The secrets of Southern California speakeasies: How to find one, how to get in (2024)

While government officials thought they were getting rid of an alcohol problem during the Prohibition era, it only made those inclined to drink a little more creative. Speakeasies — hidden, illegal bars that sell alcoholic beverages — began to pop up.

And while we’re no longer in the Prohibition era, something about the idea of drinking spot that’s a well-kept secret has only increased in popularity recently. Here’s our guide to speakeasies and other hidden bars around Southern California.

Los Angeles County

The Exhibition Room at Roxanne’s

1115 E Wardlow Road, Long Beach; 562-826-2940; theexhibitionroom.com; 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Fridays

There are a few steps you need to take to get into this speakeasy hidden inside Roxanne’s restaurant in Long Beach. First you must dial 562-826-2940. Then wait for a text back with instructions on how to make a reservation and, most importantly, remember to write down your password, because you’ll need it later. Once you get to the restaurant find the phone booth, and yes it was once an actual working phone booth that was housed at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum back in the 1940s. Pick up the phone and when someone answers tell them your password and the phone booth will then open to the Exhibition Room, a cozy dark room drenched in Prohibition-era décor where you’ll see historic pictures of Long Beach on the walls and bartenders making signature drinks. Try the Monkey Business, a rum and coconut pineapple tropical combo. But they are also serious about their straight-up spirits and the Exhibition Room offers some hard to find whiskeys like a 30-year old Japanese whisky called Fuji “Only seven of them were released in the United States,” said owner Robert Molina.

Slipper Clutch

351 S. Broadway, Los Angeles; 213-265-7477; theslipperclutch.com; 8 p.m.-2 a.m. nightly

This bar will make you feel just like you stepped back in time into the 1970s, when punk was on the rise. But first you’ll have to step into another bar to find the Slipper Clutch. Step one into your time- travel experience is to walk into the Chatterbox, a welcoming, friendly bar with checkered floors, a pool table and holiday lights hanging from the ceiling. But then look down the hall by the bathroom and you’ll see a neon sign just above the men’s room that reads “Highballs,” with an arrow pointing to the right. Follow the sign, open the door and you’ll be inside a graffiti-covered dive bar. There’s a pool table, vintage pinball and video games and a tiny fenced patio that faces a parking lot. Walk up the rundown-looking cement stairs to the second floor where live and loud punk bands perform. Drinks are straight up and yes, of course there are highballs on the menu, including a very strong Jack and Cola, Bourbon and Root Beer and a classic Gin and Tonic. Tall Boy cans are also available and as far as food goes, it’s pretty much limited to chips and bar nuts. But no one is here to eat.

Adults Only

7065 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles; 323-469-0040; adultsonlybar.la; 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays

In the back corner of a nondescript shopping plaza next to a dentist office is a simple sign that reads “Adults Only.” Under that sign is what appears to be a 1990s video store with shelves filled with VHS tapes and an old TV playing cult movies. Go ahead and walk through the store and over to the bright red neon sign that reads “Adults Only” and walk on in. No need for a trench coat here because behind that sign isn’t the adult section of a video store but an upscale bar decked out in dark colors and fancy couches under dimly lit chandeliers plus a pool table and a long bar serving a good variety of co*cktails, beer and spirits. With movies projected on the wall and a DJ spinning tunes, it has more of a 1990s club vibe than a classic speakeasy, so for those looking to take it all in come early before the crowds get there.

Good Times at Davey Wayne’s

1611 N El Centro Ave, Los Angeles; 323-498-0859; goodtimesatdaveywaynes.com; 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m.-close Sundays

Besides a gym, there really isn’t much going on on this stretch of street in Hollywood except for what looks like a garage sale happening in a tiny old messy garage. There’s stuff everywhere, like an old radio, an empty vending machine and a discarded VCR inside the garage. At the end there’s a dirty old refrigerator with a Miller Lite neon sign above. Open the fridge and instead of cans of Miller you’ll see stairs leading up to a vintage 1970s style lounge and bar furnished with what looks like actual furniture from the 1970s, with stains and all. There’s a fireplace, walls lined with carpet and wood paneling, a bar and a patio where an old camper trailer has been converted into a second outdoor bar. Beers are cheap here, about $5 for cans and $7 for draft. Take it up a notch with $12 co*cktails inspired by the 1970s like the Fat Elvis made with a peanut infused rye whiskey, or the Village People made with chai gin.

Employees Only

7953 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood; 323-536-9045; employeesonlyla.com; 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesdays-Sundays

This Art Deco-style contemporary restaurant has no windows and is not that easy to find, but not too hidden either, since there is a bright vertical sign with the name of the restaurant and “Food + co*cktails” in small red letters underneath just above the front door. Still, some may think this could be an employee lounge or some private club, but no, it’s a higher-end restaurant with a sophisticated menu; think things like hand-cut steak tartare, roasted duck breast and a variety of pastas plus a robust co*cktail menu too. But the real secret here is located in a corner of the restaurant under an exit sign. There you’ll find nothing but a corner wall, but those in the know know that when the wall is pushed in just the right way it opens to a small hidden speakeasy where live music happens and mixologists serve some of the best drinks in town. “It’s a great room. The bar is a little larger than normal and we call it a bartender’s table so it’s really an opportunity for our bartenders to create something exciting and different,” said Tom Sopit, managing partner of Employees Only. For drinks try the seasonal co*cktails or just tell the bartenders the flavors you like and they’ll likely come up with something on the spot. And to get in it’s best to make reservations for the backroom rather than to go pushing around the walls of the restaurant. And here’s a pro bonus tip: anyone who stays until last call gets a free bowl of spicy chicken soup — yes, a free bowl of soup. “There are people who just show up at the end of the night for the soup,” Sopit said.

The Blind Barber

10797 Washington Blvd, Culver City; 5715 N. Figueroa St., Highland Park; blindbarber.com; 6 p.m.-close Tuesdays-Sundays

Need a haircut and a good time? This place will take care of you. The entrance to the dimly lit speakeasy in Culver City is hidden behind an actual working barber shop that even has that swirly candy-stripe barber shop sign outside. So just walk past the barbers and open the back door, where there are usually coats hanging and you’re in the mid-century-style bar decked out in old wood paneling and yellow wallpaper with leather booths along the back wall. You can get co*cktails like the bourbon-based Smoke + Dagger or the Hot Heather, a mix of tequila pineapple, lime and ginger. And if you’re hungry there’s also a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches and other bits. The Culver City location is the original and there is a second location with the same concept in Highland Park.

The Varnish

118 E 6th St., Los Angeles; 213- 265-7089; thevarnishbar.com; 7 p.m.-2 a.m. nightly

Located inside Cole’s, one of the oldest restaurants in the city, the Varnish is one of the original modern-era speakeasies. Just walk to the back of the restaurant and spot the door. There’s usually a gentleman there in a vest who will let you in. There is no cover charge and no reservations are required but the speakeasy is small, so there’s often a wait. But it’s worth it because inside it’s decked out in Prohibition-era décor with dark walls, wood booths under industrial-style lights. It’s a place that is known for training some of the best bartenders in town so the best thing to order here is anything the bartender suggests.

Orange County

The Blind Rabbit

440 S. Anaheim Blvd., #104, Anaheim; 347-555-1234; theblindrabbit.com; Noon-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 5- 11 p.m. weekdays

This dark and cozy speakeasy is tucked away inside the Anaheim Packing District behind a secret door. Guests will need to make reservations in advance for 90-minute seating times. The ever-evolving drink menu includes classic and seasonal co*cktails like the Black Walnut Manhattan, traditional sidecar, daiquiri and old-fashioned drinks and a variety of options made with absinthe including the Green Beast and Absinthe Minded co*cktails. The food menu includes french fries and tater tots, corn esquites, fish and chips, burgers, steak frites and more. Guests have 90 minutes to dine and drink and house rules prohibit talking on the phone, PDAs or standing at the bar.

TTA (Tap That Ash) Speakeasy

330 W Birch St., Brea; 714-332-0006; macallanspubbrea.com/tap-that-ash; Noon-11 p.m., Mondays-Thursdays; Noon-1 a.m. Fridays; 9:30 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Sundays

This private, membership-only club inside Macallans Public House in Brea can be found behind a secret door in a photo booth. There are four levels of membership, with varying levels of access to the lounge and day passes are also available for $20 per person depending on availability. But the lounge isn’t just about the drinks — cigars can also be enjoyed inside and special events like complimentary co*cktails on a Monday night or social events like a movie night are also part of the membership. Macallans offered some of the largest selection of scotch and whiskey in Orange County, so it is kind of about the drinks, too.

Under CdM

2325 East Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar; 949-287-6600; riverjettyrg.com/cdm/private-dining; 5-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 5-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays

Hidden beneath the CdM Restaurant, this small speakeasy has a vintage photo booth and can host up to 16 people for a sit-down dinner or up to 25 for a co*cktail party. The restaurant’s full menu, including a CDM Spicy Pizza, Lobster Ravioli, and Braised Short Rib, is offered and a bartender is available for craft co*cktails. An 80-inch flat screen TV is equipped with surround sound and a stereo to play personal slideshows or music during private events. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling the restaurant.

400 Club

18421 Gothard St., Suite 400, Huntington Beach; 714-584-7501; 400clubhb.com; 5-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

In a Huntington Beach warehouse sits the 400 Club, a hidden craft co*cktail bar that’s part of Four Sons Brewing. It has dim lighting, comfortable seating, an intimate setting and signature co*cktails featuring housemade whiskey and spirits. The menu has signature co*cktails you can always find, but there is also a seasonal co*cktail menu of drinks based on rotating themes. No food is served or allowed to be brought in. The bar is reservation only; reservations can be made through the website. Guests will receive confirmation emails with specific instructions of where to be before being led into the secret lounge as well as reminders via text.

Graceland

155 5th St., Suite F-183, Huntington Beach; 714-369-2155; gracelandspeakeasy.com; 11:30 a.m.-midnight Mondays-Thursdays; 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. Fridays; 9:30-1 a.m. Saturdays; 9:30 a.m.-midnight Sundays

Located in HQ Gastropub on California’s iconic Pacific Coast Highway, Graceland is a comfy lounge with ’70s music, comfy couches and an ocean view. Guests can enjoy craft co*cktails like the Faux Pas (Tiny City Vodka, egg white, lime juice with avocado, cucumber, jalapeño and cilantro) or Graceland (Don Q White Rum, Blue Curacao, coconut with fresh pineapple juice and lime juice). The hidden entrance can be found by walking through a cooler filled with colorful kegs. The speakeasy offers private memberships, but walk-ins are also welcome, although wait times may vary.

LSXO

21016 CA-1 D200, Huntington Beach; 714-374-0038; dinebluegold.com/lsxo;11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Not only is this restaurant tucked away inside another, it was recognized on the Michelin Guide California list. Behind an unmarked door adjacent to the wine room of Bluegold, LSXO transports you to District 5 (China Town) in Saigon. The 28-seat restaurant is a spinoff of the Little Sister brand by Chef Tim Vuong serving Vuong’s take on homestyle Vietnamese cuisine. Here’s part of the anonymous Michelin inspector’s comment on LSXO: “Don’t miss the savory pork, shrimp and crab dumplings served alongside an incendiary, peanut-loaded black vinegar dressing. Then, a big steaming bowl of cháo loaded with crab, salted cod, white fish and egg whites, is silky and delicious.” Reservations can be made by phone or online.

Kai Lounge

21058 E Pacific Coast Highway, Ste. M230, Huntington Beach; 657-259-0010; kailounge.com; 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays; 11:30 a.m -2 a.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays

Inside Kai Modern Japanese Bistro, The Whiskey Lounge is hidden behind a discrete bookshelf. The intimate space only seats 10 people and the small room’s walls are lined with shelves of premium Yamazaki and Suntory Hibiki Master Select bottles. You can go in there to enjoy the Japanese-inspired co*cktails, sakes, wine and beer, but the space also doubles as a private 18-course omakase-style dining experience. Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant.

Ruin Bar

2930 Bristol St., Ste. a111, Costa Mesa; 714-884-3189; theruinbar.com; 6 p.m.-midnight Mondays-Wednesdays; 2 p.m.-2 a.m. Thursdays-Sundays

The concept behind a “ruin bar” is to take over abandoned or neglected outdoor spaces. Hidden behind white shuttered doors, Ruin Bar at The Lab Anti-Mall has both outdoor and indoor spaces to enjoy your craft co*cktails, wines or draft beers. Live music is played Thursdays and DJ performances on Fridays and Saturdays. The space is cozy and filled with knickknacks, mismatched décor (especially with cats on them) and unique furniture pieces. Burning candles or incense can be smelled from the moment you cross the threshold. The space can be rented out for private events.

Pie Society

353 E 17th St, Costa Mesa; 949-313-6333; piesocietybar.com; 5-11 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 5 p.m.-midnight Fridays-Saturdays 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Sundays

Instead of grabbing some food from Pitfire Pizza, park behind the restaurant and look for what seems like an electrical closet or a shed. Next to it is the entrance for Pie Society (You can also get to it through Pitfire Pizza, but this is more fun). The menu has a full selection of pizzas, salads, pasta and appetizers. And of course, the extensive drink menu has an array of wines, draft beers and craft co*cktails. The bar also makes a limited number of double cheeseburgers each night; ask your waiter to order you one.

Cowboys and Poodles

2948 Randolph Ave Suite C Costa Mesa; 657-600-8477; thecowboysandpoodles.com; 6-11 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Fridays-Sundays

Next door to Salty Bear Brewing, you’ll find a door with a porthole. A bouncer will invite you into a room full of smoke and mirrors before taking through a hidden door that leads you to the Cowboys and Poodles speakeasy. As the name suggests, you can find portraits of people (and poodles) wearing cowboy hats lining one of the walls in the walkway of the speakeasy. The bar seats are shaped to look like a horse’s backend, tail and all. The bar hosts burlesque shows and features DJ performances all while serving up craft co*cktails. Walk-ins are welcome although wait times may vary and the space can be rented out for private events.

Y.N.K — Irvine Marriott

18000 Von Karman Ave, Irvine; 949-553-0100; 5:30-10 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays

You don’t need to be a guest at the Marriott to access this hidden speakeasy behind sliding doors inside the hotel (you can also enter through the back and be walked through the service area of the hotel). Walk-ins can be accommodated when possible, but with a space that only seats 18 people comfortably it’s likely best to snag a reservation on OpenTable. The experience is limited to 90 minutes and if you want to have more than five people in your party, you’ll have to speak with a food and beverage manager. The idea of Y.N.K. is “You Never Know,” meaning the drinks are constantly rotating and mixologists are willing to customize a craft co*cktail based on a guest’s preference. Private mixology classes are available the third Wednesday of each month. And if that isn’t private enough for you, you can book a chef’s table experience with a six-course, customized meal and three drink pairings set in a private dining room in the middle of the hotel’s active kitchen. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel.

Helens

31726 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach; 949-549-4556; www.eatahba.com/location/helens; 5 p.m.-close Tuesdays-Sundays

Once an engineer’s office and now a hidden lounge, this space next to Ahba looks like a ’70s lodge, owner Nick Bennett said. If you’re casually strolling by it may just look like an office building, but look for a red light out front which tells you it’s open. The space has a “living room area,” bar and protected patio courtyard. Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are recommended for larger parties. The space can be rented out for private events as well. Guests can order food off the Ahba menu through the bartender, but the drink menu is specific to Helens with a rotating menu of curated, craft co*cktails.

The Seahorse Bar at Pearl Street General

1796 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach; 949-715-4533; pearlstgeneral.com; 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays

This speakeasy can be found a few different ways — you can go through the two front doors of Pearl Street General (a retail store) on Pacific Coast Highway and walk to the bar in the back or go behind the building on Pearl St. and walk in. Walk-ins are welcome, but if you want to guarantee a spot on the weekends, reservations are encouraged. The Seahorse Bar has a long, rich history in Laguna Beach and first opened in 1946. Vintage, velvet couches make for comfortable seating in the living room-style bar where you can enjoy a newly revamped menu and drinks.

The Lost Inferno and Momoku No Usagi

425 N El Camino Real B, San Clemente; thelostinferno.com; momokunousagi.com

Why have one hidden bar when you can have two? From one of the founders of The Blind Rabbit, Leonard Chan, comes two new hidden bar concepts — The Lost Inferno and Momoku No Usagi. The Lost Inferno is a Goonies-themed bar hidden behind a wall that looks like the side of a ship. Craft co*cktails can be found, with an emphasis on rum from around the globe. Escape Magic Shows are presented the first Sunday of every month.. Momoku No Usagi (Japanese for “The Blind Rabbit”) can be found by going up stairs hidden behind a sliding bookshelf. It’s not just beautiful drinks you can find here, temaki sushi (hand roll sushi) is also available to order. Rules of conduct are similar to those at The Blind Rabbit — despite being in a beach town, there’s a dress code (no flip-flops!) and rules against PDA, phone calls, standing at the bar or switching seats. Guests are limited to a 90-minute experience and exit through an upper level doorway.

Riverside County

Apparition Room

28693 Old Town Front St., Suite 104, Temecula; 951-514-6332, apparitionroom.com; 5 p.m. to close Tuesdays-Fridays; 2 p.m. to close Saturdays-Sundays.

Prohibition-themed bar is inside Devilicious Eatery & Tap Room in Old Town Temecula. Text 951-514-6332 for reservations.

Thompson & Twain Prospecting Co.

28544 Old Town Front St., Temecula; thompsonandtwain.com; 6-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 6 p.m.-midnight Fridays and Saturdays

This Wild West bar is hidden behind swinging doors within a restaurant called Crush & Brew. Executive Director Spencer Szczygiel says the interior is designed to resemble a Gold Rush saloon. Even the wallpaper was treated to look yellowed. The bar features more than 100 bourbons, plus gin and rye. Mixers are housemade. Period or formal dress is encouraged but not required. Space is limited to about 30 customers on the floor, plus bar stools. There is an informal 2-hour time limit.

San Bernardino County

Black Antler Book Club

22 E State St, Redlands; www.thestaterestaurant.com/babc.html; 6 p.m.-close Fridays-Saturdays

This tiny “exclusive lounge” is within The State, a gastropub in Redlands that also has a location in Rancho Cucamonga. Guests are asked to sign an agreement that they won’t take flash photos or post to social media before they are led to the back of the restaurant and through a very hidden entrance. The menu includes exclusive co*cktails. Make reservations online.

Ilegal

14 E State St, Redlands; 909-531-0390, ilegal1895.com; 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Thursdays-Sundays

This upstairs lounge is in a historical brick building in Redlands. It is attached to an upscale taco bar called Don Orange. The menu includes co*cktails, champagne and wine, plus burrata, sliders, flatbread and charcuterie. Guests go through a narrow passage to a host waiting at the bottom of the stairs to escort them to the second floor. House rules include smart and casual attire, no photos and no phones.

Veuve Noire

7900 Kew Ave., Rancho Cucamonga; thestaterestaurant.com/veuvenoire.html; 6 p.m.-close Fridays-Saturdays

“Exclusive club” is within The State in Victoria Gardens, an outdoor shopping center. Rules include no flash photography or posting to social media. There is a 90-minute time limit. Make reservations online.