After what felt like a year of waiting, I finally had the chance to experience what I missed in Long Island City: NYC’s hidden Cantopop speakeasy, 929. Previously tucked away in LIC behind the popular Taiwanese restaurant Gulp, the original 929 speakeasy was later replaced by the J-pop themed speakeasy 56709. When I heard that 929 was relocating to Manhattan, I was beyond excited. As a longtime fan of Cantopop and Mandopop, this felt like a second chance to experience a concept I thought I had completely missed. Let me show you why 929 may be one of the best speakeasies in NYC.
Table of Contents
Ambience
Stepping inside, the setup immediately felt familiar to the original LIC location. At the front, you’ll first encounter the Gulp to-go counter great for anyone stopping by for a quick lunch or takeout dinner. Move past that, and you’re welcomed into what I’d describe as a lively “hustle and bustle” atmosphere, anchored by a neon, train-style sign flashing the word Traveler. Beyond that, the hostess leads you upstairs, where the glowing 929 sign comes into view. Walking into what initially felt like a smaller-than-expected space, I was immediately impressed by the minimalist red décor that filled the room, creating an intimate yet striking atmosphere.
As I was seated at my reserved table, I noticed the drink menu was presented on CDs housed in a custom 929 disc case a clever detail that immediately set the tone. It heavily reinforced the Cantonese pop themed bar in New York concept and made it clear that music plays a central role in this New York speakeasy. The waitstaff were incredibly attentive, patiently answering my questions about the drinks and offering thoughtful suggestions that ultimately influenced my selections.
What I ordered at 929 Speakeasy
With Taiwanese flavors woven into both the cocktails and small bites, I expected the food to be good, but not this good. While it does lean on the pricier side, every dish I tried was genuinely delicious, which honestly shouldn’t come as a surprise given the team behind Gulp. What stood out most was how seamlessly the food matched the vibe and mood of 929. Each dish was thoughtfully presented, adding another layer to the overall experience rather than simply accompanying the drinks.
The first dish I ordered was the Yuzu Soy Sauce–Cured Egg Yolk Toast, and it may have ended up being my favorite of the night. The way the egg yolk was marinated showcased serious craftsmanship being rich, savory, and deeply umami with a bright citrus lift from the yuzu. I genuinely loved this dish and would highly recommend it. Just a word of caution: it can get a little messy if you’re not careful.
The next dish I ordered was the Mala Hotpot Beef Tartare, which was enjoyable overall. It was well presented and pleasantly flavored, with a subtle mala kick that added depth without overwhelming the dish. That said, while it was tasty, I’d probably explore other menu items on my next visit.
The final dish I ordered was the Date + Mochi Stuffed Youtiao, and it was an absolute knockout. Crisp on the outside and soft within, the combination of sweet dates and chewy mochi created a rich, indulgent bite that I couldn’t get enough of. It tied for my favorite dish of the night, and I truly can’t recommend it enough.
The two cocktails I ordered were the Shanghai Summer Fling and the WuKong. The Shanghai Summer Fling was light, aromatic, and unexpectedly layered. Topped with a salted soy milk foam, it had a creamy, savory contrast that rounded out the fruit and floral notes. It was refreshing, elegant, and easily the one I enjoyed most. The WuKong, on the other hand, leaned richer and more deeply aromatic. While it wasn’t quite to my personal taste, I could still appreciate its craftsmanship and wouldn’t call it a bad drink by any means.
929’s Viral Whiskey Vending Machine Experience
The moment I had been waiting for all night at 929 was finally here, the whiskey vending machine. Back at the entrance in front of the Traveler’s restaurant, this interactive experience features whiskey infused with tea leaves, adding delicate layers of aroma and depth to each pour. There’s a solid range of options to choose from, but I went with the Tie Guan Yin tea infused whiskey, and it absolutely hit all the right notes. Smooth, lightly floral, and subtly toasty, it was the perfect nightcap before heading out. Each coin to operate the vending machine costs $8, and after waiting about ten minutes, I was lucky enough to receive a complimentary coin. Worth it? Absolutely.
The Takeaway
Must-Go rating 4.6 out 5 ⭐
Located just steps from Grand Central, 929 is absolutely worth the trip. My expectations were exceeded by just how much fun I had here. The energy, the music, and the overall vibe made it more than just a dinner, it felt like an experience. The food delivered across the board, and if I’m in the area craving top notch Taiwanese flavors, I know exactly where I’m going. There’s still plenty on the menu I want to explore, which just gives me an excuse to come back. I also have to give credit to the team for their Instagram presence they do a fantastic job showcasing their rotating drinks and creative cocktails.
Overall: come, sit down, relax, and vibe out to some great Mandopop while snacking on standout dishes and sipping inventive cocktails.
加油 — keep it up, 929.
Get in the mood with our curated Apple Music playlist, inspired by the 929 speakeasy. Looking for another great restaurant to dine out in Manhattan? Check out some of our other reviews of Double Chicken Please and Bar Orai. Also, you can see some of our P.O.V below:
[…] Traveler NYC is a new Taiwanese cuisine, Mandopop train station inspired bistro where the flavors definitely take you somewhere unexpected. This Asian pop culture dining experience in NYC is unique and unapologetically its own, not just in creativity, but in taste. Come with me as I break down whether this should be your next dining destination and whether it lived up to the high expectations set by their speakeasy, 929. […]
[…] afterglow from visiting Traveler NYC and 929 only grew stronger as I stepped into another Hue House team creation, 56709 in Long Island City. As […]