Discover 7 Hidden Speakeasies Worldwide: Secret Bars with Prohibition Charm
Indulge in a gin cocktail in a covert room disguised as a doctor's office or savor a bespoke drink in Tokyo's stylish Ginza district. These discreet speakeasies offer authentic, immersive experiences for cocktail enthusiasts.
Bourbon & Branch (San Francisco, CA)
Experience Prohibition-era allure at Bourbon & Branch on San Francisco's Jones Street. Listed in the 1920s telephone directory as "The Ipswitch -- a Beverage Parlor," this speakeasy enforces house rules like no photography, no cell phones, quiet exits, and a secret password for entry. Savor an extensive array of spirits and cocktails, with a standout selection of bourbons.
Evans & Peel (London, England)
Nestled in London's Earl’s Court, this whimsical bar poses online as a detective agency. Book a "case" (reservation) in advance, then buzz the intercom. A "detective" interviews you before revealing the entrance behind a hidden bookcase. Relax in 1920s ambiance with inventive drinks like the Cold Fashioned or floral Tipsy Gardener.
The Cloak Bar (Toronto, Canada)
Perfectly named for its stealth, The Cloak Bar hides beneath Toronto's Marben restaurant on Wellington Street. So discreet, patrons often pass it by. Text the posted password to the door's number for entry when the doorman is absent. Settle into high tables or U-shaped booths for acclaimed cocktails like the French 75 or Island of the Cross, plus wines and beers.
Grandma’s Bar (Sydney, Australia)
Hidden under a guitar shop in Sydney’s Central Business District, Grandma’s Bar delights with cozy, kitsch decor and grandmotherly attentive service. Its extensive cocktail menu spans classics to complex creations, rooted in rum with frequent weekly updates for freshness.
Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour (Hong Kong)
Gin aficionados must visit Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour in Hong Kong’s Landmark Atrium. Enter through office doors labeled "Waiting Room" and "Consulting Room." Staff in white doctor's coats serve from 250 premium gins worldwide. Cocktails, including martinis and G&T's, feature organic, locally sourced ingredients.
Bar High Five (Tokyo, Japan)
In Tokyo's elegant Ginza district, the intimate Bar High Five—Asia's top bar—crafts personalized cocktails. Share your preferred flavors and textures; expert bartenders create bespoke drinks from premium whiskies, scotches, and more in a sleek, low-lit setting.
The Franklin Bar (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Off Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square, this stylish underground spot was once the Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co., a Prohibition-era alcohol smuggling front. Today, it spans two floors: art deco downstairs for potent craft cocktails and tiki upstairs for relaxed vibes. Entry depends on seating availability—expect a wait.
Ashley Bess is an editor-turned-freelance writer, gin and travel enthusiast with a knack for Prohibition history and global bar scenes.
