12 Norfolk Street at Delancey Street
Located at 12 Norfolk Street at Delancey Street, “The Back of Ratner’s,” now known as “The Back Room,” stands as a living testament to the intriguing era of Prohibition. This speakeasy pays homage to its clandestine past by serving beer discreetly concealed in paper bags and cocktails concealed in teacups. Back in the Prohibition days, it was an integral part of Ratner’s, a kosher-dairy restaurant on Delancey that operated as a front while secretly serving illegal substances in the back. The Back Room’s hidden charm lies in its several lesser-known exits and entrance options, making it the ideal haven for underworld bosses to convene. Notably, legendary figures like Bugsy Siegel, Lucky Luciano, and Meyer Lansky were known to frequent this covert establishment for their clandestine meetings. The location’s proximity to a garage under the Williamsburg Bridge made it even more convenient for Lansky, who would rent cars and trucks to facilitate the bootlegging trade. Adding to its allure, the speakeasy also attracted film and theater actors, creating a unique blend of famous and infamous clientele that brought an air of glamour and mystique to this covert watering hole. The Back Room remains a cherished and historically rich destination, a fascinating portal to a time when the clandestine world of speakeasies thrived amidst the shadows of Prohibition.