The Hottest Hidden Spots in New York City

With so many dining options in The Big Apple, the best places can be hard to find. But as most foodies know, the hard-to-find places are often the best. New York City is no exception to this rule.

For foodies who love simple, rustic, old world cuisine with a cozy ambiance – Freemans is a must. Hidden down a narrow alley, just past an old barbershop, you’ll find the homespun American restaurant glowing at the end of the path. With unique (and strong!) cocktails and the best meal you’ve had in years, this restaurant is worth the price. Skip sitting in the dining room for a seat at the back bar, where bartenders are dressed to impressed in outfits from the 1920s. The service can be rushed, but the ambiance will leave you grinning.

For sexy dates and singles, head to the Backroom, an old speakeasy on the lower east side. With a reasonably priced cocktail menu, Prohibition decor and a cozy fireplace, this spot transports you to a different era. Once you find this hard to spot gem, tucked aside the LES Toy Company, you won’t want to leave. With great service, music and a crowd that is always lively, Backroom is New York City’s best-kept secret.

If you’re looking for a hidden place to wow your friends with, just head into the pawnshop at Beauty and Essex. A secret door inside the pawnshop opens into a massive restaurant and bar that offers outstanding cuisine and cocktails. The large space boasts two-stories with several seating areas to service large crowds. From the creators of the incredible Stanton Social, this brand new secret space offers delicious small plates and tapas cuisine and an even tastier ambiance. Head to the Lower East Side of Manhattan before the secret is out.

Don’t let the name fool you; Death and Company is anything but dead. Always packed with fans of killer drinks, this bar offers a twist on pre-prohibition cocktails. Anyone who loves classic mixology and has a taste for speakeasy style should head there now. There’s typically a small wait for a table, but the unusual rule at this joint holds firm: everyone gets a seat. Doormen will call your cellphone when a table becomes available and can suggest local dives to pass the time before your time is up. Death and Company is a great date spot or night out with friends… and the most deadly cocktails ever.

One of New York’s secret gems lies in the middle of the busiest spot in the city: Grand Central Station. Hidden in a north corner of the station, The Campbell Apartment is hard to find but worth searching for. Formerly the office and salon of 1920’s mogul John W. Campbell, the space has been refinished with gorgeous woodwork, a balcony and a gigantic stone fireplace. The ambience, wine list and service are top notch, as are the high prices. A fabulous selection of scotch, swing tunes and jazz make this rugged backdrop a fabulous spot for dates and singles alike. Good luck finding this hidden hotspot.