Employees Only

Employees Only

Speakeasy and Cocktail Bar$$$$
West Village, New York
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8.8/10
2,202
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  • Stars
  • Stars
    The experts at Time Out New York and Food Network recommend this place
    • Time Out New York
    • Food Network
  • Tips
    New York Habitat
    "Try the West Side or the Ginger Smash with the Bone Marrow Poppers."(37 Tips)
    Kathryn Y.
    "Don't miss the bone marrow poppers or the bacon-wrapped lamb chops."(16 Tips)
    Q Events
    "Love the steak tartar and presentation is impressive."(37 Tips)
    Javier G.
    "Great cocktails, try the Amelia"(11 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon501 Tips and reviews
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  • Susie T.heart icon on user image
    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!
    Upvoted Aug 17
  • Jacob B.
    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 R.heart icon on user image
    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 Media
    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
  • Eater
    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 .heart icon on user image
    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 L.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • PureWow
    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
  • L. Q.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Ahuvaheart icon on user image
    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 O.
    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 #.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Vania S.heart icon on user image
    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!
  • Bruce H.heart icon on user image
    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 G.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Stephanie Z.
    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
  • AFAR Media
    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
  • Kim P.heart icon on user image
    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 V.
    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 B.heart icon on user image
    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 H.heart icon on user image
    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 D.
    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.heart icon on user image
    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 L.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Joe M.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Irakli A.heart icon on user image
    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 Graceheart icon on user image
    Sara GraceJuly 30, 2015
    Very cool vibe. Great drinks + mixologists. Ordered the bacon wrapped lamb shanks with a side of sautéed kale- absolutely delightful!
  • Karen P.
    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
  • Linda N.heart icon on user image
    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!
  • Gustavo M.heart icon on user image
    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 F.heart icon on user image
    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
  • Julie S.
    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.
  • Cole K.heart icon on user image
    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 S.
    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 B.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Percy M.heart icon on user image
    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. 😌
  • Danyel S.
    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.
  • Siovonne
    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.
  • Time Out New York
    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
  • Adam H.heart icon on user image
    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
  • Sameepa S.heart icon on user image
    Sameepa ShettyFebruary 11, 2015
    Steak Tartare, cocktails including Common sense, ginger smash & vodka w cucumber are must haves. Always crowded. Great music.
  • Ed K.
    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.
  • Chad H.heart icon on user image
    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
  • Morgan M.
    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.
  • New York Habitat
    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: A.
    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 M.heart icon on user image
    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 S.heart icon on user image
    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 C.heart icon on user image
    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 O.heart icon on user image
    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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