- calendar_month February 17, 2025
- folder Tips
Los Angeles is home to a vibrant bar scene, but beyond the well-known hotspots, there’s a world of secret speakeasies tucked behind unmarked doors, hidden in basements, and disguised as everyday establishments. These clandestine cocktail dens offer a throwback to Prohibition-era drinking with creative drinks, intimate atmospheres, and a sense of exclusivity. If you’re looking to elevate your nightlife experience, here’s your ultimate guide to LA’s best hidden speakeasies.
1. The Varnish – A Timeless Classic
📍 Hidden Inside: Cole’s French Dip, Downtown LA
Arguably one of LA’s most iconic speakeasies, The Varnish is tucked inside Cole’s, one of the city’s oldest restaurants. Behind an unassuming door at the back of the eatery, this dimly lit bar delivers some of the best handcrafted cocktails in the city, served by expert mixologists who take their craft seriously. The old-school ambiance—complete with jazz music and candlelit tables—makes it the perfect spot for a refined yet relaxed night out.
Signature Drink to Try: The Bartender’s Choice – tell them your liquor preference, and they’ll create something bespoke.
2. Old Lightning – The No-Photo Policy Hideaway
📍 Hidden Inside: Scopa Italian Roots, Venice
For those who appreciate rare spirits, Old Lightning is a must-visit. Access is granted only through a reservation, and no cell phones or photos are allowed inside. The bar boasts one of the most impressive collections of vintage and ultra-premium spirits in LA, making it a paradise for serious cocktail aficionados. You’ll need a keen sense of curiosity to find it—once inside, you’ll be treated to an exclusive, meticulously curated drinking experience.
Signature Drink to Try: A rare vintage spirit pour – their collection includes some bottles you won’t find anywhere else.
3. The Blind Barber – A Barbershop with a Secret
📍 Hidden Inside: Blind Barber, Culver City
At first glance, The Blind Barber appears to be a standard barbershop. But walk past the grooming stations, push through an unsuspecting door, and you’ll find yourself inside a dimly lit speakeasy buzzing with energy. The cocktails are top-notch, and the lively atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for a fun night out with friends.
Signature Drink to Try: Smoke & Dagger – Mezcal, jalapeño-infused tequila, honey, and lemon.
4. Bar Jackalope – A Whiskey Lover’s Hidden Retreat
📍 Hidden Inside: Seven Grand, Downtown LA
If you’re a whiskey enthusiast, Bar Jackalope is a must-visit. Tucked away inside Seven Grand, this intimate speakeasy offers an extensive selection of rare and aged whiskeys from around the world. The space feels like an old-school Japanese whiskey den, with just a handful of seats and a candlelit ambiance that makes every sip feel special.
Signature Drink to Try: A personalized whiskey flight – let the bartender craft a tasting experience based on your preferences.
5. The Wolves – Theatrical Elegance with a Secret Lounge
📍 Location: Downtown LA
While The Wolves is already an exquisite bar known for its ornate 19th-century interior, there’s an even more exclusive space hidden within. The private upstairs lounge, accessible only to those in the know, offers a deeper dive into the art of classic cocktails, with a focus on rare ingredients and period-accurate mixology.
Signature Drink to Try: Any of their house-fermented cocktails – an old-world technique that adds complexity to the flavors.
6. Lock & Key – The Ultimate Door Game
📍 Location: Koreatown
Finding Lock & Key is half the fun. The entrance is hidden behind a wall of doorknobs, and only one will grant you access. Inside, you’ll discover a stylish cocktail bar with inventive drinks, a cool crowd, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere.
Signature Drink to Try: Lucky Rabbit’s Foot – A unique mix of tequila, ginger, carrot juice, and habanero for a spicy kick.
7. The Red Door – A Whiskey Lover’s Dream
📍 Hidden Inside: An undisclosed location in the Arts District (ask a local bartender)
One of the most elusive speakeasies in LA, The Red Door is a whiskey enthusiast’s paradise. No website, no official address—just word-of-mouth recommendations. Once inside, the selection of rare and aged whiskeys is unparalleled, making it a bucket-list destination for connoisseurs.
Signature Drink to Try: A vintage single-barrel bourbon pour.
8. Employees Only – The LA Edition of a World-Class Speakeasy
📍 Hidden Inside: A psychic’s shop, West Hollywood
The New York institution Employees Only brought its magic to LA, maintaining the mystique by operating out of what appears to be a psychic’s storefront. Inside, you’ll find some of the most meticulously crafted cocktails in the city, along with a menu of elevated bar bites.
Signature Drink to Try: Manhattan Cocktail – One of the best renditions of this classic you’ll find anywhere.
Final Thoughts: The Thrill of LA’s Speakeasy Scene
What makes speakeasies so exciting isn’t just their secrecy—it’s the craftsmanship behind the experience. These bars offer a more intimate, immersive way to enjoy cocktails, free from the chaos of mainstream nightlife. Whether you’re in the mood for a rare whiskey, an expertly crafted Negroni, or just the thrill of uncovering a hidden gem, LA’s speakeasy scene has something for everyone.
Now that you’re armed with the inside scoop, which hidden bar will you track down first?
