Posts Tags Categories

Global Tour: Top Hidden Bars to Discover

By Nora Campbell | Published on  
Explore top speakeasies worldwide with a tour through hidden bars in Buenos Aires, Denver, Paris, Mexico City, and more. Discover secret entrances, unique cocktails, and unforgettable experiences.

Welcome to a world of hush-hush drinks and secretive sips where you have to do a little more than just walk in off the street to quench your thirst. Around the globe, tucked away in the most unexpected corners are the coolest speakeasies you can ever stumble upon. We’re diving deep into some of these clandestine corners that promise unique, fun, and exciting experiences.

Imagine this - you’re wandering the quaint streets of Buenos Aires, and you stumble upon a charming little flower shop. But the real bloom lies in what’s hidden below. Floreria Atlantico, a secret bar, welcomes you once you open a refrigerator door and descend the steps. It’s not just a great spot for a cocktail; you can also indulge in some small bites. And if the party bug is still at it, the flower shop above will sell you wine for the afterparty.

Moving to Denver, Colorado, where Williams and Graham - voted best bar in the United States by the Spirited Awards in 2015 - awaits. Behind a secret bookcase entrance in a storefront that looks like a bookseller, you’ll find a prohibition-inspired watering hole. The wait times are long, but the unforgettable cocktails are worth every minute.

In the City of Lights, secret bars are rare, but the Moonshiner, hidden in DeVito Pizzeria’s walk-in fridge, is a speakeasy that demands to be discovered. Here, the enchanting allure of the prohibition era is brought back to life, one cocktail at a time.

Mexico City, with its vibrant nightlife, has hugged the speakeasy trend wholeheartedly. Enter Joel’s Basement, a craft cocktail haven accessed through refrigerator doors. What lies inside is a sleek, hip space filled with live music, setting the mood for an unforgettable night.

Then there’s London’s Callooh Callay, a whimsical bar made for C.S. Lewis and Lewis Carroll fans. With hidden secrets, bars within bars, and a hidden extra speakeasy behind a Narnia-style wardrobe, the place promises an escape into a magical world, complete with award-winning cocktails flavored with fennel vermouth or Sichuan peppercorns.

At first glance, Foxglove is a shop that sells high-end umbrellas, but a secret door reveals one of the world’s most elegant speakeasies. Coupled with meticulous mixologists and a cool, contemporary space created by NC design and architecture, you’re in for an unforgettable evening. And should it rain, an umbrella is right at your disposal.

Singapore’s 28 Hong Kong Street, the Best Bar in Asia in 2016, brings an all-American craft cocktail-centric speakeasy to the city-state. Western comfort food like mac and cheese balls accompany the drinks, promising a laid-back experience behind an utterly nondescript door.

In Manila, the Bank Bar awaits, not behind a bank or an ATM, but through the supply closet of a 7-Eleven. Once inside, a posh drinking establishment with a refined vibe and clientele sorts out. Recognized as one of the best bars in the Philippines, the effort to find it is undoubtedly worth it.

New York teems with speakeasies, but one of the coolest is PDT, a teeny tiny bar in the East Village. Accessed through a secret phone booth from the attached hot dog joint, Crip Dogs, PDT is a gem. Its small size might make entry difficult, but once inside, unique offerings like a deep-fried hot dog paired with bacon-infused bourbon or an absinthe cocktail are worth it.

Lock & Key: Los Angeles’ Doorknob Mystery

Last, but not least, LA’s Lock & Key challenges you with a wall full of doorknobs, where only one grants entry into an ultra-sleek Koreatown bar. Known for its dress code, creative cocktails, and extensive whiskey selection, it’s a place that keeps you guessing and, once found, keeps you coming back for more.

As we bring this global tour of hidden bars to a close, it becomes clear that the charm of a speakeasy transcends beyond its secretive entrance or clandestine location. It is the aura of discovery, the sense of journeying into an era gone by, and the blend of creativity and mystery that defines these places, making them a unique experience for every visitor.

From the enchanting, floral escapade in Buenos Aires to Denver’s bookish nook, each locale gives you a story to tell, memories to cherish, and an atmosphere you won’t find just anywhere. Our jaunt through Paris reveals the bewitching prohibition magic, while Mexico City showcases the vibrant pulse of its nightlife. In London, we stepped into a dreamland straight out of a fantastical tale, and Hong Kong offered us elegance wrapped in unexpected sophistication.

Singapore painted a picture of laid-back comfort with an all-American vibe, while Manila surprised us with a refined drinking establishment tucked away in a convenience store. New York City, with its teeming abundance of hidden watering holes, managed to surprise us with a pint-sized gem offering unique indulgences, and finally, Los Angeles brought us face to face with a puzzling wall of doorknobs that opened the door to an extraordinary cocktail experience.

These clandestine corners of the world serve as reminders of the beauty of exploration, the thrill of the unknown, and the irresistible allure of the unexpected. They challenge us to look a little deeper, to venture off the beaten path, and to seek out experiences that are out of the ordinary. So, the next time you find yourself in a foreign city or even just looking for a new experience in your hometown, remember that the best experiences may just be hiding behind an unmarked door, a refrigerator, or even a bookcase. These enchanting hideouts aren’t just about the drinks - they’re about the story, the journey, and the magic that unfolds when you step into the unknown.

A speakeasy is a secret bar that is typically hidden from public view and often requires a password or a secret entrance to gain access. They originated during the prohibition era in the United States, providing an illicit hideout where patrons could enjoy a drink. Today, they embody a sense of nostalgia, exclusivity, and allure, offering unique cocktail experiences.

Each speakeasy featured here boasts its unique identity, ranging from their hidden entrances (like through a refrigerator door or a secret bookcase) to their thematic interiors. It’s not just the secrecy, but the atmosphere, the storytelling, and the sheer sense of adventure they offer, that make each experience unforgettable.

While these speakeasies are open to the public, gaining access may sometimes require a bit of insider knowledge or patience. Wait times can be long, especially at popular locations, and some may require a password or reservations. Additionally, certain establishments may enforce a dress code, ensuring that the ambiance stays consistent with their theme.

The drink menus at these speakeasies are as diverse and intriguing as the venues themselves. While they tend to specialize in craft cocktails, the exact offerings vary. Expect everything from classic Prohibition-era concoctions to innovative drinks infused with exotic ingredients. Certain venues also offer unique food pairings to complement their drink menus.

Visiting times can vary depending on the specific speakeasy. However, evenings and weekends typically see a higher influx of patrons, making the experience more lively and authentic. Some speakeasies may also host special events or live music on certain days, which could add an extra dimension to your visit. It’s advisable to check their websites or contact them directly for the most accurate information.