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The Raines Law Room

Speakeasy, Cocktail Bar, and Lounge$$$$

Union Square, New York

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The Raines Law Room

9.2^/10

1,439

ratings

Ranked #5 for cocktails in New York
The speakeasy cocktails at The Raines Law Room is a can't miss
"Loving the wallpaper and mirror placement in the bathroom lol."(15 Tips)
"Ring the doorbell, sit back and relax with some amazing cocktails."(12 Tips)
"Relax and enjoy a Gold Rush or Amber Old-Fashioned."(10 Tips)
"A cool, intimate little speakeasy with great cocktails."(10 Tips)

330 Tips and reviews

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Jen DAugust 14, 2016
Craft cocktails in an intimate setting. The Marie Antoinette is especially refreshing and not too sweet.
DaveNovember 30, 2015
Max group size is six. A cozy booth is an ideal double-date spot
Sophie ParksJuly 13, 2015
Reservations are good, but you can also leave your name and number at the door and they'll text you when they're ready for you. Go pregame down the street!
DinaApril 24, 2014
A 'secret', high-end, very elegant, speakasy. An amazing date place with dark interior and private tables separated by black gauze. The volume is hush hush. Sexy.
ISApril 9, 2011
Been here 10+ times
Very nice place i love the drinks,and romantic the girls that work at coach check are very nice people, if u don't tip ,u should they are very nice girls and they take care of our staff.
Zak SuharJanuary 24, 2020
Ring the doorbell and be sure your full group is with you! Awesome cocktails and friendly staff.
Jon CowleyJanuary 16, 2019
Amazing place for a first date
TiffanyApril 12, 2016
Press the bell and a hostess will guide you in! Try the La Reforma if you're looking for something sweet but not too heavy.
Princess Abigail BacaniJanuary 23, 2013
Buzz to get in. Laid out like a Prohibition-era apartment. Enjoy drinks in the lounge & living room while bartenders make them in the kitch. Pull the chain next to your table to summon your server.
Matthew FergusonMarch 5, 2017
The "bitter Mai Tai" was terrific. I love mai tai's and this version was great. The atmosphere was serene and inviting.
Ina LiDecember 11, 2016
Craft cocktail and cozy atmosphere. Make a reservation if you don't want to wait
Victoria NatenzonMay 3, 2014
Very interesting setup in here. Two sofas share a table and are surrounded by a black curtain to make it intimate. If you're sitting across people you don't know it could get awkward.
HenaliApril 12, 2015
Such a classy vibe here! Dim lights, curtains to seperate the tables. But lines are long so reservation or getting here early is recommended
Grace S.June 29, 2013
Grab a drink at the Rye house while you're waiting for a table. Delish complimentary kettle popcorn. I liked the Pom Collins- very refreshing on a summer day!
Alexandria McGrathJune 26, 2018
Try the Garden Paloma, which is made with celery bitters, grapefruit, soda, and tequila. You don't always need reservations, but they are encouraged.
Andrew ChaoSeptember 6, 2018
Make reservations online! Otherwise you can probably get away with a late night weekday walk-in.
Brad TFebruary 20, 2013
Fantastic drinks. Litterally dropped by as an ou t of towner. Accomadated. And barkeep Greg hooked me up w my ladt drink. Try a bartenders choice. Cant go wrong!
@JaumePrimeroNovember 26, 2011
lovely prohibition era style speakeasy. Ring the doorbell, sit back and relax with some amazing cocktails. Very convenient location for meeting up with friends.
Katerina AnnaDecember 4, 2014
Omg this place makes me wanna become an alcoholic & spend the rest of my life here. Impeccable in every imaginable way!
ConnecTheWorldJuly 28, 2014
One of the true Hidden Gems in NYC! This is between the best hidden bars in New York. To discover the others, click on the link. Read more
Lauren DMay 8, 2013
Nice joint! Cosy, romantic setting with wide array of great drinks. And omg the wallpaper in the bathroom!
Kimberly AginDecember 18, 2014
Cocktails are great. Generally like the place - u pull a cord to signal service is needed, so you won't be bothered unless you want to be. Intimate seating. Cheese and olive plate was ok.
MariMay 14, 2013
Go with a friend or two and stand by the bar/kitchen in the back. Cute atmosphere and great cocktails! And, you gotta love that wallpaper... ;)
Nikhil BalaFebruary 18, 2013
Hands down, one of the very best places in the CIty to take your date out for an intimate evening. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
michael affrontiMarch 9, 2014
TIP: When you ring the doorbell and the doorman says it's full tell them that you will wait in the kitchen and you won't be turned away at the door :)
Grace S.June 29, 2013
Comfy couches and chilled out scene. Pull on the chain on the wall when you're ready to order your drink.
Sophie ParksJuly 13, 2015
Secluded couch areas are sweet. Can't go wrong with any of the drinks, really. Especially any of the ones with ginger.
Bee FengMay 13, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Sometimes it could get awkward being surrounded with couples intimately touching, kissing, and makings noises. I like coming here for a casual fancy cocktail and enjoy the decor of the room itself
Adam GruberMarch 16, 2018
Just a heads up, great drinks good atmosphere if you don’t mind waiting 45 min to get in and another 30 to sit.
Annie TolochinskiAugust 13, 2016
Probably my favorite speakeasy. Don't miss the 'kitchen' area in the back (it's the bar).
Andrew LitvakOctober 12, 2014
Their whole cocktail menu is delicious, and the ambience is unique. If it's warm enough, check out the backyard.
Sandy PaoDecember 11, 2013
For agave fans, try the San Luis Cup and the Garden Palomina for a hint of spice and worlds of flavor. Then thank me later.
Tash ConcepcionJuly 28, 2015
Went on a Saturday night with a group of girlfriends. Very cosy and intimate atmosphere. Would highly recommend.
Zeba SiddiqiApril 10, 2016
Be ready to wait for an hour! Opt for the bartender's choice cocktails & best part - ring the bell from your seat to order :)
Mick BMarch 18, 2012
Pleasant, refined atmosphere without the faux aristocratic pomp of rival speakeasies. Solid cocktails prepped in a country-style kitchen. Pseudo-pornographic wallpaper, if you're into that.
Drew FreyMay 17, 2013
The Raines Law Room is named after an 1896 New York State law prohibiting the sale of alcohol on Sundays … except in hotels. Order a Mamie Taylor, a classic.
Guest of a GuestOctober 11, 2011
One of the few speakeasy in Chelsea, Raines Law Room underground making it tricky to find -- you have to find a set of stairs that lead to a basement door and then ring a doorbell just to get in. Read more
Ruby AnayaSeptember 6, 2015
Been here 5+ times
The perfect romantic date spot. Amazing service, adorable back patio, delicious cocktails.
Elyse EstradaJuly 18, 2012
During warm months, there's a cute outdoor patio all the way in the back through the little kitchen/bar area.
Abhishek ShuklaFebruary 16, 2014
Had a great speakeasy experience! Definitely worth even if you are on the wait list. Going back soon!
Vinaya VishwanathMarch 11, 2016
The seasonal cocktails and the staff picks are definitely worth trying. I've never had a disappointing drink here.
John MatsonFebruary 24, 2018
Go with a dealers choice any time. They are great with finding what you’re really looking for.
Nikos BJuly 15, 2019
Cozy and great place for a date. Try the Garden Paloma cocktail!
TK 🍦🍷August 4, 2015
I love how you have to knock the get in and once you're seated pull a small chain in the wall for service.
EsuNYC .March 16, 2016
Great relaxed atmosphere to drink and talk. Drinks are good but they take some time so be patient
The Daily MealJune 19, 2011
Named for an 1896 ordinance established with hopes of curbing liquor consumption in New York City, this subterranean Chelsea speakeasy serves up a variety of well-made classic cocktails. Read more
Ashley RoseMarch 5, 2016
Very intimate, great cocktails. While you're waiting for your table have a bite at Beechers Cheese.
Elias BizMay 9, 2017
Even if you don't drink bourbon, get The Phoenix Down (which has honey, fresh ginger, bitters).
Jenn SchwartzSeptember 13, 2015
This speakeasy knows how to set the mood. Very classy, very sexy, excellent mixologists. 🍸
Justin GomezJanuary 27, 2017
Been here 5+ times
Fantastic bartenders, amazing drinks, and a must stop if you like speakeasys