New Years Eve Speakeasy Drinks and Ball Drop Tour NYC

If you’re considering ringing in the New Year in New York City, this New Years Eve Speakeasy Drinks and Ball Drop Tour offers a unique way to celebrate. It’s designed for those who love a mix of history, vibrant nightlife, and a dash of exclusivity.

We haven’t personally taken this tour, but from the details and reviews, it appears to be a lively, well-organized experience that combines the allure of Prohibition-era secret bars with the excitement of the city’s iconic midnight ball drop.

What’s appealing? First, the chance to visit one of NYC’s last-standing 1920s speakeasies — a rare glimpse into a secret world. Second, the exclusive view of Times Square’s famous ball drop from a reserved area just 12 blocks away. These features promise a memorable, festive, and intimate way to ring in the New Year.

On the flip side, a possible challenge is the price point of $350 per person, which some might find steep, especially considering the limited food options and the fact that some guests felt details about the timing were not completely clear.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value a combination of history, sophisticated ambiance, and a guaranteed spot for the ball drop, all packaged in a 12-hour festive adventure. If you enjoy guided experiences, lively atmospheres, and want a more curated New Year’s Eve, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Exclusive access and views: You’ll enjoy a reserved position to see the ball drop from just 12 blocks away.
• Historic setting: The tour visits a genuine 1920s speakeasy, offering a taste of Prohibition-era New York.
• All-inclusive drinks and appetizers: Two complimentary drinks and an open bar at the second venue make the night lively without worrying about additional costs.
• Guided experience: Knowledgeable guides help enrich the story behind each location, adding context to the nightlife and history.
• Flexible timing: The tour runs approximately 12 hours, with a start at 4:30 pm and an end after midnight.
• Group size: Limited to 30 travelers, fostering a more personal and engaging atmosphere.

The Experience in Detail

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins at 825 8th Ave, where you’ll gather around 4:30 pm to kick off an evening filled with history, drinks, and city views. Your first stop is Times Square, where you’ll get a dedicated viewing area to watch the ball drop — a rare perk, as most visitors fight crowds on their own. This exclusive vantage point allows you to soak in the famous moment without the usual chaos, which is a clear plus for those who prefer a more relaxed experience.

The second stop is Flute Champagne Bar, where you’ll enjoy six hours of open bar and heavy appetizers from 6:30 pm until 12:30 am. The bar’s VIP reserved viewing for the midnight countdown is a highlight, giving you a prime spot for the countdown and the ball drop itself. The inclusion of one complimentary drink at each venue adds to the value, especially if you’re a fan of bubbly or cocktails.

Atmosphere and Guides

Reviews highlight that the guides are super nice and knowledgeable, which elevates the experience as they share stories about the Prohibition era, gangsters, and bootleggers. This historical context adds depth to the experience, transforming a night out into a mini-lesson on New York’s colorful past. The lively environment of the speakeasy, combined with the energy of the New Year’s Eve celebrations, creates an engaging and festive mood.

The View of the Ball Drop

The main draw is seeing the ball drop from a special vantage point. Being just 12 blocks away means you’ll get to witness the iconic moment in a more intimate setting than typical crowds in Times Square. While the view is exclusive, keep in mind that you’re still in a city that’s crowded and bustling during this countdown, so arriving early to secure your spot is wise. The organizers advise that timing might be tight, as some guests noted they had to figure out the schedule themselves for the actual ball drop.

Food and Drinks

The tour offers heavy appetizers alongside your open bar, but some guests felt that the quantity was not enough for a full night’s worth of festivities. The two complimentary drinks help get the night started, and the open bar keeps the energy high. The drinks at the speakeasy are likely to be crafted with flair, and the ambiance should evoke the Roaring Twenties, making for some memorable photos and conversations.

Duration and Group Size

With a 12-hour duration, starting in the late afternoon and ending after midnight, the tour is comprehensive and leaves plenty of time for enjoyment. The group size, capped at 30 travelers, is manageable, allowing for a more personal experience. This also means you’ll have better access to guides and can ask questions or get more detailed stories.

What Our Guests Say

Guests’ reviews offer a balanced view. One reviewer praised it as the “best way to see the New Year’s Eve ball drop”, noting the warm and friendly guides and the interesting details they shared about the speakeasies. Conversely, some found the experience overpriced and felt that not enough food was served, with one noting that they had to figure out when to leave for the ball drop themselves, indicating a lack of detailed instructions.

The consensus is that the guides and the atmosphere make a meaningful difference. If you appreciate knowledgeable guides who can tell stories and provide insights, this tour will likely satisfy.

Price and Value Analysis

At $350 per person, this experience is on the higher end for a New Year’s Eve tour, but it includes several key elements: guided access to historic speakeasies, open bar, heavy appetizers, and a reserved viewing spot for the ball drop. For travelers seeking a curated, less chaotic way to enjoy New Year’s in NYC, this could be seen as a worthwhile investment. However, those on a tighter budget or looking for a more casual, free experience might prefer to explore independently.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to combine history, festivities, and exclusivity. It’s ideal if you enjoy guided stories, prefer a guaranteed view of the ball drop, and appreciate a lively social environment with drinks included. It’s also suitable for those who don’t mind a longer night, as the tour spans the entire evening into the early morning.

However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly or flexible option, or want to explore New Year’s Eve spontaneously, this tour might feel restrictive or expensive.

The Sum Up

This New Year’s Eve Speakeasy Drinks and Ball Drop Tour offers a well-organized and lively way to welcome the New Year in New York City. Its highlights — the historic speakeasy visits, the exclusive ball drop view, and guided storytelling — make it a distinctive experience for those who want more than just a crowded street celebration.

The quality of guides and the unique setting are clear standout features, making the night both fun and informative. The inclusive drinks and appetizers add value, though some might find the overall cost steep relative to the food quantity and the need to coordinate the timing themselves.

In short, this tour is best suited for history lovers, social travelers, and fans of curated experiences. If you’re looking for an unforgettable, insider’s way to celebrate New Year’s in NYC, this tour could be just the ticket — provided you’re comfortable with the price tag and the evening’s structure.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 4:30 pm at 825 8th Ave, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the evening.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 12 hours, ending after midnight with the ball drop.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes at 205 W 54th St, at Flute Champagne Bar.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers guided visits to two venues, one with a reserved view of the ball drop, two complimentary drinks, six hours of open bar, and heavy appetizers.

Is there a guide?
Yes, knowledgeable guides lead the tour, sharing stories about the speakeasies, gangsters, and the city’s history.

How many people are on the tour?
The group size is limited to 30 travelers, making for a more intimate experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, bookings are typically made about 10 days in advance, and tickets are mobile.

What about transportation?
The starting location is near public transportation, making it easy to access.

Are there any physical fitness considerations?
Moderate physical fitness is recommended, as you’ll be moving around and standing for extended periods.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
No, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

In summary, if you’re eager for a festive, history-filled New Year’s Eve with a touch of exclusivity and a guaranteed view of the ball drop, this tour could be just what you’re looking for — as long as the price isn’t a concern and you’re comfortable with the evening’s structure.