Keys & Heels
Cocktail bar · Upper East Side ·
Creative cocktails, DJ music, and speakeasy vibes behind a locksmith facade
Creative cocktails, DJ music, and speakeasy vibes behind a locksmith facade
"A speakeasy-style cocktail lounge opened by the son with a partner as his first independent venture beyond the family brand, aimed at a nightlife crowd and situated within the family's Second Avenue cluster." - Andrea Strong
"There are plenty of great bars on the Upper East Side, but there’s only one hidden behind a fake storefront posing as a locksmith and shoe repair shop. You can’t see the fake facade once you’re inside, but still, it’s a fun detail. If you want to have a lively night out without having to drag yourself downtown to stand in line with the class of 2024 at Wiggle Room, come by and grab a small bistro table. The room has a disco ball and some comfy couches, and there are occasionally events like live magic." - bryan kim, sonal shah
"Keys & Heels is a speakeasy disguised as a locksmith and shoe repair shop. Inside, you’ll find lots of bistro tables, a disco ball, comfy couches, and well-made cocktails with names like Pretty Little Psycho and Late Night Lover. It always feels busy here, but you’ll never feel packed in like sardines, and they occasionally host events like magic shows where someone will guess both your birthday and the code to unlock your phone (which will genuinely make you feel uncomfortable)." - bryan kim, matt tervooren, neha talreja
"Running a modern speakeasy is tricky in an age where anyone can find your secret passcode on the internet, but Keys & Heels pulls it off. Their neon signage advertises a functioning cobbler’s shop, but anyone willing to challenge the “closed” sign after 6 p.m. will discover a classy cocktail lounge. With muted lighting, an extensive wine list, and in-the-know clientele, Keys & Heels is a shortcut to a great night out." - Stephen Rubino
"When it comes to speakeasies, the more random the facade, the better. Keys & Heels is disguised as a locksmith and shoe repair shop that opened in 1971, and that’s pretty damn random. Inside, you’ll find lots of bistro tables, a disco ball, comfy couches, and well-made cocktails with names like Barefoot & Topless and Late Night Lover. The latter is an espresso martini made with whiskey, and it’ll keep you up and mess you up at the same time. It always feels busy here, but you’ll never feel packed in like sardines, and they occasionally host events like magic shows where someone will guess both your birthday and the code to unlock your phone (which will genuinely make you feel uncomfortable). photo credit: Melissa Hom" - Kenny Yang
