Updated August 6, 2025 07:06PM
Destinations & Things To Do
The Best Secret Restaurants and Bars in New York City
In travel, as in life, there are few things more satisfying than being let in on a good secret, especially one that grants you access to a hidden gem. And in New York City—”the city that never sleeps”—some of the best speakeasies and culinary treasures are buried deep in the hippest neighborhoods. From mixologist meccas located in the counterculture-rich East Village to cozy eateries situated among the tourist traps of Midtown, we’ve got the inside scoop for any visitor looking to hit the town. Still, in order to access an unforgettable night out, you’ll need to put down your phone and pay attention to the concealed entrances and unmarked doors. No secret handshakes needed.
Angel’s Share
Nisian Hughes / Getty Images
Address
45 Grove St, New York, NY 10014, USA
This longstanding NYC speakeasy certainly has staying power, holed up at its classy East Village location since the mid-90s. Once inside, expect a cozy atmosphere and some expertly crafted cocktails. But don’t come with a big group—access is limited to parties of four or less. This little dive makes a perfect date spot, thanks to the bar’s views over Stuyvesant Square and the tuxedo-outfitted bartenders.
- Tip: Angel’s Share opened another secret space a few doors down, at 14 Stuyvesant Street, to help handle the overflow.
- Location: This bar is located at 8 Stuyvesant St., between Second and Third Avenues, in the East Village. Look for the entrance behind an unmarked door inside the Japanese restaurant named Village Yokcho.
Attaboy
NoSystem images / Getty Images
Address
134 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002, USA
A spinoff of the famed mixologist mecca Milk & Honey, this tiny bar is located in an industrial-style Lower East Side spot. The bartending vets behind the operation can predictably turn out killer cocktail concoctions. And, come with an open mind. This joint has no set menu, so you’ll be subject to the whims of the suspender-clad men and women behind the bar, who will customize a drink du jour based on your boozy preference.
- Tip: The drinks can be spendy, so come with a full wallet and tip well. (They are worth it!)
- Location: This spot sits at 134 Eldridge St., between Eldridge and Allen Streets, on the Lower East Side. Knock or ring the buzzer to gain access.
The Back Room
ljubaphoto / Getty Images
Address
102 Norfolk St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Phone
+1 212-228-5098
While the many hidden bars of New York City like to market their speakeasy vibe, the Back Room actually claims this fame, as the establishment legitimately served booze during the 1920s. Back in the Prohibition days, this joint was frequented by gangsters like Bugsy Siegel, Lucky Luciano, and Meyer Lansky. The charming old-time decor transports you back, with velvet sofas, golden accents, and a fireplace. True to speakeasy form, cocktails are served in teacups and bottled beers in paper bags.
- Tip: The dress code here is casual but neat. They do not allow baseball hats, ripped jeans, team jerseys, white undershirts, or real fur coats or accessories.
- Location: The Back Room can be found at 102 Norfolk St., between Delancey and Rivington Streets, on the Lower East Side. Look for a street-side sign for the Lower East Side Toy Company, and then go through the metal gate and down the stairs to the speakeasy’s door on the other side of the alleyway.
Beauty & Essex
Wut’hi Kir Cha Rum Ramy / EyeEm / Getty Images
Address
146 Essex St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Phone
+1 212-614-0146
In-the-know trendsetters flock to this Lower East Side eatery, tucked away behind a pawn shop facade (which is stocked with an interesting collection of vintage jewelry, art, and musical instruments for sale). Once through, patrons encounter a grand restaurant entrance, complete with a two-story chandelier and a circular staircase. Beauty & Essex’s four dining rooms, two bars, and a lounge area offer up a vibrant wine-and-dine scene. Order up New American small plates with gluten-free and vegan options, as well.
- Tip: Take some time to check out the space’s details, like the items in the pawnshop, the bar cart in the bathroom, and, of course, the magnificent chandelier.
- Location: Beauty & Essex is located at 146 Essex St., between Rivington and Stanton Streets, on the Lower East Side. You’ll only see the pawnshop storefront, but the name of the restaurant is posted on the sign just above it.
Dinnertable
Ponsulak Kunsub / EyeEm / Getty Images
Address
206 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009-3405, USA
A tiny eatery called Dinnertable sits just beyond a doorbell entrance located within a polished watering hole, The Garret. Dinnertable serves quality Italian-American fare set around a communal table amid soft lighting. Guests at this intimate venue will dine on main courses like charred stripe bass and braised short ribs. Here, you can watch the talented chefs cook right in front of you, making the experience that much more inclusive.
- Tip: Due to the communal atmosphere of this restaurant, and the fact that they hold space for walk-ins, Dinnertable does not accept more than four per party.
- Location: Dinnertable sits at 206 Ave., between East 12th and East 13th Streets, in the East Village. Push the doorbell at the entrance found within The Garret bar. (You might have to ask someone in the bar where it’s located.)
Lantern’s Keep
ViewApart / Getting Images
Address
49 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036, USA
Phone
+1 212-840-3080
Set in an inconspicuous location off the lobby of Midtown’s historic Iroquois Hotel, this small, elegant oasis invites guests into a 1920s Parisian-style lounge. The dark wood paneling, velvet seats, Impressionist paintings, marbled tables, and candelabras set the mood for the vintage Prohibition-period cocktails served here. Bow-tied bartenders are eager to offer up light bites from the neighboring Triomphe kitchen, alongside their creations.
- Tip: Lantern’s Keep does not accept reservations; tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Location: This hidden bar resides at 49 West 44th St., between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, in Midtown Manhattan. There’s no sign for the bar, but when the lantern affixed to the hotel facade is lit, the bar is open.
PDT
PDT (Please Don’t Tell)
Address
113 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009, USA
PDT, an acronym for the bar’s full name “Please Don’t Tell,” is no stranger to New York City’s “best of” bar list. Little wonder, as this bar was founded by bartending icon Jim Meehan and once won the James Beard award for the best bar program. Indeed, quality cocktails are the name of the game in this small, taxidermy-strewn hideaway. That is … if you can find it. The entrance is located within a vintage phone booth inside a hot dog joint called Crif Dogs. (Hot dogs are on the menu inside, too, if you’re craving one after the wait to get in.)
- Tip: The walls decorated in taxidermy might be off-putting to animal lovers,
- Location: Find PDT at 113 St. Marks Place, between First Avenue and Avenue A, in the East Village. Enter the phone booth at Crif Dogs and pick up the receiver to get an estimated wait time. If you’re very lucky, immediate entrance can be accessed via the back wall of the booth.
Raines Law Room
Serhii Ivashchuk / Getty Images
Address
48 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011, USA
Run by cocktail maven Meaghan Dorman, Raines Law Room in Chelsea offers a sophisticated, old-fashioned 1920s speakeasy vibe that’s worth seeking out. Named for a late 19th-century law aimed to curb liquor consumption in New York, Raines offers classic cocktails with a Jazz Age vibe in a subterranean space, complete with tin ceilings and plush velvet seating. Each of the curtain-enclosed tables comes with a buzzer to conveniently call in your server for the next round.
- Tip: This bar has a sister location in the William Hotel in Midtown, though most fans claim loyalty to the original Chelsea incarnation.
- Location: Raines Law Room is located at 48 West 17th St., between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, in Chelsea. Go down the unmarked stairwell and press the door buzzer for entry.
Sakagura
kazuma seki / Getty Images
Address
211 E 43rd St B1, New York, NY 10017, USA
Phone
+1 212-953-7253
Tucked inside a high-rise office building in Midtown sits Sakagura (Japanese for “hidden jewel”), a Japanese-style eatery and one of the best sake bars in the United States. Donned in wood paneling, with traditional Japanese screens and plants, this restaurant hosts diners at intimate booths and tables. Should you need an after-work drink, saddle up to the bar and ask for their color-coded menu of over 200 premium sakes.
- Tip: You can visit Sakagura’s East Village location for Happy Hour specials, as none are offered at this secret office building locale.
- Location: Sakagura is located at 211 43rd St. B1 in Midtown East. Enter the building and let the concierge know you are there to dine. Then, continue down the corridor, with paintings on the wall, until you get to an emergency exit with a sign written in Japanese. Go down the stairs to the restaurant.
Bohemian
JaysonPhotography / Getty Images
Address
57 Great Jones St, New York, NY 10012, USA
Another Japanese-inspired haunt, this ultra-exclusive secret restaurant that opened in 2009 requires the mention of someone you know who’s dined here before in order to get reservations. Once inside, you’ll enjoy untraditional Asian-fusion dishes like teriyaki burgers, uni croquettes, short rib sashimi, and a soup-like mac & cheese. The restaurant is known for its Japanese Wagu beef, which comes from the Japan Premium Beef butcher store down the street.
- Tip: The restaurant does not list its phone number publicly, so you’ll have to ask your friends or put up a Facebook post to get around the “no entry without an introduction” policy.
- Location: Bohemian is located at 57 Great Jones St. in NoHo, but don’t try to walk in without a legit reservation.
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According to recent booking data from the digital travel platform Agoda, Vietnam has risen to third place among the top five Asian countries with the highest rate of returning international visitors – behind only Japan and Thailand. Notably, Da Nang appears for the first time among the top ten Asian cities with the highest percentage of returning travelers.
On August 6, Agoda released its latest “Most Revisited Destinations” ranking, highlighting Da Nang as one of the most appealing cities in Asia.
Based on booking data from the first half of 2025, Vietnam now ranks third in Asia for returning international guests, surpassing Malaysia and Indonesia.
Of particular significance, Da Nang’s debut in the top ten marks a remarkable milestone, as Vietnam had no representatives in this list the previous year.
The vibrant coastal city in central Vietnam has firmly secured its place among Asia’s top destinations, underscoring the growing appeal of the S-shaped country on the region’s tourism map.
The five most revisited destinations in Vietnam during the first half of the year were Da Nang, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc. While the three beach paradises attract visitors with soft white sands, clear waters, and sun-soaked resorts, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi captivate travelers with their vibrant urban rhythm, rich cultural heritage, and colorful culinary landscapes. Together, they offer a perfect blend of relaxation and local immersion.
These destinations have a unique allure that makes one visit never enough. Many travelers return to complete unfinished journeys, relive memorable experiences, or simply embrace the familiar comfort of places that once stirred deep emotions.
Agoda data shows that many tourists revisited the same destination multiple times within just six months – clear evidence of the strong pull of locations that leave a lasting impression.
Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director of Agoda Vietnam, stated that from the dynamic pace of its cities to the stunning beauty of its sun-drenched beaches, Vietnam offers a rich, authentic experience that keeps visitors coming back.
“Vietnam’s presence among the most revisited destinations in Asia is a positive signal reflecting the country’s diverse and increasingly compelling appeal,” Lam emphasized.
Alongside Vietnam, the ranking highlights other Asian destinations with high return visitor rates, including Bangkok (Thailand), Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (South Korea), Bali (Indonesia), Osaka (Japan), Taipei (Taiwan-China), Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru (Malaysia), and Hong Kong (China). Each offers a unique charm – from distinctive cuisine to vibrant cultural life – ensuring that every journey brings something new to discover.
PV
Destinations & Things To Do
Texas, North Carolina, and Arizona Lead the Way as Top U.S. Destinations for Sleep Tourism and Relaxation
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Author: TTW News Desk
Texas, North Carolina, and Arizona Lead the Way as Top U.S. Destinations for Sleep Tourism and Relaxation because of their unique combinations of natural landscapes, low light pollution, and high-quality accommodations. Texas offers vast, peaceful retreats like Hill Country and the Big Bend National Park, where visitors can enjoy quiet, starlit nights. North Carolina’s tranquil mountain escapes, such as the Smoky Mountains, and its serene coastal towns like Outer Banks, create the perfect environments for relaxation. Arizona stands out with its dark skies in places like Tucson, offering exceptional stargazing experiences, while its desert landscapes provide quiet seclusion for visitors seeking rest. Together, these states combine nature, serenity, and peaceful retreats, making them ideal destinations for anyone seeking a restful and rejuvenating getaway.
A recent study assessed over 50 major cities across the U.S. and Europe to identify the most restful destinations for sleep tourism. By analyzing factors such as light pollution, the quality of accommodations, and the availability of outdoor spaces like walking trails, the study provides valuable insights into the best places to escape for a peaceful, relaxing retreat.
Among the U.S. cities featured, Tucson, Arizona, earned the prestigious spot of being the second most restful city in the country, thanks to a combination of low light pollution, access to nature, and top-tier hotels that cater to travelers looking for a calming getaway.
Why Tucson is Perfect for Sleep Tourism
Tucson’s ranking as one of the most restful cities is no coincidence. One of the city’s most notable attributes is its dark skies, which provide an ideal setting for sleep tourism. Tucson has made a concerted effort to preserve its night skies, making it one of the best destinations for stargazing. The city enforces strict lighting regulations and has designated dark sky areas like Saguaro National Park, where visitors can enjoy a true escape from the artificial lights that dominate many cities. With less light pollution, Tucson’s dark skies contribute to better sleep quality, helping travelers unwind after a day of relaxation.
In addition to its dark skies, Tucson’s access to nature plays a key role in its ranking as a sleep tourism hotspot. The city offers a wealth of outdoor activities, with 116 walking trails per 100,000 people, making it a perfect destination for those who wish to relax in nature. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll through the desert or a more challenging hike, the natural beauty of Tucson’s surroundings invites visitors to slow down, breathe deeply, and recharge.
Comfortable Accommodations for the Ultimate Restful Stay
Sleep tourism is not just about what you do during the day—it’s also about where you stay. Tucson’s hotels stand out for their exceptional quality, with the highest percentage of four-star or higher accommodations among the cities analyzed in the study. Whether you’re staying in a luxury resort or a charming boutique hotel, Tucson offers plenty of options for travelers looking for peaceful retreats.
These high-quality accommodations are designed to support the principles of sleep tourism, with quiet environments, high-quality bedding, and services focused on guest comfort. Many of Tucson’s hotels provide wellness amenities, such as sleep-inducing aromatherapy, plush mattresses, and peaceful atmospheres, making it easier for visitors to relax and enjoy a restful sleep.
Soak Up the Sun and Enjoy Outdoor Activities
While Tucson’s dark skies are ideal for stargazing, the city also offers plenty of sunshine during the day, with an average of 10.6 hours of sunlight per day. This makes it an ideal destination for those who wish to combine their need for rest with outdoor activities. The city’s sunny climate encourages visitors to explore its parks, deserts, and scenic walking trails during the day. Exposure to natural sunlight can also help regulate sleep patterns, boosting mood and overall well-being.
Tucson’s combination of natural beauty and sunshine creates a perfect balance—allowing visitors to enjoy rejuvenating outdoor activities before retreating to their quiet, comfortable accommodations for a peaceful night’s sleep. Whether you’re spending your days hiking, cycling, or simply basking in the sun, Tucson offers plenty of opportunities to engage with nature while focusing on relaxation.
Other Restful U.S. Cities for Sleep Tourism
While Tucson ranks second on the list, it’s far from the only U.S. city that promotes rest and relaxation. Colorado Springs, Colorado, claimed the top spot, with its combination of natural landscapes and tranquility. Other U.S. cities like Raleigh, North Carolina, El Paso, Texas, and Omaha, Nebraska also made the list, offering a variety of sleep-friendly features such as low light pollution and easy access to outdoor spaces. Each of these destinations provides unique benefits for those seeking a relaxing and restorative vacation.
Texas, North Carolina, and Arizona lead the way as top U.S. destinations for sleep tourism and relaxation, offering serene landscapes, low light pollution, and peaceful retreats ideal for rest and rejuvenation. These states provide the perfect environments for travelers seeking restorative escapes in nature.
In a world where vacations are often rushed and filled with non-stop sightseeing, the idea of sleep tourism offers a much-needed escape. Tucson, Arizona, with its dark skies, natural beauty, and high-quality accommodations, provides the perfect environment for a restful and rejuvenating vacation. By combining outdoor activities with peaceful retreats, Tucson offers travelers the chance to truly unwind and embrace a slower pace of life.
Whether it’s gazing at the stars under Tucson’s dark skies, hiking through the desert, or simply enjoying the sunshine, this city offers an ideal setting for anyone seeking rest and relaxation. For those looking to fully embrace sleep tourism, Tucson is the ultimate destination to recharge and enjoy a peaceful getaway.
Destinations & Things To Do
Scott’s Winter in Summer Sale Is Bringing the Heat with Deals Up to 60 Percent Off
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The temps are hot—but these deals on ski gear are even hotter.
(Photo: Courtesy of Scott)
As I sit writing this, it’s 90 degrees outside, the sun is beating down, and an ever-present layer of sweat glistens on the surface of my skin. Isn’t summer supposed to be the best season? As a kid, yes—but as an adult it’s hard to get excited about the heat. Instead, I find myself daydreaming about the first bluebird day of a fresh ski season and perusing the internet for snowy inspiration. And what do I find? A Winter in Summer sale on ski and snowboard gear from Scott, just in time to cure my Summertime Blues.
While Scott offers all kinds of outdoor adventure essentials (like gravel bikes and trail running shoes), the Winter in Summer sale is a can’t-miss chance to shop the brand’s ski gear, which is marked down by up to 60 percent. It’s summer, the temperature is hot, so why shouldn’t the deals be hot, too? And even if your quiver is fully stocked, you may still want to grab ski-season must-haves while they’re deeply discounted, from waterproof shells and Arctic-ready insulation to helmets, goggles, boots, poles, and skis. I scoured every single page of the site and asked our ski-savvy editors for their top picks—here’s what we’re shopping at the Scott Winter in Summer sale.
Our Top Picks from the Scott Winter in Summer Sale
Freeguide Carbon Ski Boot
This is easily one of the best deals we found in the sale. The Freeguide Carbon boot is a freetouring boot that’s ready for serious mountain missions. The BOA fit system liner ensures a dialed-in fit and a carbon shell provides excellent performance for downhill riding. An integrated ski/walk system and a 2-part tongue make these more than suitable for going uphill, too.
LCG Compact Goggle
Using the same engineering from their popular LCG goggle, Scott made the LCG Compact to fit small and medium faces. The goggles have Scott’s clever lens changing system built in, and all of the features you’d expect from a quality goggle: 100% UV protection, anti-fog coating, a no-slip strap, and a spare lens.
Vertic GORE-TEX 2-Layer Jacket
Few things are more important when skiing than a quality shell jacket. This 2-layer jacket is made with an impenetrable GORE-TEX membrane, has pit-zips for breathability, and clever features like interior sleeves with thumbholes and a powder skirt to keep snow out.
Symbol 2 Plus Helmet
Don’t hit the mountain without a helmet. The Symbol 2 is a great value, especially at 50 percent off. It has a WRAS 2 fit system that accommodates all head shapes and is equipped with MIPS to help protect your brain on impact if you do find yourself taking a tumble.
Defined Tech Hybrid Women’s Pull-over
Personally recommended by a fellow Outside editor, the Defined Tech Hybrid is a versatile mid-layer that is great for a day on the slopes, but also for hikes, backpacking, climbing, or running. It has warm hand pockets and an offset half-zip that keeps the zipper off your chin. A hybrid construction keeps moisture at bay.
Mitten Explorair Pro GTX
Combine a GORE-TEX outer shell and a sherpa liner and you’ve got some supremely warm mittens on your hands. These are reinforced with heat-resistant DuPont™ Kevlar® thread on the palms for extra durability and have a carabiner loop to keep them close when you aren’t wearing them.
Original Fleece Pants
If your closet is lacking a cozy pair of sweats for après ski, the Original Fleece Pants are an easy pick up. The loose fit is going to be a huge relief after a long day in multiple layers and the little details are all there, from the adjustable belt to hand-warming pockets and a not-too-tight hem at the ankle.
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