The dimly lit interior of The Lower speakeasy

The Lower — A Midtown New York Speakeasy

The Lower — art deco emblem with key and peacock feathers

THE BEST-KEPT SECRET IN NEW YORK

A quiet rebellion of brass, velvet, and well-poured spirits — hidden one staircase beneath the city.

▼ DESCEND ▼

── Our Story ──

A SECRET KEPT SINCE 1923

Behind an unmarked door on a quiet midtown side street, past a brass key and a whispered word, sits a room time forgot. Here the music is low, the lights are lower, and the cocktails are stirred the way they were in the days the law forgot to look.

— "Speak softly. Sip slowly."

── Live Jazz ──

NIGHTLY, AFTER NINE

A rotating roster of New York's finest jazz trios and torch singers grace our small corner stage. No cover. No phones. Just the music as it was meant to be heard.

Velvet booths and candlelit tables in the lounge

── Membership ──

THE UNDERGROUND SOCIETY

Our list of the initiated. Members receive the weekly password before anyone else, first call on reservations, invitations to members-only nights, and word of what is hidden on the menu this week.

Not everyone gets in. That is rather the point.

JOIN THE SOCIETY

── Find Us ──

BENEATH THE CITY

A spread of signature cocktails at The Lower

ADDRESS

Downstairs, below
29 W. 36th Street
New York, NY

HOURS

Mon — Sat
4pm — 11pm

DRESS

Respectfully attired.
Hats welcomed.
Phones, kindly silenced.

HOUSE RULES

  • — Entry is by reservation. Walk-ins are welcomed only when the room allows.
  • — A password is asked for at the door. Members are told it first.
  • — Valid identification, always. Twenty-one and over.
  • — Arrive within fifteen minutes of your hour, or the table moves on.
  • — Photographs of your own table only. Other guests keep their secrets.

SOFT OPENING

August 17 — 22, four until eleven. Six nights only, by reservation.

RESERVE A TABLE

GRAND OPENING

Monday, August 27 · doors at six. Seating is limited — knock three times and we'll send you the password.

REQUEST AN INVITATION