Discover the 7 Best Speakeasies in Los Angeles in 2024

Los Angeles is a city renowned for its thriving nightlife, delicious food, and iconic landmarks. For those looking for something unique and memorable, the speakeasies in Los Angeles offer a truly one-of-a-kind experience. From classic speakeasies that aim to recreate the look and feel of the original Prohibition-era establishments, to modern bars with a secret entrance and playful atmosphere, Los Angeles has something for everyone.

Whether you’re a fan of vintage cocktails, live music, or the thrill of finding a hidden entrance, this guide will take you on a journey through some of the best speakeasies and hidden bars in Los Angeles. Get ready to explore the city’s rich cultural history, sample its delicious cocktails, and enjoy a night of sophistication and elegance in one of these unique establishments.

What is a speakeasy?

A speakeasy is a type of bar that became popular during the Prohibition era in the United States. During this time, the sale of alcohol was illegal, leading to the creation of secret, underground establishments where people could purchase and consume alcohol. These bars were typically hidden from authorities and could only be accessed by knowing the password or knock. The term “speakeasy” comes from the practice of speaking quietly, or “speaking easy,” to avoid attracting attention from the authorities.

Speakeasies were known for their exclusivity, offering a secretive and intimate atmosphere for their patrons. They often served classic cocktails, such as the Manhattan or the Martini, and were known for their sophistication and elegance. Despite the illicit nature of their activities, speakeasies were widely popular during Prohibition and played a significant role in the cultural history of the United States.

In modern times, the term “speakeasy” is often used to describe bars that have a hidden or secretive entrance, or a Prohibition-era theme. Many of these bars offer classic cocktails and a vintage atmosphere, and some have even gone so far as to recreate the secrecy and exclusivity of the original speakeasies by requiring a password for entry.

Speakeasies and hidden bars have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many cities, including Los Angeles, offering unique and memorable experiences for those looking for something different. Whether you’re a fan of vintage cocktails or simply enjoy the thrill of finding a secret entrance, a visit to a speakeasy or hidden bar is sure to be a memorable experience.

What are the different types of speakeasies in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is home to a variety of speakeasies, each offering its own unique atmosphere and experience. Some of the different types of speakeasies in Los Angeles include:

• Classic Speakeasies: These speakeasies aim to recreate the look, feel, and atmosphere of the original Prohibition-era establishments. They often feature vintage decor, classic cocktails, and live music.
• Secret Entrance Speakeasies: These speakeasies are known for their hidden or secretive entrances, which add an element of mystery and excitement to the experience. Some popular secret entrance speakeasies in Los Angeles include Good Times at Davey Wayne’s and No Vacancy.
• Themed Speakeasies: Some speakeasies in Los Angeles take a themed approach, offering a unique atmosphere inspired by a particular time period or cultural movement. For example, The Edison is a downtown LA speakeasy that occupies the basement of a historic building and features live music, classic cocktails, and a vintage industrial atmosphere.
• Prohibition-Era Bars: These bars are not necessarily speakeasies in the traditional sense, but they offer a similar atmosphere and experience. They often serve classic cocktails and offer a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere.

Regardless of their specific theme or style, speakeasies in Los Angeles offer a unique and memorable experience for those looking for something different. Whether you’re a fan of vintage cocktails, live music, or the thrill of finding a secret entrance, Los Angeles has something for everyone when it comes to speakeasies and hidden bars.

The impact of Prohibition on Los Angeles?

The Prohibition era had a profound impact on Los Angeles, both culturally and economically. When the 18th Amendment was ratified in 1919, banning the sale and manufacture of alcohol, it created a massive demand for illegal alcohol and gave rise to the speakeasy.

During the 1920s and 1930s, speakeasies flourished in Los Angeles, catering to a growing demand for illegal alcohol. These establishments offered a secretive and intimate atmosphere, and were known for their sophistication and elegance. They also played a significant role in the cultural history of the city, with many of them hosting live music and offering classic cocktails.

However, when Prohibition was repealed in 1933, the demand for speakeasies declined, and many of these establishments closed their doors. Despite this, the legacy of the speakeasy lived on, and the concept of the secret bar remained popular in the decades that followed.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in speakeasies and hidden bars, with many cities, including Los Angeles, offering unique and memorable experiences for those looking for something different. This resurgence is driven by a growing interest in classic cocktails and vintage themes, as well as a desire for the exclusivity and sophistication that was associated with the original speakeasies.

The impact of Prohibition on California cuisine is also significant, as many of the classic cocktails that were popular during this time continue to be popular today. These cocktails, such as the Manhattan or the Martini, have inspired a new generation of mixologists and have helped to revive the once-lost art of cocktail making.

In addition to its rich history of speakeasies, Los Angeles offers a wealth of other once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including its thriving food scene, vibrant music scene, and iconic landmarks. 

The Best Speakeasies in Los Angeles

Join us as we explore the best speakeasies and hidden bars in LA, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Sip on craft cocktails, listen to live music, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural history. Let’s discover LA’s hidden gems together.

The Varnish

The Varnish is a hidden bar located behind an unmarked door inside the downtown LA restaurant, Cole’s French Dip. This classic speakeasy offers a sophisticated atmosphere and a menu of expertly crafted cocktails. The bar’s intimate space and vintage decor are the perfect backdrop for a night of relaxed conversation and classic drinks.

• Address: 118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
• Access: To find The Varnish, look for the unmarked door at the back of Cole’s French Dip.

Good Times at Davey Wayne’s

Good Times at Davey Wayne’s is a retro-themed speakeasy in Hollywood with a secret entrance through a refrigerator door. This quirky bar offers a fun and playful atmosphere, with vintage decor, classic cocktails, and live music. Whether you’re looking for a night of dancing or just a relaxed drink with friends, Good Times at Davey Wayne’s is the perfect place.

• Address: 1611 N El Centro Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
• Access: Look for the entrance to Good Times at Davey Wayne’s behind the refrigerator door.

The Edison

The Edison is a downtown LA speakeasy that occupies the basement of a historic building. This bar offers a unique and sophisticated atmosphere, with live music, classic cocktails, and a vintage industrial decor. Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out or a place to celebrate with friends, The Edison is the perfect destination.

• Address: 108 W 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Access: Look for the entrance to The Edison in the basement of the historic building.

No Vacancy

No Vacancy is a Hollywood bar with a speakeasy vibe and a hidden entrance behind a bookshelf. This chic and stylish bar offers a menu of classic cocktails, live music, and a sophisticated atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a night of dancing or just a relaxed drink with friends, No Vacancy is the perfect place.

• Address: 1727 N Hudson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
• Access: Look for the entrance to No Vacancy behind the bookshelf.

The Blind Donkey

The Blind Donkey is a classic speakeasy in Long Beach, offering a sophisticated atmosphere and a menu of expertly crafted cocktails. This intimate bar is the perfect place for a night of relaxed conversation and classic drinks, with a vintage decor and live music adding to the ambiance.

• Address: 65 Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802
• Access: The entrance to The Blind Donkey is unmarked, but easy to find.

The Slipper Clutch

The Slipper Clutch is a hidden bar in Los Angeles, offering a playful and quirky atmosphere. This bar offers a menu of classic cocktails, live music, and a fun and eclectic decor. Whether you’re looking for a night of dancing or just a relaxed drink with friends, The Slipper Clutch is the perfect place.

• Address: 1218 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
• Access: Look for the entrance to The Slipper Clutch behind the secret door.

The Thirsty Crow

The Thirsty Crow is a classic speakeasy in Los Angeles, offering a sophisticated atmosphere and a menu of expertly crafted cocktails. This intimate bar is the perfect place for a night of relaxed conversation and classic drinks, with a vintage decor and live music adding to the ambiance.

• Address: 2939 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
• Access: The entrance to The Thirsty Crow is unmarked