15 Hidden Bars & Speakeasies Around The World

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To find a nice place for a drink after a long day of exploring a new city is always a treat. And discovering somewhere a little more unique is even better. After all, where’s the fun in being the same as everywhere else? That’s why hidden bars and speakeasies can be the most interesting places to uncover, often just out of plain sight, and serving the most delicious drinks.

What are speakeasies?

During times of prohibition on alcohol sales and consumption, hidden bars were the place to find adult beverages. These establishments were often called speakeasies, for one because you had to keep them quiet so they weren’t discovered by the law.

Speakeasies have operated in one form or another all around the world. However, they are most associated with the USA in the 1920s and 30s. The production and sale of alcohol was banned for almost 14 years. That led to a rise in bootleggers and illegal activities around alcohol – and the creation of even more speakeasies.

Do speakeasies still exist today?

While there are still likely some hidden bars around the world for the original purpose, most speakeasies fall into one of two categories. The first are those that were previously speakeasies during prohibition times. The second are those that have been specially opened to appear as a speakeasy once might have.

They’re a revived concept, because who doesn’t love to find a unique bar? And what better way to ensure its popularity – and exclusivity – than making it a secret. Most speakeasies you will find are not much more than a themed bar. But that doesn’t stop them from being ultra cool and intriguing. Add in a concealed door or a secret password and they become next level awesome.

Top hidden bars and speakeasies

Every city you visit will have a secret bar that many locals know about, but others do not. Not all of them are true speakeasies, but there are certainly hidden bars with quirky themes, or somewhere tucked down a quiet street or underground.

These are some of the best hidden bars and speakeasies as recommended by locals and fellow travelers who have unearthed their secret locations – and how to gain access.

The Underground – Las Vegas, USA

Contributed by Candice from CS Ginger

The Underground, a prohibition-era style speakeasy, is a great place to grab a cocktail in Las Vegas, Nevada. It will make you feel like you’re in the 1920s as you wander the bar looking at artifacts and educational displays discussing the smuggling that occurred at that time.

A really fun part of The Underground is how the drinks are served. You will find that drinks are delivered in hollowed-out books and in other creative ways.

The Underground is part of the Mob Museum, one of the really fun things to do in Las Vegas. Visit the speakeasy as part of your museum tour or on its own. The first entrance to the speakeasy is down a stairway near the ticket counter with a sign showing the way.

For a more authentic speakeasy experience use the secret exterior entrance. There is a staircase on the back corner of the building and the door has a dark green color. Keep an eye out for the wooden barrel to verify you’re in the right spot. You can find the ever-changing password in the Museum’s Instagram stories or their website.

Vintage Cocktail Club – Dublin, Ireland

Contributed by Missy from Travels With Missy

Temple Bar is one of those spots in Dublin that is always thronging with people. So it would be very easy to miss Vintage Cocktail Club. In fact, that’s the whole point, there are no signs that advertise it, nor will you find any other tourists here.

Behind a very non-descript black door lies one of Dublin’s best-kept secrets. Ring the doorbell and a suited bouncer will show you into one of Dublin’s best speakeasies. With three floors of décor reminiscent of the 1920s and an extensive cocktail list that ranges from the 1400s to 1935, you are bound to find a new favorite tipple.

As you work your way through over 500 years of cocktails, indulge in their delicious cheese boards and soak up the heady atmosphere before emerging into 21st century Dublin as the night ends. Don’t forget to check out their super roof terrace! Check out their website to book a table in advance.

Dudes Pub – Poiana Brasov, Romania

Contributed by Richard from RJOnTour

Near the top of Postavarul Mountain, in Poiana Brasov, is Dudes Pub. Postavarul is the highest mountain in the local area and is home to the biggest ski resort in Romania.

The views from Dudes Pub are splendid, this a great place for a beer or two. To reach dudes bar you can hike up the mountain or get a direct cable car from Poiana Brasov. After arriving by cable car you can easily reach the peak of the mountain which is 1799 metres high.

Dudes Pub is a lovely place to visit in the winter after a hike in the snow. They have an open fireplace, magnificent views and good value drinks. A beer costs 10 lei which is less than £2. Overall, this is a great bar and well worth the effort to reach.

Evans & Peel – London, England

Do you have a crime to report? Evans & Peel Detective Agency is a great place to start – they know all the 1920s criminals. Behind a very simple detective agency door lies one of London’s best hidden bars and speakeasies. And all the delicious cocktails are named after different bootleggers and moonshiners of the prohibition era.

Make a reservation – I mean, appointment – and you’ll get instructions on how to find this hidden gem. Upon arrival you’ll be quizzed by the detectives and if they’re satisfied with your answers you’ll be shown through the concealed entrance to London‘s most intriguing bar.

Live jazz music, 1920s décor and potent drinks served in sometimes unusual drinkware. Can’t decide what to drink? Choose the “I need investigating” option and after answering a few questions you’ll get a personally crafted cocktail. Not a cocktail fan? Try a beer served from the radiator – a prohibition specialty.

Noble – Halifax, Canada

Contributed by Nina from Nina Out And About

With the most bars per capita in Canada, Halifax has a pretty epic bar scene. The plethora of students tend to skip past the Middle Spoon, a dessert bar in downtown Halifax.

But the Middle Spoon has a unique feature: a secret Victorian Bar open Thursday-Saturday nights. The bar, Noble, requires a password for access. On the Middle Spoon‘s website, click the “>:” button on the menu and sign up to receive the weekly passwords.

To get in, say the password to a bartender upstairs at Middle Spoon. They’ll lead you through the dessert bar, past the kitchens, and through a metal door into the speak-easy style lounge. With jazz music playing, Victorian parlour décor, and the best bartenders in Halifax, you feel like you’re in another world.

The bar serves the same delicious desserts from upstairs (the molten lava cake is a specialty!), but features more unique cocktails. Be ready to spend $20 on a cocktail. But you really only need one, cause they’re speakeasy strong!

Arrive earlier in the night or after 11pm to ensure you get a table without a wait.

L’Épicier – Paris, France

Contributed by Lena from Salut From Paris

When strolling through Paris, you walk by dozens of little Arabian grocery stores. Hence, you won’t probably even notice this just-another-corner-store when passing by 24 Rue Notre Dame de Nazareth, not far from République. 

Unless, you need to pick up an item or two on your way home, maybe even a pack of couscous? You better had, as grabbing a pack of said couscous magically opens a secret door and grants you entrance to one of the nicest speakeasy bars in Paris: L’Épicier!

You’ll enter a cozy high class cocktail bar, a hidden gem of Paris that transports you right into a scene from One Thousand And One Nights, complete with Moroccan lanterns, carpets and pillowed stools. 

The cocktails, as well as the food, are outstanding and original – and in line with the overall oriental theme. Expect much mint, rosewater and of course all sorts of yummy meze.

La Factoria – San Juan, Puerto Rico

Contributed by Melinda from Mel On The Go

In the Old San Juan neighborhood of San Juan, Puerto Rico is a famous bar with no signage and limited curb appeal. But slip through the door to the hidden second room, and let La Factoria’s magic unfold.

A must visit even if you only have one night in San Juan, La Factoria features 6 different bars with killer drinks. Bartenders blend in-house infusions and herb mixes with top-shelf liquors for unique and tasty cocktails. These quality drinks and hidden rooms make La Factoria one of the world’s best bars.

On some nights, you’ll catch performances in the third hidden room. Or maybe the fourth. It’s a blur! Keep going until you find the stage and the dancing bodies. You wouldn’t have expected a dance floor in the bland front room but La Factoria is an adventure and a delight, an adult Narnia in the tropics.

PS150 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Contributed by Victoria from Guide Your Travel

PS150 might just be the most famous secret bar in Kuala Lumpur. Hidden behind the storefront of a toy store, this speakeasy is difficult to find if you don’t know where you’re going.

It’s located in China Town which is a popular area for backpackers and is home to several of the best speakeasies in Kuala Lumpur. The interior of PS150 was designed to resemble an opium den in the 19th century.

The menu has delicious cocktails that are handcrafted by experienced barstaff. Of course, PS150 is absolutely Instagram-worthy and a great place to take pictures on your trip to Kuala Lumpur.

The Baxter Inn – Sydney, Australia

Contributed by Aimee from Snap Happy Travel

Easily the best Whiskey bar in the world, the Baxter Inn has a huge backlit wall of well over a hundred whiskeys that the staff access via a sliding ladder. It’s a hidden bar styled on an old-era sports bar. Tucked away down an alleyway off Clarence Street in Sydney, reach it via a fire exit stairwell to the cozy bar below.

In fact, if it wasn’t for the queues of people you would probably never find the Baxter Inn. It’s a very popular watering hole with those living in Sydney and can get especially busy on weekends! The Baxter Inn doesn’t take any bookings, there’s no VIP list and they don’t host any events. 

If you’re not a whiskey fan, fear not, there’s loads of other drinks on offer like beers, wine and cocktails – I hear their Margaritas are awesome. They don’t offer food but there’s free pretzels for everyone. 

Laowai – Vancouver, Canada

An unassuming dumpling take-out joint in Vancouver‘s Chinatown district actually holds one of the best hidden bars and speakeasies in the city. Many come to BLND TGR just to order some delicious dumplings from the simple 6-item menu. However, those in the know can find something a little more…intoxicating.

Quietly ask for the “number 7”, the hidden menu item, and you’ll be escorted through a large metal freezer door that until that point you might not have noticed. Beyond the door is a secret lounge bar with live music and an Asian-inspired cocktail list that will keep you entertained for hours.

The bar is aptly named Laowai (the Chinese slang word for foreigner) and their cocktail menu is extensive. Try the “Death and Laughter” complete with handmade pomelo sorbet, or the “Baijiu Pappi” for something a little stronger. Reservations are not possible here so you may end up on a waitlist at busier times.

Dirty Laundry – St Petersburg, FL, USA

Contributed by Destiny from Guided By Destiny

Dirty Laundry is officially one of the hottest speakeasies in St. Petersburg, Florida! From the outside, it appears to be a trendy laundromat that serves up pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. However, once you’re inside you’ll get the sense that there’s more to this laundromat that meets the eye!

Pick up the payphone by the neon sign that reads “talk dirty to me” and you will be given a code to enter. Once you enter you will immediately be transported to a Havana-inspired cocktail lounge.

There are so many amazing details and touches from fun neon signs to the 8 fun Cuban-themed cocktails. I recommend the Havana Mule! They even offer live music or a DJ depending on the night. If you’re in St. Pete, this speakeasy is an absolute must-stop!

Tabac – Glasgow, Scotland

Contributed by Blair from Expedition Introvert

Glasgow Scotland is known for many things, one of which is it’s popular nightlife. If the fun traditional pubs and clubs of Glasgow are not your scene, check out Tabac.

Located in one of the many small alleys just off the popular Buchanan Street, Tabac has a lovely contemporary look and feel to it, along with a hidden speakeasy room in the back.

While the bar is typically open 12pm – 12am, the speakeasy is only open on the weekends, Friday and Saturday from 7 – 11pm (Days and times may vary during Covid). There is no code to get in, but it does get full fast so it is usually best to wait near the door (without being too obvious – it’s still a speakeasy!) until a group leaves.

They offer their own flavored spiked milk, usually vanilla and coconut. The coconut flavor is by far the most popular, and it is delicious!

Caretaker – Auckland, New Zealand

Contributed by Roxanne from Faraway Worlds

One of the best cocktail bars in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, isn’t visible from the street. There isn’t a sign or window or any indication that it’s there at all.

Caretaker Bar is on Roukai Lane, a tiny laneway off of Custom Street in downtown Auckland. Once you find it, you need to go through an orange door, around a curtain and finally down the stairs into an underground lounge.

There, you’ll be greeted with soft music, gentle lighting and an astonishing choice of cocktails. There isn’t a menu, so be prepared to share your tastes with your waiter, who will listen carefully and then appear with the perfect drink.

At around NZ$20 each, the cocktails here aren’t the cheapest, but they are always delicious, so be sure to leave some room in your New Zealand travel budget to sample one.

The Blind Badger Speakeasy – Castletown, Isle of Man

Contributed by Larch from The Silver Nomad

During the day, you walk past the black door in Parliament Square in Castletown in the Isle of Man without giving it a second glance. At night, however, its secret is revealed.

When the door is open you can go through the corridor and down the stairs to The Blind Badger Underground Speakeasy.

The basement rooms are decorated with an eclectic mix of mirrors, deer heads and of course badgers. Lots of badgers. The vibe is very chilled with comfy chesterfield sofas, tables and chairs to enjoy your drinks. There are live music nights and private events.

On the right is where the magic happens… the bar serving up delicious cocktails.  Many of the cocktails feature spirits brewed on the Isle of Man to keep things local.  Try a ‘Sugar Me Timbers’, a rum twist on an old fashioned using delicious local Peggy’s Rum dark Rum.

Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs – Riga, Latvia

Riga, Latvia is a great budget destination. But one really interesting thing about Riga is the abundance of secret places to visit. From old KGB headquarters to underground cave-like restaurants and one of the best hidden bars in the city: Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs.

The lively basement bar features live music, a beer list as long as your arm and a kick-ass menu to boot. Concealed behind just another regular-looking entrance from the street, descend into a former wine cellar that looks like the place time forgot.

Take a seat and enjoy some local beer in a building dating back to the 13th Century. Or sample some of Latvia’s famous Riga Black Balsam – a herbal bitters drink that can be served hot or even poured over ice cream. Then get up and dance to the local folk music in this unique bar.

Hidden bars and speakeasies you’ll love

Hidden bar, true speakeasy or prohibition-era styled bar – try not to get too caught up in the designation. After all it’s the delectable, potent cocktails in a unique and mysterious establishment that you’re really interested in. And these places have all of that and then some.

What could often escalate to a little kitschy has actually been brought together quite nicely by the places on this list. There’s an air of exclusivity whether it be from the disguised entrance or the ever-changing password required to enter. But there’s no doubt you’ll be enthralled by these wonderful hidden bars and speakeasies on your travels.

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