Employees Only NYC opens its door onto Hudson Street with the kind of energy that turns a simple night out into a ritual. Employees Only NYC in Greenwich Village sits at 510 Hudson St and has operated since 2004, offering a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge experience in the heart of New York. Step inside for a drink program that balances quick, expertly made classics and seasonal signatures. The bar caters to both cocktail purists and after-hours revelers, and its reputation brings both neighborhood regulars and visitors searching for refined late-night drinks.

The mixology team at Employees Only NYC focuses on speed, precision and classic technique rather than flashy theatrics. While a single named head bartender is not publicly listed, the bar credits its collective mixology team and long-tenured staff for the service culture. The venue’s philosophy pairs restaurant-quality food with barcraft; that approach helped Employees Only earn a place on The World’s 50 Best Bars roster for ten consecutive years, including No. 15 in 2024 and No. 18 in North America for 2025. Open since 2004, the bar has refined a formula that leans on well-executed classics, rotating seasonal menus and a service style that encourages conversation and conviviality.

The cocktail journey at Employees Only NYC moves from the familiar to the carefully tuned. The Classic Martini is rendered with precise gin or vodka choice, chilled glassware and a crisp citrus or olive finish that favors balance over bravado. The Smoked Old Fashioned features a robust bourbon base, demerara or cane sugar, a dash of bitters and table-side smoke for visual drama and a warm oak finish. The Espresso Martini blends fresh espresso, vodka and coffee liqueur for a brisk, pleasantly bitter finish, often served in a chilled coupe with crema on top. Seasonal specialties rotate with produce and aromatic accents; expect citrus-forward riffs in winter, herb-infused takes in spring and bright Collins-style cocktails in summer. Ingredients are sourced for clarity and flavor, and bartenders prioritize the right glassware, correct dilution and clean garnishes to showcase each cocktail’s profile.

Interior design favors conversation and a lively vibe: dark, warm lighting, leather seating and a long, polished bar where guests can watch the team work. Playlists are curated to keep energy up without overwhelming conversation; music shifts from retro to contemporary as the night progresses. Tables and bar seating flow into an outdoor patio area for warmer months and a compact dining room that serves late-night bar bites and full dinner reservations. Service is a blend of professional technical skill and approachable friendliness—the staff often interacts directly at the bar, explaining drinks and sometimes sharing informal toasts with guests. Practical touches such as clear menu rotation, attentive pacing and a kitchen open until 3 AM support a seamless night out.

Plan visits after 11 PM for the walk-in bar scene; dinner reservations are available via Resy from roughly 6 PM to 11 PM. The kitchen typically remains open until 3 AM and the bar area serves late into the night, with indoor hours often extending to 4 AM. Average cocktail pricing runs around $17, with total spend usually between $40 and $70 per guest depending on food choices. There is a dress code—no athletic wear or caps—and guests should bring valid ID. The venue’s walk-in policy for cocktails means busy weekend waits are common; consider an early weeknight or a dinner reservation through Resy to secure a table.

If you want a late-night cocktail experience that pairs precise technique with a lively, social atmosphere, make time for Employees Only NYC. The bar’s record on The World’s 50 Best Bars list, late kitchen hours, and location on Hudson Street create a dependable plan for an elevated night out in New York. Reserve a dinner seat on Resy or arrive for the bar service and taste why Employees Only NYC has remained a Greenwich Village staple for over two decades.