The Back Room
New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 228-5098
- Cross Street:
- Between Delancey Street and Rivington Street
- Directions:
- F at Delancey; J, M, Z at Delancey-Essex
- Best of Citysearch:
- Lounge 2007
- Hours:
- Tue-Wed 7:30pm-2am, Thu-Sat 7:30pm-3am
Editorial Review for The Back Room – by Erin Behan
The Scene
Better recognized by its nom de plume, the Lower East Side Toy Company, this tucked-away speakeasy nods its head to Prohibition with its hidden entrance, working candlestick phone and curious serving vessels, but its spacious split-level interior feels straight out of a Victorian novel. Curving settees and high-backed chairs in deep reds and lush golds are set in conversation-sized groupings, and the welcoming dark wood bar is serviced by friendly black-clad professionals. With the sparkling chandeliers, moody wall sconces and gleaming wood floors, it's easy to slip from the outside world.
The Draw
Order a martini or mixed drink and it arrives in a double-handled tea cup; a bottle of beer gets wrapped in a brown paper bag. These quirky touches don't seem to bother the grown-up mix of Lower East Siders, who appear happy to leave the neighborhood's hipster meat market behind. Search carefully for a nontraditional door--something straight of the board game Clue--leading to the bar's inner sanctum.
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasStep back in time and use the pay phone outside the bathrooms--the novelty is worth the nickels nowadays.
What to DrinkThere's no drink list, but the bartenders will whip up whatever you desire. Bottled beers range from Beck's to Bud.
Know Before You GoThe dress code is casual but neat, and fur is not allowed. On weekends, the bar states that it admits those only 25 and older.
User Reviews for The Back Room
03/05/2008 Posted by sersim25
When I heard there was a bar that was housed in a former toy company that was semi-secret, I was definitely interested. I brought some friends and I did like the place. The bouncer in the front was friendly. After he lets you by you go down a flight a stairs and then up another before walking in. The decor is really great. You feel like you're a Victorian living room. There's a fireplace and big chairs. They serve you liquor in a tea cup, which might sound 'cute' but I think that they do this to skimp out on the drink. The tea cups are small and the drinks are more expensive. That doesn't add up to me. It's called the Back Room because in the back corner there is a back room behind a bookshelf but there was a bouncer standing in front it if so you couldn't get in there. It's a fun place to check out but I would go after I've already had a few drinks somewhere else.
Pros: Cool decor, semi-secret
Cons: Drinks served in tea cups means less liquor at a higher cost
02/22/2008 Posted by kneering
I love hidden places ... they're just cool, especially when you go down the stairs and have no idea where you'll end up. It's a big space, and the teacups and brown bags are an interesting twist. The decor is welcoming ... a place to unwind. Thumbs up.
Pros: Cool spot, affordable, relaxing
Cons: None really!
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