General Frequently Asked Questions

Raines Law Room is an intimate New York cocktail bar with locations in Chelsea and Midtown Manhattan. Our original Chelsea location is a true hidden speakeasy, while Raines Law Room at The William brings that same candlelit, speakeasy-inspired hospitality into an award-recognized Midtown hotel bar. Both locations are cocktail-focused, conversation-friendly, and designed for dates, nights out, private events, full or partial buyouts, and memorable gatherings.
Raines Law Room has locations in Chelsea and Midtown Manhattan. Our original Chelsea location is at 48 West 17th Street (btw 5th & 6th Ave), while Raines Law Room at The William is located at 24 East 39th Street (btw Park & Madison Ave), near Grand Central and Bryant Park. Each location has its own atmosphere and layout, but both share the same focus on cocktails, hospitality, and intimate, conversation-friendly service.
Both locations offer the same Raines approach to cocktails, hospitality, and atmosphere, so the best choice usually comes down to neighborhood, group size, and the kind of night you’re planning. Chelsea is the original Raines Law Room, a hidden, candlelit cocktail den with an old New York feel that works especially well for dates, quiet drinks, and intimate gatherings. Raines Law Room at The William brings that same candlelit atmosphere to Midtown, with four distinct rooms that allow for both intimate seating and more flexible group options, making it ideal for dates, after-work drinks, private gatherings, and nights out near Grand Central and Bryant Park.
Yes, Raines Law Room takes reservations through Resy. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak evening hours and weekends, and are the best way to secure your preferred time and location. Walk-ins may be accommodated when space allows.
Raines Law Room Chelsea
Raines Law Room at the William
Reservation availability is typically released about 2–3 weeks in advance, depending on the time of year and location. If your preferred date is not yet within the booking window, please check back closer to that date. If your preferred date is within the booking window but no availability is showing, you may add yourself to the Notify list on Resy.
Yes. We set aside a portion of seating for walk-in guests whenever possible. Walk-ins are seated on a first come, first served basis, and availability depends on the night, current reservations, and private events. If you have a specific time or location in mind, we recommend booking through Resy.
Raines Law Room Chelsea
Raines Law Room at the William
Yes. Both Raines Law Room locations are 21+ establishments. All guests must be 21 or older, and IDs may be checked upon arrival.
We do not have a formal dress code. Guests join us for everything from after-work drinks to dates, celebrations, and nights out, so attire varies. We simply ask that guests avoid clothing that is lewd, overly revealing, or inappropriate for the setting.
Raines Law Room serves cocktails rooted in the classics, with house staples alongside seasonally rotating sections built around flavor profiles and themes rather than base spirits alone. Our teams also offer “bartender’s choice” service, guiding guests toward a drink that fits their preferred spirit, flavor profile, desired strength, mood, and moment, and creating custom cocktails where appropriate. Cocktails are the focus, but both locations also offer beer, wine, spirits, and thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic options. View the current menu for Chelsea or The William.
Yes. Both locations offer food designed to complement the cocktail experience, though the menus differ by location. Chelsea offers a more focused snacks menu, while Raines Law Room at The William offers a larger small plates menu designed for sharing or for guests looking for something more substantial alongside their drinks. View the current menu for Chelsea or The William.
Yes. Please let us know about any allergies or dietary restrictions when booking or when speaking with your server. We will do our best to guide you toward appropriate food and drink options.
Yes. Both Raines Law Room locations host private events ranging from intimate celebrations to cocktail receptions, corporate gatherings, brand events, weddings, and full or partial buyouts. Event options vary by location. For more details on room options, capacities, event formats, and frequently asked private event questions, please visit our Chelsea Private Events page or William Private Events page.
Yes. Both Raines Law Room locations are designed for conversation, comfortable seating, and a more intimate night out, making them well suited for dates, anniversaries, and special occasions.
Please contact us as soon as possible. Guests can reply directly to their Resy confirmation text, which will go to our host team. We do our best to hold reservations for up to 15 minutes, but seating may not be guaranteed after that time, especially on busy nights. For other changes or cancellations, please manage your reservation through Resy.
Yes. Our Midtown location, Raines Law Room at The William, offers private cocktail classes that are great for team building and group activities. Guests learn to make two cocktails or mocktails, receive an introductory lesson on cocktail history, and the class is tailored to the group’s tastes and led by one of our experienced mixologists. To learn more or inquire about availability, please submit an event inquiry here.
Yes. Gift cards are available through our website and may be redeemed at either Raines Law Room location.

Raines Law Room Chelsea Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Raines Law Room Chelsea hosts private events, including intimate celebrations, cocktail receptions, wedding-related events, corporate gatherings, and full or partial buyouts. For room options, capacities, and private event FAQs, please visit our Chelsea Private Events page.

Raines Law Room at the William Frequently Asked Questions

Raines Law Room at The William is located at 24 E 39th Street in Midtown Manhattan, inside The William Hotel, between Madison and Park Avenues. We are approximately a five-minute walk from Grand Central Terminal and a six-minute walk from Bryant Park, making us convenient for after-work drinks, hotel guests, commuters, business meetings, pre- or post-theater cocktails, and visitors spending time in Midtown.
Raines Law Room at The William is an award-recognized hotel bar with a candlelit, speakeasy-inspired atmosphere spread across four distinct rooms: the Bar Room, Library, Hawthorne Room with Terrace, and Peacock Room. The space has the feel of a 1920s New York townhouse, offering the intimacy of the original Raines Law Room with the added room and flexibility of a larger Midtown venue.
Yes. Raines Law Room at The William is especially well suited for business drinks, client entertaining, after-work gatherings, group reservations, and corporate gatherings. Its central Midtown location makes it convenient for office groups or post-work plans, while the room layout allows the experience to feel more intimate and atmospheric than a typical corporate event space.
Raines Law Room at The William accepts standard reservations for parties of up to 8 guests through Resy. For groups larger than 8, please contact us directly at midtown@raineslawroom.com so we can help determine the best option based on your group size, timing, and availability. Raines Law Room at The William is primarily a seated lounge, so larger groups may require a food and beverage minimum, and parties of more than 15 guests are typically arranged through our private events team.
Yes. Raines Law Room at The William hosts private events, including cocktail receptions, corporate gatherings, brand events, wedding-related events, cocktail classes, and full or partial buyouts. For room options, capacities, and private event FAQs, please visit our William Private Events page. (hyperlink private events page)
Yes. Please add a note to your reservation with your seating request. Requests are accommodated on a first come, first served basis and are based on availability, so specific rooms, tables, or bar seats cannot be guaranteed.
Yes. Raines Law Room at The William has a covered terrace that is used for lounge service. Terrace availability is seasonal and may be affected by private events. If you would like to request terrace seating, please add a note to your reservation or contact us in advance at midtown@raineslawroom.com to confirm whether the terrace will be available.
Yes. Solo guests are welcome. Bar seating is generally first come, first served for walk-ins, and availability depends on the night. If you are looking to join us as a solo guest, please add yourself to the Notify list on Resy and a member of our team will reach out regarding bar seat availability.
Yes. ADA access for Raines Law Room at The William is available via the ramp on the right side of the entrance when facing the building. The ramp leads into The Shakespeare Pub on the building’s lower level, where guests can access the elevator up to Raines Law Room. Because this route enters through a separate part of the building, we ask that a member of your party let our host team know upon arrival if ADA access is needed so we can guide guests through the space. If possible, please also include a note with your reservation so our team is prepared to assist.

PRIVATE EVENT FAQS

Raines Law Room Chelsea hosts a variety of private events, including:
- Corporate events
- Holiday parties
- Networking receptions
- Client appreciation events
- Team building events
- Interactive mixology stations
- Spirit tastings
- Brand activations
- Product launches
- Birthday parties
- Anniversary celebrations
- Engagement parties
- Bridal showers
- Welcome parties
- Cocktail receptions
- Micro weddings
From intimate gatherings to exclusive full venue buyouts, our events team will work with you to customize the food, beverage, and overall experience for your event.
Private Event Inquiry Form
Raines Law Room Chelsea offers several distinctive private event spaces that can be reserved individually or combined for larger celebrations and exclusive venue buyouts.
Full Venue Buyout
- Up to 75 guests
The Parlor, Bar & Garden
- Up to 45 guests
The Drawing Room
- Up to 25 guests
The Garden
- Up to 20 guests
Spaces may be reserved individually or combined, depending on your guest count and event style.
Private Events Brochure
Opened in 2009, Raines Law Room Chelsea is the original Raines Law Room and one of New York City's pioneering modern speakeasies. Hidden behind an unmarked entrance in the heart of Chelsea, it has become a landmark destination celebrated for its intimate atmosphere, exceptional hospitality, and award-winning cocktails.
Whether you're hosting a corporate gathering, networking reception, birthday celebration, holiday party, micro wedding, or milestone event, Raines Law Room Chelsea offers a one-of-a-kind setting that captures the timeless charm of New York's cocktail culture and gives your guests an authentic speakeasy experience they won't find anywhere else.
Brochure
Absolutely. We regularly host:
- Client appreciation events
- Networking receptions
- Holiday parties
- Team building events
- Brand activations
- Product launches
- Cocktail receptions
Our intimate setting, personalized service, and award-winning cocktail program make the original Raines Law Room an exceptional venue for networking receptions, client entertainment, and corporate celebrations.
Yes. We can accommodate select daytime private events, subject to availability.
Yes. We host engagement parties, welcome parties, bridal showers, micro weddings, and cocktail-style wedding celebrations.
If you're planning a seated rehearsal dinner or wedding reception, we recommend our sister venue, Raines Law Room at The William, which offers private dining spaces and onsite wedding ceremonies.
Wedding Brochure
Yes. We offer seasonal event menus featuring passed hors d'oeuvres and chef-curated food stations designed for cocktail-style receptions.
Our culinary and beverage teams can also customize menus and signature cocktails for your event. Depending on the level of customization requested, additional fees may apply.
Event Menus
Yes. We offer interactive cocktail classes for small groups during daytime hours.
Interactive mixology stations and guided whiskey, tequila, and other spirit tastings can also be incorporated into evening cocktail receptions at Raines Law Room Chelsea.
For evening cocktail classes, we recommend our sister venue, Raines Law Room at The William, which offers larger private event spaces specifically designed for interactive cocktail experiences.
Cocktail Classes & Experiences
Raines Law Room Chelsea is designed for cocktail-style events and does not accommodate traditional seated dinners.
If you're planning a seated dinner, rehearsal dinner, or wedding reception, we recommend our sister venue, Raines Law Room at The William, which offers private dining spaces for seated events.
Yes. Private events are booked with a food and beverage minimum, which varies based on the date, time, event space, and guest count.
Yes. We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and many other dietary restrictions with advance notice. Kosher catering may also be accommodated.
Private event bookings include your reserved event space, venue furnishings, staffing, glassware, setup and breakdown, and standard event equipment. Additional enhancements, including custom cocktail experiences, entertainment, audiovisual services, florals, rentals, specialty décor, and personalized event design, can also be arranged.
Private Events Brochure
Yes. You're welcome to bring approved décor, florals, signage, entertainment, and other vendors. We also maintain a list of preferred partners for photography, florals, entertainment, rentals, and more.
You may provide your own playlist, and our venue offers audiovisual capabilities for speeches and entertainment.
Preferred Vendors
Yes. Outside cakes and desserts are welcome. A $5 per person cake plating fee applies.
Guests under 21 may be permitted for full venue buyouts or with management approval, depending on the event format and details. Please contact our events team to discuss your event.
Raines Law Room Chelsea is located within a historic building, and certain accessibility limitations may apply. If you or your guests have accessibility needs, please contact our events team before booking so we can discuss the venue layout and help determine whether the space is suitable for your event.
Yes. Raines Law Room Chelsea is available for select photoshoots, film productions, and video shoots, subject to availability. Please contact our events team to discuss your production needs.
Production Inquiry Form
We recommend reaching out as early as possible to secure your preferred date, especially during the holiday season. A signed agreement and a 50% deposit are required to confirm your reservation.
Absolutely. We'd be happy to schedule a tour of the venue, walk you through the available event spaces, and discuss your vision with you.
Private Event Inquiry Form
Simply submit an inquiry through our Private Event Inquiry Form. Our events team will review your request and follow up with availability, pricing, and a customized proposal based on your guest count, event style, and vision.
Private Event Inquiry Form

Raines Law Room
Chelsea

Raines Law Room at The William hosts a wide variety of private events, including:
- Corporate meetings
- Presentations
- Holiday parties
- Networking receptions
- Client appreciation events
- Team building events
- Executive off-sites
- Lectures
- Panel discussions
- Brand activations
- Product launches
- Wedding ceremonies
- Wedding receptions
- Seated dinners
- Cocktail receptions
- Rehearsal dinners
- Welcome parties
- Cocktail classes
- Spirit tastings
- Micro weddings
- Birthday parties
- Engagement parties
- Anniversary celebrations
- Bridal showers
From intimate gatherings to exclusive full venue buyouts, our events team will work with you to customize the layout, menu, and overall experience for your event.
Private Event Inquiry Form
Raines Law Room at The William offers several distinctive event spaces that can be reserved individually or combined for larger celebrations, partial buyouts, and full venue buyouts.
Full Venue Buyout
- Up to 150 guests standing
- For events larger than 150 guests, please contact our events team to discuss options.
Partial Buyout (Hawthorne, Peacock & Terrace)
- Up to 100 guests standing
- Up to 65 guests seated
Hawthorne Room + Terrace
- Up to 50 guests standing
- Up to 40 guests seated
Peacock Room
- Up to 40 guests standing
- Up to 25 guests seated
Library
- Up to 40 guests standing
- Up to 20 guests seated
Terrace
- Up to 25 guests standing
- Up to 20 guests seated
The Terrace may be reserved on its own, subject to availability, and is included with Hawthorne Room events. Rooms may also be combined to create the ideal layout for your guest count and event style.
Private Events Brochure
Hidden inside a historic townhouse in Midtown Manhattan, Raines Law Room at The William offers an intimate setting that evokes the glamour and sophistication of Old New York. As a speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar, the venue combines richly designed private rooms, award-winning cocktails, chef-driven menus, attentive service, and flexible event spaces to create an experience unlike any other.
From corporate meetings and presentations to weddings, cocktail receptions, and milestone celebrations, our versatile layouts and audiovisual capabilities allow each event to be tailored to your vision.
Brochure
Absolutely. We regularly host:
- Corporate Events
  - Holiday Parties
  - Networking Receptions
  - Client Appreciation Events
  - Brand Activations
  - Team Building Events
  Dining & Receptions
  - Cocktail Receptions
  - Seated Dinners
  Meetings & Presentations
  - Corporate Meetings
  - Presentations
  - Executive Off-sites
  - Strategy Sessions
  - Lectures
  - Panel Discussions
Our flexible room layouts, presentation-friendly spaces, audiovisual capabilities, and customizable food and beverage packages make Raines Law Room at The William an ideal venue for both productive daytime meetings and memorable evening events.
Yes. We regularly host breakfast meetings, presentations, workshops, seminars, panel discussions, strategy sessions, executive off-sites, training sessions, brunches, and lunches. Our flexible spaces and audiovisual capabilities make Raines Law Room at The William equally well suited for daytime business events and evening celebrations.
Yes. We host wedding ceremonies, engagement parties, welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions and dinners, micro weddings, farewell brunches, and complete wedding weekends.
Wedding Brochure
Yes. We offer seasonal event menus featuring passed hors d'oeuvres, stations, buffets, and seated dining options.
Our culinary and beverage teams can also customize menus, signature cocktails, and tasting experiences for your event. Depending on the level of customization requested, additional fees may apply.
Event Menus
Yes. We offer interactive cocktail classes, guided whiskey, tequila, and other spirit tastings for private groups. Smaller mixology and tasting stations can also be incorporated into larger events for a more interactive guest experience.
Cocktail Classes & Experiences
Yes. Private events are booked with a food and beverage minimum, which varies based on the date, time, event space, and guest count.
Yes. We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and many other dietary restrictions with advance notice. Kosher catering may also be accommodated.
Private event bookings include your reserved event space, venue furnishings, staffing, glassware, setup and breakdown, and standard event equipment. Additional enhancements, including custom cocktail experiences, entertainment, audiovisual services, florals, rentals, specialty décor, and personalized event design, can also be arranged.
Private Events Brochure
Yes. You're welcome to bring approved décor, florals, signage, entertainment, and other vendors. We also maintain a list of preferred partners for photography, florals, entertainment, rentals, and more.
You may provide your own playlist, and our venue offers audiovisual capabilities for presentations, speeches, and entertainment.
Entertainment / Preferred Vendors
Yes. Outside cakes and desserts are welcome. A $5 per person cake plating fee applies.
Guests under 21 may be permitted depending on the event format and details. Please contact our events team to discuss your event.
Yes. Raines Law Room at The William is ADA accessible. Please let us know of any accessibility needs when planning your event.
Yes. Raines Law Room at The William is available for select photoshoots, film productions, and video shoots, subject to availability. Please contact our events team to discuss your production needs.
Production Inquiry Form
We recommend reaching out as early as possible to secure your preferred date, especially for holiday events and weekends. A signed agreement and a 50% deposit are required to confirm your reservation.
Absolutely. We'd be happy to schedule a tour of the venue, walk you through the available event spaces, and discuss your vision with you.
Private Event Inquiry Form
Simply submit an inquiry through our Private Event Inquiry Form. Our events team will review your request and follow up with availability, pricing, and a customized proposal based on your guest count, event style, and vision.
Private Event Inquiry Form