New York City, New York story
A Secret Lower East Side Beat
To find The Back Room, you have to look for a sign that says 'The Lower East Side Toy Company.' Once you pass the gate and walk down a hidden alley, you ascend the stairs into a d…
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To find The Back Room, you have to look for a sign that says 'The Lower East Side Toy Company.' Once you pass the gate and walk down a hidden alley, you ascend the stairs into a dimly lit den that feels frozen in time. This wasn't a themed bar—it was a real speakeasy operating during the 1920s Prohibition era. It's one of only two surviving speakeasies from that time in New York.
For those who find the hidden bookcase in the main room, there's even a secret VIP-only lounge called the 'real back room.' It's a glimpse into a clandestine world where the music and drinks were as secret as the entrance.
Updated June 2026