Featured image credit: Employees Only
When prohibition ended in the United States toward the conclusion of 1933, bootleggers likely wished they’d never see the inside of another speakeasy for as long as they lived. But here in Los Angeles, nearly a century after Americans were permitted to enjoy a little alcoholic refreshment without Johnny Law breathing down their neck, people can’t get enough of these exclusive, often hidden watering holes. So what makes the kind of speakeasy Los Angeles patrons embrace? It’s not a precise formula. Yet success stories frequently involve some combo of secret entries, retro atmospheres, craft cocktails, and the ultimate bittersweet ingredient: nostalgia. Here are 21 standouts (one for each year of the legal drinking age).
Alley Lounge
12223 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia may have emphasized that a bar without a sign is a red flag of pretention, but Alley Lounge’s website stresses that it is most definitely not a pretentious establishment. Sure, you won’t find a sign for it (unless you count “Employees Only” as a sign… and that’s not to be confused with the Employees Only cocktail bar in West Hollywood). But Alley Lounge also doesn’t have a doorman, so we guess it evens out. Keeping with the classic sense of mystery so important to a good speakeasy, Alley Lounge is also inconspicuously hidden behind Asian fusion restaurant FIN.
No, it’s not technically in an alley, but when you taste their stiff, straightforward, artfully crafted cocktails and delectable bites, we think you’ll overlook the discrepancy. Plus, there’s a lot of atmosphere to soak in. Alley Lounge blends the classic and the modern with aplomb, from the gorgeous peacock painting and ceramic hunting busts to the understated mirrored bar and soothing blue walls with tasteful white trim. As a bonus, Alley Lounge is possibly the most festive speakeasy Los Angeles offers when it comes to seasonal decor. And there’s never a better time for a drink than Christmastime.
Bar Jackalope
515 W 7th St #200, Los Angeles, CA 90014
If you’ve got a taste for whiskey, then set your course for the bar within a bar, Bar Jackalope, hidden inside the Seven Grand Whiskey Bar in Downtown LA. Bar Jackalope used to be a members-only, exclusive spot for whiskey aficionados. And some of that legacy carries on with their Whiskey Society, a club that hosts guided tastings of rare whiskeys with a knowledgeable connoisseur at the helm.
Bar Jackalope is a small, dim sanctuary from the Seven Grand where rare whiskies stand on caged display, punctuating ornately wallpapered facades of rich stained wood paneling. It gives the appearance you’d expect from a speakeasy Los Angeles whiskey enthusiasts frequent. So if you have a craving for whiskey, especially Japanese varieties to which the bar seems partial, then pull up a high-top chair at Bar Jackalope.
Black Rabbit Rose
1794 N Hudson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
A speakeasy Los Angeles magicians like to populate, Black Rabbit Rose has garnered mixed reviews on its creative cocktails and small bites. But it makes up for it with spectacle. When you step through the rose-adorned portal of this spellbinding speakeasy, illusions become the name of the game. You might find yourself immersed in a card trick at the bar or subject to an exclusive feat of prestidigitation at your table. Even the cocktails have more to them than meets the eye… as a cocktail should, since we rarely order them for their looks.
But if you have tickets for the magic show, then you get to experience Black Rabbit Rose at its unfettered best. A second lounge, lit just enough to realize its monochromatic red aesthetic, is where the magic really happens. It can be a bit cramped, but where else are you going to enjoy a liquor-lubricated intimate magic show? Without an express invitation from a magician… we didn’t forget about you, Magic Castle. But Black Rabbit Rose also hosts live music events, like when Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit hosted a jazz night. We wish we were kidding.
Blind Barber
10797 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
5715 N Figueroa St, Highland Park, CA 90042
“Business in the front and party in the back” takes on twin meanings at Blind Barber. Yes, you can get yourself a mullet in the legit barbershop during the day. You can also get yourself a stiff drink in the speakeasy behind the barber shop once night falls. Thankfully, the barbershop and speakeasy hours never overlap, or it could be a rather dangerous combination.
Still, the transition from pristine white barbershop to dank, dimly lit, wallpapered lounge is a shock. Expect prohibition-era chic with seasonal drinks that pack a punch, and a relaxed vibe ideal for conversation. Busier nights get a bit more raucous, but Blind Barber has been around for years now and still makes the cut. It’s also added a second location in Highland Park. But it’s the original Culver City spot that remains arguably the most enduring speakeasy Los Angeles barflies continue to enjoy.
Break Room 86
630 S Ardmore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Generation X marks the spot for the most 80s speakeasy Los Angeles harbors: the radical, badical Break Room 86. We’ve actually discussed this Koreatown watering hole in our list of killer karaoke spots, and we stand by the assessment. But we’re talking about hidden bars today, and if you’re in the mood for a liquid lunch with the Breakfast Club, then Break Room 86 has your fix.
Queue up at the loading dock behind the Line Hotel. Yes, it feels like you’re about to break out into a vintage Double Dragon brawl… and you might be right, although the retro video arcade is inside along with rows of gag-me-with-a-stick lockers, moonwalking Michael Jackson impersonators, and a slew of sugary cocktails on VHS menus. A DJ keeps the new wave hits coming from behind a wall of ghetto blasters as the crowd keeps growing and the drinks keep flowing.
Cold Shoulder
359 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
You wouldn’t expect a speakeasy called Cold Shoulder to radiate such a warm and inviting glow. But its golden light plays off electric blue booths to add a welcoming touch to a bar turned on its head. Regal portraits and built-in fixtures are literally suspended in an upside-down state. Even barstools descend from the ceiling above the well-stocked bar.
To get into Cold Shoulder, you’ll need an invitation (try asking the bartenders at the much more casual Blue Collar bar) and a password to secure passage through the secret bookcase entry. From there, you’ll be given a comprehensive menu of some truly lavish cocktails at equally lavish prices. Seasonal top-shelf specialties can set you back a Grant. But if you’re looking for a special experience with some exclusivity, it may be worth the cost.
Good Times at Davey Wayne’s
1611 N El Centro Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
If you’ve ever wanted to drink Cuervo Gold inside a Steely Dan song, then Good Times at Davey Wayne’s is your best bet. It’s perhaps the most ‘70s-feeling speakeasy Los Angeles offers, allowing you to feel like you’re sneaking sips in your parents’ basement in the Valley circa 1977. And that’s an intentional vibe. The hidden bar was created by speakeasy veterans the Houston brothers, who carefully crafted it as a loving tribute to their father, the late Davey Wayne Houston.
As with any speakeasy worth its salt, the entrance to Davey Wayne’s will leave you scratching your head as you waltz up on a genuine garage sale where you can purchase vintage threads and wax. But when you open the fridge to grab a cold one, you’ll be transported to the past when wood paneling was all the rage, everything was a different shade of orange, and if a song didn’t have a solo of some sort, it wasn’t really music. One warning: Davey Wayne’s isn’t exactly a secret in Los Angeles, so be prepared for crowds.
Death & Co
818 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Death & Co is not a speakeasy Los Angeles can claim exclusively, having established itself in New York before setting its sights on Downtown LA’s Arts District. Yet, people still line up for this elegant take on a cocktail lounge. And its combination of creative cocktails, high-end bites, and sophisticated, low-lit atmosphere keeps the crowd coming back over and over again.
Yes, there’s a lot of hype behind Death & Co. But it may be deserved considering its reputation for heavy pours and its mysterious essence. With a cocktail menu that changes frequently, there are plenty of reasons for repeat visits.
The Del Monte Speakeasy
52 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291
It doesn’t get any more authentic than the Del Monte, a speakeasy Los Angeles patrons have been enjoying since the actual days of prohibition. Back then, a grocery store hid the secret saloon that used clandestine tunnels for smuggling illegal booze from the Abbott Kinney Pier. Today, the Del Monte is in the basement of the Townhouse, a bar that took over the grocery store in 1933. While both bars are steeped in history, the Del Monte has that extra kick of illicit activity that just makes each drink a little bit sweeter. Or perhaps that’s their famous housemade ginger ale, an ingredient that’s made the Del Monte’s Moscow Mule a local legend.
There’s often a cover charge to access the Del Monte, since it’s host to a revolving door of live entertainment. Comedy, musical artists, and DJs frequent its stage, adding an extra liveliness to its vintage, velvet-curtained charm. But if lively’s not your thing, it’s worth noting that the Del Monte is also allegedly haunted by former owner Frank Bennett. We guess those Moscow Mules were just too good to leave behind.
La Descarga
1159 N Western Ave, Hollywood, CA 90029
Getting over to Cuba these days can be a pretty tall order. Fortunately, the next best thing is tucked into a corner of Hollywood where the Houston brothers have brought to vibrant life La Descarga. This Havana-flavored haven keeps the rum-based cocktails flowing to a steady beat of salsa, reggaeton, and Latin-flavored jams, sometimes to the accompaniment of a live band and dancers.
But what really gives La Descarga that illicit, prohibition-era feeling is the back room where you can buy authentic Cuban cigars. That’s right, La Descarga is the only speakeasy Los Angeles cigar aficionados endorse. But even if you’re not into puffing on stogies, it’s difficult to resist La Descarga’s infectious rhythm.
Dirty Laundry
1725 N Hudson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
When you first walk into Hollywood’s Dirty Laundry, it might look like an unassuming coffee bar. But if you’re looking for something a little stronger than java, pick up the establishment’s phone and you’ll be connected with a mysterious voice that gives you a numeric combination. Punch it into the phone and a secret door will swing open, leading you to a dimly lit brick labyrinth of bars, booths, private seating areas, and a conspicuous neon sign proclaiming “SEX”. Ohhhh, they mean that kind of dirty.
Prohibition chic is on display, and the cocktails can get creative, but as the night moves on, Dirty Laundry tends to fill up fast. It can quickly go from an intimate catch-up spot to a rager that feels like a chaotic house party. If that seems like your idea of a good time, Dirty Laundry can more than accommodate. You might just have to pop back up front to grab a coffee so you can keep up with it.
Employees Only
7953 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
Sacrificing novelty for elegance, Employees Only is recognized more for the quality of its food and cocktails than its gimmicks. That being said, you can enter through a secret entrance inside a psychic’s studio, where you can also snag a quick reading at times, so it’s not exactly Providence or anything. Once inside, you’ll find a candlelit grotto of geometry and earth tones capped off by a cork ceiling that is vaguely 1970s-inspired.
There’s also the Back Room, a secret private bar behind a movable wall panel, but you typically need reservations to access it. Employees Only may not leave you with a lot of stories or Instagram-worthy photos. But it does deliver a quality experience ideal for dates and intimate connections. And, honestly, that’s a lot rarer in this city.
F&Bar Speakeasy
3220 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
The speakeasy Los Angeles foodies will no doubt adore above all others, F&Bar marries thoughtful food bites with cocktails for a 12-course exercise in culinary creativity. While pairing wine with food is fairly common, combining cocktails with food takes more finesse. But the minds behind F&Bar tackle the task with aplomb, serving up a truly unique omakase experience spread across two hours. The nature of the evening means that only nine guests are permitted entry at a time, with reservations strictly required.
The establishment itself is marked by a glowing red keyhole above the door. Inside, you’re treated to a rustic take on a speakeasy, looking more like a New Orleans apothecary or an Old West saloon than some of the sleek and chic Hollywood speakeasies that grace this list. A 12-course run could sound like a marathon, but guests more often than not leave satisfied but not stuffed and buzzed but not blitzed.
Lock & Key
239 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Not to be confused with the club of the same name in Downey, Lock & Key is a speakeasy Los Angeles hip hop enthusiasts enjoy for its music selection and constant crowd. And that last part may not be to everyone’s tastes. Even with a bar inside and another on the patio, a typical evening at Lock & Key tends to feel busy.
But it’s definitely got the mysterious speakeasy entrance locked down (ugh). When you finally make it past the bouncer, you’ll find a wall of doorknobs and locks. One and only one will grant you entrance to the speakeasy where good times and sugary drinks await. Choose wisely. Or don’t. You can keep trying your luck until you find the right door or wait for a regular to walk right past you and directly to the entry. Inside, you’ll find a green-and-gold expanse made to appear larger by artful mirror placement. But trust us… you don’t want the crowd to get any bigger.
LP Vinyl Bar (formerly Lost Property)
1704 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
In 2024, the Hollywood speakeasy Lost Property took on new management and reinvented itself as LP Vinyl Bar. It’s still serving more or less the same vibe, but with a side of wax in the form of KCRW DJ Raul Campos’s burgeoning vinyl collection taking up a wall. And it’s in constant rotation with Campos himself often dropping by to provide fresh sounds.
LP Vinyl Bar is about as intimate as an establishment situated at Hollywood and Vine can get. The decor is simple compared to a lot of the other options on our speakeasy list, not extending too terribly far from signed records adorning its red brick walls. But its craft cocktails make up for any lack of novelty. The hours at LP Vinyl Bar can be a bit unpredictable, but Hollywood is rife with speakeasies, so head in with a plan B to avoid disappointment.
Lucky Tiki Bar
8512 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
There’s only one speakeasy Los Angeles tiki enthusiasts can claim on our list, and it’s also one of the newest in the city. Located above the programmatic Tail o’ the Pup building in West Hollywood, Lucky Tiki occupies a space once used as a recording studio by The Doors. They really missed the opportunity to turn this into a whiskey bar?
Getting inside without a reservation is impossible, and even with one, it’s a bit of a pickle (hint hint). But once you figure your way inside, you’ll find a fully reassembled tiki bar using the decor of the original Lucky Tiki that was once nestled inside a Mission Hills strip mall two decades ago. You’ll also discover their assortment of drinks, which have garnered mixed reviews if we’re being honest. But if a lackluster drink can be saved by atmosphere and presentation, join the queue for Lucky Tiki.
No Vacancy
1727 N. Hudson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
If you’ve ever wanted to get hammered at Heritage Square (hey, we’ve all had that yearning), then you’d better get in line at No Vacancy now. It’s a speakeasy Los Angeles trendsetters have been popularizing for years, because who doesn’t look better sipping craft cocktails in an authentic Victorian home smack dab in the middle of Hollywood? The biggest issue with No Vacancy is that it’s always an insanely popular spot, so you could be waiting a while to get inside.
But getting inside is also part of the fun. Past a blazing red neon “No Vacancy” sign, you’ll find a trio of doors. One leads through an antiquated bedroom to a Victorian world of hidden passages, ornate furnishings, and sometimes even an occasional firebreather. See why there’s a line to get in? No Vacancy offers an experience in an authentically historic setting that, for plenty of Angelenos, is worth an hour’s wait and an exorbitant parking fee.
The Rendition Room
4349 Tujunga Ave, Los Angeles, CA 91604
Romance is always in the air (the cold, cold air) at the Rendition Room, an intimate speakeasy tucked away in the hollows of Vitello’s Restaurant. Seeming like a wine cellar converted to a prohibition-era watering hole, the Rendition Room is the kind of speakeasy Los Angeles lovebirds flock to for its dim lighting, quiet atmosphere, and sterling class.
The staff of the Rendition Room adheres to a clear, service-oriented approach that makes for a truly special night. If you’re looking for a rollicking rager, there are other speakeasies on this list that will better fit the bill. The Rendition Room is better situated for date nights where conversation flows (along with the craft cocktails, of course).
The Roger Room
370 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048
If you’re in the mood for a dim speakeasy atmosphere without any pretentiousness, the Roger Room has you covered right down to the foam portrait of Hello Kitty in its signature Japanese maple cocktail. It’s tiny, loud, and not too concerned with ornate decor or over-the-top gimmicks. But it also has the recipe for a good time down to a science.
That’s not to say the Roger Room lacks distinction. Punctuated by an elaborate mural depicting a debaucherous circus in full revelry, as well as vintage photographs of circus performers peppering the walls, its coziness is further amplified by the welcoming staff. And if you visit during the daylight hours, the sunlight filtering in through the stained glass window facilitates an atmosphere ripe for celebration.
The Slipper Clutch
351 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
More like the “steeltoed boot clutch” because vibes are decidedly of the punk and metal variety in this downtown dive that skates by as a speakeasy while refusing to wear the uniform. You won’t find purposely distressed wallpaper, collections of rare liquors, or taxidermied animals in the Slipper Clutch. But you will find a pool table, live music that you can feel in your chest, and a lot of fun in an unassuming, come-as-you-are environment.
To get to the Slipper Clutch, you’ll need to find the secret entrance at the back of the Chatterbox bar, near the bathrooms. Once inside, grab a drink from the accommodating bartender and post up for whatever band is playing on the second level. Or you can just catch up with a date or a friend and cap things off with a few pictures in the photo booth. The Slipper Clutch is no frills, but still packs plenty of thrills if you’ve got the right mindset.
The Speakeasy
25 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
Pasadena’s the Speakeasy seems like as good a place to end our list as any. And as the straightforward name would imply, this is a pretty simple take on the speakeasy formula. You can email them for a password or try your luck with the doorman, who may cough it up after you solve a riddle. And you can expect the rest of the staff to keep up the character of a prohibition-era bar lost in time.
While the Speakeasy is cute with its dim red lighting and wall of booze, it can’t really hold a candle to some of the more stylish and gimmicky offerings on our list. But if you’re in the mood for something a little more on the level, it gives you a touch of the speakeasy fun while still keeping you grounded. And sometimes, that’s exactly the kind of speakeasy Los Angeles scene crawlers want after a night of hopping from novelty to novelty.
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