About Our Speakeasy in NYC

History of Our Speakeasy Bar

The infamy of the Prohibition Era was a not too distant memory when Arthur’s Tavern first opened its doors in 1937 and the vibe was of a NYC speakeasy that was commonplace in those times. We wanted to continue providing that same feel, which is why things haven’t changed all too much over the years in terms of our look & atmosphere.

Customers came to our speakeasy to enjoy themselves throughout the later part of the Great Depression and World War II. It was decided in the early 1950s that live music would be added to the bar’s offerings and it was a move that not only paid off in the short term, but also helped Arthur’s Tavern become synonymous with New York City culture.

Why We're the Best Speakeasy in NYC

Arthur’s Tavern is an internationally recognized speakeasy bar that has been operating for more than 85 years in a designated historic building in the heart of the West Village. We’re also known as the “Home of the Bird” since we are the last continuously operating NYC jazz club that regularly had the renowned Charlie Parker perform on stage.

Besides Charlie Parker, we’ve played host to a plethora of legendary musicians over the years including Roy Hargrove, Sweet Georgia Brown, Mabel Godwin, the Chicagoans and the Grove Street Stompers. Our speakeasy bar hosts outstanding live jazz, blues and rhythm & blues music each and every night of the week.

See Our New York City Bar Room Space & Menu

When you come to our bar, you will get the experience you would have a century ago at a vintage speakeasy from the Prohibition Era. Except the cocktails have been stepped up a notch so you can enjoy some craft drinks that you would see in other modern day bars.

We decorate our space the way we do because we want you to feel at your home away from home with us. Come and enjoy the music we have, whether you come on the same night each week or want to see the true variety that we have to offer by dropping in on different days.

Speaking of variety, that’s what you’ll get in our bar’s drink menu. There are so many different options to choose from that range from old favorites to unique alcoholic beverages that you can only find here at Arthur’s Tavern.

New York City Jazz

Aida Brandes-Hargrove and Jon Davis

January 1, 03:00 pm

Vocalist Aida Brandes-Hargrove draws from a diverse pool of music with its main roots in jazz, hip hop and rnb. Aida is the widow of the late, great Roy Hargrove and the president of Roy Hargrove Legacy, a company she founded with his daughter to extend his legacy and celebrate his contributions to jazz and beyond. Pianist and composer Jon Davis has been performing and touring with many of the finest jazz musicians around the world for more than 25 years.

Michael Shekwoaga Ode Quartet

January 1, 10:00 pm

Michael Shekwoaga Ode is an Nigerian-american drummer, composer, and educator. A student of Music and Drum Icon Billy Hart, Ode has been blessed to tour, record, play, and study with some of the most iconic and innovative artists in the history of music.

Tomohiro Mori

January 1, 03:30 pm

Drummer, composer and educator, Tomohiro Mori was born in Fukuoka, Japan in 1992. He started playing the drums at age 3 and piano at age 5. At 17 he was awarded a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music. Since graduating in 2015, he has released two albums as a leader and performed at famous venues in NYC as well as a US tour.