical palace

Swingers Gold NYC Activities Winter Behind the Scenes NYC
Credit: Courtesy of Swingers

If you’ve never heard of crazy golf before, get ready to have your world rocked.

This new-to-NYC phenomenon combines all the best of mini golf, bougie bar hopping and delicious street food, with a setting fit for royalty – in this case, the underground palace of Swingers Crazy Golf in NoMad.

Here, you and friends can putt your way through three amazing crazy golf courses, challenging each other to get past their many riveting obstacles!

To help you keep warm, you’ll obviously get plenty of physical activity at Swingers, and you can have drinks delivered to you right there on the course. (The Chailand Iced Tea – an energizing combination of chai-infused vodka, lemonade and cinnamon syrup – is sure to leave you feeling toasty.)

With cocktails and golf clubs in hand, you’ll also have great props for posing with Swingers’ gorgeous botanical decorations! And once you’ve worked up an appetite, don’t forget to stop by the gourmet street food vendors for pescado tacos and pepperoni pinwheels.

If you’re after a deluxe NYC destination for food, drink and entertainment, Swingers does it all.

Location: 35 West 29th Street

 

#2 Curate tunes at a classic vinyl record bar

Tokyo Record Bar Restaurant NYC Activities Winter Behind the Scenes NYC
Credit: Courtesy of Tokyo Record Bar

Karaoke is always a hoot, but for those who’ve heard a few too many off-key renditions of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, consider a much trendier option: an old-school vinyl record bar.

Our favourite in NYC would have to be Tokyo Record Bar, just a few minutes’ walk from Washington Square Park – and the ideal spot for a memorable night with friends (or to impress a date).

At TRB, you’ll be seated in an intimate, warmly lit space to choose from exciting drinks such as honeydew sake and buttermilk nigori. You can then proceed to the main menus, both culinary and musical.

On the former, you’ll find elegant dishes like hiramasa sashimi with burgundy truffle and caviar; for the latter, you and your guest(s) can select vinyl jukebox songs to be played as part of your dining experience.

Needless to say, a few hours at TRB can really reinvigorate a dreary winter evening… but make reservations now if you’re interested, because this 12-seat space fills up fast!

Location: 127 MacDougal Street

 

#3 Visit an enchanting French bookstore

Albertine Bookshop NYC Activities Winter Behind the Scenes NYC
Credit: Courtesy of Albertine Bookshop

Bookstores aren’t such a rare sight in NYC, but bookstores like Albertine – located on the third floor of the Payne Whitney mansion on Fifth Avenue – contain a sliver of cultural magic.

This enchanting space has the largest collection of French language books in the country, with classic titles from 30 French-speaking countries, as well as plenty of English books and translations for those who don’t parlent français.

Visitors can enjoy this abundant, cross-cultural literature under a deep blue, astrology-inspired ceiling and golden hanging lamps. Without a doubt, Albertine is just the place to immerse yourself in another world on a cold winter’s afternoon (and maybe take a dreamy doze in one of their leather loveseats).

Alternatively, for those who don’t want to be tempted into buying any beautiful, expensive books, we’d recommend the Morgan Library and Museum: a glorious Beauty and the Beast-style collection situated two miles down the road, close to the Empire State Building.

Location: 972 5th Avenue

 

#4 Get your game on at an eccentric Brooklyn arcade

Sunshine Laundromat Speakeasy NYC Activities Winter Behind the Scenes NYC
Credit: Courtesy of Sunshine Laundromat

Got some laundry to do? Looking to play a bit of pinball? Or just craving a beer after a long day? For any or all of the above, take a trip down to Sunshine Laundromat in Greenpoint.

This retro laundromat/arcade/bar feels very New York City: a quirky space that’s nonetheless quite functional and minimalist in design.

Indeed, some of the flashier arcade spaces in the city can feel a bit artificial. Sunshine Laundromat, on the other hand, is a truly authentic Brooklyn spot frequented by locals.

Pull up a stool and order a pint of locally brewed Greenpoint beer, or take a turn at one of the nostalgically themed pinball machines – Star Wars, Ghostbusters and Jurassic Park are just three iconic themes you’ll find here.

And if you happen to spill a drink on your jacket, simply pop it in the washing machine and pick it up on your way out! (Seriously, this is one amenity that every Brooklyn bar should offer.)

Location: 860 Manhattan Avenue

 

#5 Sip warming drinks at a secret speakeasy

Please Don't Tell Speakeasy NYC Activities Winter Behind the Scenes NYC
Credit: Courtesy of Please Don’t Tell

Speaking of highly authentic and slightly hidden NYC spots, our last suggestion is a speakeasy in the East Village – a place so covert, it has a hidden entrance and is quite literally called “Please Don’t Tell.” (We’re only defying their request because it’s a genuinely cool spot that many more people should know about!)

Step through the phone booth in Crif’s Dogs (a local hot dog joint) to a low-lit, highbrow space of brick walls and polished surfaces. Here, you can order signature PDT cocktails and classic drinks alike – perhaps a regionally appropriate Cosmo or Manhattan.

And if you want to go all out to beat the winter blues, consider hiring out the entire venue for up to 30 people!

Take note, however, that of all these magical things to do in NYC, an evening at PDT is one of the hardest to come by; they’re often booked up until well after midnight.

So, if this one sounds like a wintertime winner to you, we’d suggest making reservations well in advance.

Location: 113 St. Marks Place


Photo Credit: Swingers, Please Don’t Tell, Sunshine Laundromat, Albertine Bookshop, Tokyo Record Bar, 

No Sleep in NYC: Best Places to Go for a Night Out

Nightlife Bars Best Places to Go for a Night Out NYC

New York is definitely NOT the place to sleep! So, take a look at the best places to go for a night out that will make your New York experience memorable!

Nightlife Bars Best Places to Go for a Night Out NYC

Almost every movie set in New York highlights the best spots that are sure to make you wish you could teleport there in an instant.

If you ever find yourself in the city that never sleeps, be sure to craft an itinerary of all the best spots open at night.

There’s something for everyone in a city as diverse as New York City, so you’re sure to find the crowds where you’ll feel most welcome.

Here are some of the best places to go for a night out to remember.


Nightlife Bars Best Places to Go for a Night Out NYC Jazz Clubs
Photo Credit: Renata Meirelles

Visit a Jazz Bar

NYC is a jazz destination – actually it was the jazz epicenter – where many of the biggest names in the genre like Ella Fitzgerald and Charlie Parker launched their careers.

Luckily, there are still a number of jazz bars you can hit up for live performances.

Our ‘Must-See Jazz Spots in Harlem’ focused on the best traditional spots in the neighborhood, but there are actually quite a few others around the city.


Blue Note

The Blue Note proudly boasts its reputation as the jazz capital of the world.

It houses new talents as well as veterans like Chick Corea. Their Facebook page says that they’ve been one of the world’s most premier clubs and cultural institutions since 1981.

You’re in for a surprise, as throughout the week, celebrities often make special appearances.

Location: 131 West 3rd Street (b/t 6th Avenue & MacDougal Street)

www.bluenotejazz.com


The Village Vanguard

Located in Greenwich Village, The Village Vanguard has been a legendary location since 1935.

Over 100 jazz albums have been recorded here.

Patrons have to refrain from speaking loudly, taking videos and photos, as well as using their phones – they’re all about enjoying the music and respecting the artists at The Village Vanguard.

Location: 178 7th Avenue S

https://villagevanguard.com


Nightlife Bars Best Places to Go for a Night Out NYC Resort World Casino
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Resort World Casino

The Casino Scene

While casinos are not as widespread in the city as other major gaming hubs, the New York Times reports that state officials are considering putting casinos in NYC, due to how popular casino-resorts are in major cities across the globe.

PPPoker’s LinkedIn page shows that major poker events are held everywhere from Argentina to London, showcasing its increasingly global player base.

If you fancy a bit of gambling while in New York, the following places offer just that and much more.


Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct

This is an obvious choice as it’s the only casino currently within the boundaries of the city in Queens.

Originally a “racino” (horse racing track), there are also video slots for gambling in some arenas, as well as table games if that’s more up your style.

Location: 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Jamaica, NY

www.rwnewyork.com


Empire City Casino

Twenty miles north of Time Square is Empire City in Yonkers, which features another racino as well as more video slot machines.

It’s not too far from main haunts like the Bronx, and is just thirty minutes away from Queens.

It’s quite a memorable destination and it attracts a younger crowd since the minimum age of playing is 18 and not 21.

Location: 810 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers

https://www.empirecitycasino.com


Nightlife Bars Best Places to Go for a Night Out NYC Blind Barber
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Blind Barber

Find a Hidden Speakeasy

NYC has a number of nightclubs and bars for any occasion, but if you’re in the mood for something low-key, a speakeasy might be a good pick. It’s surely part of the best places to go for a night out in New York City!

The Prohibition was the heyday for New Yorkers who wanted to unwind and let loose with some quiet drinks.

But while it’s no longer forbidden, the thrill of having secret bars remains unparalleled and NYC still has some hidden gems in the most unexpected places.

And, they’re sure to make you feel like you’re experiencing a blast from the past.


Attaboy

Attaboy is as clandestine as far as secret bars go.

This place doesn’t accept reservations, nor does it offer a menu.

Those who have heard about this little spot know that they can only enter on two conditions: if their party (of no more than six) is complete, and if they knock on the barely labeled door.

Bespoke drinks can be quite pricey, but they are made to your liking.

Location: 134 Eldridge Street

http://attaboy.us


The Blind Barber

Barbershop by day and bar by night, The Blind Barber is a nondescript bar in the space’s back lounge.

Their menu features loads of specialty and curated cocktails and you can either chill out at the back, or hang out in front of the DJ booth if you’re feeling more energetic.

Location: 339 East 10th Street

https://blindbarber.com


Pick and choose from the best places to go for a night out that appeal most to you. You’re sure to have the best adventure around New York!

The next time you visit, you may come up with your own recommendations! And, we’d love to hear them!


Photo Credits: Renata Meirelles and courtesy of the venues

Patent Pending: One of our favorite speakeasy bars in NYC

Nightlife Bars Patent Pending Speakeasy Bars in NYC Full Bar

Patent Pending is truly one of our favorite speakeasy bars in NYC. It’s hidden behind a fake wall, inside a small Nomad coffee shop in Manhattan! As they say: “Paying homage to thinking outside the box.”

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Hidden behind a fake wall, inside a tiny coffee shop in the heart Manhattan, Patent Pending has one of our favorite speakeasy bars in NYC. And, with one of the most creative cocktail menus in town!

See our short and fun IGTV!

The specific neighborhood is Nomad and it’s housed inside the famous Radio Wave Building, a historical landmark in NYC. The building gets its name from the years that the world-famous inventor and engineer, Nikola Tesla, lived there.

During the day, you’ll just see a normal NYC coffee spot in action, called Patent Café. But, by night, the secret comes to life!

When you find the entrance, type 4-9-2-7 # so that the host opens the glass doors for you.

There are no lights when you walk inside and the coffee shop is closed, but just risk it and you’ll be fine! Ha!

As you walk down a few steps, it all seems odd, since there is no visual sign of a bar and it’s a bit dark. Unfortunately, they don’t accept reservations, so be sure to go early, otherwise you might just end up waiting for quite some time – over 1 hour!

When the time comes of you to enter, the host will lift the countertop and spread open a sliding door that leads to this beautiful, underground, dim lit bar…

…and the door closes behind you.

The place is quite small with only a couple tables, and the bar area is obviously always our preference to sit. ⁠

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⁠They just added 4 new Fall drinks to their menu, so we decided to go and try them.

Their names?

  1. Illuminated Manhattan: With Campfire Whiskey, Aged Rum, Scotch, Madeira…smokey, chocolatey, smooth;⁠ ⁠
  2. Emulating Edison: Their take on a traditional Mulled Wine…warm, spiced and silk;⁠ ⁠
  3. Static Pet Theory: Genever, Shochu, Islay Single Malt, Tomatillo, Egg White and Umami…smooth and savory;⁠ ⁠
  4. Flash of Inspiration: Roasted Corn Mezcal, Sherry, Islay Single Malt, Smoked Maple Syrup, Green Hatch and Chipotle…spicy, smokey and tart!

Cool, right?

We obviously also had some of their classics as well! And, if you get hungry, they have a few small bites, and even a vegan sandwich option. I tried it and it was delicious! ⁠

The spot is always full, but it’s definitely worth the wait!

Have fun and let us know what you thought of it!


More about the Radio Wave Building:

“This is the building in which Nikola Tesla lived and performed his experiments on radio waves, transmitting them to his laboratory near present day Trinity Church in downtown Manhattan.

The ‘waves’ which guided you here (GPS) and surround you now (WiFi) were envisioned by Tesla more than a century ago.  Born during a lightning storm, Nikola Tesla was a child of light.

An immigrant, an innovator and a patriot, Tesla dreamed of a world which few others could imagine. He was an eccentric genius, an ‘Electric Messiah’.

We toast to him and the countless others that think outside the box, persevering against all odds.”


If you enjoyed this post, take a look at these other 9 speakeasy bars in NYC!

Hours:
Sunday – Wednesday: 5pm – 12am
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 5pm – 2am

Location: 49 West 27th Street

www.patentpendingnyc.com


Photo Credits: Courtesy of Patent Pending
*Last Update on March/2020.*

Prohibition Pub and History Tour in New York

BTSNYC Experiences On Going Prohibition Pub and History Tour in New York

The Prohibition Pub and History Tour in New York is guided walking tour of historic bars from the Prohibition Era replete with all the stories of immigration and the Gilded Age.


BOOK NOW!

BTSNYC Experiences On Going Prohibition Pub and History Tour in New York

If you don’t really know what the Prohibition Era was, it’s ok. I’ll briefly tell you below but you can also learn about it during the Prohibition Pub and History Tour in New York!

In short, it was a 13-year period between 1920 – 1933, where the production, commercialization, distribution and importation of alcoholic beverages was completely banned throughout the United States.

But this did not mean that people stopped drinking or going out! What happened then was that the famous speakeasies started to pop up around the city!

These speakeasy bars were strategically placed in basements, in the back area of butcher shops, and in the most unique locations. It obviously was not advertised, and you only knew about these bars mostly from word-of-mouth.

Today, New York City is still the home of countless speakeasies. While many are quite hard to find, others you can only go in with a special ‘secret password’. Pretty cool, right?

BOOK NOW!

That said, this tour will tell you a bit more about his fascinating history and places.

The tour begins in Midtown at an original speakeasy – the speakeasy of all speakeasies.

The group then enter a Gilded Age bar celebrating the greatest catalyst to Prohibition. Finally, it will end at one of the oldest Irish bars in New York and celebrate the end of Prohibition together!

So, be sure to book your spot and come have fun with us in the Prohibition Pub and History Tour in New York.

TOUR DETAILS:

  • Price: $40 / person
  • Time: starts at 4pm
  • Duration: 3 hours – 1.5 mile guided tour at a moderate walking pace
  • Meeting Location: 21 Club at 21 West 52nd Street
  • Dress Code: business casual apparel
  • One complimentary drink sampler (based off an original Prohibition-style cocktail)
  • Alcoholic/non-alcoholic drink menus available
  • Ticket price includes tax and fees. Gratuity not included.

BOOK NOW!

If you enjoyed this history tour in New York, be sure to check out other amazing tours and experiences through out the city!

And, if you need a private tour or need assistance in tailoring one for a corporate group, contact our experts!


Photo Credit: Courtesy
*Last Update on Feb/2020.*

Sushi by Boū: Secret Japanese Restaurant Inside A Hotel Suite

Dining Sushi by Bou Speakeasy Japanese Stairs

Uncover the new Sushi by Boū location! They opened a secret speakeasy Japanese restaurant inside a hotel suite in Manhattan! How cool is that?!

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Dining Chef David Bouhadana Speakeasy Japanese Chef David Bouhadana
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“A unique 30minute omakase speakeasy experience by sushi chef David Bouhadana, Michael Sinensky and Erika London.”

That we are into super secret spots around New York City, you’re all tired of knowing, right? But, these secret spots don’t stop popping up (and we love sharing them with you)!

I mean, there is obviously just so much to experiment in NYC, with so many creative minds and talented people, that these businesses just continue to flourish.

Sushi by Boū is known for being a to-go spot for people craving a delicious 12-piece Omakase menu served in only 30-minutes and for $50. In addition, there is a 60-minute option as well for those that want to have a longer experience.

But wait, let’s go back a step! The idea of these spots came to life when the 3 partners, Chef David, Michael and Erika decided to get underutilized spaces inside existing venues and transform them into “sexy sushi speakeasies”, as they call them.

Chef David fell in love with sushi at the age of 18, in Boca Raton, Florida. After deciding that what he wanted to do was become a renowned chef, he hopped on a plane to Japan. There, he was taught by the top Omakase chefs in the Kansai regions.

After mastering his craft, he flew back to New York with his journey began and his reputation grew quickly.

And, after working in renowned restaurants like Morimoto, he ventured on his own recreating the Japanese fast-casual Omakase concept, tweaking it around and blending in his own particular style. The result: Perfection!

Today Chef David is an expert in his field, has won countless awards and even won a New York Emmy Award for his web series “Shokunin, An Eater Series Hosted by David Bouhadana”.

That said, there are currently 3 Sushi by Boū. One found underneath the Sanctuary Hotel in Midtown Manhattan and a second one inside Jue Lan Club, in Chelsea. The 3rd and most unexpected location just created roots inside Suite 1001, at Hotel 3232, in the in the heart of Flatiron-Murray Hill neighborhood.

Suite 1001 offers a 60-minute Omakase for $125/person inclusive of service and tax. ​

In addition, they do not accept phone calls, and reservations are for parties of 2 or 4 only. Plus, they do take advanced and day-of reservations, space permitting. For private events, please contact us.

And, this past summer they followed Jue Lan Club to the Hamptons and the team announced that some news spots are set to open in 2019, so lets wait and see inside which unexpected spot it will be in!

So, stay tuned and if you need any help in NYC (for private or corporate events), remember to contact our experts!

Locations:
Sanctuary Hotel – 132 West 47th Street
Jue Lan Club – 49 West 20th Street
Hotel 3232 – 32A East 32nd Street, Suite 1001

www.sushibybou.com


Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sushi by Bou
*Last Update on Feb/2020.*

Sofar Sounds: A Secret NY Music Gig at Hell Phone Curated by Us!

Our Experts Recaps Sofar Sounds Hell Phone Brooklyn BTSNYC

On April 28th, we curated another Sofar Sounds NYC! This time, it happened at a super trendy speakeasy called Hell Phone, in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn! And, we KICKED ASS that night! Check it out!

We love New York’s music scene. The city is the home of an infinite number of amazing musicians and artists! Every 3 months or so, we curate a spectacular live music event in partnership with the team at Sofar Sounds NYC.

We choose the 3 bands that are performing during the night….and honestly? WE KICK ASS, believe us!

On Saturday, April 28th, we had a fantastic night with a mix of different style musicians. The event was hosted at a pretty awesome speakeasy bar in East Williamsburg, called Hell Phone. It’s in the back of a restaurant and coffee shop called Ange Noir Café.

Way in the back of the coffee shop, you’ll see a beautiful red phone cabinet…open the door and walk in to explore! Be ready for a great night!

For this show, we brought in to perform:

  • Jair Oliveira: a famous Brazilian singer, composer and producer. He is a former student at the renowned Berklee College of Music, in Boston and plays MPB (Música Popular Brasileira). In other words, traditional Brazilian Pop Music;
  • Olivia Chindamo: a beautiful Australian vocalist! She’s best known for her natural and effortless ability to improvise or “scat”. As the 2016 Bell Award winner for “Young Australian Jazz Artist of the Year”;
  • Kenny John: a very special and talented musician our Founder, Fê Paronetto, met one day passing through Union Square subway station in NYC. He was playing the trumpet and she was in awe! Kenny learned to play the trumpet and an early age and today brightens up the day of thousands of commuters in NYC, playing Jazz and Soul music!

And…we had a surprise! We had a special guest joining in for a song! Aline Muniz is good friends with Fê and was invited by Jair Oliveira to sing one song on stage with him!

Our Experts Recaps Sofar Sounds Hell Phone Brooklyn BTSNYC Guests

What’s Sofar Sounds?

If you’ve never heard of Sofar Sounds, they host the most exclusive, secret and intimate music gigs in over 300 cites all over the Globe!

The secret location is disclosed only on the day of the show. Plus, they don’t tell you which 3 bands are performing, so expect a night full of surprises!

Once you sign up, you get into a line and hope to be luck enough to be part of these events that actually sell out very quickly! (We have the promo code to skip line, below!)

“Bringing the magic back to live music. Amazing artists in intimate spaces, performing stripped-back sets to carefully curated audiences. Sit down, settle in and just listen. You’re gonna love it.”

In addition, this event is BYOB, so you can bring your own Booze! So, feel free to bring wine, beer, or whatever makes you happy!

Read about how it all started, back in London!


Finally,  skip with line and immediately purchase the ticket, with out special PROMO CODE!

Code: BEHINDTHESCENES – type this at check-out. Let us know if you have any issues, the code might eventually be updated!

www.sofarsounds.com


Videography & Photo Credits: Renata Meirelles
*Last Update on Feb/2020.*

The Hidden World Of Hudson Clearwater In The West Village

Dining Hudson Clearwater Bar

The hidden world of Hudson Clearwater, a mysterious and secluded dining experience is impossible to find, unless you know exactly where to look!

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And the good news? We do!!! HA! So you came to the right place for the most unique NYC spots!

As you walk down Hudson Street in the West Village, you might see a common restaurant façade that doesn’t say much. When you walk in, and head to the back of the restaurant, you’ll find with beautiful courtyard, nestled in the middle of Manhattan.

We all know how crazy about outdoor areas New Yorkers are, and even though, we’d love to keep this spot a secret, it’s our job to share it! Lucky you!

The food can be characterized as American Nouveau with Chef Wes Long and Chef Peter Phillips at the helms.

Therefore, do try the seared duck breast; the ricotta gnocchi with hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, herb romesco, charred leek vinaigrette, piave cheese; their lunch time sandwiches are a great option; and during the weekends, for brunch, we love the poached eggs & roasted tomatoes with crème fraîche and grilled country bread; and the Hudson scrambled eggs with cheese, tomato, avocado, chives, mushrooms and grilled country bread.

Aren’t you already salivating, just reading about the dishes above? Well, we are, just by writing!

In the warmer months, tables are set up in the courtyard for al fresco dining and cocktailing, as we mentioned above.

Oh! You can make a reservation for the even-more-hidden private dining room downstairs. A perfect option for a private event.

Do you need help in organizing your private party? Take a look at our Concierge Services.

Wait! Are you a company, and need help in putting together a dinner for your team? Read about our Corporate Services!

We are sure you will enjoy exploring the hidden world of Hudson Clearwater!

Hours:
Mondays: 7:30am – 12am
Tuesday – Thursday: 7:30am – 1am
Fridays: 7:30am – 2am
Saturdays: 9am – 2am
Sundays: 9am – 11pm

Location: 447 Hudson Street

www.hudsonclearwater.com


Photo Credits: Courtesy of Hudson Clearwater, GrandLife Hotels, The E-list

Through a tiny doorway on the Lower East Side Is Kuma Inn

Kuma Inn Restaurant Entrance

A tiny doorway on Ludlow Street takes you through a stairway to this Thai restaurant, serving Filipino, Thai, and Southeast Asian cuisine, called Kuma Inn.

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Kuma Inn, founded in 2003, is located at Manhattan’s Lower East Side. But, you’ll probably not even notice it while strolling by. It’s exactly the type of place we love exploring and finding for you!

Serving Filipino, Thai and Southeast Asian food, King Phojanakong is the chef-owner of this NYC’s favorite speakeasy restaurant.

Hence, with experience in a few very well respected restaurants such as Daniel and The Grocery, Chef Phojanakong offers several signature dishes on the menu. From a yellowfin tuna tartare to tita ems’ adobo chicken wings, coconut vinegar, garlic and soy, you’ll be delighted with his creations.

That is to say, that the original menu is filled with a variety of meats, seafood and vegetables, but it changes often depending on the season.

In addition, it’s definitely a unique place to take a first date and impress! Specially because New Yorkers don’t know about this place either, so you’ll be certain to hit a jack pot!

Moreover, the prices are very reasonable, so don’t worry about it and just go to enjoy! Who would imagine that through a tiny doorway, on the Lower East Side, you’d find a gem like this?

And to finish, an interesting fact: “Kumain”, in filipino, means “to eat”…and why not, right?!

The neighborhood of the Lower East Side is growing exponentially, and we’re positive you’ll have a fantastic time figuring out some of the most unique spots.

You can book your accommodation at the Ludlow Hotel; enjoy your meals at restaurants like Contra, Souvlaki GR; shop at Reformation; grab your morning coffee-to-go at Café Vitta and have fun at Mr. Purple, the trendy rooftop bar at the Indigo Hotel.

Holly Burt shared also some of these spots, and a few other gems on her “Perfect Girl’s Night Out” interview with us!

Location: 113 Ludlow Street

www.kumainn.com


Photo Credits: Courtesy Kuma Inn
*Last Update on Feb/2020.*

Café Select’s Speakeasy Bar Is Called Après Ski Fondue Chalet

Café Select Restaurant Façade

Passing through the kitchen of a stylish Swiss eatery in SoHo named Café Select, you’ll find a hidden room. Inside the room, Après Ski Fondue Chalet.

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Mimicking an après-ski fondue chalet bar in the Alps, fondue and raclette are served during the colder months at Après Ski Fondue Chalet at Café Select. This speakeasy bar is one of the must-go spots during your New York visit!

During the warmer months, the back room turns into Cervantes Oyster Shack and Bar – a nautically themed restaurant serving a selection of seafood dishes.

I guess you’ve figured out their cuisine at this point, right? Well, if not, it’s ok. They offer great modern European dishes that will please almost everyone!

Furthermore, here are a few dishes you can try, if you’re not sure where to start:

  • Chop Salad with mesclun, endive, cherry tomatoes, celery, avocado, egg, hearts of palm potato salad, cucumber, house vinaigrette;
  • Burrata with heirloom tomato, pickled eggplant, basil & olive oil, balsamic reduction;
  • Müesli Pancakes are short stack of pancakes with macerated berries, vanilla sweet butter;
  • Schnitzel  with thinly pounded, breaded chicken breast, eld greens and potato salad;
  • Rösti Norwegian with smoked salmon and fresh herb sour cream, served over rösti.

Plus, it’s a great late night place to head to, if you’re part of the night-owls of NYC!

Are you looking for a cool place to hang out with the trendy kids in town?

Well, this is surely one of them! Actually, that entire block has some of the hottest NYC hang out spots.

You can also reserve tables for bigger parties (8+) and they have a private dining area where you have the possibility of hosting private events.

Do you need help planning your party? Contact our team of experts to know about our Concierge Services and Corporate Services, so we can organize it all for you (or your company).

If you’re in a rush, just run in and grab your take-away.

Café Select is the perfect place for lunch or dinner, but also the to-go brunch restaurant over the weekends! Start off ordering the famous Mimosa or one of their delicious cocktails!

Have fun at this NY après ski fondue chalet, where you’ll enjoy a bit of Europe.

Hours:
Daily from 8am
Weekends start at 9am
Speakeasy: daily, from 7pm

Location: 212 Lafayette Street

www.cafeselectnyc.com


Photo Credit: Courtesy of Café Select
*Last Update on Feb/2020.*

A Restaurant Inside An Alley named Freemans

Dining Freemans Alley Restaurant Façade

In 2004, when Taavo Somer and William Tigertt stumbled upon an unused alley – Freeman Alley – off Bowery, in the Lower East Side, the idea was born and in no time, Freemans Restaurant was launched.

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What was the idea? “A rugged clandestine colonial American tavern restaurant, inspired by the Old World tradition”, called Freemans Restaurant – a restaurant inside an alley.

Years ago, when we went there for the first time, we approached this long, weird looking alley. We couldn’t really see what was in it, or even decide if we’d adventure ourselves to walk in. But, of course, curiosity spoke louder and we started heading towards the end.

You’ll find a few great graffiti works on the brick walls along the way. Perfect for that Instagram-photo-moment!

So, at the very, very, very end, we found this beyond charming turquoise blue, wooden door surrounded by countless vases with plants and flowers. There were a few light bulbs lit up, hanging from above that definitely set a mood!

As we walked in, this very polite hostess approaches us immediately and after a few minutes talking to her, and being welcomed, we sit. We were lucky there was practically no waiting time, but is not usually like this.

We do recommend you make a reservation to guarantee a quick table, especially for big parties.

One of the most hidden and secret restaurants in NYC offers a heavy meat-based menu, but the top voted menu item is a hot artichoke with crispy bread. We’re already salivating, lol! Their cuisine is traditional American dishes.

Freemans is one of the top restaurant picks by the crowd that r-e-a-l-l-y knows how to explore New York. You can see one of our Insider Interviews with Natalie Klein (a Bof 500 Nominee), for example!

Last, but definitely not least, their drink menu is also fantastic and they have some amazing cocktails you can try. Some are perfect for lunch, while others will be the right choice for your dinner! If you’re not into cocktails, don’t worry, their wine list is quite extensive.

In conclusion, it is still a “hideaway”, so let’s try to keep it a secret restaurant inside an alley, and just tell this to your closest ones!!!

So, let us know that you thought and do share your experience while entering this little alley! Pretty thrilling, I’d believe.

The news now is that they have a speakeasy bar on the upper floor called Banzarbar. It’s hidden behind an unmarked door! This 20-seat cocktail bar was “inspired by early 20th Century explorers”.

To eat, you can try their 5-course tasting menu paired with low-ABV cocktails. Something quite different when you go to a speakeasy bar. This definitely differentiates them from the other spots.

Hours:
Lunch: Monday – Friday: 11am to 4pm
Brunch: Saturday – Sunday: 10am to 4pm
Afternoon Cocktails & Light Fare: Every Day 4pm to 6pm
Dinner: Every Night: 6pm – 11:30pm

Location: At the end of Freeman Alley, off Rivington Street

www.freemansrestaurant.com



Photo Credits: Courtesy of Freemans Restaurant, Diana A. and ©Behind the Scenes NYC
*Last Update on March/2020.*

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