Los Angeles hides its most intriguing secrets behind unmarked doors and hidden entrances – modern-day speakeasies that bring back the prohibition era’s glamor.
The best speakeasy in LA isn’t where most tourists go. These hidden gems range from mysterious Hollywood barbershops to clandestine downtown cocktail lounges. They serve more than just drinks – each spot opens a portal to vintage glamor and expertly crafted cocktails. Local insiders keep these 10 exclusive speakeasy bars close to their chest.
Password-protected lounges and secret entrances await your discovery. The city’s most mysterious drinking spots serve some of the most creative cocktails you’ll taste in 2025. Let this insider’s guide lead you to LA’s best-kept secrets.
Death & Co
Image Source: Wheree
Death & Co brings its legendary New York cocktail magic to LA’s vibrant Arts District. This sophisticated speakeasy adds a fresh twist to downtown’s nightlife scene from its moody subterranean lounge.
Death & Co’s Hidden Location
This refined speakeasy downtown LA spot sits at 818 E. 3rd Street. The space boasts its own unique character, built from scratch to create something special. Dark and intimate vibes set the perfect mood for exceptional drinks. The Standing Room adds an extra touch of coziness that fits up to 40 guests.
Signature Cocktails and Menu
The bar serves meticulously crafted drinks across several distinct categories:
- Light & Playful: Try the Snowblind Paloma ($22) with mezcal and grapefruit
- Bright & Confident: Sample the El Topo ($31) featuring Macallan 12 Year
- Elegant & Timeless: Savor the Hanoi Café ($24) with coffee and coconut notes
- Boozy & Honest: Experience the Ghost Transistor ($23) with El Tesoro Reposado
The kitchen pairs these creative drinks with mouth-watering dishes like buttermilk fried chicken and cranberry bean succotash.
Reservation Tips and Best Times
Securing a spot at this best speakeasy Los Angeles hotspot requires some planning. Here’s when you can visit:
- Sunday through Tuesday: 6 PM – 12 AM
- Wednesday and Thursday: 6 PM – 1 AM
- Friday and Saturday: 6 PM – 2 AM
Death & Co now accepts reservations through their booking system – a first in their history. The place runs mostly on a first-come, first-served basis, so early arrival makes sense, especially on weekends. Tables fill up fast in this intimate space, so showing up right when they open gives you the best shot at getting seated right away.
No Vacancy
Image Source: The Manual
A flickering “No Vacancy” sign just off Hollywood Boulevard marks one of LA’s most captivating speakeasy bars Los Angeles. This place brings the roaring twenties back to life in a beautifully restored Victorian mansion built in 1902.
Finding the Secret Entrance
The adventure starts in an alley off Hollywood Boulevard at the historic Hotel Juniper. Three doors await inside, and one leads to this spectacular speakeasy hollywood destination. The entrance adds to the magic, but you should experience its secrets yourself. Getting there at 9:00 PM gives you the best chance to enter when the cocktail lounge isn’t as busy.
Victorian Ambiance and Entertainment
Rich colored woods, plush red velvet, and oriental rugs transport guests to a different era. This three-story venue offers several spaces:
- A sophisticated main bar with cafe-style seating
- An intimate upstairs area with private tables
- A brick-walled courtyard that glows with string lights
No Vacancy stands out with its spectacular entertainment. Guests might see tightrope walkers performing overhead, burlesque shows, or fire-breathing dancers while live jazz fills the air. These performances happen throughout the evening and create an atmosphere that would make Gatsby himself envious.
Dress Code and Etiquette
No Vacancy maintains its sophisticated atmosphere with a strict dress code. Guests should avoid:
- Shiny shirts, shorts, or sports gear
- Flip flops and most hats
- Loud colors and visible logos
The venue opens only on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Reservations provide the most reliable way to get in, though you can try your luck with the doorman – just show up early and dress well.
This best speakeasy los angeles destination serves expertly crafted cocktails in vintage glasses that create an authentic pre-prohibition experience. The sunken indoor-outdoor bar design lets guests move between cozy indoor spaces and the vibrant courtyard, where baroque fireplaces create magic even on warm summer nights.
The Varnish
Image Source: Eater LA
At the time you walk through the unmarked door at the back of Cole’s French Dip, LA’s oldest public house, you’ll find one of downtown’s most celebrated speakeasy bars Los Angeles that ever spread. The Varnish occupies a cozy 987-square-foot former storage room and represents the pinnacle of classic cocktail culture.
Historic Cole’s Building Access
This intimate speakeasy downtown la treasure awaits behind an inconspicuous door at the rear of Cole’s. The space feels like a John Sloan painting brought to life with dark wood paneling and flickering candlelight. The atmosphere is so authentically vintage that you might forget you’re in the 21st century. A helpful tip: grab one of Cole’s famous French dips before your table is ready – they make the perfect prelude to your speakeasy adventure.
Classic Cocktail Program
The Varnish earned the prestigious Best American Cocktail Bar at Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards in 2012. Their expertly curated selection includes a concise menu of five carefully chosen cocktails:
- The Business (gin, lime, honey)
- Hot Buttered Rum (aged rum, butter, honey, hot water)
- Remembering the Maine (rye, vermouth, cherry hearing, absinthe)
The “Bartender’s Choice” provides a chance to experience something unique. Just share your preferred spirit and style, and watch skilled mixologists craft a personalized drink.
Live Jazz Schedule
The exceptional live jazz performances run Sunday through Tuesday from 9 PM to 12:30 AM. Marc Gasway curates a music lineup that ranges from classic jazz to blues and Tin Pan Alley tunes. The upright piano’s gentle melodies blend with the speakeasy’s dim lighting and intimate atmosphere.
This best speakeasy los angeles institution will close its doors on July 3, 2024, after 15 remarkable years. The bar operates without a reservation system, so early arrival is essential, especially on jazz nights. Tables become precious commodities as the evening progresses because of the intimate size and first-come, first-served policy.
Black Rabbit Rose
Image Source: Instagram
Black Rabbit Rose brings magic to life in every corner of this enchanting speakeasy hollywood spot. This mystical venue sits right in Hollywood’s theater district and blends classic magic with creative cocktail crafting.
Magic Show Experience
The Victorian-era theater will transport you to a world where reality shifts. You’ll get an intimate view of mind-bending acts in this cozy 40-seat venue. The 55-minute shows feature different magical artists who amaze with sleight-of-hand tricks and mesmerizing burlesque performances. Red-velvet curtains and sparkling chandeliers create the perfect backdrop for an amazing evening.
Craft Cocktail Selection
The magic doesn’t stop at the stage – it flows right into your glass. These signature drinks will cast their spell:
- The Dark Arts ($15) – crowned with a floating rose petal
- The Bullet Catch ($14) – topped with flaming whipped cream
- The Honey Bunny ($15) – billowing with Halloween fog
The Zig Zag Lady ($14) stands out as the menu’s surprise hit. This clever mix of black currant juice and house-blended rum will make your taste buds dance.
Entertainment Schedule
The shows run Thursday through Saturday nights and will make you question what’s real. Here’s what you should know:
- Duration: 55 minutes per show
- Age requirement: 21+ with valid ID
- Dress code: Upscale attire strongly encouraged
The lounge welcomes guests daily from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.. You can grab drinks before the show or enjoy late-night fun. The space turns into a music venue after the magic shows, with everything from jazz to DJ sets.
This best speakeasy los angeles spot makes the perfect end to your Hollywood adventure. You can walk here easily from our Hollywood Bus Tours starting point at the Hollywood Visitor Center. Come early to try Crying Tiger’s unique Thai-Chinese fusion menu, then settle in for a night you won’t forget.
Adults Only
Image Source: Secret Los Angeles
A Hollywood strip mall hides this unique speakeasy hollywood spot that takes secrecy to playful new heights. You’ll find one of the most creative speakeasy in la locations just a short walk from the Hollywood Visitor Center.
Video Store Entrance Guide
The strip mall at Sunset and La Brea features a glowing pink neon “Adults Only” sign. The space looks like a 90s video store filled with VHS tapes and vintage movie posters. The entertainment industry’s influence shows throughout. The real magic lies behind the mysterious black curtain, so don’t spend too much time browsing the front.
Unique Drink Menu
The creative cocktail program has something for everyone:
- Dirty Sanchez ($14) – A zingy blend of mezcal, lime, agave, cucumber, serrano chili, and cilantro
- Grounds for Divorce ($14) – Woodford Reserve bourbon, lemon, mint, yuzu bitters, and apple spice
- Clueless ($14) – A refreshing mix of vodka, lemon, honey, raspberry, cucumber, and ginger beer
The daily changing punch costs just $5 during happy hour. Each new day brings a different recipe that adds surprise to your visit.
Late Night Experience
The space welcomes you with high ceilings and a stunning stained glass window. The vibe shifts as the night progresses – quiet conversations fill the early hours, while DJ sets later transform it into a lively dance spot. A separate billiards room provides a peaceful escape where conversations flow easily.
This best speakeasy los angeles spot operates from 7 PM to 2 AM and hits its sweet spot around 10 PM. Early birds and night owls create the perfect crowd balance then. Dim cathedral-style lamps cast mysterious yet welcoming shadows while cult films projected on walls complement the entertainment theme.
This hidden gem is a great nightcap destination after a day of touring Hollywood’s iconic sights. The vintage video store front serves as your gateway to one of the most creative speakeasy bars los angeles.
La Descarga
Image Source: Goop
A bright sign lights up the entrance to one of the most authentic speakeasy bars Los Angeles has ever seen in East Hollywood. La Descarga turns an ordinary building into a slice of pre-revolutionary Cuba. The location sits just minutes from our Hollywood Bus Tours starting point at the Hollywood Visitor Center.
Hidden Entrance Adventure
Your unique experience starts at 1159 North Western Avenue. A suited doorman checks your reservation before you climb a shadowy staircase to meet a hostess in her office. The real magic happens when she walks to an imposing armoire and slides aside hanging shirts to reveal your gateway to old Havana.
Cuban-Inspired Atmosphere
The wrought-iron spiral staircase leads you down into 1940s Cuba. The space captures weathered elegance with these distinctive features:
- Vintage Cuban posters that grace distressed walls
- Chandeliers that cast warm light over leather booths
- A white Carrera marble bar stands as the room’s centerpiece
Rum Selection and Shows
This speakeasy in la boasts an impressive collection of over 75 rums from around the world. The intimate cigar room offers premium rum flights ($20-$30 for three tastes) and hand-rolled cigars aged 5-10 years.
The weekly entertainment schedule keeps guests moving:
- Free salsa classes run Tuesday nights from 8:30-9:30 PM
- Burlesque performances light up Thursday through Saturday hourly from 10 PM to 1 AM
- Live bands play authentic Cuban rhythms while skilled dancers weave through the crowd
Reservations need to be made at least 24 hours ahead. The venue stays open until 2 AM, which makes it a perfect way to end your day after seeing Hollywood’s daytime attractions with our tours. The sophisticated atmosphere calls for upscale attire that matches the venue’s elegant vibe.
The candlelit cigar room features a second bar where premium rum flows neat or on the rocks. This space offers a quiet retreat from the main room’s energetic atmosphere. This best speakeasy los angeles destination takes you back to Cuba’s golden age, whether you’re a rum enthusiast or someone looking for an extraordinary night out.
Lock & Key
Image Source: Taste The Dram
A subtle red door across from a busy Vons supermarket in Koreatown leads to one of the most intriguing speakeasy bars Los Angeles has to offer. The location sits just minutes from our Hollywood Bus Tours starting point at the Hollywood Visitor Center. Lock & Key makes you solve a puzzle before revealing its hidden world.
Doorknob Challenge
A subtle red neon sign of a lock and key marks the spot. The first door opens to a small vestibule where black walls display a collection of locks, keys, and doorknobs. Here’s the twist – only one opens the way to the actual bar. The friendly hostesses might give you a hint if you get stuck, which adds to the fun.
Cocktail Specialties
The warm, intimate space inside features expert mixologists who create some of the city’s most inventive drinks. The bar uses fresh ingredients sourced directly from local farmers markets. The signature cocktails you shouldn’t miss include:
- The Torpedo: A unique blend of pear vodka, pear nectar, lemon juice, egg white, maple syrup, and ginger juice
- Old Money: A modern twist on the Old Fashioned featuring scotch whiskey and Demerara syrup
- House Punch: A daily rotating selection served from a traditional punch bowl
DJ Nights and Events
Night brings a new energy to Lock & Key, making it one of Koreatown’s hottest spots. The venue offers two distinct vibes – a sophisticated indoor space and a buzzing outdoor patio with market lights. The bar opens Tuesday through Saturday from 7 PM to 2 AM and features:
- DJs playing hip-hop, R&B, and top 40 hits
- Skilled bartenders who create customized drinks based on your priorities
- A second bar on the patio to keep drink service quick
The best time to visit this speakeasy in la is around 10:15 PM, as it gets packed by 10:45 PM. Cocktails cost between $10 and $15, which is great value for such crafted drinks. The staff stays on top of everything by clearing glasses and bringing water to ensure you have a great time.
The Roger Room
Image Source: Yelp
A mysterious neon hand glows in darkened windows near the Beverly Center. It beckons you to one of the most intriguing speakeasy bars Los Angeles keeps under wraps. The Roger Room shows that the best secrets often hide in plain sight, just a short drive from our Hollywood Bus Tours starting point at the Hollywood Visitor Center.
Fortune Teller Facade
A seemingly unreliable fortune teller’s office serves as the clever disguise for this sophisticated speakeasy hollywood destination. Two neon tarot cards give the only hint of what waits inside. You won’t get any palm readings here – instead, you’ll find a world where classic cocktails meet modern innovation.
Seasonal Drink Menu
The fall 2024 menu shows the bar’s commitment to “The best of everything and nothing but the best”. Some standout selections include:
- Truffle Martini ($35) – Luksusowa Vodka infused with black winter truffle and sea salt
- Irish Goodbye ($17) – Slane Irish Whiskey with fresh espresso and handmade whipped cream
- Smokey & The Bandit ($16) – Ilegal Mezcal with lime, allspice, and vanilla
Intimate Bar Experience
The cozy 900-square-foot space welcomes you with vintage furniture and maroon leather stools that create a sophisticated yet warm atmosphere. Art deco gems and funky artwork adorn the walls under dim lighting. The space tones down Hollywood’s typical flash and pizazz to create something more genuine.
The bartenders craft more than just drinks here. Each cocktail gets careful attention with fresh ingredients and precise measurements that ensure consistency. Your best chance at securing a spot in this intimate setting is to arrive before 8 PM.
The Roger Room stands apart from other speakeasy in la venues through its focus on craft rather than scene. You won’t see velvet ropes or crowds of people texting that they’d rather be somewhere else. This place lets real conversations flow as freely as the expertly crafted cocktails, making it perfect to unwind after exploring Hollywood’s iconic sights.
Blind Barber
Image Source: Blind Barber
A crisp white barbershop in Culver City hides one of the most stylish speakeasy bars Los Angeles has to offer. This unique spot sits just a short drive from our Hollywood Bus Tours starting point at the Hollywood Visitor Center. The best secrets often hide where you least expect them.
Barbershop Secret
Skilled barbers work their magic in antique chairs during the day, giving locals their cuts and trims. The real transformation happens after sunset. A simple unmarked door at the back leads to a seductive, 1970s-inspired speakeasy in la. Deep red Venetian walls, wood paneling, and ambient red neon lighting create a sultry atmosphere that pulls you in.
Signature Cocktails
The cocktail menu features creative drinks at $15 each. Notable options include:
- Strawberry Fields: A refreshing blend of vodka, strawberry-infused Aperol, fresh strawberry, and lemon
- Hot Heather: Tequila mixed with pamplemousse, Koval ginger liqueur, and lime
- Southern Charm: Bourbon that pairs with Chinola passion fruit liqueur, lemon, and mint
Food and Drink Pairings
The kitchen crafts delicious bites that go perfectly with your drinks:
- Two Hander Burger ($18): Double smash patty with sweet onions and B&B pickles
- Chicken Schnitzel Roll ($17): Sesame-crusted with herbed yogurt on a pretzel roll
- Pork Belly Croquettes ($12): Served with cheddar and lemon aioli
Plush oxblood booths line the space, and a wood-paneled DJ booth overlooks a dancefloor with red and black checkerboard floors. The doors open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 PM until close. The vibe gets better as the night goes on. This best speakeasy los angeles spot fills up quickly, so come early to grab a seat at the L-shaped bar where regulars gather for seasonal cocktails.
Your outfit matters here – this place stands apart from typical neighborhood bars. A visit here makes the perfect end to a day of Hollywood sightseeing on our tours. This hidden gem blends sophistication with surprise, and it all starts with a simple haircut.
The Rendition Room
Image Source: Vitello’s
The Rendition Room sits inside the historic Vitello’s Restaurant in Studio City. This sophisticated speakeasy in la opened its doors in 2016. The venue shows LA’s ongoing love for secret drinking spots.
Bookshelf Entry Guide
A seemingly ordinary bookshelf greets you after entering Vitello’s. This isn’t your typical library – it serves as your gateway to one of the finest speakeasy bars Los Angeles has. The bookshelf door opens into a world where time freezes. Our Hollywood Bus Tours start at the Hollywood Visitor Center, and this hidden gem makes the short trip north worthwhile.
1930s Atmosphere
The sound of Edith Piaf’s “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” fills the space. The room captures a bygone era’s spirit perfectly. The intimate setting features:
- Red velvet drapes flowing down walls
- Large leather armchairs that welcome quiet talks
- Vintage books and period memorabilia
- Candlelit tables casting mysterious shadows
Each carefully crafted drink in the cocktail program tells its own story. The signature menu includes:
- The Golden Ticket – crafted as a tribute to Gene Wilder
- The Moonlight Drive – a whiskey sour lifted with vanilla and maple syrup
- Tiki on Tujunga – a tropical mix with multiple rums
Reservation Requirements
This best speakeasy los angeles spot needs advance planning. The venue runs Tuesday through Sunday, from 5 PM to 10 PM. Here’s what you should know:
- Dress Code: Business casual or period-appropriate attire is a must – dress well or you might not get in
- Party Size: Groups stay at four or fewer to keep the intimate feel
- Timing: You get a 15-minute grace period, but your whole party must be there to sit down
Note that this speakeasy hollywood keeps strict rules to maintain its mystery – no flash photos or phone calls allowed inside. Our tours show you Hollywood’s iconic sights, and the short trip to Studio City makes for a perfect LA evening.
Conclusion
LA’s hidden speakeasies are more than creative cocktail spots – they transport you to different eras and worlds. Each venue has its own unique story. Death & Co serves sophisticated craft cocktails while Black Rabbit Rose amazes guests with magical shows. You’ll find most of these spots just minutes from the Hollywood Visitor Center, making them ideal stops after your daytime Hollywood adventures.
These places just need proper attire, and you should book ahead. Getting there early helps you grab the best seats, particularly on busy weekend nights. The Cuban romance of La Descarga and the vintage glamor of No Vacancy create unforgettable evenings filled with expert mixology and amazing entertainment.
Bring your adventurous spirit and wear your finest – LA’s modern speakeasy scene is ready to surprise you. Every unmarked door and hidden entrance leads to carefully crafted spaces that celebrate the past while embracing today’s cocktail culture.
