Beneath the glittering façade of Midtown’s 53, already acclaimed for its modern Asian fare and eye-catching design, a discreet red door now beckons nightlife seekers to a sultry, exclusive hideaway: BA53MENT. Located just steps from MoMA and accessible by elevator or a dimly lit stairwell, this moody speakeasy fuses contemporary glamour with downtown energy, promising an immersive, multi-sensory escape for the city’s discerning revelers.

Inside BA53MENT, plush plum banquettes, black marble tables, squat velvet chairs, and watercolor carpets lend a cinematic, art-driven feel, all crowned by a gleaming silver dome suspended above the room. The lounge’s sculptural vibe pays homage to its museum neighbor, while deep purple etched walls echo the creative energy upstairs. At the dedicated bar, head bartender Aaron Kim, previously of Gramercy’s The Grain Whiskey Bar and Chapel Bar at Fotografiska, orchestrates an inventive cocktail program: from the theatrical “Smoke Snow,” presented in a glass bottle swirling with cherry wood smoke, to showstopper libations like “Lucid Dream,” glowing with Midori and Sichuan bitters, and playful nods to Kim’s Korean heritage in pours such as the vodka-pandan “Cloud No.5.” Rare Asian whiskies, glass-poured wines, and zero-proof sips round out the beverage experience.

Complementing the drinks, chef Mark Yu’s menu is a love letter to decadence and global flavor: guests snack on highlights like the Wagyu Quarter Pounder layered with foie gras and truffle aioli, the signature Duck Pie Tee, kimchi-rich Shaker Tots with zesty ranch, oysters on the half shell, crudo trios, and even full caviar service with spring roll crisps. Luxury is a theme—there’s even the chance to “bump” dishes with Kaluga Caviar on request.

What truly elevates BA53MENT above New York’s crowded speakeasy scene, however, is its commitment to sensory delight. On Wednesday and Thursday nights, the 32-seat lounge pulses with an audiophile-grade, high-fidelity sound system, hosting live jazz, DJ sets, and intimate performances in a glass-enclosed listening room designed to rival the best in the city. The result: a destination equally perfect for ending a day at MoMA as it is for starting a night of Midtown mischief.

Open Tuesday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., BA53MENT offers New Yorkers and visitors a chic new reason to head beneath the city’s surface—literally and figuratively. Reservations are strongly recommended for those who want to experience Midtown’s newest high-culture nightlife phenom.