The coolest underground bars in NYC

What is it? Nothing Really Matters is a vaporwave-meets-’70s-glam cocktail bar tucked inside a Manhattan subway station. With its name borrowed from the coda of a rock anthem, it resists easy categorization as it's equal parts offbeat destination and stylish neighborhood haunt. 

Why we love it: It’s a true surprise-and-delight moment in the middle of Midtown—a place that delivers a killer drink, sparkling clean bathrooms (literally), and a sense of fun without leaning on gimmicks. Whether you’re sipping caviar service between trains or grabbing a seat post-theater, it’s an instant credibility boost when introducing out-of-towners to “your” secret bar.

Time Out tip: Order a pizza right to your seat—yes, the bartenders will make it happen. 

Address: Inside the 50th Street Downtown ① subway station at Broadway

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 4pm–2am; Sun 4pm–midnight

Expect to pay: About $10 for a beer, $15 for a glass of wine and $20 for a cocktail

What is it? Katana Kitten is a split-level Japanese American cocktail bar in Greenwich Village from master bartender Masahiro Urushido. Blending the precision of Japanese mixology with the casual charm of an American dive and the convivial spirit of an izakaya, it offers two distinct vibes: an upstairs bar buzzing with energy and a more relaxed, vibey downstairs space. 

Why we love it: It’s a bar that takes its craft seriously without taking itself too seriously. The cocktails are creative, precise, and ridiculously drinkable, the food is satisfying, and the space feels like a choose-your-own-adventure night out—whether you’re there for a focused izakaya experience or a boozy, free-flowing evening with friends. It’s thoughtful Japanese cocktailing served with a wink and a sense of fun.

Time Out tip: You won’t be disappointed to go for the Izakaya experience and order round after round of drinks accompanied by curry fries, Katsu sandwiches, or fried squid served with Kewpie mayo and takoyaki sauce. For the full effect, we suggest that you attend with an open mind. 

Address: 531 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014

Opening Hours:  Mon–Fri 4pm–2am; Sat 2pm–2am; Su 2pm–midnight

Expect to pay: Cocktails are about $20, Sake: $11 for 2oz and $21 for 4oz, $110 for a carafe; Beer is $11; Wine is $15 a glass, $70 for a bottle; Food is about $20 a dish

What is it? Botanica is a downtown Manhattan lounge with the charm of a dive and the soul of a bohemian hangout. Around since the mid-’90s, it’s earned its stripes as a neighborhood fixture, with a bar worth lingering at, DJs on weekends, and thrift-store couches tucked into dim corners. It’s casual, unpretentious, and equally suited to a quick drink or a long night.

Why go: It’s the rare spot that works for both a pregame and a full evening. Whether you’re rolling in with a crew, cozying up with a date, or just killing time solo, Botanica’s indie-meets-chic atmosphere makes everyone feel like they’re doing exactly the right thing. And the happy hour? Legendary.

Time Out tip: If you’re with a group, claim a table in the back room early. For a more intimate vibe, grab one of the nooks up front and watch the scene ebb and flow.

Address: 47 East Houston St, New York, NY 10012

Opening Hours: Sun–Wed 5pm–1am; Thu 5pm–2am; Fri 5pm–3am; Sat 4pm–3am

Expect to pay: About $7 for a beer; wine is $8 a glass,  about $50 for a bottle; and cocktails are $12 a pop

What is it? Little Branch is a pioneering speakeasy in the West Village that helped kickstart the modern revival of hidden cocktail bars. 

Why we love it: It’s a masterclass in both cocktails and atmosphere, offering what might be the best versions of the drinks you know and love. The lighting, music, and crowd all channel a bygone era without slipping into kitsch, and the strict house rules keep the scene classy—no hats, no name-dropping, and no over-the-top volume.

Time Out tip: Get there early to snag a booth and let the bartenders surprise you with a custom cocktail. 

Address: 20 Seventh Avenue South at Leroy St, Manhattan, NY, 10014

Opening hours: Sun 6pm–midnight; Mon–Wed: 6pm–1am; Thu–Sat 6pm–3am

Expect to pay: Cocktails: $19; Beer: $8; Wine: ~$17/glass

What is it? From the people behind nearby At the Wallace and Harlem Public, The Honeywell is a heartbreakingly cool, super-inclusive, proudly black-owned cocktail bar that blends retro styling with today’s cutting-edge cocktail.

Why we love it: Few underground bars also boast a backyard and there is a menu of very tasty food, so it’s easy to spend a whole evening here. The cocktails are not only some of the city’s most wow-inducing and photogenic, they are—to a one—delicious. The Dave’s Lookin’ Ass, for example, is a sweet citrusy rum concoction that’s as fun to drink as it is to order. 

Time Out tip: Reservations are advisable. The cocktail menu is big and varied, but if you’re paralyzed by choice, tell one of the skilled bartenders what you’re into and watch them whip up something bespoke. This place also runs two great happy hours: daily 4pm–6pm and Fri and Sat midnight–2am.

Address: 3604 Broadway, Manhattan, NY 10031

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 4pm–midnght; Fri, Sat 4pm–2am

Expect to pay: Cocktails are about $17; Bites between $9–$25; Beer about $8; Wine is $12 a glass

What is it? An elegant basement cocktail bar located on the  Greenwich Village strip, inside what was once the Gaslight Cafe. 

Why we love it: So few places with such deliberate design feel so welcoming or so low-key. The cocktails are excellent, featuring a restraint and precision that mirrors the environs. They’re not kidding when the menu labels something as ‘Insanely Good.’ The Midori Sour, for example, was the best we’ve ever had. This is a great place to go with a date or a small group as you can actually have an audible conversation here without blowing out your larynx. That doesn’t mean this Up&Up is stuffy–just more relaxed.

Time Out tip: This place’s almost-hidden location and more mature atmosphere keep it somewhat immune to the neighborhood’s hubbub. Just keep in mind that there’s a party-size max of six. 

Address: 116 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 5pm–1am; Thu, Fri 5pm–2am; Sat 4pm–2am; Sun 4pm–midnight

Expect to pay: Cocktails are about $20; Wine is $17 a glass; Beer is $10; Bites are between $5–$19

What is it? A bustling piano bar in the heart of New York’s historical, iconoclastic gay neighborhood and named in honor of the address’ historical, iconoclastic occupant.

Why we love it: We suspect that, like us, you adore musicals, sing-alongs, inexpensive drinks, divey environs, and a rip-roaring good time, and, if so, Marie’s is well worth a visit. It’s also not unusual for a bona fide Broadway performer to strut their stuff here, which is always a thrill.

Time Out tip: Cash only, two drink minimum, and tip both your bartender and the piano player. No, that’s not optional. It gets packed on weekends, so check the piano schedule and go during the week if you want to avoid the crowds.

Address: 59 Grove St, Manhattan, NY 10014

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–3am; Fri, Sat 4pm–4am

Expect to pay: Cocktails and mixed drinks will run you between $7 and $11; beer is $8; wine is $7 a glass

What is it? A Friday and Saturday-only, Marie Antoinette-themed bar housed in a historic abandoned subway tunnel featuring cocktails and burlesque, the entrance to which is hidden behind a bookcase in a French bistro. Yes, you read all of that correctly. 

Why we love it: The bodice-ripping rococo styling would be little more than campy decor if the cocktailing here wasn’t outstanding, which it is. The Axel, My Love is an herbaceous take on a Bee's Knees that, with its burnt rosemary and furikake garnish, lingered in the best way. Undoubtedly the single sexiest room in Brooklyn Heights.

Time Out tip: The entrance is through Chez Moi, on the left behind a bookshelf. The secret is out on this place, so make a reservation. With a large enough group, you can snag the back room, adding fun, sexy, dungeony vibes to all of that red-velvet sensuality. 

Address: 135 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Opening hours: Friday, Saturday 7pm–2am

Expect to pay: Cocktails are about $15; Wine is $13 a glass and $50/bottle; Beer is $8; Bites are between $5–$16

What is it? One of the heaviest hitters of the “new establishment with a '70s retro aesthetic” theme that began with the venerable dive, Welcome to the Johnsons. Let’s coin a term: Groovyism? Discore? Recrudescenesters? Dazed-and-Confusion? Okay, I’m done.

Why we love it: Very tasty dinner upstairs, well-kept bar with a nice pool table downstairs. It has the vintage VFW vibes you’re after, plus (relatively) merciful prices–a shot and a beer works nicely. There’s also no guest list, so anybody who thinks they’re somebody has to wait just like everybody else.

Time Out tip: This place is a scene on weekends; if you’re dead set, prepare to wait in line. Otherwise, head in during the week and sail on through, but keep in mind they’re closed on Sunday and Monday.

Address: 107 Eldridge St, Manhattan, NY 10002

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5pm–2am

Expect to pay: Cocktails are about $14; Well drinks are $12; Beer is $8; Wine is $16 a glass and about $60 a bottle

What is it? A hotel bar located in a sub-basement with nightly live jazz, prohibition-bombsheltery-vintagey-speakeasy styling and a classic-inspired cocktail program.

Why we love it: Gaining entry requires a visit to Courtlandt Alley–one of Manhattan’s last alleyways, whose gritty charm will almost certainly elude your out-of-towner parents. There’s also something about feeling a little unsure of whether you’re in the right place. We enjoyed a Bunniez Wit Attitude–aptly named; zippy and smokey with mezcal, carrot juice, jalapeño, and ginger. 

Time Out tip: Get a reservation early in the night–maybe an aperitif before dinner in Chinatown.

Address: 24 Cortlandt Alley, New York, NY 10013

Opening hours: Sun–Wed 6pm–midnight; Thu–Sat 6pm–1am

Expect to pay: Cocktails are about $23; $16 for small bites