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Bars & Nightlife
25 Hidden Speakeasies and Bars You Don’t Already Know About
photo: Noble Experiment
From hidden doorways to password-protected entrances to hidey-holes behind fake business facades, we’ve gathered our favorite speakeasies and hidden bars around the world. Whether you’re after craft cocktails in Hong Kong, lesser known bar haunts in SF or secret nightlife in Buenos Aires, here are the top 26 hidden spots you don’t already know about.
Reporter: Alyssa Brown | Venue: Noble Experiment
Reporter: Alyssa Brown | Venue: Noble Experiment
Photo:Katie Dillon
Noble Experiment
San Diego, California
Hidden behind a stack of kegs inside a downtown San Diego restaurant, Noble Experiment retains its top-secret status and books out far in advance. Your best bet to get in and be part of the speakeasy scene? Text for entry.
Photo:Ladies & Gents
Ladies & Gents
London, United Kingdom
Craft cocktails, copper stills and bespoke spirits are what this London bar is known for. Ladies and Gents is all about small batch booze and homemade accompaniments, whether botanical or fruit-forward. If you can’t make it to the cozy underground hideaway, be sure to sign up for the gin club.
Photo:GQ Japan
Foxglove
Hong Kong
Disguised as a fancy umbrella shop in the heart of Hong Kong, walking into Foxglove speakeasy is like walking into a vintage first-class airplane. The interior is absolutely stunning, and getting there is only half the fun.
Photo:Sonny Thakur
Bank Bar Manila
Manila, Phillippines
A drinking den located in the heart of Manila, Bank Bar is a mainstay of the local nightlife scene. Check it out if you’re into a vintage vibe with craft cocktails and a friendly setting.
Photo:Madison Clark
Circa 33
Portland, Oregon
Touted as a neighborhood haunt, Circa 33 is a Portland bar with a welcoming speakeasy vibe. Head here if you’re looking for bartenders who know the history behind the cocktails they lovingly make and an ambience that anywhere besides Portland wouldn’t be as sweet.
Photo:Catherine Bigelow
The Gotham Club
San Francisco, California
San Francisco’s hidden bar at the AT&T Ballpark, The Gotham Club is known for being a place to hobnob with baseball’s elite. The club has two secret entrances, a bowling alley, and of course, a cocktail bar and is geared toward megafans and players of the Gothams and the Giants.
Photo:One Off Hospitality
The Violet Hour
Chicago, Illinois
A Chicago cocktail bar that’s won multiple awards, including a James Beard, The Violet Hour is *the* place to go for amazing cocktails in a great atmosphere. The entrance is marked simply by a singular, dangling lightbulb, but inside you’ll find quite the fancy establishment.
Photo:Julie Cope
Garage
Austin, Texas
Austin is no stranger to speakeasies, and this hidden bar is at the top of its game. Set inside a downtown parking garage, the aptly named Garage is likely to be spinning vinyl and shaking some incredible-tasting cocktail when you find your way inside. It’s secretive. It’s low-key. And it’s hard to find. What more could you want from a hidden gem?
Photo:Jules Basement
Jules Basement
Mexico City, Mexico
If you’re looking for a truly hidden underground scene in Mexico, head to Polanquito’s Jules Basement for a drink or to catch a show. Sip on a mezcal Negroni while hanging at the intimate vault.
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Photo:Bourbon & Branch
Bourbon & Branch
San Francisco, California
A former 1920s beverage parlor, Bourbon & Branch offers a modern-day glimpse at the SF speakeasy era. Just ring the buzzer for entry and whisper “books” to get in the door. You’ll never guess what you’ll find inside.
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The Heritage Roomlearn more
Craft cocktails hidden behind a nostalgic mercantile and apothecary? Sounds right up our alley. Seattle’s E. Smith Mercantile offers up a whole lot more than dry goods. Think lavender bitters and coconut rose milk cocktails.
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profile Photo:MP Architectural Designs
Lock & Key
Los Angeles, California
Sipping on a Naked Piña from the comfort of a plush leather seat at Lock and Key is a really good way to spend a quiet night in Los Angeles. This lesser known bar is a secret you'll certainly only want to share with one lucky person.
Photo:Justine’s Secret House
Justine’s Secret House
Austin, Texas
An Austin manse tucked away on East 7th Street, Justine’s Secret House is known for its under-the-radar buzz. With a New Orleans-style courtyard and plenty of amazing hideaways inside, this spot is a gorgeous destination for intimate cocktail parties.
Photo:Honor Amongst Thieves
Honor Amongst Thieves
Phoenix, Arizona
Mixology reigns supreme at Phoenix’s Honor Amongst Thieves. The 7th Street cocktail lounge feels authentically vintage and shakes up some of the city’s best cocktails.
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Photo:No Vacancy
No Vacancy
Los Angeles, California
Nestled in the Hotel Juniper, LA’s No Vacancy has all the liveliness of an old 1920s booze hall. These guys host plenty of cool events. Plus, they have the best dress code ever, warning against “shiny shirts,” and “loud colors.”
Photo:La Descarga
La Descarga
Los Angeles, California
Encouraging upscale attire only, you can be sure that La Descarga in LA is a classy joint. With a cigar lounge and burlesque shows, this spot has a real Old Havana feel.
Photo:Raines Law Room
Raines Law Room
New York, New York
Secrets are hard to keep in NYC, and Raines Law Room is a secret bar you’re going to want to tell all your friends about. Ring the bell for entry into the ultra-luxe lounge and don't forget to don your classiest garb.
Photo:Floreria Atlantico
Floreria Atlantico
Buenos Aries, Argentina
Hidden behind the guise of a flower and wine shop, this Buenos Aires speakeasy would be a shock to stumble upon if you weren’t seeking it out. The cocktails run the gamut from Italian to French to Spanish and more, while housemade gins prove easy-drinking.
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Photo:Please Don’t Tell
Please Don’t Tell
New York, New York
The name says it all at this secret NYC bar. Please Don’t Tell may be trying to keep themselves on the down low, but this hotspot is anything but unknown.
Photo:Prohibition
Prohibition
San Diego, California
A San Diego speakeasy you’d walk right past if you didn’t know better, Prohibition is discretely hidden behind a law office door (of Al Capone's Lawyer, no doubt). Once you make your way inside, you can expect craft cocktails and an immersive 1920s era experience.
Photo:Le Syndicat
Le Syndicat
Paris, France
Celebrating all things French, this Parisian bar is known for its incredible cocktails, hip scene and gorgeous décor. Le Syndicat isn’t simply a speakeasy or a hidden bar, but a stunning spot to stumble into in a less appreciated neighborhood.
Photo:David P Goode
Williams & Graham
Denver, Colorado
Step foot inside the bookstore corridor of Williams and Graham and you’ll soon be pushing your way through the shelves to enter this hidey-hole bar. Expect top-notch cocktails and small plates at this Denver speakeasy. The Blackberry Sage Smash is heavenly!
Photo:Joyeux Bordel
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Joyeux Bordellearn more
Tucked away in a Shoreditch basement, this underground bar is one of London’s best hidden gems. Expect lots of candlelight, DJs spinning vinyl, flowing champagne and delish cocktails at Joyeux Bordel (“happy mess”).
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profile Photo:The Patterson House
The Patterson House
Nashville, Tennessee
A house full of rules (i.e. no cell phones, no standing, no name dropping, no fighting, no creepin’), Nashville’s Patterson is a bit of an institution. With an apothecary-meets-speakeasy-meets-modern-bar vibe, this is the perfect place to get a really, really good drink in Music City.
Photo:Shannon Sturgis
Hop Sing Laundromat
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Locally known as the accidental speakeasy, Hop Sing in Philly’s Chinatown is a nondescript bar hidden behind a simple metal door with a buzzer. It’s the kind of secret spot you want to keep quiet, so it’s pretty perfect for a date night or a nightcap with your nearest and dearest.
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Do you know someone who owns a beautiful barn, gorgeous getaway, or rad rental home? Share this roundup and tell them to request information on membership and media opportunities with The Venue Report.
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