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Employees Only

Speakeasy and Cocktail Bar$$$$

West Village, New York

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Employees Only

8.9^/10

2,198

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Ranked #4 for cocktails in New York
The beef tartare at Employees Only is a can't miss
"Try the West Side or the Ginger Smash with the Bone Marrow Poppers."(37 Tips)
"Don't miss the bone marrow poppers or the bacon-wrapped lamb chops."(16 Tips)
"Love the steak tartar and presentation is impressive."(37 Tips)
"Great cocktails, try the Amelia"(11 Tips)

500 Tips and reviews

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ginger smash
bone marrow poppers
trendy
good for dates
amelia
good for singles
off-menu items
restaurants
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cheesecake
cute
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free soup
crowded
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Susie TrujilloFebruary 8, 2014
Get there early or make a reservation as they fill up fast! Dev is THE MAN. Order ginger fizz and the charcuterie and cheese plates. Seasonal and nightly rotations- honey pistachios, orgasmic bread!
Jacob BriarsNovember 16, 2014
Been here 25+ times
This is a fantastic spot and one of the best bars in the world. Try the Amalia w vodka, St Germain and berries or the Daiquiri with Bacardi Heritage rum. You'll have a blast with this bar team!
Jen RiosSeptember 5, 2016
Been here 5+ times
Always has been my go to place for THE BEST oysters & tartar and of course cocktails and interesting crowd.Gets packed prepare yourself for a line,don't wear shorts if you're a guy and no flip flops.
AFAR MediaMay 4, 2015
The bartenders wear lab coats with the title of “Apprentice” embroidered on them, and they concoct some of the best and most unique drinks in the city, with quality liquors and fresh ingredients. Read more
EaterOctober 30, 2013
Employees Only was designed to be an industry hangout -- the kind of place where chefs, servers, and bartenders go when their restaurants close to enjoy a serious cocktail and food.
ginnnnnnny 🦀February 28, 2018
My friend loves the Manhattan cocktail. I think the cocktails are stronger than those in other bars, in a good way. The entrance is too poorly hidden to be a speakeasy tho.
Ray LopesDecember 18, 2018
If you are a big fan of whisky/ bourbon based cocktails like me, Yankee Notions and Common Sense are must haves. My wife was also amazed by Lazy Lover and Almost There.
L. Q.April 15, 2018
Seriously: no complaints. Great drinks, cool ambiance and nice service. Even the food is very good. Perfect for a late night with friends.
PureWowJune 21, 2017
Yes, at this point this “speakeasy” is anything but secret, but that doesn’t make it any less of a gem. We could go for a ginger smash and some bone marrow poppers right about now, come to think of it Read more
AhuvaJuly 17, 2017
Reserve in advance (only available for dinner) or be prepared to wait, cocktails galore (try them all) and fresh oysters daily, great for a night out with a group or a date
Jovana ObradovicApril 6, 2015
Cozy setting, amazing cocktails & even better service. The bartenders are fun, easy-going and know what they're doing. Definitely a good place for drinks & tartar :)
Renaud #March 10, 2018
Our party of 4 had the best time for dinner & drinks. We recommend the Hemingway Daiquiri, the bacon-wrapped lamb chops, and the cheesecake is yummy.
Bruce HaydonDecember 30, 2016
Best get there really early to stake out a place at the bar, as this place is packed even during weeknights. Craft cocktails are (of course) great, but surprised by the amazing chocolate cheesecake .
Conrad Greiner-BechertMay 10, 2017
Been here 5+ times
Burlesque on Sundays at midnight. Quality varies but drinks are always top notch. This is the place where I ate an Oyster for the first time in my life.
Vania S.October 22, 2016
Been here 5+ times
My favorite cocktail bar in the city. Cozy and surprisingly unpretentious. If you're looking to have a bite, the beef tartare is yummy - the bartenders make it at the bar!
AFAR MediaAugust 12, 2014
Table service is primarily available for dinner, especially on weekends, and if you find yourself in New York on a Sunday night, be sure and stay for the Burlesque show that commences at midnight. Read more
Stephanie ZhongOctober 29, 2014
What a fun place! Good for groups before going out! There are tables and food services in the back, and a bar / dancing floor-ish space in the front. Drinks range from the classics to more edgy ones
Kim PhamSeptember 30, 2018
Been here 5+ times
The OG cocktail bar. Come on a weeknight and try and get a seat at the bar.
Eric VenkerJanuary 23, 2015
The all around famous bar in nyc still delivers, but the ambience brings it down several notches. Over crowded always. Attaboy and Angel Share have them beat hands down unless a food menu is a must.
Ania BańczykAugust 6, 2015
I just love this place. They have this good vibe that keeps you coming back again and again. Good food, perfect cocktails, friendly bartenders. It's maybe irrelevant but their logo is great 👍🏻
Elsa HNovember 8, 2014
Worth the wait for the line and drinks. Friendly bartenders, good cocktails, and bone marrow poppers.....!!! The playlist was dancey but not cheesy. Vincent can dance and mix a bad ass cocktail!
Grayson DunningAugust 8, 2014
Best cocktails ever. Don't go here to drink beer. Don't go here to drink mixed drinks. Go here to fall in love with the cocktail again. These guys seriously care about the art that is the cocktail.
Michael G.March 1, 2022
Excellent excellent cocktails. I really liked the monkey business but everyone seemed happy with their choices. Limited room at the bar but seats open up as time goes on
Lori LuoSeptember 4, 2014
Arriving earlier in the evening for dinner will allow guests to make a reservation, and skip the crowded club-like atmosphere that later ensues. Make sure to get an order of the bone marrow poppers.
Irakli AgladzeApril 6, 2019
Hard to be called a speakeasy when there’s a bouncer at the door :) but their food is absolutely amazing, and the cocktails are good too
Sara GraceJuly 30, 2015
Very cool vibe. Great drinks + mixologists. Ordered the bacon wrapped lamb shanks with a side of sautéed kale- absolutely delightful!
Joe MontesDecember 4, 2019
Super chic and cozy speakeasy. In the winter, they have a real fireplace which adds to the atmosphere. All the cocktails are made with great care.
Linda NguyenApril 8, 2016
Been here 10+ times
Steak tartar and a lazy lover are my faves. Excellent staff from the door man, bartender, hosts, to the kitchen staff. Love this cozy spot in the west village!
Karen PhilipsJuly 6, 2013
Amazing steak tartar.Had the Bloody Mary, Pimms cup&a jalapeno cocktail on multiple visits&every drink seemed to taste better than the previous order.The parmesan fries with truffle oil was delicious
Gustavo MalagónApril 6, 2017
Been here 5+ times
Great drinks and food - overall great bar. Try to go in the weekdays instead of the wknd. It's usually super crowded over the wknds, if you are planning on going make a reservation.
Michael Fox-RabinovitzFebruary 8, 2015
Great date place, wonderful atmosphere and cocktails, appetizers try the lamb in bacon, pasta is solid, as is butterscotch desert
Cole KennedyJanuary 21, 2016
Great cocktails, but they aren't better than any other cocktail bar in Manhattan, and they're certainly not worth the surcharge for the psychic in the front door (nor the overwhelming crowd).
Julie SosciaAugust 1, 2018
This place has been popular for a long time, but avoid the weekends for less crowds. Try getting there early for the full speakeasy vibe and make friends with bartenders for secret menu cocktails.
Adam HowardAugust 12, 2017
Really like the Art Deco style of this place. The bar staff are very good and I had the nicest mezcal based cocktail I think I've ever tasted
Percy McFarlaneFebruary 6, 2017
By now you know that this underground hole is the best place for cocktails in town. A little heavy on the pocket though - so go during happy hours unless someone is giving a treat. 😌
Julie SosciaJuly 17, 2018
This place has been popular for a long time, but avoid the weekends for less crowds. Try getting there early for the full speakeasy vibe and make friends with bartenders for secret menu cocktails
Gaia BennettJune 16, 2015
You're in the hands of some of the most talented and creative mixologists in the city, so this is not the time for a gin and tonic. Order one of their specialty cocktails and let them impress you.
Danyel SmithDecember 28, 2013
sit at the actual bar, by the fire. the marrow puffs = amazing. lamb chops are delish but arrive super rare. the skate is great. and: the giant ice cubes in the scotch, rule.
SiovonneAugust 26, 2014
Best Speakeasy Bar around. I love the ambience and the art of cocktails meticulously produced each night from these experts. The place has an infectious vibe to it.
Morgan McKeeJuly 16, 2019
Post sushi vibes. If you go early enough (9-10pm) line isn’t too long. Still crowded inside! Didn’t like my first and they were happy to whip up a quick second one. You should try at least once.
Ed KavisheMay 19, 2013
What can i say? We love everything, the cocktails (simply the best) the Steak Tartare (amazing) Bone Marrow poppers (if you into them) plus Hemingways. Take care of your bar tender....and security.
Sameepa ShettyFebruary 11, 2015
Steak Tartare, cocktails including Common sense, ginger smash & vodka w cucumber are must haves. Always crowded. Great music.
Chad HornerApril 19, 2016
it's doable as a walk-in if you get there early enough on a weeknight (by 9, preferably). the bar is LOUD, so if conversation is what you seek, try to snag a table
Time Out New YorkOctober 31, 2011
Arrive early at this best bar for birthdays to claim to prime barside real estate, and order a round of original cocktails mixed by rascally, white-jacketed gents. Read more
New York HabitatNovember 29, 2011
Enter through the unassuming fortune teller entrance and be transported into a speakeasy serving up great mixed cocktails and food. Try the West Side or the Ginger Smash with the Bone Marrow Poppers.
D&A Travel: AndersDecember 29, 2013
[Restaurant/Bar] Art deco-themed cocktail bar with solid menu and special late-night menu (midnight to 3:30am). Try their Ginger Smash, Lazy Lover or classics like Manhattan. Fireplace lit in winter.
Lauren MacAugust 30, 2015
This place knows how to do cocktails, and you certainly pay for their expertise. Hemingway daiquiri is a refreshing citrus on a summer evening. Lively even during the week nights.
Katherin SonJune 3, 2012
Bone marrow appetizer was amazing. I also highly recommend the pork chop..it comes on top of a bed of delicious bacon-y black eyed peas. MMMmmmm. Definitely gets very crowded after 9.
Ashley ChanJuly 23, 2017
Fun, buzzing place with playful bartenders. The drinks are delicious. Definitely come early to secure a space as the place is small and narrow.
Tobias OtteNovember 12, 2014
I love this place. The food and the drinks are amazing which is quite rare when you look at famous cocktail places. Try the Billionaire.

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