Nothing pairs better with drinking than mystique, and in The Big Apple, the speakeasy is a New York institution. Though by nature they may be hard to locate, we’ve done the dirty work for you by rounding up all the best speakeasies in New York City for the coolest of cats.

Please Don’t Tell
Widely known by its acronym PDT, Please Don’t Tell is legendary, but please, don’t tell. Brought to you by cocktail legend Jim Meehan, PDT upon opening is critically acclaimed for its cocktails and is even considered a primary contributor to the modern cocktail renaissance. You will enter through a phone booth by the side of Crif Dogs, and the space is dark and offers all the vibes you’d expect and want from a NYC speakeasy. (113 St. Marks Pl.; 212-614-0386)

Bathtub Gin
This speakeasy serves up gin-based libations and small plates, but don’t be fooled - Bathtub Gin gets rowdy. If things get a little too dirty over the course of your visit, there’s an actual bathtub that many patrons have ended up in. Nestled away behind Stone Street Coffee, Bathtub Gin is one of those places that truly an experience that one may or may not remember. (132 9th Ave.; 646-559-1671)

Apotheke
Cocktails here can be found categorized under headlines like “Aphrodisiacs,” “Euphoric Enhancers,” and “Stimulants,” to name a few, and include botanicals freshly picked from their rooftop garden. The whole vibe of Apotheke is that of an old school pharmacy or the house of an apothecary. With live entertainment on most every night of the week and mixology classes offered for those intrigued to get their hands wet, Apotheke may be just what the doctor ordered. (9 Doyers St. #1; 212-406-0400)

Employees Only
A favorite in the West Village, Employees Only not only features some truly unique mixology, but late night eats that are divine. Try the bone marrow poppers and/or the hand-cut steak tartare (yes, this is on the late night menu). This speakeasy can be found behind the door’s representing a fake psychic. (510 Hudson St.; 212-242-3021)

NiteCap
Brought to you from the same team as Death & Co., Nitecap lacks some of the formality you may find with other speakeasies and goes for more of a laid back, “let’s just have fun” kinda vibe.  That being said, the food and the drinks are serious business. (151 Rivington St.; 212-466-3361)

Cienfuegos
Located above Amor & Amargo, this Cuban, rum-focused spot is the be all and end all of punch cocktails, which come in several sizes and can serve ultimately up to nine people. If you’re bringing a crew, definitely go for the punches. If you’re riding solo or with a mate, try the innovative daiquiris with some authentically Cuban small plates. (95 Avenue A; 212-614-6818)

Angel’s Share
It’s been called one of, if not, the best whiskey bar in all of New York City by those who have managed to find it. Angel’s Share lingers behind a secret door off to the side of the dining room of Village Yokocho, head up the stairs, and enjoy. (8 Stuyvesant St.; 212-777-5415)

The Blind Barber
There are two locations for The Blind Barber; Alphabet City and Williamsburg. While the Williamsburg location is a little less secretive, the original still maintains that heir of intrigue you’d expect and want from a NY speakeasy. (Alphabet City: 339 E 10th St.; 212-228-2123 & Williamsburg: 524 Lorimer St., Brooklyn; 718-599-2435)

Back Room
This 1920s themed speakeasy is as playful and theatrical as the drinks they serve up - which come served in tea cups. When you visit, you may recognize the venue, as it’s been the set for several productions, including HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. Stop in on a Monday night for “Speakeasy Dollhouse,” an interactive theater experience. (102 Norfolk St.; 212-228-5098)

The Raines Law Room
This is a favorite speakeasy spot in found in Chelsea, with the legendary mixologist Meaghan Dorman at the helm. Once you find the unmarked door, push the buzzer, pray there’s a spot, and enjoy unabashedly. (48 W 17th St)

Photo via Flickr user star5112