Check out NYC's newest must-visit bar: The Alley Cat Amateur Theatre.

Struggling to choose between Broadway and Manhattan's nightlife? Now you can enjoy both with a newly opened speakeasy in the heart of the city’s historic theater district.

A trip downtown is always a great idea.

The Alley Cat Amateur Theatre stands out as a unique gem in modern Manhattan, blending old-world charm with a new bar experience in one of the city's most storied districts.

Hidden down Theatre Alley, the speakeasy occupies the basement of the iconic Beekman Hotel, offering a secretive and immersive escape.

A glowing blue neon cat marks the entrance, leading through a plain door that opens into a space reminiscent of a theater's backstage area.

The 2,500-square-foot industrial venue is filled with mannequins, prop parts, and a blend of raw materials like exposed pipes and brick, complemented by plush velvet stools and original 1800s plaster walls. A grand piano sits at the center, surrounded by turntables, setting the stage for spontaneous performances and intimate concerts.

Serge Becker, the nightlife mogul behind the venue (known for his work on The Box), envisioned a lounge that balances sophistication with relaxation, drawing inspiration from the legendary Café Carlyle cabaret club.

I wanted to create a space I’d personally enjoy and feel at ease in, somewhere I could bring friends along,” Becker shares with Dinogo Travel. “The basement had a raw feel, so I made sure to preserve some of that character.”

I envision it as a bit of an oasis, a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city,” he adds.

From Manhattan to Tokyo.

TV personality and chef Tom Colicchio, who runs a restaurant upstairs in the hotel, is curating the menu. It combines influences from Tokyo's dynamic nightlife with the flair of American cocktail clubs. The Japanese theme was Becker's concept, and Colicchio added his own signature touch.

I’m not aiming to serve traditional Japanese food, but I’m incorporating distinctly Japanese ingredients,” Colicchio explains. “Instead of salt, we’re using soy sauce; sesame oil replaces olive oil; we’re working with sea urchin and Kobe beef... There’s a way to adapt these elements while keeping it true to my style.”

The hotel itself is rich in history, with the building dating back to 1883 as one of Manhattan's earliest skyscrapers. It stood vacant for many years before being renovated into the Beekman Hotel, now part of the Thompson Hotels collection.

From its turreted exterior to the nine-story Victorian atrium inside, the hotel evokes the charm of an English parlor, complete with grand bookshelves.

Kick off your evening at one of the hotel’s two restaurants or its bar if you’re planning to make a night of it.

The Alley Cat Amateur Theatre, 10 Theatre Alley, New York, NY 10038

The Beekman Hotel, 123 Nassau Street, New York, NY 10038