New York Dearest
The guide, $35
A place · Bar · West Village · on 3 of my lists

Employees Only.

Worth it, says Antonina. It’s one of the most popular cocktail bars in New York City, so make reservations ahead of time.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizI went myself · from my Best cocktail bars in New York
Where Employees Only appears on New York Dearest

It's on 3 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.

Worth it
  • Address510 Hudson St, New York, NY
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

The West Village has the lion’s share of charming cocktail bars and speakeasies, but there’s something special about Employees Only. A staple in the neighborhood’s nightlife scene since 2004, you’ll need to walk past a tarot card reader before being granted access to one of NYC’s best hidden bars.

Employees Only was rated the 30th best bar in North America and 47th best in the world. Whether you’re after tried-and-true classics or. It’s one of the most popular cocktail bars in New York City, so make reservations ahead of time.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.

Best speakeasies in New York

No. 10 on that list
Worth it

The West Village has the lion’s share of charming cocktail bars and speakeasies, but there’s something special about Employees Only. A staple in the neighborhood’s nightlife scene since 2004, you’ll need to walk past a tarot card reader before being granted access to one of NYC’s best hidden bars.

Employees Only was rated the 30th best bar in North America and 47th best in the world. Whether you’re after tried-and-true classics or. It’s one of the most popular speakeasies in New York City, so make reservations ahead of time.

Worth it

Employees Only is a speakeasy moonlighting as a tarot card reader. Opened in 2004, the bar is considered a pioneer in the craft cocktail movement. The bar was rated the 30th best bar in North America and 47th best in the world. Whether you’re after tried-and-true classics or find yourself in the mood for something unique, this charming West Village cocktail bar should fit the bill.

Employees Only
Missing something?

A closure, a price that moved, a better one next door.

Tell me and the desk checks it before anything changes here. When I answer, it lands on this page and in your inbox.

Tell me

The letter

One email a week when New York changes. A place closes, a date lands, I finally try somewhere. Written by me, not a robot.

One a week at most. Unsubscribe in one click.

Employees Only

West Village