Inside The Blue Vault: Rosevale’s Hidden Whiskey Bar in New York City 

New York City was home to around 32,000 speakeasies during the Roaring 20s and the Prohibition Era. Out of all of these, there are only a handful that survived and are still in operation today.  

With a renewed interest in this time period, modern speakeasies are starting to appear in different areas within the city. One of the newest speakeasies, steeped in bootlegging and Broadway history, is The Blue Vault, a small, intimate, hidden whiskey bar in New York City, perfectly designed to reflect NYC’s Prohibition Era, and the explosive growth of the Theater District during that time in the Times Square area.  

CTA: Book your reservation today.  

What Makes The Blue Vault a Unique Hidden Whiskey Bar? 

One of the unique features of The Blue Vault is creating an intimate experience in our hidden whiskey and tasting room. Rockwell Group created our speakeasy-styled space that pays homage to New York’s Theater District history and the Prohibition Era. Guests get to be immersed in history with our original tasting and storytelling menu, inspired by famous bootlegger, George Remus, that blends history, whiskey culture, and theater.  

Another unique feature is the extensive collection of Prohibition Era and Broadway theater relics that we have collected and displayed in The Blue Vault. As you step through the concealed entrance into the private room, you are transported into the past and get a glimpse of vintage Broadway during George Remus’ life.  

What Types of Whiskey and Cocktails Are Offered? 

The Blue Vault has partnered with Remus Bourbon to offer a wide selection of bourbons to satisfy your senses. Guests can enjoy whiskey flights, making it possible to sample multiple bourbons. Our hidden speakeasy also features a variety of handcrafted signature cocktails, such as our Sangreal Omerta, which combines red wine, tequila, red chili, and pineapple.  

Guests also have access to the world’s largest selection of vermouth.  

How Is the Atmosphere and Experience at The Blue Vault? 

The Blue Vault creates an immersive, luxurious experience that transports you back to the Roaring Twenties and the age of Prohibition, with the spirit of Broadway. There is a floor-to-ceiling whiskey vault, accompanied by vintage Broadway memorabilia, props, photos, and artifacts, collected from sets, dressing rooms, and the actors themselves.  

Our intimate setting and storytelling concept create an exclusive, sophisticated feel with a speakeasy vibe, rooted in reliving George Remus’ bootlegger spirit and exploring the history of Broadway.  

The tasting experience is combined with a unique small bites menu, created by renowned Chef Daniel Ontiveros, featuring his take on Korean fried chicken, salmon tartare cones, and togarashi-spiced potato chips.  

Where Is The Blue Vault Located in NYC? 

The Blue Vault is a secret 18-seat storytelling and tasting room, hidden away within the Rosevale Cocktail Room, inside the Civilian Hotel in New York’s Theater District, at 305 W 48th St. The Rosevale Cocktail Room is located on the second floor of the hotel.  

Are Reservations Recommended for Visiting The Blue Vault? 

Due to its intimate setting and limited seating, it is highly recommended to make reservations to visit The Blue Vault. Our hidden speakeasy is available on Thursdays through Saturdays from 8 p.m. until midnight, sometimes later. While walk-ins are welcome, and we do our best to accommodate them, we cannot guarantee seating inside The Blue Vault.  

The Blue Vault is also available for booking for private events, such as birthday parties, anniversaries, post-theater celebrations, holiday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and any other type of small event.  

Plan Your Visit to The Blue Vault Today 

The Blue Vault is perfect when you want an intimate, romantic evening out on the town with your special someone, or want to end your night after seeing your favorite Broadway show. Plan your visit by making a reservation or contacting us directly to reserve The Blue Vault for a private event.  

CTA: Book your reservation today.  

FAQ 

Are There Other Food Options Besides the Small Bites Menu? 

Rosevale Cocktail Room offers a pre-theater prix fixe menu available from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. nightly and a dinner menu available from 5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. nightly. So, you can enjoy a complete meal before visiting The Blue Vault.  

Is the Rosevale Cocktail Room and The Blue Vault Age Restrictive? 

We are a 21+ venue and cannot admit anyone under 21. 

If I Have a Reservation to The Blue Vault, Do I Need a Reservation to the Rosevale Cocktail Room? 

If you are planning on experiencing The Blue Vault only, you do not need a separate reservation for the Rosevale Cocktail Room. However, if you want to eat dinner or enjoy our live entertainment, we recommend making a reservation for Rosevale as well.  

Is There a Dress Code? 

The Blue Vault and Rosevale Cocktail Room have a business-casual dress code with an upscale, relaxed vibe. Guests should dress for a night out on the town and avoid athletic attire, T-shirts, tank tops, tennis shoes, baseball caps, and hoodies. If you have questions about our dress code, please feel free to call us directly.  

Sources: 

Civilian Hotel. 
George Remus: A Real-Life Gatsby. (2024). 
The Blue Vault Opens in Midtown. (2025).