Revival of Underground Bars: Exploring America’s Speakeasies

During the Prohibition era from 1920 to 1933, underground drinking establishments known as speakeasies flourished across America. With the sale and consumption of alcohol outlawed, these secretive bars provided a space for citizens to socialize over illicit drinks. Speakeasies operated covertly behind closed doors, with many incorporating clever disguises and secret entrances to avoid detection by authorities.

While Prohibition has long been repealed, the mystique and intrigue of the underground speakeasy lives on. In recent years, these clandestine drinking dens have been revived in cities around the country. Modern speakeasies pay homage to their Prohibition-era predecessors through atmospheric interiors, bespoke cocktails, and an emphasis on discretion. Like the original speakeasies, finding and gaining access to today’s underground bars often requires a bit of sleuthing.

Los Angeles: Secret Bars Among the Stars

As the world’s entertainment capital, it’s no surprise that LA harbors its fair share of hidden Hollywood hotspots. Modern speakeasies have taken root throughout the city’s neighborhoods, from Downtown to West Hollywood—Experience LA’s underground bar scene like one of the stars.

The Varnish: 

Located in Downtown LA, this speakeasy has been pouring drinks since 1908. Step into the former speakeasy-era building housing the landmark Cole’s French Dip and look for an unmarked door leading downstairs. The Varnish transports you back to Prohibition with its intimate setting and classic cocktails. Be sure to try their take on an Old Fashioned.

The Roger Room: 

Hidden within The Roger Hotel in Santa Monica, this speakeasy evokes old Hollywood glamour. Access is granted only to hotel guests who know to look for a secret door in the lobby. Inside, guests relax on plush couches, sipping craft cocktails under crystal chandeliers. Dress to impress – this is how the stars party.

From legendary standbys to the hottest new finds, LA’s underground bar scene ensures celebrities and locals alike can let loose in style. Book a hotel near top speakeasies to fully experience the after-hours nightlife of the city that never sleeps.

San Francisco: Hidden Gems in an Iconic City

The hilly streets of San Francisco harbor more than their fair share of secrets. Speakeasies have taken root in this West Coast city renowned for its progressive spirit. Explore some of the best-hidden drinking holes the Bay Area offers.

Smuggler’s Cove: 

In the Mission, avast matey – ye have found one of the tiki meccas of the world. Over 300 rums line the shelves of this historic building, which has been transformed into an authentic 1940s tropical hideaway. Sailors and landlubbers enjoy creative libations like the “Three Dots and a Dash” while listening to island tunes. Come early or wait for a table at this hotspot.

The Felix: 

Descend the stairs at the Vietnamese restaurant Bodega to find this speakeasy hidden in the basement. Behind a neon Felix, the Cat sign lies a playful drinking den with tiki and Mahjong-inspired decor. Savor Asian-inspired cocktails like the “Bohemian Rhapsody” are made with gin, green chartreuse, and chrysanthemum syrup. Reservations are required.

San Francisco’s underground scene ensures every taste, from detective agencies to tropical tiki bars, is catered to. Get on email lists to score reservations at the city’s most buzzed-about secret bars.

Denver: Mile High Cocktails

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Denver has emerged as a craft beer and cocktail culture leader. It’s only fitting that top-notch speakers have taken root, providing hidden oases to imbibe. Explore some of the best underground bars the Mile High City offers.

Retrograde: 

Hidden behind the freezer door of an ice cream parlor in RiNo, Retrograde provides a playful drinking escape. Find the hidden switch to request access and enjoy craft cocktails with creative names like “Cosmic Wind,” made with mezcal, hibiscus, and lime. Indulge in ice cream treats while sipping your libations.

The Maven: 

In Uptown, descend the stairs of the Maven Hotel to discover this subterranean lounge. Relax on tufted couches sipping seasonal cocktails like “Autumn in the Rockies,” made with rye, apple brandy, and bitters. Small plates are also served to enjoy alongside your bespoke libations. Live music enhances the atmosphere.

From plush parlors to playful ice cream hideaways, Denver’s underground bars ensure craft cocktails are enjoyed in style. Get on email lists to score reservations during busy seasons at top speakeasies. The Mile High City’s speakeasy scene is not to be missed.

Nashville: Music City Meets Secret Bars

As the heart of country music, Nashville naturally excels at live performances and nightlife. Its thriving speakeasy scene provides hidden venues to imbibe while enjoying eclectic tunes. Experience Music City’s underground bars.

The Patterson House: 

In Germantown, enter this former prohibition roadhouse turned speakeasy. Relax on velvet couches sipping seasonal cocktails like “Fall in the South,” made with bourbon, apple brandy, and pumpkin spice. Enjoy live jazz, blues, and bluegrass performed nightly in the parlor-inspired setting.

The Five Spot: 

In East Nashville, descend the stairs of this neighborhood dive bar to discover its hidden speakeasy. Relax on vintage furniture, sipping libations like “The East Nashvillian,” made with rye, pear liqueur, and bitters. Live music enhances the intimate atmosphere nightly.

From historic roadhouses to cozy neighborhood dives, Nashville’s speakeasies ensure the live music spirit remains alive. Catch eclectic underground acts while sipping bespoke cocktails in hidden venues.

Miami: Tropical Hideaways

As one of the top party cities in America, Miami naturally excels at nightlife. Its thriving speakeasy scene provides hidden tropical oases to imbibe amid the hustle and bustle. Experience some of the best underground bars in this coastal paradise.

The Den: 

Hidden within the 1 Hotel South Beach, this intimate lounge provides a chic escape. Relax on velvet couches sipping bespoke cocktails like “Tropic Like It’s Hot,” made with rum, passionfruit, and lime. Small plates are also served to enjoy alongside your tropical libations.

The Broken Coconut: 

In Wynwood, enter this hidden tiki bar disguised as a laundromat. Transport to a tropical oasis while sipping libations like “The Dirty Hippie,” made with rum, gin, and tropical juices. Enjoy live music and shareable plates alongside your bespoke cocktails.

From award-winning hotel hideaways to laundromat legends, Miami’s speakeasies provide the perfect tropical escape to imbibe amid the city’s buzz. Discover these hidden oases for bespoke cocktails with a Florida twist.

Seattle: Coffee Shop Covers For Craft Cocktails

As a leader in coffee and craft beer, it’s no surprise that Seattle also excels at bespoke libations. Top speakers have taken root, providing hidden oases to imbibe amid the Emerald City’s rain.

Zig Zag Café: 

Enter this former speakeasy building in historic Pioneer Square to discover its hidden modern counterpart. Look for the secret door code daily on their Instagram and descend into a plush lounge. Savor seasonal cocktails alongside shareable small plates with ingredients from local purveyors.

Little Tin Goods: 

In Ballard, enter this floral shop-turned speakeasy. Look for the hidden entrance and transport to a botanical cocktail paradise. Savor libations like “The Ballard” are made with gin, housemade vermouth, and seasonal foraged ingredients. Small plates are also served.

Canon: 

Hidden behind the bookshelves of the short-lived George & Dragon Pub, Canon provides an intimate escape. Relax on tufted couches, sipping seasonal cocktails alongside shareable small plates with ingredients from local purveyors.

From historic cocktail dens to floral shop fantasies, Seattle’s speakeasies provide hidden oases to imbibe amid the Emerald City’s rain. Discover these hidden gems for bespoke libations and Pacific Northwest flair.

Portland: Coffee Meets Cocktails

As a leader in coffee, craft beer, and progressive culture, Portland naturally excels at bespoke libations. Top speakers have taken root, providing hidden oases to imbibe amid the Rose City’s rain.

Prohibition Era Lounge: 

Descend the stairs to discover this intimate cocktail lounge in the Ace Hotel. Relax on tufted couches, sipping seasonal cocktails alongside shareable small plates with ingredients from local purveyors. Live jazz enhances the Prohibition atmosphere.

Clyde Common: 

Hidden behind the famous restaurant of the same name, this intimate lounge provides a speakeasy escape. Relax on leather couches, sipping bespoke cocktails alongside shareable small plates with ingredients from local artisans.

Barista: 

In the Pearl District, enter this former coffee shop turned cocktail haven. Look for the hidden entrance and transport to a bespoke libation paradise. Savor seasonal cocktails alongside shareable snacks with a coffeehouse twist.

From hotel hideaways to coffee shop conversions, Portland’s speakeasies provide hidden oases to imbibe amid the Rose City’s rain. Discover these hidden gems for bespoke libations and Pacific Northwest flair.

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Conclusion

Across America, underground bars are experiencing a revival by paying homage to Prohibition-era speakeasies. Whether seeking an actual Prohibition experience, tropical escapes, or Pacific Northwest flair – today’s speakeasies ensure every taste is catered to. By researching and gaining insider access, you will uncover these hidden gems in destinations nationwide. Slip “on the sly” to America’s thriving underground bar scene!