Finding Hidden Speakeasies: A Guide to Secret Bars

Hidden speakeasies offer some of the most unique bar experiences. Here’s how to find and enjoy these secret venues like an insider.

What Makes a Speakeasy?

Modern speakeasies draw inspiration from Prohibition-era secret bars, featuring:

Hidden or disguised entrances
Prohibition-era aesthetics
Craft cocktail focus
Intimate, exclusive atmosphere
Reservation systems or entry codes

Common Hiding Spots

Behind False Fronts

Look for bars hidden behind:

Phone booths
Bookcase doors
Restaurant kitchens
Laundromats
Coffee shops
Tailor shops

In Plain Sight

Sometimes the entrance is obvious but unmarked:

Nondescript doors
Alleyway entrances
Basement stairs
Rooftop access
Back of existing bars

Signs You’ve Found One

Telltale Clues

What to look for:

No signage or minimal marking
Velvet ropes or door host
Password requirements
Reservation-only policy
Vintage or themed decor visible through windows
Word-of-mouth reputation

How to Gain Entry

Research First

Do your homework:

Google “speakeasy bars near me”
Check Instagram location tags
Read local blog recommendations
Ask bartenders at other venues
Use Hopfly to discover hidden gems

Making Reservations

Many require advance booking:

Book 1-2 weeks ahead for weekends
Call directly, don’t rely on apps
Arrive exactly on time
Dress appropriately
Follow any specific instructions

Password Culture

Some venues require passwords:

Usually found on their website or social media
Changes regularly (daily or weekly)
Part of the experience and exclusivity
Don’t be intimidated, it’s meant to be fun

Speakeasy Etiquette

Dress the Part

Appropriate attire:

Business casual minimum
Vintage-inspired encouraged
No athletic wear or shorts
Nice shoes required
Check specific venue dress codes

Behavior Expectations

Respect the atmosphere:

Keep voices at conversational level
No rowdy behavior
Appreciate the craft
Don’t take flash photography without permission
Tip generously (20%+)

What to Expect Inside

Ambiance

Common features:

Dim, moody lighting
Period-appropriate decor (1920s)
Jazz or swing music
Intimate seating arrangements
Antique furnishings

Craft cocktail focus:

Classic prohibition-era drinks
Seasonal specials
House specialties
Limited beer/wine selection
Premium spirits only

Ordering Like a Pro

Cocktail categories:

Spirit-forward (Manhattans, Old Fashioneds)
Sours (Whiskey Sour, Margarita)
Long drinks (Gin & Tonic, Mojito)
Hot cocktails (Hot Toddy, Irish Coffee)

Communicating Preferences

Talk to your bartender:

“I like/don’t like…”
Mention flavors you enjoy
Indicate spirit preferences
Ask about house specialties
Be open to recommendations

Price Considerations

What to Budget

Expect to pay:

$15-25 per cocktail
$50-100+ per person total
Cover charges at some venues
Premium pricing justified by quality

Worth the Cost?

You’re paying for:

Exceptional ingredients
Skilled mixology
Unique atmosphere
Intimate experience
Exclusivity

Famous Speakeasies by City

New York

PDT (Please Don’t Tell) - Behind hot dog shop
Employees Only - Classic West Village spot
The Back Room - Actual Prohibition-era location
Attaboy - Unmarked Lower East Side gem

Los Angeles

The Varnish - Hidden in Cole’s
No Vacancy - Victorian mansion aesthetic
The Walker Inn - Inside the Normandie Club
Good Times at Davey Wayne’s - ‘70s-themed secret bar

Chicago

The Violet Hour - Behind wooden doors
The Drifter - Under the Green Door Tavern
Lost Lake - Tiki speakeasy
The Office - Inside the Aviary

San Francisco

Bourbon & Branch - Reservation and password required
Wilson & Wilson - Hidden in the Bourbon & Branch
Tradition - Unmarked door in Chinatown
PCH - Behind Onsen spa

Using Technology to Find Them

Hopfly Benefits

Track your discoveries:

Mark speakeasies you’ve visited
Share secret spots with friends
Earn special badges
Rate your experiences
Build your collection

Other Resources

Instagram hashtags (#hiddenbars)
Atlas Obscura
Eater city guides
Reddit city subreddits
Local food blogs

Making the Most of Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Best times to go:

Weekday evenings less crowded
Early arrival (6-7 PM) easier entry
Late night (after 11 PM) more atmospheric
Avoid peak Friday/Saturday without reservations

What to Try

Don’t miss:

House specialty cocktail
Classic done their way
Bartender’s choice
Seasonal offerings

Creating Your Own Speakeasy Tour

Planning a Route

Build an adventure:

Research 3-4 venues
Book reservations at all
Plan timing (2 hours per venue)
Arrange transportation
Have backup options

Group Considerations

Best group size:

2-4 people ideal
Maximum often 6-8
Some venues have minimums
Call ahead for large groups

Speakeasy-Hopping Tips

Be Flexible

Stay adaptable:

Have backup venues
Don’t overbook your night
Accept wait times gracefully
Be ready to explore

Document Respectfully

Photography etiquette:

Ask before taking photos
No flash photography
Respect other patrons’ privacy
Focus on drinks, not people
Share responsibly on social media

Red Flags

Fake Speakeasies

Watch out for:

Overly commercialized
Poor cocktail quality
Inattentive service
Gimmicky atmosphere
Bad reviews about authenticity

The Future of Speakeasies

Modern Innovations

New trends:

Virtual reality elements
Rotating themes
Pop-up locations
App-based reservations
Hybrid restaurant-speakeasies

Making Your Night Special

Special Occasions

Perfect for:

Date nights
Anniversaries
Bachelor/bachelorette parties
Birthday celebrations
Impressing out-of-town guests

Anniversary Visits

Build tradition:

Return to favorites annually
Try seasonal menus
Bring different friends
Track your cocktail favorites

Becoming a Regular

Building Relationships

Get recognized:

Visit regularly
Tip well
Be respectful
Learn staff names
Recommend to others

Beyond the Big Cities

Small Town Speakeasies

Don’t overlook:

College towns often have gems
Tourist destinations hide treasures
Unexpected cities have scenes
Use Hopfly to discover anywhere

Finding and experiencing speakeasies is one of bar hopping’s greatest pleasures. Use Hopfly to track your hidden bar discoveries, collect exclusive badges, and share your favorite secret spots with fellow adventurers. Start your speakeasy journey today!