Raines Law Room Chelsea — Restaurant in New York

Review

Located in the District of Manhattan, this intimate jazz-age inspired place is worth the wait! Reservations can be quite elusive, adding to the allure of this New York City Secret Bar. My first trip to Raines was with my daughter Neha (she was working at Columbia University at the time) on a cold Tuesday night in June around 7 pm.

This entrance is elegant and discreet. To enter, the guests have to ring a doorbell, and are warmly greeted by a staff member who escorts them to their reserved seats. Inside, every seat is a comfortable couch or an extra cushioned chair, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for guests to relax and enjoy their time.

This is certainly one of the most intimate, very romantic, dimly lit hideaways we’ve ever been to. And it is quite the contrast from the bustling NYC outside. Enjoy the company you keep on a lavish couch while appreciating the decadent service of this secret law room.

The most unique aspect to Raines law room is how you order from your cozy little niche. Located on the wall with every sitting area is a pull chain, pull it once and a light comes on in the kitchen illuminating which couch needs attendance. It truly feels like royalty, and it adds an air of high society in such a laid back atmosphere.

The cocktails are well crafted, offering a full menu of drinks and even a list of seasonal specialties.The cocktails which comprised of apple brandy, lemon and peach liqueur, etc. were superb! The bartenders are true craftsmen who balance their drinks according to taste, style, and personal preference. Cocktails make it likely that you'll get into the Raines spirit quickly.

Overall, Raines Law Room remains one of the best places to visit if you enjoy cocktails and love to be at an intimate, elegant , and difficult to get in places! So whether you are new to the Speakeasy scene, or an avid hunter of secret places like ourselves, you will never be disappointed in Raines.

Enjoy, The Raines Law Room owes its name to Raines law of 1896, authored by John Raines.

Thank You Neha for taking me to this amazing...

It's always helpful to have a friend who's got the hookup! I love speakeasies but per their name, they're a bit difficult to get into. Luckily, I've got a good friend in NYC who's a frequent patron and on first name basis with the entire staff so he was able to get us in on a busy Saturday night with a minimal wait.

Since it is a speakeasy, there's no sign that makes it known that you've found Raines Law Room. Simply go down a flight of stairs, ring the doorbell, and wait. A host will take your name and phone number. When you get past that initial barrier, you enter a windowless room with charming and old-fashioned Chesterfield couches, interesting wallpaper, antiques, and an overall 1920s vibe. Each table also gets a wall buzzer and chain which you have to pull if you'd like to call your server over for another drink. This chain activates a light in the kitchen/bar counter area which lets the servers know which table to go to.

We hung out by the kitchen/bar counter and ordered a variety of drinks. Drinks like Sweater Weather (whiskey, apple cider, Palo Cortado sherry, lemon); New York style Sazerac (rye whiskey, cognac, bitters, absinthe); Mr. Fahrenheit (rye whiskey, allspice dram, bitters, chile liqueur); and the Gershwin (gin, ginger, lemon, rosewater). Most drinks are $15.

The mixologists behind the magic are fantastic and so much fun. Despite the unceasing fast-paced nights, they never break a sweat and they make wonderful cocktails. You can also ask them to make a cocktail that's not on the menu, and they're able to whip up sensationally creative...

A MUST TRY while In New York ! Outstanding Experience at Raines Law Room, Chelsea, New York

Let me share my fantastic experience at Raines Law Room, a speakeasy in Chelsea that truly takes the cocktail scene to a whole new level!

From the moment we arrived, our server Jonathan was a standout. His recommendations and deep knowledge of the cocktail menu were impressive and tailored perfectly to my taste buds. We started our evening with a delightful bubbler plate featuring a selection of delicious cheeses, meats, crackers, and olives—an excellent way to kick off the night!

I savored the Monarch Migration and the Lower East Side cocktail, both classics that embody the essence of New York. Jonathan then crafted another cocktail that literally moved my soul, featuring vodka in a way I had never experienced before. To wrap up the night, I enjoyed another stellar recommendation—a tequila cocktail that still held onto a refreshing strawberry profile. It was truly a knockout!

Chad, the District Manager, even stopped by to thank us for our visit, which added a personal touch to our experience. He generously offered several other places to check out before I leave New York, which I greatly appreciated.

If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind place to enjoy intimate cocktails or simply have a friendly conversation, Raines Law Room is the place to be. I can't...