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11 Hidden Speakeasies In U.S. Cities You’d Never Know Existed
Have you been wandering the bar scene thinking, “Is this all there is? Neon signs and watered-down happy hour deals?” Well, what if I told you there’s a whole world lurking behind “Out of Order” bathroom signs and bookshelves that actually move?
Yep, hidden bars, like the speakeasies from Prohibition but with way more craft whiskey and fewer federal raids. Think secret doors, whispered passwords, and the kind of cocktails that make you question why you still settle for well drinks.
But don’t worry; no trench coat or fedora required. Intrigued yet? Keep reading to find one near you.
New York City, NY – The Office Of Mr. Moto
Step into your very own spy thriller in the East Village, where this mysterious omakase speakeasy doesn’t just ask for a reservation – it demands brainpower. To enter, you’ll need to solve a cipher straight out of a cryptologist’s fever dream, delivered via what looks like a Victorian love letter.
Got the code? Punch it into the pin pad hidden on an old mailbox, and voilà, the door swings open to reveal an intimate den of handcrafted sushi and stealthy cocktails. Who knew playing detective would taste this good?
Chicago, IL – The Drifter
Hidden beneath the Green Door Tavern, this spot is less “bar” and more “time machine.” Sneak through a trapdoor behind the actual bar and find yourself in a cozy, Prohibition-era-inspired hideaway oozing vintage charm.
Picture flickering candlelight, mismatched furniture, and relics of questionable legality scattered about. And the cocktail list changes daily, printed on tarot cards. If 1920s nostalgia is your thing, this is your portal to gin-soaked glory.
Boston, MA – Backbar
First, find an unmarked door in a sketchy-looking alleyway in Somerville’s Union Square. Once inside, you’re transported from a “this-can’t-be-the-right-place” feeling to a snug, offbeat haven where inventive cocktails reign supreme.
The mixologists here are practically wizards, conjuring drinks that will make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about booze. It’s the kind of place where even ice feels artisanal, and yes, that’s a compliment. And don’t be fooled by the minimalist decor – this back-alley treasure is where the magic happens.
Philadelphia, PA – The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company
It’s not a bank, but it sure knows how to handle its liquid assets. Paying homage to its Prohibition-era history, this speakeasy greets you with a facade that screams “stuffy mortgage office,” only to reveal a moody, dimly lit bar where the drinks are anything but basic.
Expect classic cocktails with just the right punch of sophistication, served up in a way that feels like you’re getting away with something. The cherry on top? It’s a nod to a real crime front that once laundered liquor money. Who says history isn’t delicious?
New Orleans, LA – Bar Tonique
Perched on the edge of the French Quarter, Bar Tonique is the perfect “hidden in plain sight” spot that skips the gimmicks but nails the essentials. Its unassuming exterior belies the treasure trove of classic cocktails waiting inside, crafted with the precision of a watchmaker (but sans the pretension).
You want atmosphere? There’s a chill, unhurried mood here like someone hit the “pause” button on the chaos of Bourbon Street just for you. If you’re looking for charm and a good drink without having to know secret passwords, this is your go-to.
Las Vegas, NV – The Laundry Room
Tucked away inside the Commonwealth Bar, the Laundry Room demands more than just curiosity – it requires a secret code. Don’t have it? Guess you’ll be stuck in the gaudy Vegas strip area while the lucky few revel in an intimate hideaway of dim lighting, vintage elegance, and cocktails so custom they might as well come with your name etched on the glass.
Oh, and did we mention the bartenders curate your drink based on your mood and preferences? It’s like therapy but tastier (and likely cheaper).
Nashville, TN – The Patterson House
Behind heavy curtains that look like they’ve seen a few too many Southern summers lies the Patterson House, a polished take on the speakeasy concept. Think old-school library meets sleek cocktail lounge, where mixology isn’t just a hobby but a religion.
The ambiance? Quiet, refined, and just the right amount of snobbish, with handcrafted drinks that make you forget you’re in a land of honky-tonks and whiskey shots. If you’re in Nashville and craving sophistication this is the spot.
Kansas City, MO – Swordfish Tom’s
Want to feel like you’re sneaking into an underground secret society with an actual password? Swordfish Tom’s demands a text for entry – because knocking on a door like a normal person is so passe.
Once you descend into this subterranean hideaway, you’re met with minimalist decor and dim lighting that screams “we’re too cool for cliches.” The menu? Small but mighty, serving up no-nonsense, perfectly balanced cocktails. And it’s all about quality over quantity. Prohibition-era Kansas City would’ve been proud (if they weren’t so busy bootlegging moonshine back then).
Phoenix, AZ – Melinda’s Alley
Tucked into an alley of a swanky old hotel, Melinda’s Alley is marked by just a red light. The atmosphere inside? Part art house fever dream, part mad scientist’s lab, with a rotating menu that keeps you guessing like a game of cocktail roulette.
The drinks are experimental, the bartenders are magicians (or just really skilled), and the atmosphere says, “Yeah, we’re edgy, but we know precisely what we’re doing.” Melinda’s feels like the kind of place Gatsby might’ve visited… if he had taste.
Atlanta, GA – Red Phone Booth
To enter Red Phone Booth, you’ll need to channel your inner British spy, pick up the vintage rotary phone, and punch in a secret code, 007-level cool, right? This place is really dialing into sophistication.
Inside, prepare to be transported back to the 1920s, complete with Prohibition-style cocktails and plush leather seats. Oh, and the optional cigars? A smoky nod to the era. Atlanta may be famous for peaches, but Red Phone Booth reminds you that classic glamour has a permanent residency in this town.
Portland, OR – Multnomah Whiskey Library
Through an unmarked door (because Portland loves to make you work for your fun), you’ll end up in a whiskey wonderland that could rival Hogwarts’ Restricted Section. With floor-to-ceiling shelves showcasing an obscene amount of whiskey (over 1,500 bottles to be exact), Multnomah Whiskey Library is like a temple for whiskey devotees.
Leather armchairs, dark wood panels, and the faint sound of whiskey being poured all create an ambiance so posh you’ll wonder if you need a degree in whiskeyology to fit in. Spoiler: you don’t – just good taste.
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