The Hideout Chai Bar lives up exactly to its name: a hideout cafe or bar where you can get masala chai in a relaxed setting. Owner and founder Christopher Brunet told ICP it’s a well-kept neighborhood secret that’s been opening its doors to customers for 10 years as of 2026.
Hideout was born from the marriage of Brunet’s fine dining days and his exploration of non-coffee hot beverages. “Making a masala chai is like cooking to me, you can make your own spice blend or change the milk and it’ll make it unique,” Brunet told ICP.
At the bar, you can find an oat masala chai, golden latte, and houjicha as the bestsellers. Hideout also bottles the chai in cute takeaway sizes so you can enjoy these hot or cold at home.
“Coffee shops are everything now, places to meet people, work, and hangout. I wanted to create that with tea. The world of tea is so vast, and we’ve only scratched the surface in Western culture.”
Brunet grew up in New York and has always been a fan of the Lower East Side, which he says reminds him of a real New York neighborhood–gritty and filled with local businesses. Hideout is a gem in the area, bringing in a steady stream of regulars (including hospital workers from across the street), and tourists discovering the LES.
Hideout is Brunet’s nod to this spirit, down to local brand collaborations, events, and a wall of art he displays featuring works by a local gallery just around the corner. Swing by in the summer for iced options and a nitro chai on tap.
All Image Credits: Yuvan Kumar
