Ama,
Tucked, Russian☂ doll-style, in the heart of James Beard Award-nominated chef Brad Kilgore’s buzzy new Japanese joint, Kaido, is this even more exclusive, 8-seat venue. (The name Ama is in honor of Hokkaido’s mermaid-like free divers, who scour the ocean floor for sea urchins and pearls.) You’ll enter via a closet-sized anteroom, where you’ll receive instructions for your evening — there’s no re-entry, and strictly no social media — before being whisked into the sanctum, where you can sample cocktails and a raft of rare Japanese whiskies. Hun꧑gry? Kilgore also offers a 16-course omakase-style supper in the Design District space twice weekly.
Bodega,
This unassuming ta⛎queria has a Superman-like secret identity. Come here first for affordable tortas, cooked up in an Airstream trailer 𝐆and scarfed down at picnic tables. Once you’ve pregamed, head to the bathroom — or rather the blue port-o-potty door in the back marked “Baños.” Breeze past the urinals on the wall in the next room, and walk through yet another door: You’ll finally enter the two-story speak-easy at the rear, decked out with overstuffed couches, raw walls and a live DJ. Even better, the craft cocktails here are refreshingly affordable — ringing up at no more than $13.
Shh Lounge,
Ducking into the Franklin Hotel’s library to escape the hubbub of South Beach’s Ocean Drive may not be as restful as it seems. Press one of the books on the wall (ask a staff member if you can’t deduce which)𒀰 and a door will open, revealing a New York-style speak-easy. The lounge was created by homesick hotel owner Chris Viso, an NYC native; expect classic hip-hop, graffiti-spattered walls and neon signs, all evoking the gritty streets of the 1980s. Sign up on the bar’s website to receive a password in advance.
Foxhole,
This beloved dive bar is deliberately hidden just off ꦕof Alton Road en route to West Avenue; rule of thumb — if you think you’re headed in the wrong direction, keep going and look for a lamp. The boîte (which opened nearly a decade ago) has managed to preserve its mystique largely by focusing on locals, turning Foxhole into a best-kept-secret-style bar. And no wonder, with its jukebox, retro video games, pool table and plentiful seating, this is a relaxed, after-hours alternative to the bottle-service scene. (The affordable happy hour makes it a worthwhile launching pad for an evening, too.) There’s usually a hip-hop DJ, and retro movies play on the TVs.