When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
The Back Room
Why The Back Room is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Back Room in New York City offers a distinctive venue reminiscent of the Prohibition era with its authentic speakeasy vibe. This hidden bar creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for a casual meet-up or celebration with friends. The venue features a dimly lit, vintage setting complete with benches and an ambiance that takes visitors back in time. One of its unique highlights is serving cocktails in teacups, a nod to its speakeasy roots, adding an element of novelty to your night out. The Back Room also offers a historical backdrop, making visiting not just about the drinks but about experiencing a piece of New York's clandestine past. Though relatively small and with moody lighting, this contributes to an intimate feel, ideal for group conversations. The combination of nostalgic decor and intriguing history makes it a culturally rich spot for gatherings, providing a conversation starter and an immersive environment for friends to enjoy each other's company.
Here's what people think of The Back Room
As of recent, The Back Room holds a 4.2-star rating based on 1920 reviews.
With an overall rating of 4.2 from approximately 1,920 reviews, The Back Room has engaged a wide range of visitors who appreciate its thematic design and unique approach to nightlife in New York City. Positive reviews frequently highlight the venue's authentic speakeasy ambiance, the novelty of drinks served in teacups, and the historical significance that enriches the visit. Many patrons enjoy the intimate and somewhat secretive atmosphere, seeing it as a memorable place to connect with friends beyond a typical bar setting. However, negative feedback centers mainly on the quality of the cocktails, which some describe as watery and not living up to expectations, suggesting that the drinks may feel more like a tourist gimmick than crafted cocktails. Other criticisms include inconsistent customer service, with reports of indifferent staff and issues with doormen and management that can detract from the experience. Despite these critiques, many guests still find The Back Room worth visiting for its ambiance and novelty. The reviews suggest that while The Back Room excels in atmosphere and thematic experience, there are areas such as drink quality and service that could improve to enhance overall visitor satisfaction.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
John Allie
The Backroom definitely has tons of potential — the interior is absolutely stunning and makes you feel like you’ve truly stepped back in time. As one of only two original speakeasies to survive Prohibition, it’s a bucket list stop for sure. That said, the experience fell a bit flat. The doorman was noticeably grumpy, which puts a sour note on things right from the start. The drinks were just okay — served in tea cups (which is charming in theory), but they kind of tasted like the cups themselves. Still worth checking out for the history and ambiance, but it’s more of a “snap a photo and move on” kind of place than one you’ll want to linger in.
John Doe
Back Room was a really cool speakeasy! This was my first time patronizing such an establishment, and I'm so glad that I stopped in. This is the type of place you'd expect to see in a Prohibition-themed movie, and fits the bill of an underground speakeasy to a tee. Would highly recommend, it was a great time.
Kaytlyn Christner
We LOVED The Back Room! It was spacious, quiet, and unique - a speakeasy in a location you'd never find if you weren't looking, which is the point, right! The drinks are served in teacups which was a neat vibe. We enjoyed the drinks, the atmosphere, and the staff. We had a great time here!
CAMI FILMS
This place was a bit hard to find but I loved it. The back room provides a lowlight and intimate setting with cocktails served in coffee cups which was kinda cool. Very homelike furniture but elegant and old school.
Fayvenn
Shhh... you're here to have a good time not a loud time. That is the vibe here. Very intimate, illicit, retro-style, Prohibition reminiscent bar serving drinks in tea mugs and paper bags. Live bands, jazz music, and swing dancing 🕺💃... it's a vibe through and through
How to reach The Back Room
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Why The Back Room may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Back Room with your friends?
When you’re considering a venue that provides both an engaging atmosphere and a social experience for gathering with friends or family, The Back Room stands out as a unique choice. With a solid rating of 4.2 from nearly 2,000 reviews, it illustrates a place with broad appeal and enough charm to attract a loyal crowd. What makes The Back Room particularly inviting is its distinctive vibe, offering an experience that goes beyond a typical meetup spot. It’s more than just a place to eat or drink; it’s a destination where nostalgia, ambiance, and a touch of history blend together, making your social gathering feel special and memorable.
Friends meet here not just for the purpose of sharing a meal or cocktails but to immerse themselves in an environment that encourages conversation and connection. Its somewhat mysterious, speakeasy-style appeal draws people who appreciate a setting with character and stories behind it. This makes The Back Room ideal for celebrations, casual hangouts, or even more intimate reunions. Plus, it’s well-reviewed enough to assure guests that they’ll find a place bustling with energy but also comfortable for enjoying quality time together. In essence, The Back Room offers both a destination and a backdrop for making friendships stronger and creating fun memories.
What activities does The Back Room offer for group meetups?
The Back Room caters well to groups by providing an array of activities suited to socializing and entertainment. Primarily, it’s known for its cocktail lounge setup, where friends can indulge in a creative drink menu served in playful antique teacups—a quirky detail that reinforces the speakeasy theme. This unique presentation becomes an instant conversation starter and adds an engaging twist to the usual drinking experience. The ambience invites patrons to linger, chat, and enjoy carefully crafted beverages in a setting meant for relaxed gatherings.
Beyond drinks, the venue’s historic charm and discreet setting make it particularly suited for those who love atmospheric spaces where they can unwind together. Groups can enjoy the cozy seating arrangements that foster close interactions without the overwhelming noise or distractions typical of larger, louder bars. While the lighting is often dim and moody, enhancing the intrigue of the place, it also encourages intimate conversations that can make any meetup feel exclusive.
Though primarily a cocktail bar, the space doubles as a social hub where music plays an important role. The music complements the vintage aesthetic and helps set the mood, providing a soundtrack that’s lively without being distracting. This setup encourages guests to either focus on deep conversations or casually enjoy the surrounding vibe. Whether you’re planning a birthday, reunion, or just an evening out, The Back Room accommodates groups who appreciate engaging atmospheres beyond typical nightclubs or casual bars.
Why is The Back Room perfect for hosting meetups?
The Back Room’s appeal to group meetups lies largely in its distinct ambiance and thoughtful design. It’s unlike many modern, overly bright, and commercial bars; it evokes the feel of a hidden gem where exclusivity meets comfort. For groups, this means hosting a meetup at The Back Room is not just about the place but about the experience. Many patrons appreciate that the bar hints at a secret, off-the-beaten-path discovery, making your group feel part of something unique.
Furthermore, the venue’s layout fosters social interaction. There are comfortable seating areas meant to fit groups together, allowing for easy communication and shared experiences. Unlike venues that prioritize turnover, The Back Room encourages leisurely enjoyment, supporting the idea that good gatherings shouldn’t be rushed. This is especially important for family and friend outings where the goal is to savor each other’s company.
The setting’s aesthetic—reminiscent of the Prohibition-era speakeasy—is a significant draw for groups who enjoy spaces with character and stories. It adds a theatrical element to your meetup, making it memorable. While some guests have noted occasional indifferent service, many others highlight that the overall vibe and careful attention to thematic detail outweigh these concerns, lending the venue a memorable charm not found in typical bars or restaurants.
What kind of food and drinks can groups enjoy at The Back Room?
The Back Room is best known for its cocktail offerings, which are often praised for creativity. Drinks are served in distinctive teacups, which is a signature gesture that enhances the experience and gives groups fun photo opportunities to share. This inventiveness invites guests to try a variety of cocktails they wouldn’t find elsewhere, making the selection a feast for both the palate and the eyes.
Food options at The Back Room tend to complement the drinking experience with classic bar snacks and small plates designed to be shared, perfect for groups who want to nibble while they socialize. The menu is crafted to align with the venue’s vintage theme, offering selections that support relaxed and convivial eating without dominating the gathering.
While some reviews highlight inconsistency in the quality or dilution in cocktails, many guests appreciate the uniqueness of the drink presentation and the chance to explore vintage-inspired mixtures. The focus here is on creating an experience that combines taste with aesthetic, cultivating a backdrop for your event that feels both nostalgic and casual.
How accessible and accommodating is The Back Room for group gatherings?
The Back Room balances its exclusivity with accessibility, making it a feasible choice for group meetups but with some considerations. Its somewhat hidden entrance and niche appeal might initially feel like a hurdle, but once inside, the space offers a welcoming environment for groups to gather. It’s well-suited for small to medium-sized parties, offering seating arrangements that enable comfort and privacy.
However, groups planning visits should be mindful of potential challenges around reservations and entry, as some reviews mention issues with door staff or managing bookings. These should be planned for ahead of time to avoid unnecessary frustration on the event day. Once past the door, groups are often rewarded with a laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere.
Additionally, the location is often described as a city hotspot, making it easy to access via public transport or rideshare services, which helps when coordinating with friends and family. Its central setting and reputation as a social hub enhance convenience, making it a practical venue for celebrations or informal meetups among diverse groups.
What makes The Back Room stand out compared to other meetup venues?
The Back Room distinguishes itself through its strong identity as a speakeasy-style lounge with vintage charm and an element of secrecy. This standing alone appeals to people who want a more immersive, thematic experience rather than just a place to grab drinks. Its hallmark—serving cocktails in teacups—epitomizes this uniqueness, offering something that guests talk about long after their visit.
Unlike typical bars that focus on volume and speed, The Back Room places emphasis on atmosphere, a slower pace, and a setting conducive to conversation and camaraderie. This philosophy attracts groups interested in meaningful social experiences over loud nightlife scenes or over-commercialized venues.
Despite some criticisms about staff or cocktail quality, many visitors return because The Back Room fosters an environment that feels rare in busy urban centers: an intimate, characterful locale where friendships can be celebrated and memories made. It is an ideal spot for those looking to blend history, ambiance, and fun in their group meetups, making it more than just another night out but a small event in itself.