Rocco
Los Angeles has a rich history of speakeasies, which are secret bars where guests can escape the bustle of the city and enjoy an intimate experience.
I’ve explored the City of Angels’ hidden gems and compiled a list of the best speakeasies in Los Angeles.
If you look close enough, you can see everything from cozy hidden rooms to modern-day secret entrances – all with immaculate drink options.
Put on your classy prohibition-era attire, and let’s check out some of the best speakeasies in LA.
The Varnish
118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Phone: (213) 265-7089
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The Varnish has a traditional speakeasy vibe with moody lighting, cozy seating, and live jazz music. You can’t get more speakeasy than that!
Located near Rhythm Room LA in the Fashion District, The Varnish has a hidden door (in the back of Cole’s restaurant) that makes you feel like you’re truly in the 1920s.
Blind Barber
Highland Park, 5715 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Phone: (323) 739-0315
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Blind Barber is not only a great name for a hidden bar but is also one of my favorite places to drink in the city.
It’s listed as a “barbershop” near Highland Park Ebell Club, even listing barber services on Google like “beard trim” and “hot towel shave.”
But if you’re in the know, you’ll realize that it’s actually a bar hidden behind a barber shop.
They serve incredible craft cocktails, and I’ve liked the cocktails Coco Chanel, Black Jack, and Spice is Right, but the menu often changes.
Adults Only
7065 1/2 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: (310) 467-7377
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Adults Only is another great name for a bar, especially a hidden speakeasy-inspired bar.
Adults Only bar is near Henock Entertainment and is ideal for cinema lovers, given its cinema-themed decor.
They’ve even served cocktails in what looks like an old-school popcorn box!
I love coming here with a few close friends to try their craft cocktails and play pool.
My favorite drinks include the Dirty Harri with Irish Whiskey or the Grounds for Divorce with whiskey.
No Vacancy
1727 N Hudson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: (323) 465-1902
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No Vacancy is a vintage, hip cocktail lounge near the Black Rabbit Rose Magic Theater and Super Nova Comedy Club.
I like going to this swanky spot for date nights because of its sophisticated design, lively crowd, outdoor fireplaces, and various live shows.
They also have an excellent whiskey and a solid list of red wines.
Lock & Key
239 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Phone: (213) 389-5625
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If you’re wondering where to get a drink with some of the most comfortable booths in town, check out Lock & Key, located near the Shatto Park Recreation Center in Rampart Village.
The intentional under-booth lighting is what first caught my eye upon walking into this speakeasy-style bar, but I stayed for the cocktails!
Strawberry mule, rum martini, and coconut tea with coconut-washed gin were some of my favorites.
La Descarga
1159 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Phone: (323) 466-1324
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La Descarga, close to Lexington Park, is one of the most fun places to go out in Los Angeles because of its Cuban-themed decor, burlesque-style salsa acts, and clubby atmosphere.
Imagine puffing a cigar, sipping the La Descarga mojito, and enjoying bottle service while watching an impressive salsa performance – what more could you ask for in a speakeasy?
Black Rabbit Rose Magic
1719 N Hudson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: (323) 461-1464
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I’ve mentioned that No Vacancy, a bar listed above, was near Black Rabbis Rose Magic, but did you know that Black Rabbit is a speakeasy in itself?
This hideaway offers not only magic shows but cool burlesque shows and other musical and dance performances throughout the week.
Plus, they serve delicious Chinese and Thai food, which I didn’t expect but absolutely loved!
Given the variety of shows, cocktails, and food, I’d easily say this is one of the most fun places to get drinks in LA.
I’d recommend it for birthday parties or other special events.
Break Room 86
630 S Ardmore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Phone: (213) 368-3056
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Break Room 86 is a lively, hilarious cocktail and karaoke bar that has the recipe for a great night every night.
This bar is often packed with a fun, energetic crowd, catering to both locals and tourists who find their way to Koreatown.
Plus, not only is it a speakeasy itself, hidden under a hotel with an entryway at the back of a kitchen, but it also has speakeasy karaoke rooms within the bar itself – quite meta!
This isn’t your average speakeasy, as it doesn’t have that classic, intimate, sophisticated, jazzy vibe.
It caters more to the fun-loving, easygoing types who like to play arcade games and sing their hearts out!
Death & Co.
818 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
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Death & Co., located in the Arts District, fits in well with the surrounding area, given its creative interior design and even more creative cocktails.
Although it’s in Los Angeles, it has a distinctly New York feel to it, perhaps due to the low lighting, chic vibe, and well-categorized cocktail menu.
You only have to walk down a few stairs to get there, but it certainly has a speakeasy vibe.
If you go, I highly recommend ordering Mr. Fantasy – a mezcal drink – with a side of citrus-marinated olives or crispy potatoes.
Good Times at Davey Wayne’s
1611 N El Centro Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: (323) 498-0859
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When I told my friends I wanted to go to “Good Times at Davey Wayne’s,” they asked who Davey Wayne was, to which I replied, “I don’t know, but we’re about to find out!”
This ’70s-themed bar hidden in the rear of an alley in Hollywood is definitely one of the best bars to visit for a night out.
The space looks like it was taken straight from my parent’s home in the ’70s, with its vintage furniture and kitschy decorations.
The cocktails are tasty and classic. You can’t go wrong with a sangria, mojito, or Mai Tai here.
But you’d be remiss not to order their alcoholic snow cones!
Bar Jackalope
515 W 7th St #200, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Phone: (213) 614-0736
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Bar Jackalope is an intriguing, dark, and moody bar located, somewhat ironically, near the Whole Foods Market in the Financial District.
Jackalope is well known for its extensive list of Japanese whisky, as well as its hidden back-door entrance within the Seven Grand bar.
This whiskey bar is perfect for true lovers of this smokey liquor, as they serve beverages featuring rye, bourbon, Toki, and more.
Getting a classic old-fashioned is never a bad idea either.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering where to get a drink in a city that is full of surprises, LA’s speakeasy scene is excellent.
The beautiful city is home to some of the most unique and exciting hidden bars in the world, making it a must-visit destination for not only museum and film lovers but any cocktail enthusiast.
Let us know your thoughts on the best speakeasies in Los Angeles in the comments below!
Best Speakeasies in Los Angeles
- The Varnish
- Blind Barber
- Adults Only
- No Vacancy
- Lock & Key
- La Descarga
- Black Rabbit Rose Magic
- Break Room 86
- Death & Co.
- Good Times at Davey Wayne’s
- Bar Jackalope
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