Bucket List: Raines Law Room
When you conjure up images of New York City in the Roaring Twenties, three things spring to mind: shorter hem lines, jazz and the ubiquitous speakeasy. Despite nationwide prohibition laws putting the kibosh on the sale of alcohol, demand for it didn’t disappear—and so denizens of the city needed to find creative ways of keeping the tipple flowing. Savvy entrepreneurs soon began setting up speakeasies—so named because of the secrecy surrounding the illegal clubs—and as a result, New York kept its reputation as the city that never sleeps.
When prohibition ended in 1933, speakeasies became obsolete—but a few remain to this day, dotted around the city in hidden locations. Raines Law Room is one such exclusive club, set amidst the Brownstones of fashionable Chelsea. Ring a buzzer on an unremarkable door to get access, and once you’re through, you’ll find yourself transported right back to the 1920s.
With sumptuous art-deco décor and a dimly-lit, exclusive ambience, it’s the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a drink—and with the bar’s extensive cocktail menu, you probably won’t stop at just one.
You can make a reservation ahead of time, or just walk in off the street if you’re out and about in the city—but be sure to get there early, because the best seats are snapped up quickly. NYC, raineslawroom.com
