Backstage

Name: Backstage
Address: 105 W 55th St, New York, NY, United States, 10019
Telephone: (212) 541-4650
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7 (11)

$31 to $50

American

105 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 4, 2025

7:00 PM

About this restaurant

Great for creative cocktails
Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions

Hidden behind Stage Star Deli in Midtown Manhattan, Backstage is an intimate speakeasy inspired by the elegance and charm of New York’s theater scene. Step through the curtain into a warm, low-lit lounge offering expertly crafted cocktails, thoughtful small plates, and a relaxed yet elevated atmosphere. Ideal for post-show drinks, date nights, or private gatherings, Backstage blends classic hospitality with a touch of old Broadway mystique. Our seasonal menu and curated spirits selection cater to both casual guests and cocktail enthusiasts.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American
Hours of operation
Wed, Thu 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–12:00 am
Phone number
(212) 541-4650
Website
https://www.thebackstagenyc.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
105 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019
Neighborhood
Midtown
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 11 people are saying

Backstage reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.8Service
4.9Ambience
4.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Backstage is a stylish and atmospheric speakeasy tucked behind Stage Star Deli, offering "a true hidden gem" vibe with its old-world library decor and cozy, intimate lighting. Guests rave about "fantastic cocktails," "friendly staff," and a "great ambiance." Perfect for date nights or catching up with friends.

11 Reviews

K
Kathryn
San Francisco Bay Area1 review
5.0
Dined on June 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is our new favorite neighborhood place. The cocktails are 1st rate and reasonable and the service is fantastic. Highly recommend this venue.
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D
Danielle VIP
Washington, D.C. Area10 reviews
2.0
Dined on June 5, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Backstage Speakeasy – A Beautiful Space Undone by Noise and Poor Service My husband and I visited Backstage in New York City last night with a friend, looking forward to a sophisticated evening in what is undoubtedly a stylish and atmospheric venue. The space itself is lovely—intimate lighting, tasteful decor, and a promising first impression. Unfortunately, nearly everything else about the experience missed the mark. Despite having made reservations, the venue was allowing walk-ins to the point of being uncomfortably overcrowded. It became standing-room only, which not only detracted from the ambiance but also contributed to an absolutely deafening noise level. We had to shout to hear each other across the table, which made conversation frustrating and unpleasant. Service was another weak point. Our waitress, while polite, was unfamiliar with basic cocktail knowledge. When I ordered a Manhattan and asked what bourbons were available, she couldn’t name a single one. She returned a few minutes later asking if I’d prefer Glenlivet or Johnnie Walker Black—both of which are Scotch whiskies, not bourbons, and wholly inappropriate for a Manhattan. To make matters worse, a private event was being held in the back room, something we hadn’t been informed of in advance. It only amplified the already overwhelming noise level and made it impossible to be seated in a quieter area. In short, while Backstage has the aesthetic of a great speakeasy, it fails where it counts: service, sound management, and honoring the comfort of guests with reservations. It’s a shame, because with better crowd control and a properly trained staff, this could be a truly special place.
1 person found this helpful
J
Joseph
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined on May 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The ambiance and the food were great! We're definitely going back again another time!
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R
Rod
London9 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was so cute and the staff were lovely! A great spot in a tricky area.
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h
helen
Washington, D.C. Area4 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 19, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Quirky venue perfect for a drink and light meal. Highly recommend
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C
Candace
Washington, D.C. Area2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Tucked secretly behind the Stage Star Deli is a true hidden gem. The dark walls, old world library-esque decor and lighting, and thoughtful and comfortable lounge seating make you feel a bit like the velvet curtain to enter is actually a time machine. It's so much fun. Our bartender, Liam, was awesome. I'd go back just for his service, craft bartending, and dead pan humor, but really the entire team, drinks, and food were excellent all around. We went two nights ago and I'm still thinking about those burger sliders. 😏 Would love to keep this place an actual secret, but it deserves to be known widely for what a cool and special space they've created. Perfect for a date night, team happy hour or to catch up with friends. So glad we found it- we will absolutely be back next time we are in the city. I've already raved to my colleagues about it, so expect big business during our annual work trip in September!
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D
Denise
New York City3 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
So cool. Friendly staff, cool vibe very chill and unique.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined on March 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nice place hidden!! Great vibe before a show!!! I highly recommended this place!!
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C
Coralys
Caribbean3 reviews
4.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
It’s a nice place to go after dinner. I ordered a drink and it was not up to my taste and the waitress did not charge me for it which was super nice of her. Quickly changed my drink for something more my taste. It was divine.
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G
Gerald
Greater Boston2 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A hidden gem. Very cozy and comfortable spot to meet a friend. Great ambiance, great environment. The feeling is as you’re in someone’s very casual and comfortable living room. Well worth the visit.
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FAQs

Backstage offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 541-4650.

Backstage is rated 4.7 stars by 11 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 4, 2025

7:00 PM

105 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019

Dining areas

Additional information

Neighborhood
Midtown
Hours of operation
Wed, Thu 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–12:00 am
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.thebackstagenyc.com/
Phone number
(212) 541-4650

Backstage

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 11 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Backstage offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Backstage restaurant rated?

Is Backstage currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information