The Blue Vault Opens in Midtown

Carver Road Hospitality and Ross & Squibb Distillery have unveiled a new concept in the heart of Midtown: The Blue Vault, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar. Located at 305 W 48th St, this bourbon-forward hideaway brings Prohibition-era mystique to the Theater District while celebrating New York’s own Broadway legacy.

Guests can sip inventive cocktails like the Armed and Dangerous (Remus bourbon, bruleed banana, walnut, egg white) or the Spice Runner (high rye bourbon, rum, mango, lime, white lotus). Theater-inspired creations such as the Silver Screen Sinner and Pink Pony Masquerade add a touch of drama, while the late-night “Minor Offenses” menu offers half-sized renditions of classics like the Manhattan and Sazerac for $10 from 9–11pm. For whiskey enthusiasts, the Flight Risk bourbon flight showcases a curated selection of pours designed for exploration.

Chef Daniel Ontiveros keeps the food playful and elevated, offering Salmon Tartare Cones with avocado mousse and tobiko, a signature Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich with black sesame aioli and pickled vegetables, indulgent Arancini with truffle dipping sauce, and Togarashi Spiced Potato Chips with caviar-chive dip. Each dish is designed to complement the richness of the cocktails while keeping the energy lively and shareable.

Designed by Rockwell Group, The Blue Vault balances speakeasy intimacy with theatrical spectacle. The 18-seat Tasting Room and lounge is concealed behind a hidden entrance and lined with never-before-seen Broadway set models, rare production photographs, and world-famous memorabilia—including Elphaba’s hat from Wicked and red boots from Kinky Boots. The floor-to-ceiling whiskey vault adds a sense of history and discovery, anchoring the bar in both cocktail culture and New York storytelling.

Part immersive exhibit, part cocktail destination, The Blue Vault captures the indulgence of the Roaring 20s while channeling the spirit of Broadway’s backstage. Open Thursday through Saturday from 8pm–12am, it offers New Yorkers a space to drink, dine, and immerse themselves in a spirited blend of theater and nightlife. Reservations are available via OpenTable and Resy. Official opening Tuesday August 19, 2025.