Top 15 Speakeasy Bars in Los Angeles - Hidden Gems

Speakeasy bars, with their roots in the Prohibition era of the 1920s, have become a captivating trend in modern nightlife. These hidden gems, often tucked away behind unmarked doors or disguised as ordinary establishments, offer an intriguing mix of mystery, history, and ambiance. Visiting a speakeasy bar in Los Angeles is like stepping into another world—where the art of mixology meets the thrill of discovering a secret. The allure of these bars lies not just in their carefully crafted cocktails, but in the entire experience—from the secretive entrances to the vintage decor that transports you back to a bygone era. Whether you're a history buff, a cocktail connoisseur, or simply in search of a unique night out, speakeasy bars in Los Angeles offer a delightful blend of charm, nostalgia, and adventure, making them a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the city's vibrant and diverse nightlife. Keywords: speakeasy bars, hidden bars, Los Angeles nightlife, secret bars, vintage decor, cocktail bars, Prohibition-era bars.

1. La Descarga

1159 North Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Step into the Cuban-themed La Descarga in Los Angeles and be transported straight to the lively streets of Havana. The adventure begins as you pass through a secret armoire, revealing a speakeasy bar filled with vibrant live music, sultry burlesque shows, and a sophisticated cigar lounge. The decor exudes the charm of old Cuba, creating an atmosphere that’s perfect for enjoying expertly crafted cocktails with a Latin flair. La Descarga is a quintessential speakeasy in Los Angeles, offering a blend of excitement and elegance.

• Special Features: Live salsa music, cigar lounge, burlesque performances.

• Entry: Reservations are required, and there’s an upscale dress code.
• Cost: Cocktails range from $12 to $18

2. Lock & Key

239 South Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Nestled in Koreatown, Lock & Key stands out as a speakeasy with a puzzling entrance. To gain access, you must navigate a series of locks and doorknobs, making the experience both mysterious and engaging. Once inside, you’re greeted by a chic, jazzy ambiance where craft cocktails shine. This Koreatown speakeasy bar is renowned for its creative drinks and intimate setting, making it a standout destination in LA’s vibrant nightlife scene.

• Special Features: Puzzle-like entrance, jazz ambiance, modern speakeasy.

• Entry: No reservation needed, but it’s best to arrive early to avoid waiting.
• Cost: Drinks range from $14 to $20.

3. The Del Monte

52 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291 (beneath Townhouse Venice)

Discover The Del Monte, a historic speakeasy bar hidden beneath Townhouse Venice. This venue dates back to the Prohibition era and retains its vintage charm, offering a nostalgic trip back in time. With its classic decor and rich history, The Del Monte provides an authentic speakeasy experience in Los Angeles. It’s the perfect spot for those who appreciate a blend of historical ambiance and timeless cocktails.

• Special Features: Historic Prohibition setting, live jazz music, authentic atmosphere.

• Entry: No reservation needed, but weekends can get crowded.
• Cost: Cocktails range from $10 to $15.

4. Employees Only

7953 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

The West Hollywood outpost of the famed NYC speakeasy, Employees Only, is accessed through a psychic’s storefront, adding an element of intrigue. Inside, this Los Angeles speakeasy bar boasts a lively atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails that capture the spirit of its New York counterpart. Whether you’re a fan of craft cocktails or just looking for a vibrant night out, Employees Only delivers a dynamic and unforgettable experience.

• Special Features: Psychic storefront entrance, art-deco design, interactive drink selection.

• Entry: Reservations are recommended, especially for dining.
• Cost: Drinks start at $16

5. Lilly Rose

813 S Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90017 (in the Wayfarer Hotel basement)

Hidden beneath the Wayfarer Hotel, Lilly Rose is a whimsical speakeasy that transports you to a fantastical wonderland. This Los Angeles bar is known for its imaginative decor and creative cocktails, making it a magical spot for those seeking a unique experience. Regular live events and a playful atmosphere ensure that Lilly Rose stands out as a must-visit speakeasy in LA.

• Special Features: Wonderland-themed decor, themed events, live music.
• Entry: No reservation required, follow the red lights downstairs.
• Cost: Cocktails range from $14 to $18

6. Blind Barber

10797 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Behind a functioning barbershop in Highland Park lies Blind Barber, a speakeasy where you can enjoy both a haircut and cocktails. This vintage-inspired bar offers a blend of old-school charm and modern mixology, making it a standout destination in Los Angeles. Whether you’re in for a trim or just a drink, Blind Barber delivers a unique and stylish experience.

• Special Features: Barbershop entrance, DJ nights, vintage decor.
• Entry: No reservation needed, but it’s popular on weekends.
• Cost: Drinks typically cost $12 to $16

7. No Vacancy

1727 N Hudson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Located in the historic Hotel Juniper, No Vacancy offers a vintage, pre-Prohibition setting. To enter this Los Angeles speakeasy bar, you must pass a series of playful "tests," adding an extra layer of fun to your night out. Inside, the ambiance reflects the glamour of old Hollywood, providing a memorable backdrop for enjoying classic cocktails in a truly immersive environment.

• Special Features: Victorian mansion setting, secret entrance, live performances.
• Entry: No reservation required, but lines can be long.
• Cost: Drinks range from $14 to $20

8. Pour Vous

5574 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Pour Vous, a Parisian-themed speakeasy near Paramount Studios, captivates with its theatrical ambiance. This Los Angeles bar features aerial performances and fire-eating acts, creating a glamorous and dramatic atmosphere. It’s a perfect destination for those who appreciate a blend of theatricality and sophisticated cocktails in a unique speakeasy setting.

• Special Features: Parisian-themed decor, aerial performances, theatrical atmosphere.
• Entry: No reservation needed, but early arrival is advised.
• Cost: Cocktails range from $14 to $18

9. Good Times at Davey Wayne's

1611 N El Centro Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Enter Good Times at Davey Wayne’s through a retro refrigerator door and step back into the 70s. This speakeasy bar in Los Angeles offers a relaxed, nostalgic atmosphere with live music and a fun, retro vibe. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy a laid-back evening with a touch of vintage charm.

• Special Features: 70s-themed decor, rooftop patio, live music.
• Entry: No reservation required, but it’s popular on weekends.
• Cost: Drinks range from $10 to $16

10. The Varnish

118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014 (behind Cole’s French Dip)

Tucked away behind an unmarked door inside Cole’s French Dip, The Varnish is the quintessential speakeasy. With its wood-paneled walls, dim lighting, and intimate booths, this bar is perfect for those who appreciate the art of classic cocktails. The Varnish is where mixology takes center stage, offering a quiet, refined atmosphere ideal for a sophisticated night out.

• Special Features: Classic speakeasy atmosphere, custom cocktails, intimate setting.

• Entry: No reservation required, but seating is limited.
• Cost: Cocktails typically cost $14 to $18

11. R Bar

3331 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005

R Bar is a no-frills, unpretentious speakeasy where the fun starts before you even walk in. To gain entry, you'll need to know the ever-changing password, a playful nod to the secretive nature of true speakeasies. Once inside, the bar’s vintage decor and eclectic music selection create an inviting, laid-back atmosphere perfect for unwinding. Whether you're there for the trivia nights, karaoke, or just a quiet drink, R Bar is all about creating a good time with no pretense.

• Special Features: Password-protected entry, trivia nights, karaoke.

• Entry: Follow them on social media for the current password.
• Cost: Drinks typically range from $10 to $14

12. Seventy7

3843 Main St, Culver City, CA 90232

Hidden down an alley in Culver City, Seventy7 feels like a secret discovered by accident. The bar’s intimate size, plush leather seating, and dim lighting create a cozy, speakeasy vibe that makes you want to settle in for the night. The menu is filled with classic cocktails crafted with precision, and the atmosphere is always lively, yet intimate enough for quiet conversations. It’s the kind of place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of LA and lose yourself in good company and great drinks.

• Special Features: Cozy, intimate setting, craft cocktails, hidden entrance.
• Entry: No reservation required, but seating is limited.
• Cost: Cocktails range from $12 to $16

13. The Slipper Clutch

351 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

The Slipper Clutch is a dive bar with a twist—literally. Located behind an arcade-themed front, this speakeasy combines the gritty charm of a dive bar with the nostalgic fun of classic arcade games. The industrial decor, complete with neon lights and concrete floors, adds to the laid-back, anything-goes atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for those who enjoy a bit of retro fun with their cocktails, whether you're challenging friends to a game of pinball or just enjoying the no-frills vibe.

• Special Features: Arcade games, dive bar ambiance, industrial decor.
• Entry: No reservation required; simply walk in and enjoy.
• Cost: Drinks typically cost $8 to $12

14. Bathtub Gin

2201 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (above an unnamed coffee shop)

Bathtub Gin is a nod to the clandestine speakeasies of the 1920s, where the cocktails are as creative as the entrance. Hidden above a coffee shop, this bar exudes an antique charm with its brass fixtures, vintage bathtubs, and velvet seating. The atmosphere is intimate and luxurious, making it the perfect spot for a date night or a sophisticated evening out. The bartenders here are true mixologists, crafting each drink with care and creativity, ensuring that your experience is as memorable as the cocktails.

• Special Features: Hidden above a coffee shop, antique decor, creative cocktails.
• Entry: No reservation needed, but the space is small and fills up quickly.
• Cost: Cocktails range from $14 to $18

15. The Wolves

519 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

The Wolves is a breathtaking speakeasy located in Downtown Los Angeles, known for its stunning Art Nouveau decor and meticulously crafted cocktails. The bar's interior is a feast for the eyes, with ornate ceilings, intricate woodwork, and plush seating that transports you to the early 20th century. The attention to detail is evident not only in the design but also in the drinks, with a rotating menu of cocktails that use house-made ingredients. The Wolves is perfect for those looking to experience one of the most visually striking and thoughtfully curated speakeasy bars in Los Angeles.

• Special Features: Hidden above a coffee shop, antique decor, creative cocktails.
• Entry: No reservation needed, but the space is small and fills up quickly.
• Cost: Cocktails range from $14 to $18

These speakeasy-style bars in Los Angeles offer a mix of history, creativity, and unique atmospheres, making them some of the most intriguing spots to explore in the city. Each one has its own charm, whether you're seeking a vintage vibe, live entertainment, or a cozy place to enjoy a well-crafted cocktail.