Featured Snippet: Hidden behind unmarked doors, disguised as laundromats, or tucked away in basements, secret bars—or speakeasies—offer a thrilling escape into the clandestine world of cocktails. From Tokyo to New York, these elusive establishments blend mystery, history, and mixology. Here are 10 of the world’s most unexpected speakeasies you’d never guess exist.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Allure of Secret Bars
- The 10 Most Unexpected Speakeasies
- 2.1. Please Don’t Tell (PDT) – New York, USA
- 2.2. The Blind Barber – Los Angeles, USA
- 2.3. The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town – London, UK
- 2.4. Barber & Parlour – Sydney, Australia
- 2.5. The Back Room – Chicago, USA
- 2.6. Ginza Lion – Tokyo, Japan
- 2.7. La Confitería – Buenos Aires, Argentina
- 2.8. The Gibson – Berlin, Germany
- 2.9. The Pharmacy – Hong Kong
- 2.10. The Attic – Madrid, Spain
- How to Find a Speakeasy
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction: The Allure of Secret Bars
Speakeasies originated during the Prohibition era in the U.S. (1920–1933), when alcohol was banned, and secret bars flourished behind hidden doors. Today, modern speakeasies keep the tradition alive with secret entrances, vintage décor, and craft cocktails. The thrill of discovery and the exclusivity make these bars a must-visit for adventurous drinkers.
Here are 10 of the world’s most surprising speakeasies—some hidden in plain sight, others requiring a secret knock or password.
The 10 Most Unexpected Speakeasies
2.1. Please Don’t Tell (PDT) – New York, USA
📍 Location: Inside a hot dog joint (Crif Dogs) 🔍 How to Enter: Use the vintage phone booth inside the restaurant.
One of NYC’s most famous speakeasies, PDT is hidden behind a phone booth inside a hot dog shop. Once inside, enjoy inventive cocktails like the “Benton’s Old Fashioned” with bacon-infused bourbon.
2.2. The Blind Barber – Los Angeles, USA
📍 Location: Behind a functioning barbershop 🔍 How to Enter: Walk past the barber chairs to the back.
This speakeasy doubles as a working barbershop by day and a cocktail lounge by night. The Prohibition-era vibe pairs perfectly with their signature “Haircut” cocktail.
2.3. The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town – London, UK
📍 Location: Below The Breakfast Club restaurant 🔍 How to Enter: Tell the host, “I’m here to see the Mayor.”
Hidden beneath a popular brunch spot, this underground bar serves creative drinks in a quirky, dimly lit setting. The entrance? A fridge door.
2.4. Barber & Parlour – Sydney, Australia
📍 Location: Behind a retro barbershop 🔍 How to Enter: Look for the unmarked door inside the salon.
This multi-level venue includes a barbershop, cinema, and hidden cocktail bar. Their “Espresso Martini” is a must-try.
2.5. The Back Room – Chicago, USA
📍 Location: Disguised as a toy store 🔍 How to Enter: Enter through “The Chicago Toy Company” sign.
Modeled after a Prohibition-era hideout, this bar serves drinks in teacups (to avoid suspicion) and has a secret bookcase entrance.
2.6. Ginza Lion – Tokyo, Japan
📍 Location: Behind a vending machine 🔍 How to Enter: Press the right buttons on the machine.
This Tokyo speakeasy channels 1920s glamour. The hidden entrance leads to a lavish bar with rare Japanese whiskies.
2.7. La Confitería – Buenos Aires, Argentina
📍 Location: Inside an old candy shop 🔍 How to Enter: Look for the unassuming door in San Telmo.
Once a 19th-century confectionery, this bar retains its vintage charm with cocktails served in antique glassware.
2.8. The Gibson – Berlin, Germany
📍 Location: Behind an unmarked door in Mitte 🔍 How to Enter: Ring the bell and wait for approval.
A refined speakeasy with a strict no-photos policy, The Gibson specializes in bespoke cocktails with rare spirits.
2.9. The Pharmacy – Hong Kong
📍 Location: Disguised as a medicine shop 🔍 How to Enter: Press the hidden button on the “medicine cabinet.”
This apothecary-themed bar serves “prescription cocktails” in beakers and test tubes.
2.10. The Attic – Madrid, Spain
📍 Location: Above a nondescript restaurant 🔍 How to Enter: Climb the hidden staircase.
A cozy, book-lined hideaway serving Spanish-inspired cocktails with a literary twist.
How to Find a Speakeasy
- Look for subtle clues: Unmarked doors, fake storefronts, or unusual signage.
- Ask locals or bartenders: Sometimes, word-of-mouth is the only way in.
- Follow social media hints: Some bars drop cryptic location hints online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are speakeasies so hard to find?
A: The secrecy adds to the experience, keeping crowds manageable and preserving an exclusive vibe.
Q: Do I need a password to enter?
A: Some do, but many just require knowing where to look.
Q: Are speakeasies expensive?
A: Prices vary, but craft cocktails often cost more than standard bar drinks.
Q: Can I just walk in, or do I need reservations?
A: Some allow walk-ins, but popular spots may require bookings.
Q: Are speakeasies legal?
A: Yes! Modern speakeasies operate legally—they just play up the hidden aesthetic.
Final Thought: The thrill of discovering a secret bar is unmatched. Whether you’re sipping cocktails behind a fridge door or through a hidden bookcase, these speakeasies offer an unforgettable night out. So, keep your eyes peeled—you never know what’s hiding in plain sight. 🍸
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