Midtown, Manhattan · bar
The Iroquois Hotel's back-room speakeasy is now serving Italian aperitivi alongside serious cocktails (Negronis, natural wine, arancini, steak tartare) in a dim, wood-paneled room that fits maybe 30 people. Walk in, no reservations, and quiet enough to hear the conversation across from you.
Old Tom gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino—a pre-Prohibition classic
Ditalini with meatballs, sausage, soppressata, escarole, mozzarella
Italian steak tartare with crusty bread and french fries