During my internship in the city, I became an expert in finding the best happy hour deals. All the money I saved on happy hour drinks, I could spend in pricey speakeasy and rooftop bars. These 10 New York City bars offer secret entrances, splendid views, sweet deals or a combination of all three.

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#1- Verlaine | Lower East Side

My favorite watering hole in the city is classy yet unpretentious. The lychee martini is legendary, and goes perfectly with the Asian tapas on the menu. No need to use your elbows in the subway: Verlaine’s happy hour deals carry on till 10 PM.

Unique because… Happy hour lasts till 10 o’clock

What to order… Lychee Martini

#2- Pod 39 Rooftop | Midtown

The concentration of snobbish, overpriced bars is particularly high in Midtown. That’s why a laid-back rooftop bar like Pod 39 comes as a pleasant surprise. On top of that, the views are amazing and the cocktails delicious. Only downside; even high in the sky, there’s no escaping Midtown prices.

Unique because… Panoramic Midtown views through the brick arches

What to order… Margarita, with a side of guacamole & chips

#3- The Back Room | Lower East Side

Speakeasy: (in the US during Prohibition) an illicit liquor shop or drinking club

New York City counts many modern day speakeasy bars, but this LES bar is one out of two that actually operated during prohibition. The Back Room’s entrance has not changed ever since. Descend a flight of stairs from the street, pass through a tunnel and step straight into the roaring twenties via the back door. To complete the experience, drinks are served in teacups.

Unique because… Throwback to prohibition time

What to order… Pinot in a teacup

#4- Please Don’t Tell | East Village

Most of New York knows about Please Don’t Tell, but that doesn’t take away the speakeasy feel. The only way to get into PDT is through a vintage phone booth inside hot dog joint Crif Dogs. Finding the entrance does not guarantee a spot; the intimate bar has no more than twenty seats. We took our chances and got in without a reservation on a weeknight.

Unique because… The secrete entrance through a phone boot

What to order… Pumpkin Ale & a hot dog

#5- Le Bain | Meatpacking District

Whether you’ll get to enjoy Le Bain’s spectacular views is entirely up to the doorman. Once you get past the douchiness, Manhattan lies at your feet. Le Bain is bustling every time of year, but summer weekends are especially popular. Grass-covered rooftop, lounge chairs, a bottle of rosé and unreal sunset views of NYC… need I say more?

Unique because… 360º view of Manhattan

What to order… Rosé all day

#6- Dear Irving on Hudson | Times Square

There is no shortage of impressive rooftop bars in New York City, but Dear Irving on Hudson rises above the competition. Located a block from Times Square at the 41st floor, the views of Manhattan are unparalleled. Sip on a perfectly crafted cocktail in this beautiful bar as the sun sets between Midtown’s skyscrapers.

Unique because… Watch the sunset over Midtown Manhattan through the floor-to-ceiling windows

What to order… a personalized cocktail invented by the bartender

#7- Bathtub Gin | Chelsea

The classic ingredients for a NYC speakeasy bar? A secret entrance, classy cocktails and a dimly lit atmosphere. At Chelsea’s Bathtub Gin, this classic mix is spiced up with live burlesque shows. The copper bathtub in the middle of the room plays a central role in all of this. A pricey drink or two is all it takes to experience an evening in the most sexy bar in the city.

Unique because… Burlesque shows hidden behind a coffee bar

What to order… A classy cocktail like the Nightcap

#8- 8th Street Winecellar | Greenwich Village

The stairs to 8th Street Winecellar transport you to a cozy wine cave under the city. Bottle deals on excellent wines are paired with oysters during happy hour. I had all the reasons to celebrate, as one of my best friends just flew across the Atlantic Ocean to pay me a visit.

Unique because… Happy hour oysters until 8 PM

What to order… A bottle of bubbly paired with a dozen of oysters (each)

#9- 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar | Midtown

One would expect a huge 20th floor penthouse in New York City to come with a good view. However, 230 Fifth’s up close view of the Empire State building tops all expectations. Add palm trees and heat lamps to the equation and you’re set for a hot summer night 365 days a year.

Unique because… Rooftop oasis in the shadow of the Empire State

What to order… A tropical drink

#10- Miracle at Mace | East Village

The Christmas-themed pop-up bar that went global first started in NYC’s East Village. Miracle at Mace opened as a temporary pop-up bar in 2014, while Mace bar was under construction. But the kitschy decor and cocktails in holiday-themed mugs immediately were a hit. Nowadays, the Miracle pop-up concept counts close to 200 locations across the world spreading holiday cheer every season.

Unique because… Holiday kitsch at its finest

What to order… Every cocktail on the menu, as each one is served in a unique Christmas-themed mug

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in June 2018 and has been updated for accuracy.