2. Raines Law Room at the William, 24 E 39th St

Also within the William Hotel – but a different establishment – the speakeasy, Raines Law Room at the William, has a book-lined library room with a roaring fire, antique furniture and a hushed atmosphere. Take your book, relax in a velvet wing-backed chair and read while a perfectly mixed cocktail and delicious bar nibbles are brought to your table. Enter via the basement Shakespeare Bar, and you will be taken via a secret staircase to your destination. Auntie Mame would approve.