Prohibition-Era Bar Experience in the East Village by The New York Nightlife

Contact Vincent Vacations to add this to your travel package today!

Duration: 2h
Location: East Village, New York, NY United States | New York, United States


Category: Food & Drink

Highlights:
Exploration of NYC's clandestine bars & historic speakeasies
Expert guide shares stories about the city under Prohibition
Chance to try 3 authentic '20s-style cocktails plus a snack
Stops might include McSorley's, the Back Room & Apotheke
Opportunity to uncover cool bars & interact with New Yorkers

Inclusions:
Guided tour of 4 East Village bars
3 drinks and a snack

Description:

In nightlife-loving New York, it’s hard to imagine that during the Prohibition era, revelers in the City that Never Sleeps were forced to go underground to imbibe. Follow in the footsteps of those amendment-defying cats and flappers as you visit 4 speakeasies and tucked-away watering holes in the East Village.

Meet up with your guide at McSorley’s Old Ale House, a New York institution since the 1860s that was staunchly men-only until forced to begin serving female clientele in 1970. This Irish pub weathered Prohibition well thanks to its regular clientele of police officers and politicians, and it’s still packed with historical paraphernalia. Check it out over a pint before continuing on to your next stop.

Bars visited vary, but you might make your way to the Back Room, one of just 2 Prohibition-era speakeasies still in operation in New York today. Make like ‘20s gangsters Bugsy Siegel and Lucky Luciano as you whisper a password at the secret entrance, step into a room still decked out in vintage décor, and sip a tipple out of a discreet teacup. You might grab a medicinal-looking organic libation from the “pharmacists” at Apotheke, or soak up the luxurious atmosphere over classic concoctions in a plush leather booth at the Nomad Bar.

Three clandestine cocktails are covered by your guide, along with a snack to keep you going. You can also order up more stylish sips, like old-fashioned gimlets or Manhattans (made with Canadian whiskey for Prohibition-era authenticity) at each stop if you’d like, and be sure to pick up some tips on where to continue your night on the town before parting ways with your guide.