New York City, New York story
A Hidden Prohibition Den
To find The Back Room, you have to be in on the secret. On Norfolk Street, look for a sign for the Lower East Side Toy Company. Pass through a gate, walk down a narrow alley, and…
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To find The Back Room, you have to be in on the secret. On Norfolk Street, look for a sign for the Lower East Side Toy Company. Pass through a gate, walk down a narrow alley, and climb the stairs to find a dimly lit den with a gleaming bar.
This wasn't always a themed experience; it was a real speakeasy during the 1920s Prohibition era. In fact, it's one of only two surviving speakeasies from that time still operating in New York. For an extra layer of mystery, there's even a hidden bookcase in the main room that reveals a VIP-only lounge known as the real back room.
It's a glimpse into a time when drinking was a daring adventure, tucked away behind a former kosher dairy restaurant.
Updated June 2026