The "Secret Bars and Speakeasy NY Experience" offers a captivating journey through New York’s Prohibition-era past. Guests explore three hidden establishments, sipping drinks in authentic tea cups as licensed historians shed light on the social dynamics and law enforcement challenges of the time. With a focus on maintaining an immersive speakeasy atmosphere, this tour promises an unforgettable blend of education and enjoyment. What secrets and stories might these concealed establishments hold?
This experience made our article of 16 Most Highly Rated Drinking Tours In New York City.
Key Points
- A 3-hour small group tour that visits three concealed historical establishments in New York City, providing an exclusive peek into the Prohibition era.
- Guests enjoy drinks served in authentic tea cups while licensed history teachers offer insights on the rise of speakeasies and the economic/social impacts of Prohibition.
- The experience includes a separate entrance to skip the line and a flexible booking system that allows securing preferred time slots.
- Participants must be 21+ and adhere to a business casual dress code to maintain the authentic speakeasy atmosphere.
- Collaboration with academic sources and local authorities ensures the tour provides engaging historical storytelling on New York’s hidden history.
Experience Overview
The Secret Bars and Speakeasy NY Experience is a 3-hour small group tour limited to 10 participants, offering a unique glimpse into the hidden world of New York’s speakeasies.
Available in multiple languages, this experience is likely to sell out quickly. Guests can expect to visit three concealed establishments with historical significance, where drinks are served in authentic tea cups.
Participants will skip the line through a separate entrance and learn about Prohibition from licensed history teachers, whose insights are based on cross-referenced academic sources.
This unique tour provides an exclusive peek into a bygone era.
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Booking Information
Guests can reserve their spot for the Secret Bars and Speakeasy NY Experience without paying upfront. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Availability for starting times can be checked online. This allows guests to lock in their preferred slot without any upfront costs. The experience is likely to sell out, so early booking is recommended.
Travelers should review the availability calendar to find the best date and time that fits their schedule. With flexible booking and risk-free cancellation, guests can secure their spot for this unique New York adventure.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins at The Burgary in Lower Manhattan.
From there, you will visit three concealed establishments with historical significance. The main stop is 131 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002, USA.
At each location, guests will experience drinks served in authentic tea cups, adding to the speakeasy ambiance.
The tour provides a separate entrance, allowing guests to skip the line.
Throughout the 3-hour experience, licensed history teachers offer insightful commentary on the rise of speakeasies during Prohibition, drawing from cross-referenced academic sources and collaborations with New York City Hall and the Hall of Records.
Historical Context and Tour Guide
As participants explore the secret bars and speakeasies of New York City, the tour guides provide crucial historical context.
Drawing from academic sources and collaborating with local authorities, the guides offer insightful commentary on the rise of speakeasies during the Prohibition era.
Guests learn about the economic and social impacts, as well as the cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and resourceful patrons.
The guides’ expertise and storytelling bring this fascinating period to life, enriching the overall speakeasy experience.
Their knowledge and passion ensure an educational and engaging exploration of this hidden chapter in New York’s history.
More Great Tours NearbyAge Requirement and Dress Code
This experience is not suitable for those under 21 years of age, as the tour visits concealed bars and speakeasies where alcohol is served. Participants must bring a valid passport or ID card for entry. The dress code is business casual, with no fur or gym clothing allowed. Dressy shorts are accepted. A table with the dress code guidelines is provided below:
| Item | Allowed | Not Allowed |
| — | — | — |
| Clothing | Business casual, dressy shorts | Fur, gym clothing |
| Footwear | Smart casual | Sportswear |
| Accessories | No restrictions | – |
The experience takes place rain or shine, and flash photography is prohibited.
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What to Bring and Restrictions
Participants must bring a valid passport or ID card for entry to this experience.
The organizers have in place several other important restrictions:
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No flash photography is allowed during the tour.
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Outside drinks are prohibited.
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Sportswear isn’t permitted.
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The experience takes place rain or shine.
Guests are expected to dress in a dressy manner, with no fur or gym clothing allowed.
However, dressy shorts are accepted.
These rules help maintain the authentic speakeasy atmosphere and ensure a seamless, immersive experience for all attendees.
Customer Reviews
Reviews for the Secret Bars and Speakeasy NY Experience have been overwhelmingly positive, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 29 customer assessments.
Guests consistently praise the tour guides’ engaging historical commentary and the authentic, immersive atmosphere of the concealed bars. Many highlight the seamless logistics, from the convenient meeting point to the exclusive access and elegant speakeasy ambiance.
A few reviewers mention the fast pace could be overwhelming, but the majority find the 3-hour duration well-balanced.
Availability and Pricing
The Secret Bars and Speakeasy NY Experience is available for booking with flexible starting times, though availability may be limited as the tour is likely to sell out.
The experience is priced from $35.00 per person and:
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Offers a reserve now, pay later option
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Provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
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Allows customers to check availability for different starting times
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Accepts bookings for small groups limited to 10 participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Safety Precaution for the Secret Bar Experience?
The experience has several safety precautions, including a minimum age requirement of 21 years, a no-photography policy, and a dress code prohibiting sportswear. Participants must bring a valid ID for entry. The tour operates rain or shine.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Accommodations Available?
The experience doesn’t mention any dietary restrictions or accommodations. Participants should check with the tour company before booking if they have any special dietary needs that need to be addressed. The tours aim to provide a general experience for all attendees.
What Is the Expected Group Size Throughout the Tour?
The tour is limited to a small group of 10 participants. This intimate group size allows for a more personalized and immersive experience throughout the secret bar and speakeasy visits.
Can Participants Bring Their Own Cameras or Phones for Photos?
Participants are not allowed to use flash photography during the experience. However, they’re welcome to bring their own cameras or phones for taking photos without flash, as long as they follow the other restrictions mentioned, such as no sportswear.
Is There Any Flexibility in the Tour Schedule or Itinerary Adjustments?
The tour schedule and itinerary are fixed, but participants can request modifications if needed. The tour guides are flexible and will work with guests to accommodate any special requests or accessibility needs within the existing structure.
The Sum Up
The "Secret Bars and Speakeasy NY Experience" offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the hidden history of New York’s Prohibition era. With its intimate setting, knowledgeable guides, and authentic speakeasy atmosphere, this tour promises an unforgettable and educational journey for those seeking to uncover the city’s concealed past. It’s an experience that’s not to be missed by anyone interested in the social and political dynamics of this fascinating period.
📍 This experience made our list of the 16 best Drinking Tours in New York City
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