Speakeasy Bar & History Night Tour NYC

Step back in time and explore the hidden world of New York City’s Prohibition-era nightlife. The Speakeasy Bar & History Night Tour takes guests on a captivating journey through the city’s storied past, revealing the ingenious methods used by illicit establishments to conceal their operations. Led by knowledgeable guides, this immersive experience delves into the social and cultural impacts of Prohibition, showcasing the resilience and creativity that defined the era’s underground nightlife. From discovering the secrets of covert watering holes to experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Times Square, this tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the city’s captivating history.

Key Points

• A small-group tour that explores historic speakeasies and provides insights into the Prohibition era in Manhattan.
• Features visits to hidden speakeasies disguised as various businesses, showcasing the ingenuity of the era’s illicit nightlife.
• Offers a variety of prohibition-era cocktails and modern craft concoctions, along with light snacks or small plates.
• Conveniently located near public transportation, with a knowledgeable local guide who brings the history to life.
• Culminates at the vibrant Times Square, allowing participants to further explore the city’s rich cultural offerings.

Meeting Location and Details

The meeting point for the Speakeasy Bar & History Night Tour NYC is located outside the entrance of the One Worldwide Plaza office building at 825 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019.

Travelers can identify the meeting spot by the presence of a bike rack, a large American flag, and the nearby Carnegie Diner.

The tour will take participants on a small-group adventure through Manhattan, exploring historic speakeasies and learning about the Prohibition era.

With a maximum group size of 16, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems, heart conditions, or pregnant women.

The tour is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy for travelers to reach the starting point.

Group Size and Accessibility

With a maximum group size of 16 travelers, the Speakeasy Bar & History Night Tour NYC offers an intimate and personalized experience. However, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and it is not recommended for those with back problems, heart conditions, or pregnant women.

Group Size	Wheelchair Accessible	Recommended Travelers
16 max	No	Healthy adults
Small	Physically limited	Certain medical issues
Personized	Not suitable	Avoid if high-risk

The tour’s proximity to public transportation makes it convenient for participants, though individuals with specific physical limitations may find the experience challenging.

Prohibition Era History Highlights

During the Prohibition-era, the speakeasies featured on this tour served as illicit watering holes where patrons could secretly enjoy alcoholic drinks despite the nationwide ban.

Tour guides explore the colorful history of these clandestine establishments, transporting participants back to the roaring 1920s when bathtub gin and bootlegged liquor fueled an underground nightlife.

Guests learn about the strategies speakeasies used to conceal their operations, such as hidden entrances, secret passwords, and elaborate ruses to distract law enforcement.

The tour also explores the social and cultural impacts of Prohibition, including the rise of organized crime and the flourishing of jazz and other forms of expression that thrived in these underground spaces.

Historic Speakeasies Visited

On the tour, guests visit a selection of historic speakeasies that once operated clandestinely during the Prohibition era.

These include bars that employed ingenious techniques to conceal their illicit activities, such as hidden entrances, password-protected access, and intricate ruses to divert the authorities.

Visitors step back in time, experiencing the covert and alluring atmosphere of these former underground establishments.

The tour highlights:

• A speakeasy hidden behind a false bookcase in the back of a tailor shop
• A basement bar accessed through a nondescript phone booth
• A rooftop lounge disguised as a laundromat

These exclusive venues offer a glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of the Prohibition era’s illicit nightlife.

Beverage and Food Options

At these historic speakeasies, guests can indulge in a variety of beverage options, from classic prohibition-era cocktails to modern craft concoctions. The menus often feature artisanal spirits, fresh juices, and bespoke mixers that evoke the clandestine and sophisticated ambiance of the bygone era.

While food offerings may be limited, some venues provide light snacks or small plates to accompany the drinks and fully immerse visitors in the speakeasy experience.

Cocktail enthusiasts can savor reimagined classics like the Bee’s Knees or the Boulevardier, while adventurous imbibers might opt for unique signature libations. The carefully curated drink selections allow guests to sip their way through history and appreciate the art of mixology in these illicit hideaways.

Transportation and Getting There

Getting to the meeting point for the Speakeasy Bar & History Night Tour in NYC is straightforward, with the tour conveniently located near public transportation options.

The tour’s starting point is outside the office building entrance of One Worldwide Plaza on 825 8th Ave, which is easily accessible by subway, bus, or even on foot for those staying nearby.

Notable landmarks at the meeting point include a bike rack, a large American flag, and the Carnegie Diner.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s situated near public transit, making it accessible for most travelers.

Whether you’re arriving by subway, bus, or on foot, the meeting point is easy to find and get to for the exciting Speakeasy Bar & History Night Tour.

Tour Guide Expertise

The knowledgeable local guides expertly lead the Speakeasy Bar & History Night Tour, providing in-depth insights into New York City’s Prohibition era and its vibrant cultural history.

Deeply versed in the city’s past, the guides effortlessly weave together captivating narratives of the illicit speakeasies and the immigrant communities that once thrived during this tumultuous time.

With a keen eye for historical detail, they transport guests back in time, bringing the Prohibition era vividly to life through their engaging storytelling.

Travelers can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of the social, political, and economic forces that shaped this fascinating chapter in New York’s history.

Tour End Point

The Speakeasy Bar & History Night Tour culminates at the vibrant Times Square in Manhattan, providing a fitting end to the evening’s exploration of the city’s rich Prohibition-era heritage.

After visiting a trio of historic speakeasies and learning about the intriguing history behind these illicit establishments, participants find themselves surrounded by the bright lights and bustling energy of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.

This final stop allows guests to:

• Bask in the electric atmosphere of Times Square
• Reflect on the fascinating stories they’ve discovered
• Easily find their way to various dining and entertainment options

With the tour’s conclusion, guests are left with a deeper appreciation for New York City’s captivating past and a desire to further enjoy its vibrant present.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Alcohol on the Tour?

No, bringing one’s own alcohol is generally not permitted on tours. The guide and venues expect tour participants to purchase any alcoholic drinks directly from the establishments visited during the experience.

How Long Will We Be at Each Speakeasy?

The tour generally spends around 45-60 minutes at each speakeasy, allowing visitors to explore the unique atmosphere, sample the specialty cocktails, and learn about the venue’s Prohibition-era history from the knowledgeable guide.

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

The tour is not recommended for children. It focuses on the history and atmosphere of prohibition-era speakeasies, which may not be suitable for minors. The tour operator has a minimum age requirement of 21 years old to participate.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Speakeasies?

Photos can generally be taken inside the speakeasies, but guests should be respectful and discreet. Some venues may have restrictions, so participants should check with the guide or staff before taking pictures.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?

Yes, it’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance for this tour. Tickets are limited, and buying ahead of time ensures availability and expedited entry into the historic speakeasies. This can help maximize your experience on the tour.

Recap

The Speakeasy Bar & History Night Tour in New York City offers an immersive and captivating experience, transporting participants back to the Prohibition era.

From exploring hidden speakeasies to learning about the social and cultural impacts of that time, the tour culminates in the vibrant atmosphere of Times Square, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich history.