There is something undeniably thrilling about entering a bar through a hidden door, unmarked alley, or disguised storefront. Speakeasies are not just relics of Prohibition; today, they are some of the coolest, most creative drinking experiences around. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or an adventurous night owl, these hidden speakeasies are worth discovering before they blow up.
- PDT (Please Don’t Tell) – New York, NY
PDT is the gold standard of modern speakeasies. Located through a vintage phone booth inside Crif Dogs, PDT offers inventive cocktails in a cozy, dimly lit space. Reservations are a must, and part of the fun is just finding your way inside. - Bourbon & Branch – San Francisco, CA
Hidden behind an unmarked door in the Tenderloin district, Bourbon & Branch transports you back to the 1920s with its secret passwords, strict house rules, and vintage décor. They are serious about their craft cocktails — and about maintaining the mystery. - The Laundry Room – Las Vegas, NV
Tucked inside the Commonwealth bar on Fremont Street, The Laundry Room requires a secret reservation text and grants access to a 22-seat intimate hideaway. Expect meticulously crafted cocktails and a no-phone policy for maximum throwback vibes. - Williams & Graham – Denver, CO
Disguised behind a bookcase in a Highlands neighborhood bookstore, Williams & Graham offers award-winning cocktails in a warm, inviting setting. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves a good secret and a better drink. - The Violet Hour – Chicago, IL
While The Violet Hour is more well-known now, its unmarked facade in Wicker Park keeps it feeling like a secret. Once inside, you’ll find craft cocktails in a stunning, candle-lit lounge perfect for quieter, sophisticated nights out. - The BackRoom – New York, NY
One of the few original Prohibition-era speakeasies still in operation, The BackRoom is hidden behind a toy store facade on the Lower East Side. Drinks are served in teacups, just like during the Prohibition days. - Midnight Cowboy – Austin, TX
Located on Austin’s famous Sixth Street, Midnight Cowboy offers an oasis from the city’s high-energy bar scene. Accessed by pressing a secret buzzer, it’s the perfect spot for elegant, quiet cocktails. - SafeHouse – Milwaukee, WI
Part speakeasy, part spy experience, SafeHouse requires you to know a password or perform a task to gain entry. Inside, you’ll find playful decor, strong drinks, and hidden passageways that make it an adventure from start to finish. - Bathtub Gin – New York, NY
Hidden behind a coffee shop facade in Chelsea, Bathtub Gin transports you into a glamorous 1920s hideaway complete with vintage bathtubs and strong gin-based cocktails. - Noble Experiment – San Diego, CA
Disguised behind a wall of faux kegs inside a restaurant called Neighborhood, Noble Experiment is a sleek, tiny cocktail haven with a focus on bespoke drinks and intimate ambiance.
How to Find Even More Speakeasies in Your City
New hidden bars pop up regularly, and sites like Thrillist, TimeOut, and Eater often publish updated lists of secret bars and speakeasies by city. Pro tip: keep an eye on local food and drink blogs for insider-only finds.
Finding a great speakeasy is part adventure, part experience. Once you step through that hidden entrance, you are not just having a drink — you are stepping into a story.
