Speakeasy bars date back to the Prohibition era.
With alcohol being illegal from 1920-1933 Speakeasy bars popped up around Los Angeles with secret entrances and passwords reserved only for those in the know.
Well, alcohol, of course, has now been legal for many years and you no longer have to be involved in the underworld to enjoy a drink 😆 but there is something about that allure of a secret society like speakeasies that people still love.
And that is why some of the most popular bars in Los Angeles are based on that speakeasy concept. All the action of the Roaring 20’s but not having to worry about the coppers breaking down the door and busting up the party see?
We have visited plenty of these modern-day speakeasy bars in LA, some with style and class and others with a totally laid back vibe but all are unique and interesting.
You don’t want to be disappointed after going through all the trouble to jump through hoops and find that secret entrance so we made a list for you of our favorite speakeasy bars in Los Angeles.
Note: We purposely did not go into to much detail on the secret entrances as discovering these on your own the first time is a big part of the fun with going to these spots.
1. The Edison, DTLA
description:
Nothing says 20’s speakeasy like having to go through a dark alley, to a brick warehouses and finally arriving at a legit power plant from the era.
Indeed, this is exactly what you have to do to find that black door that will eventually allow you to enter absolute beauty of a speakeasy The Edison in downtown LA.
Located in the basement of the Higgins Building, The Edison is a steampunk bar with speakeasy vibes. A great bar, massive space, big club chairs, and power plant decor, with huge pipes and all. This bar is one of a kind with very unique and delicious cocktails too.
Delight your palate with a lavender bourbon, which is a special of the house.
You must dress up to the occasion as The Edison doesn’t allow tennis-shoes or torn jeans. Live music is on Thursdays and a DJ on the decks Saturday and Sunday.
Location:
108 W 2nd St #101, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Credit:@benjamin_ZH_LIU
hack:
The Edison is such a beautiful and unique space mostly due to the fact that it’s an actual formal power plant! In fact, it was Los Angeles first ever power plant.
If you are trying to impress out of town friends I recommend this spot above all the rest on the list. A visit to The Edison is guaranteed to wow any first time visitor to what’s possible in the city of Los Angeles.
2. Blind Barber, Culver City
description:
Need a haircut? Might as well get some great cocktails while you are it. Like many cool things we have adopted as our own, this concept comes from New York City when three dudes brought this barbershop, cocktail bar, speakeasy and DJ combo for Angelenos to enjoy!
Up front is a real live old school style barbershop with expensive but quality cuts. But hidden in back behind a nondescript door is a cool little speakeasy bar.
This speakeasy is decorated with old wood paneling and yellow fading wallpaper. The place has leather booths and dim lights. It’s spacious with good size tables and chairs.
Come on over and have some Jack Daniels with Grand Marnier and blackberries to get the party started.
Location:
10797 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
Credit:@fashionable_Barista
Hack:
With all the unique cool things offered by a night at the Blind Barber, the best may be their Grilled Cheese Sandwich?
Yes, people who love melted cheese between 2 pieces of bread seem to rave about the Blind Barbers signature sandwich.
If you love grilled cheese it may be worth finding that secret entrance just to enjoy this tasty treat.
3. The Varnish, DTLA
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The Varnish is not only elegant but also prestigious as it once won the title of ‘Best American Cocktail Bar’ at the ‘Tales of the Cocktail’.
The bar is popular for well made classic cocktails but if you let the bartender surprise you with something off the menu, you will likely be pleased as well.
The bar decor is intimate with cozy wooden vintage booths. While standing at the bar is not permitted you should have no problem finding a booth to take in the live piano music.
This gem of a bar is hidden behind the famous Cole’s restaurant.
Location:
118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Credit: @thevarnishbar
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The Varnish, of course, sits in the back of Cole’s restaurant. Yes, the same Cole’s famous for delicious sandwiches including the French Dip which they claimed to have invented.
If you are coming to the Varnish grab a bite at Cole’s first (I mean you have to walk through there anyway) go ahead and check off 2 amazing LA bucket list experiences in one night.
4. La Descarga, Koreatown
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In the mood for Havana night? This bar has all the magic of the nightlife of 1950’s Cuba with a cigar lounge, burlesque salsa shows, Cuban rum, live music, and excellent bartenders to keep you entertained.
The cocktail menu is primarily based on Rum of course since the theme of the bar is Cuban. And you can enjoy some excellent rum tastings at the back bar.
Like all other elegant vintage eras inspired speakeasy bars, an on-point dress code is a must.
This is one of the most hidden secret entrance spots in Koreatown and finding it is not that easy.
We don’t want to give away too much here and ruin the surprise, so be sure to look for the security standing around outside if you are having trouble finding it.
Location:
1159 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Credit: @ladescargala
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Unless you know someone or go on a very slow night be sure to make a reservation.
Trust me now. Thank me later.
5. The Rendition Room, Studio City
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Some of the best mixologists in town can be found in Studio City, and this is also the case at The Rendition Room. This 1930’s themed bar offers some of the best cocktails in the city. Go have a drink with confidence and impress your date with a well made old fashion.
With both bar seating or private booths, this bar takes walk-ins if there is room inside. Dress code is business casual.
To find it, I will give you one clue: Vitello’s Restaurant.
Location:
4349 Tujunga Ave #2, Studio City, CA 91604
Credit:@therenditionroom
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This beautiful spot is sometimes advertised as “members only” but don’t let that fool you or stop you from going. Non-members are free to make a reservation and check it out any time!
You just won’t get all the member perks. If you want to step up your baller game and think its a place you would go to often you can join.
As of this writing, it was a $1,000 annual fee to be a member.
6. Black Rabitt Rose, Hollywood
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Drinks, bar food, and a magic show! Why not combine everything I love into one place?
If you have seen the movie ‘The Prestige’ with Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale it’s like that brought to life.
Part speakeasy and part magic theater this place has a unique vibe sure to entertain.
Enjoy watching a variety of performers at this retro-style cabaret. You can buy tickets through their website for the shows.
If you don’t feel like paying the $40 for the ticket shows, no worries, come on in and have drinks at the bar, you will still love the cocktails and the ambiance.
Location:
1719 N Hudson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Credit:@blackrabbitrose
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The Black Rabbit Rose is an excellent place to bring a date. It has an intimate, romantic vibe and you and your date will be entertained with an amazing performance in between private conversations and tasty cocktails.
7. Good Times @Davey Waynes, Hollywood
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Wow, the 70’s seemed like a good time! And now you can experience what it must have been like to party back then!
Davey Waynes is like a perfect reenactment of a house party in the 70’s best compared to that classic movie Dazed and Confused.
Well alright, alright…. enjoy a night of alcohol, sideburns, vintage beer cans and plenty more of that groovy 70’s decor inviting you to stay for a while.
To find it you will have to go through the garage sale and find that secret door that will lead you to this amazing party bar.
If you are hanging out here be ready for a good time!
Location:
1611 N El Centro Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Credit:@gtdaveywaynes
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Good Times @ Davey Waynes is one of the most popular bars on our list and in all of Hollywood.
If you plan on going on a Friday or Saturday night you will want to arrive before 9:30 PM or risk waiting in line for up to 2 hours to get in!
If you want to arrive fashionably late LA style this is not the place to do it!
Unless you have an inside person and can skip the line make sure to show up early.
8. Break Room 86, Korea Town
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Last but not least, here is a Speakeasy bar that pays tribute to an era some of us might still remember.
The 80’s! Big hair, neon signs, and Tom Cruise ruled the world.
This is yet another successful Speakeasy bar brought to us by the incredible ‘Houston Brothers’.
Bands and DJ’s playing 80’s music and drinks that will give you the buzz you want but with a twist including Ecto Cooler and Rocket Pop.
You can play arcade games or sing some 80’s song in one of their 4 karaoke rooms that also have Atari consoles for old school gaming.
Break Room 86 has some of the best live performances with some incredible break-dancers and a spot on Michael Jackson impersonation performer.
It’s located at The Line Hotel, and it’s open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 pm to 2:00 a.m.
Location:
630 S Ardmore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Credit:@ninjia.co
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If you don’t like confined spaces Break Room 86 might not be for you. The space is somewhat small and it gets packed! Or you could get into one of their Karaoke rooms to escape and catch your breath as needed.
Speaking of karaoke rooms be on the lookout for the “secret” one with the telephone booth entrance. It’s Free to use for those that know about it!
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!