Are you enticed by the allure of the covert cocktail lounge? There’s a certain thrill to discovering one of New Jersey’s many secret and hidden bars. Stepping through an unmarked door, pulling a Prohibition-era book from a shelf, or descending a dimly lit staircase; it’s all part of the unique experience of visiting The Best Speakeasy Bars in New Jersey.
New Jersey’s modern speakeasies elevate the art of the hidden bar. Gone are the days of bathtub gin, now replaced by masterfully crafted libations, rare micro-whiskeys, and sultry atmospheres draped in velvet. It all makes you feel like you’re doing something forbidden, a secret only shared with those in the room. Our showcase of The Best Speakeasy Bars in New Jersey features everything from a Gatsby-esque parlor tucked behind a bustling dining room, to an experimental mixology lab hidden beneath a Middle Eastern eatery, to a subterranean jazz haven with tufted leather couches. Ready to start your journey into the hidden world of NJ speakeasies? Keep Scrolling to See the Full List.
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Featured from Bergen County:
Lucy’s Parlor
Where: 356 Paterson Ave, East Rutherford
Details: This late-night cocktail haven is nestled inside The Roosevelt, which helps explain the name. (Lucy Mercer Rutherford was President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s longtime mistress.) The parlor is open Thursday – Saturday from 3pm to 1am, while the main dining room is open Wednesday – Sunday. Though it’s a separate space from the dining room, guests can enjoy the full Roosevelt dinner and cocktail menu from Lucy’s Parlor. Whereas The Roosevelt features art deco-inspired decor, Lucy’s Parlor is fully immersed in Gatsby-esque aesthetics. Most noticeably, the decor features black and white images depicting Prohibition protests, alongside love letters exchanged between FDR and Lucy. When not serving as a sultry hideaway for couples, the parlor also doubles as The Roosevelt’s private event space. (Despite the cozy vibe, there is actually plenty of seating inside the parlor.)
| Visit Their Website | Reserve a Table | Follow @theroosevelt356 on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 201-713-3145 |
Featured from Somerset County:
The Hidden Flask Lounge
Where: 295 Canal Rd, South Bound Brook
Details: For discerning cocktail aficionados who revel in the details, The Hidden Flask is a must-visit. This high-end, speakeasy-inspired lounge combines personalized service with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. It’s a bit of old world charm mixed with modern luxury and an air of exclusivity. Their cocktail program focuses on spirit-forward flavors, classic martinis, sours, and some citrus-heavy options. They also curate upscale mocktails, including the Innocent Angel (a mix of pomegranate, lychee, mint, and lemon-lime). Regulars know their signature namesake, The Hidden Flash, is the go-to cocktail. This standout drink is garnished with an orange peel and smoked tableside, made with Macallan, Elijah, Angostura and Orange Angostura, and a splash of Demerara. For something a little different, order either the YOU WON’T (with Johnnie Walker Blue Label) or the La Pantera (with Clase Azul).
| Visit Their Website | Reserve Your Table | Follow @thehiddenflasklounge on Instagram | Call 732-515-1896 |
North Jersey
The Blue Room Speakeasy
Where: North Bergen
Details: Entering The Blue Room Speakeasy feels like walking into a classy cocktail lounge from another era. The quick flight of stairs separating Porto pizzeria from The Blue Room is enough to transport patrons to another time. What makes this spot stand out is their ability to curate a cozy yet lively vibe without overly loud music. Which means you can bring a date and enjoy the ambiance while having a quiet conversation you can both actually hear. Of course, the excellent bartenders and signature cocktails further enhance the experience.
Encore Speakeasy
Where: Madison
Details: Encore is hidden below the Top-100 Jazz Club in the World Shanghai Jazz Restaurant. Inside is a speakeasy and wine bar that curates seasonally-inspired, inventive cocktails in a cozy and romantic atmosphere. The dim lighting, eclectic decor, and handful of available board games makes Encore an ideal gathering place. Encore also stands out for its substantial food menu, which pairs signature cocktails with plates like Salt & Pepper Calamari, Le Mein Noodles, Steamed Pork Belly Bao Buns, and their charcuterie board.
Life of Reilly
Where: Jersey City
Details: San Patricios is already an anomaly unto itself, seamlessly fusing Irish and Mexican culture into a single atmosphere and menu. So of course it’s the perfect place to also hide a traditional cocktail lounge. The Life of Reilly is “a tribute to hedonism and joy” featuring inventive cocktails and creative food. The mood is equally attractive for small groups looking for a booth alongside couples searching for a romantic night out. In addition to their signature Guinness pour, Life of Reilly curates eight seasonal cocktails at a time.
Central Jersey
The Parlor at Hailey’s
Where: Metuchen
Details: Hailey’s Harp is Metuchen’s authentic Irish pub for elevated pub grub and craft beers. (In fact, we ranked it as one of New Jersey’s 20 Best Irish Pubs.) In that same spirit of hospitality and top-shelf quality, The Parlor is the pub’s secret bar and lounge. Inspired by centuries-old speakeasies, The Parlor is a quiet escape from the noise of daily life. The ambiance is complimented by a cozy fireplace, easygoing music, and a mix of classic and experimental cocktails. The lounge also offers the full Hailey’s Harp food and wine menu.
Jersey Shore
The Bee’s Knees Kitchen & Speakeasy Bar
Where: Cape May
Details: If you’re visiting Cape May and someone says “this place is the Bee’s Knees”, they talking about a literal location. Situated inside the Marquis de Lafayette Hotel, The Bee’s Knees is unapologetically Cape May’s worst-kept secret. Much more than a cocktail lounge, The Bee’s Knees is a full service kitchen. The menu features a range of breakfasts, burgers, omelettes, and entrees alongside over a dozen curated cocktails. Besides serving seasonal breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they curate a daily calendar of music and events.
The Iron Room
Where: Atlantic City
Details: Atlantic City’s famous Orange Loop is three beach blocks of live music, local makers, and creative eateries. One such place is Bar 32 Chocolate, an innovative spot for handcrafted espresso drinks paired with a premium dessert bar and chocolate shop. Going one layer deeper, The Iron Room is the secret speakeasy experience behind Bar 32. This experimental spot serves micro whiskeys, regional beers and spirits, and a handful of signature cocktails. On top of all that, their food menu features wild and unexpected flavors.
Laylow Cocktail Lounge
Where: Asbury Park
Details: Whenever you’re in the mood for “something new”, head to Laylow Cocktail Lounge. This social cocktail lounge is the cozy space beneath Reyla, Asbury Park’s popular Middle Eastern restaurant. The space largely serves as Reyla and Barrio Costero’s experimental cocktail lab, where team members from both places can be creative. Between the seasonal menus and innovative popups, it offers a completely new experience with every visit. Laylow mostly focuses on drinks, with a curated selection of mocktails and light snacks.
South Jersey
Local Lounge
Where: Mount Holly
Details: The Lounge is the hidden speakeasy inside The Local eatery & pub. (So if you think you’re hearing sounds coming from inside the walls, don’t worry, you’re not crazy.) Once you’ve entered The Lounge, you’ll find an overwhelming cocktail program that features over 300 different American whiskeys. The tufted leather sofas and chairs make it a relaxing space for small groups. But it also serves as an intimate night cap for couples before heading home. Our only drink recommendation is to simply trust their Chief Mixologist.
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NJ’s Best Speakeasy Bars FAQs
Encore Speakeasy (Madison) is hidden below the world-renowned Shanghai Jazz Restaurant. They offer a robust food menu to pair with their cocktails. Menu highlights include Steamed Pork Belly Bao Buns and Salt & Pepper Calamari.
Lucy’s Parlor (East Rutherford) offers a sultry, Gatsby-esque hideaway perfect for couples. It even features historic love letters and Prohibition-era decor. Meanwhile, The Blue Room Speakeasy (North Bergen) curates a cozy vibe where the music is kept at a comfortable volume for conversation.
The Bee’s Knees Kitchen & Speakeasy Bar is famously hidden inside the Marquis de Lafayette Hotel. Then there’s Laylow Cocktail Lounge beneath Reyla (Asbury Park), and The Iron Room (a secretive gem tucked behind Bar 32 Chocolate in Atlantic City).
Local Lounge (Mount Holly) is a must-visit. Hidden inside The Local, their speakeasy features tufted leather sofas and a cocktail program boasting over 300 different American whiskeys.
Lucy’s Parlor (East Rutherford) doubles as a private event space for The Roosevelt, offering cozy yet ample seating for guests. The Parlor at Hailey’s (Metuchen) is also a quiet, centuries-old inspired escape that provides the main pub’s full menu.
Top Photo: © The Hidden Flask Lounge / Website
