Raines Law Room in Chelsea is a great speakeasy. While there are new outposts at the William in Midtown South and elsewhere, the original in Chelsea has a unique charm. The bartenders are excellent – the cocktails are exquisite, but equally inviting is the ambiance.
After you descend a few steps and ring the bell, the door will open to a wait stand and the host will have you take one more step down to the main room, tastefully partitioned and full of couches and comfortable chairs. The back hosts the charming bar.
If you are a smaller party you might sit across from another group and that can make for a fun visit. Of course, you should make a reservation or be prepared to wait.
While speakeasies have proliferated and there is more competition for clientele, Raines Law Room often has a long wait list so do sign up online before. This is a quintessential Chelsea date spot.
