Hidden away from Hollywood’s glitz and glamour, these secret bars in L.A. capture the essence of the speakeasy like no other. Jazz enthusiasts, fans of moody lighting, and cocktail connoisseurs alike will be drawn to the allure of these Prohibition-era-inspired spots scattered across the city. Let’s explore the 15 best destinations for anyone eager to step back in time and experience the magic of the 1920s in Los Angeles’ finest speakeasies.
1. No Vacancy
No Vacancy is a renown spot among speakeasy bars in Los Angeles that masterfully evokes the Prohibition-era vibe. Set in a Victorian-style Old Hollywood hotel, the adventure begins as you search for room 1902. Once you find it, a conversation with the girl on the bed leads you to descend into a refined, charming bar rich with dark wood and vintage signs like “all your pleasures.”
The real magic happens on the back patio, where string lights illuminate burlesque acts and live music on weekend nights. It’s a captivating escape into a bygone era, perfect for those craving a blend of mystery and old-world charm.
📍 Location: 1727 N Hudson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
💸 Price: $10-$20
2. Sunset And Vynil
Hidden behind 800 Degrees Pizza, this secret bar in Los Angeles is a nostalgic nod to the 70s. With its retro interiors and disco anthems spinning from an eclectic vinyl library, it provides the perfect psychedelic escape we need right now. When possible, you can relax into a plush sofa and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere while enjoying a live performance.
📍 Location: 1521 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
💸 Price: $20-$30
3. Employees Only
One of the nation’s first contemporary speakeasies has found its way to the West Coast, setting up shop in West Hollywood. Among the top hidden bars in Los Angeles, L.A.’s own Employees Only features a faux storefront that conceals a secret drinking den. Enter through the psychic’s shop at the front, and you’ll step into a Deco-inspired, wood-paneled dining room with a gracefully curved bar.
Here, you can savor moody cocktails made with house-made syrups, hand-squeezed juices, freshly-puréed seasonal fruits, and generous pours of rare liquors, all paired with a dinner menu inspired by early-20th-century cuisine.
📍 Location: 7953 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
💸 Price: $30-$50
4. Death & Co.
The renowned NYC hotspot has brought its celebrated world-class cocktails to a Downtown Los Angeles speakeasy in the Arts District. Descend a staircase into a sleek subterranean den, where the lively bustle of 3rd Street above fades away.
Inside, you have the choice between two distinct areas: the intimate Standing Room, featuring just 8 cocktails, or the main room with its elegant brass accents and romantic amber lighting. The latter offers a full menu and 25 seasonal cocktails crafted from local agricultural bounty.
📍 Location: 818 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
5. Lost Property
Step into this captivating whiskey bar, one of the best speakeasies in Los Angeles, where the bartenders are relaxed, the drinks are uniquely original, and unclaimed property is up for grabs. You’ll quickly forget you’re right on Hollywood Boulevard as you enter this dimly lit sanctuary—so dark you might struggle to see your date.
The ambiance is enhanced by softly playing oldies, creating a space where conversation reigns supreme. The mid-century-inspired interior features dark wood, leather, vintage luggage, crystal decanter light fixtures, and a curated collection of unclaimed thrift store treasures.
📍 Location: 1704 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
6. The Blind Barber
This stylish barbershop discreetly conceals sophisticated speakeasies with locations in NYC and Chicago, as well as two in L.A., one in Culver City and another in Highland Park. During the day, you can enjoy grooming services, while at night, the space transforms into a chic cocktail lounge. The concept focuses on fostering a community where ideas can flow freely in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere.
📍 Locations:
- 5715 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
- 10797 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
7. The Del Monte
Tucked away beneath the vibrant Townhouse in Venice, The Del Monte is a hidden bar and a modern speakeasy with a fascinating history. While Townhouse buzzes with energy above, the real treasure lies downstairs. The Del Monte, a former Prohibition-era speakeasy, combines historical charm with contemporary elegance.
Descend into its intimate, stylish basement and enjoy a sophisticated escape from the bustling crowd. It’s a perfect retreat for a more subdued and enchanting nightlife experience.
📍 Location: 52 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291
💸 Price: $10-$20
8. Good Times at Davey Wayne’s
At The Del Monte, an old refrigerator door opens to a 70s-themed speakeasy that feels like stepping into a nostalgic living room. The space is brimming with vintage trinkets and collectibles, including old soda cans, creating a charming retro vibe.
In the backyard, adorned with garage sale finds, an old trailer serves up fantastic drinks. This unique spot delivers all the retro nostalgia you could desire, offering a cozy, homey feel right in the heart of Hollywood.
📍 Location: 1611 N El Centro Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
💸 Price: $20-$30
9. Black Rabbit Rose
Black Rabbit Rose in Hollywood is a standout speakeasy with a captivating blend of vintage charm and modern sophistication. Enter through an inconspicuous entrance to discover an intimate, dimly lit space adorned with eclectic decor and old-world elegance.
The cocktail menu is as creative as it is refined, perfectly complementing the bar’s atmosphere. With regular live performances, including magic acts and music, it offers a dynamic and immersive experience. .
📍 Location: 1719 N Hudson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
10. Old Lightning
Hidden behind classic industrial walls in Venice, Old Lightning is one of L.A.’s coziest speakeasies, featuring chic Mid-Century furniture with a tiki twist. This intimate spot only fits 25 people, so you’ll need to ask the staff at Scopa Italian Roots, where it’s tucked away, or email for a reservation. Just a heads-up: once inside, you’ll need to disconnect from your phone and dive into the vintage vibe.
📍 Location: 2905 Washington Blvd, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
11. The Lucky Tiki
One of L.A.’s hottest spots right now isn’t a restaurant, it’s the Lucky Tiki, a speakeasy-style tiki bar tucked behind West Hollywood’s Tail o’ the Pup. To get in, buzz the intercom hidden in the pickle barrel on the patio, push through the beaded curtain, and step into an intimate space decked out with blowfish lanterns, unique tiki mugs, and lots of memorabilia from the original
📍 Location: 8512 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
💸 Price: $30-$50
12. Cold Shoulder
With extravagant drinks and quirky, upside-down decor, this intimate speakeasy on Fairfax Avenue turns expectations on their head. Unlike the menu-free Blue Collar next door, Cold Shoulder features an extensive cocktail menu, which you can access via a sliding library shelf from its more laid-back sibling. On weekends, you’ll need to get the password from the Blue Collar host, but on quieter weeknights, you can simply walk right in.
📍 Location: 359 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
💸 Price: $30-$50
13. The Bourbon Room
Step through an unassuming wrought iron door and enter a stylish lounge outfitted with chesterfield sofas, dark walls, and industrial touches, perfect for enjoying top-shelf bourbons. While this setup embodies the classic speakeasy vibe, the highlight is the dimly lit, neon-drenched theater where top acts in comedy, theater, and music perform weekly.
Located just off The Sunset Strip, this iconic venue offers an intimate retreat and attracts not only legendary stars on stage but also notable faces in the audience.
📍 Location: 6356 Hollywood Blvd 2nd floor, Los Angeles, CA 90028
15. Alley Lounge
Though this indoor-outdoor bar behind Culver City’s FIN Asian Tapas may not scream “speakeasy,” it’s a hidden gem among speakeasies in Los Angeles. The Backyard, a pandemic-era addition, offers picnic tables, patio heaters, and TVs for game days. Inside, the Alley’s modern decor provides a cozy atmosphere for intimate conversations and groups enjoying round after round of cleverly named, expertly crafted cocktails.
📍 Location: 12223 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
15. Adults Only
Often likened to a Boogie Nights-inspired speakeasy, Adults Only offers a unique dive bar experience where patrons enter through a faux video store on the Hollywood Strip. Inside, they walk through a gallery adorned with vintage VHS tapes and movie posters bathed in a red glow. The main area features an extravagant mix of decor, including boudoir accents, ornate sofas, stained glass, and billiards rooms.
📍 Location: 7065 1/2 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
💸 Price: $10-$20
Originally written by Ashlyn Davis.