Employees Only

American · Tapas Small Plates · New York, NY

3.9 (1,713 · Yelp ) ·$$$ ·American · Tapas Small Plates ·

About

Bar: Full barBest nights: Thu, Fri, Sat

What sets Employees Only apart from other West Village restaurants is its speakeasy entrance: you look for a glowing neon "psychic" sign and enter a 1920s-inspired space with upscale American tapas and craft cocktails. The atmosphere evokes the frivolous spirit of the Prohibition era, but the crowd is decidedly modern and mixed — gay, straight, and everyone in between. It’s refined yet approachable, with a full bar and outdoor seating when the weather cooperates.

Open every night until 4am, Employees Only is a go-to for late-night dining and drinking in the neighborhood. Yelp regulars recommend Thursday through Saturday for the best energy. Reservations are accepted, so you can plan ahead. It's a solid stop for a date or a night out with friends, and if you're craving a classic deli fix, Katz's Delicatessen is a short walk away.

Features

  • Hidden entrance behind a psychic sign
  • Open until 4am nightly
  • Upscale Prohibition-era vibe with a mixed crowd

Cuisine & style

AmericanTapas Small PlatesFine Dining

Good for

Upscale

Practical

Mixed LGBTQMixed Gay/StraightOutdoor SeatingHappy HourReservationsCredit Cards AcceptedStreet ParkingFull BarLate NightClassyTrendyGood for GroupsTable ServiceLoud / Lively

Best nights: Thu, Fri, Sat

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Employees Only take reservations? +

Yes, reservations are accepted according to Yelp.

Is there outdoor seating? +

Yes, outdoor seating is available.

What kind of food do they serve? +

American cuisine with tapas-style small plates.

Is it LGBTQ+ friendly? +

Yes, it draws a mixed LGBTQ+ and straight crowd, making it inclusive.

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