A Speakeasy Bar Roadtrip Across America: 13 Coolest Speakeasy Stops
- Turf Club Twin Falls
- Mar 31
- 8 min read
The Roaring Twenties was a decade marked by the upheaval of social norms, a surge in jazz music, the rise of flapper culture, and, of course, the rebellious spirit of Prohibition-era speakeasies. These hidden bars left a lasting mark on American culture—so much so that hundreds have since reopened across the country, paying homage to the Prohibition era's clandestine charm and rebellious spirit. From New York to Las Vegas, these clandestine spots capture the intrigue of the 1920s while serving up some of the finest cocktails in the country—and we've got the inside scoop on the best ones to check out.
If you love the thrill of discovering hidden gems, this speakeasy bar road trip guide will take you to 12 of the coolest stops across America. So grab the password, seek out the hidden doors, and prepare for an unforgettable night—one secretive cocktail at a time.
SafeHouse – Milwaukee, WI
Established in 1966, SafeHouse is part hidden cocktail bar, family-friendly restaurant (before sundown), and spy museum. You may easily pass by the unassuming red door and sign “International Exports, LTD” on Milwaukee’s Front Street—but once you step inside, you’ll want to stay for a while. SafeHouse boasts several rooms of spy memorabilia and artifacts that set the mood for the restaurant open during the day. Once the sun sets, SafeHouse serves up stealthy cocktails—from the rum-based Spy’s Demise to the invigorating Spy Jolt espresso martini—exclusively for those daring enough to enter. But first, you’ll need to provide the secret password to “Agent MoneyPenny,” the vigilant gatekeeper ensuring only true spies gain access.
Violet Hour – Chicago, IL
Chicago was a hub for Prohibition bootleggers in the Roaring Twenties, and Violet Hour captures the essence of that era. What looks like a single lightbulb against a colorful wooden wall is actually a secret bar tucked away from the metropolis's noise. If there’s a line (which there most likely is), join it, and if not, knock a couple of times to be transported into the 1920s. Inside the Violet Hour is a candle-lit, luxurious environment with crystal chandeliers, hardwood floors, and a posh marble bar that spans the length of the room. Known as a James Beard Award winner, the Violet Hour’s artisanal cocktails are recognized as some of the best in the country. The Violet Hour has something for everyone, from shaken drinks to punches and stirred craft cocktails.
Denson Liquor Bar – Washington D.C.
Down the stairs on 6th Street NW (across from the local fire station) is one of the best speakeasy bars on the East Coast, Denson Liquor Bar. With black-and-white tile floors and bronze-colored tables, this art deco-styled hidden bar is a gem in the nation’s capital. Denson Liquor Bar’s menu features wine, beer, and classic cocktails, such as Hemingway Daquiri and the Blood and Sand. If you’re in the mood for a bite, the bar also provides Petrossian caviar, charcuterie, and fine cheeses.
Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. – Philadelphia, PA
True to the resilient spirit of Prohibition, Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company faced the brink of closure due to COVID-19 but defied the odds, emerging once again to serve its signature cocktails. Tucked between 17th and 18th Streets on Schubert Alley near Rittenhouse Square, this Philadelphia speakeasy bar is one of the coolest in the region. While some may find it tricky to locate, a simple phone call to the bar provides the necessary directions—after all, what better way to enhance the experience than embarking on a hunt for a speakeasy? Franklin Mortgage delivers a curated selection of drinks, drawing inspiration from pop culture and literature.
No detail was overlooked in the design of this hidden bar. With a striking Art Deco aesthetic, Franklin Mortgage features an elegantly furnished bar, a single-malt scotch room, a charming wine room, and a chic, sophisticated ambiance. Featuring house-made infusions, syrups, and bitters, this modern speakeasy bar is one you’ll want to write home about. Try their popular La Dolce Vita, which blends amaro, dulce de leche, lemon, coconut, egg whites, and cola, showcasing their innovative and creative experimentation approach.
Apotheke – New York City, NY
New York City is home to several of the coolest speakeasy bars in the US—and Manhattan Chinatown’s Apotheke is the gold standard for hidden cocktail bars in the city. Behind a centuries-old door, underneath the Gold Flower Restaurant sign at 9 Doyers Street, is the modern take on an apothecary, Apotheke. Once an opium den, this speakeasy serves medicinal-inspired cocktails crafted with organic herbs, fresh produce, botanicals, and hand-selected absinthe. Its cocktail menu is thoughtfully categorized into euphorics, stress relievers, and aphrodisiacs, ensuring every visitor finds the perfect elixir. Apotheke quickly rose to fame since its opening in 2008 and has since established two other locations in downtown Los Angeles and another New York location, Apotheke NoMad.
Red Phone Booth – Nashville, TN
As you stroll through the bustling streets of Nashville, you might pass an unassuming vintage British red phone booth without a second thought. But once you discover what’s hidden inside, you won’t want to miss it. The Red Phone Booth is an award-winning, 1920s Prohibition-inspired speakeasy that transports guests to a bygone era of craft cocktails and sophistication. To step inside, guests must dial a secret password. If correct, a hidden door swings open, revealing an intimate, Prohibition-era setting that captures the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties. From the extravagant velvet drapes to the sensual jazz tunes playing in the background, Nashville’s Red Phone Booth exudes an air of mystery and sophistication. This speakeasy boasts a fully stocked cigar room, black-and-white TVs, dim lighting, and exceptional craft cocktails to create an unforgettable experience in America’s “Music City.”
Rm. 901 – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rm. 901 is Fort Lauderdale’s best-kept secret and one of the best speakeasy bars in the state. What’s disguised as an ordinary hotel room at the Hyatt Centric is actually the coolest hidden bar in Broward County. To get in, guests must book a hotel reservation and receive a password to share with the front desk upon arrival. You’ll then receive a room key to 901, where you’ll be transported into a swanky Prohibition-era speakeasy. Complete with sultry lighting, vintage carpets, retro-inspired light fixtures, and antique artwork, Rm. 901 is a one-of-a-kind experience for anyone who dares to walk through the door. The speakeasy showcases a wide array of craft cocktails and gourmet bites designed to indulge your senses, featuring favorites like the wagyu beef katsu sando and the “Coffee Fix,” made with Slane Irish whiskey and Flor de Caña espresso liqueur.
Midnight Cowboy – Austin, TX
Midnight Cowboy’s name is a nod to its storied past. Once a brothel disguised as a massage parlor called Midnight Cowboy Modeling Oriental Massage, this speakeasy has become one of Austin’s trendiest spots. To find it, look for the sign Midnight Cowboy Modeling and hit the buzzer marked “Harry Craddock” to enter. This reservations-only speakeasy is known for its eccentric cocktails, ranging from the elegant “Out of the Fog” (aged Japanese whisky, smoke, soda) to the bold “Horse and Buggy” (bourbon, Smith & Cross, crème de banane, Amaro di Angostura). If you didn’t make a reservation, keep an eye out for the illuminated vacancy light—if it’s on, you might just snag a table for an unforgettable night.
The Bookcase and the Barber – Durango, CO
Barber shops were a popular front for hidden bars during the Roaring Twenties—and Durango’s best speakeasy keeps that tradition alive. Tucked behind an unassuming bookcase in a local barbershop, The Bookcase and the Barber is a hidden gem in this quaint, mountainous town. You’ll need to give a password (it’s on their social media) before the bookcase is opened up to a modern space with leather couches and upholstered armchairs. The speakeasy’s cocktail menu features drinks named after famed authors and award-winning works of literature, fulfilling its mission to blend the art of storytelling with the craft of mixology. And don’t worry about being discovered—this hidden bar is completely blacked out from the outside, ensuring total secrecy.
Griff’s – Twin Falls, ID
Established in 1946—when selling alcohol by the drink was still illegal in Idaho—the Turf Club began as a hidden speakeasy tucked among the state’s cornfields, offering ranchers a place to enjoy good drinks and even better company. Today, it has evolved into a fine dining destination, with its reimagined secret bar in Twin Falls, Idaho, Griff’s, waiting to be discovered by those in the know. Located outside the restaurant, this secret bar awaits—simply follow the sign of the griffin to a good time. Just be sure to have the password for entry, which can be found on their Instagram or by solving a puzzle at the entrance. Once inside, you'll be enveloped in low lighting, plush velvet-backed sofas, and a sultry ambiance—perfect for an unforgettable night out.
Griff’s meticulously crafted cocktails like the “Pineapple Fashioned” (rye, caramelized pineapple, demerara, bitters) and “Trip to Your Heart” (vodka, grapefruit, raspberry, absinthe, ginger) are a perfect blend of creativity and sophistication. Each drink is designed to surprise and delight, offering a unique twist on classic flavors in an intimate, speakeasy-style setting. If you’re in the mood for a bite to eat, Griff’s also provides delectable Asian cuisine, including steamed buns, pulled smoked pork belly, and fermented vegetable slaw, a nod to their history of serving Chinese food during the 1970s.
Experience the intrigue and spirit of independence at Griff’s. Visit Turf Club now for reimagined cocktails, an intimate atmosphere, and a night of unforgettable flavors in this hidden gem.
The Laundry Room – Las Vegas, NV
Rebuilt from what was once a popular Prohibition-era Las Vegas speakeasy—disguised as a laundry facility for the El Cortez Hotel—the Laundry Room is now a strictly reservations-only hideaway. This intimate space offers an exclusive cocktail experience, where expertly crafted drinks and a vintage atmosphere transport guests back to a time of secrecy and sophistication. The Laundry Room only seats 22 people at a time, with a maximum of four per party, highlighting the space's exclusivity and intimate allure. Once you’ve approached the host at Commonwealth, she’ll guide you down a hallway to a secret panel hiding the entrance to the speakeasy. The bartenders pride themselves on custom cocktails based on guests’ preferences, making the experience feel personal, immersive, and unlike any other night out in Las Vegas.
Thick as Thieves – Boise, ID
Nothing says “speakeasy” like a dark, mysterious hideaway—and Thick as Thieves nails it. Located in a dimly lit parking lot on the 600 block of West Idaho Street in Downtown Boise, this hidden bar’s door is marked by two thieving birds on the outside. Upon entering, you'll spot a pay phone at the top of the stairwell—dial 102, and you'll be rewarded with cocktails served in true speakeasy fashion. Velvet chairs, candle-lit fireplaces, and cozy lighting make Thick as Thieves an intimate setting for sipping on finely crafted cocktails and enjoying good company. The speakeasy’s bartenders are highly knowledgeable and can concoct a custom drink tailored to your taste, using house-made syrups and tinctures. If you’d like a bite to eat, Thick as Thieves offers a variety of small plates and snacks to accompany your drinks, making it the perfect spot for a night out in Idaho’s capital city.
False Idol – San Diego, CA
False Idol is one of the coolest speakeasy bars on the West Coast. Inspired by the tiki era of cocktail culture, this tropical hidden bar promises a fun, lively, and immersive escape. You’ll have to find the dark tunnel behind Craft and Commerce to discover this tropical oasis in the heart of Little Italy. Once inside, it’ll feel like you took a trip across the Pacific, with an indoor waterfall, an active volcano, and periodic thunder roars while you sip a hand-crafted cocktail. Staying true to its name, the bar’s walls are covered in images of “false idols” from midcentury America.
Where Will the Night Take You?
From hidden phone booths to unmarked alleyway doors, each speakeasy on this road trip offers a unique blend of history, mystery, and expertly crafted cocktails. Whether you're savoring a smoky old-fashioned in Apotheke or cracking the puzzle to gain entry at Griff’s, the thrill of discovery is half the fun. So, where will the night take you? One thing’s for sure—behind every hidden door lies an unforgettable experience. Cheers to the adventure!
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