I shouldn’t even be talking about this because this bar: 1. it has quite the waitlist, and 2. is a bit hard to find.

La Noxe is a cozy little speakeasy that is hidden inside of a subway entrance at 28th street in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. No one, not even New Yorkers, could expect a swanky cocktail bar nestled on the same level as the train station, but it’s like walking into the prohibition era once inside. After the confusion of where to enter (guests enter on street level, but exit into the 28th street subway station), the host greets you and takes you down a winding path to a red-lit, classy bar the size of a typical Manhattan studio apartment. This is where the waitlist makes sense because only about 15 people can be inside at a time. It feels very “V.I.P.”

Cocktails are on the pricey side ($17), but guests are also paying for the ambiance and feeling of exclusivity. The bar also offers tapas like ceviche, arepas and an assortment of dips that start at $10. Part of the experience is after sipping fancy drinks and listening to music in a dark lit room, opening the door and exiting into a brightly lit, noisy subway station can be a bit disorienting. Almost feels like you suddenly dreamed it all!

Check the website for reservations. La Noxe do take walk-ins, but on a limited basis.