During Prohibition, hundreds of secret bars, or speakeasies, popped up throughout California. These under-the-radar establishments bucked temperance laws to pour potent potables in hidden spots like attics, backrooms and basements where anyone with the right connections could enjoy a sip. 今天, some of the originals have remained in operation, while other speakeasy-themed bars pay homage to this glamorously illicit era.
From an underground taproom fronted by a vintage barbershop in 圣路易斯奥比斯波 to an immersive tiki bar hidden in a 圣地亚哥 餐厅, the Golden State offers plenty of options for cocktail lovers who thrive on finding secretive destinations. Sip in secret at these fabulous establishments listed north to south.
1. 波本威士忌 & 分支, 旧金山
The address of 501 Jones Street in 旧金山 has been operating as a drinking den since 1899 when the phone book listed it as the “H. W. Vette & Co. 杂货店轿车.” The spot survived Prohibition by operating as a “cigar shop” where well-dressed ladies and gents would imbibe. 波本威士忌 & 分支 is the current iteration, featuring five separate hidden bars, including a room only accessible by a trick bookshelf. To visit, make an online reservation to access your password. 一旦进入, consider the Cucumber Gimlet (gin, 石灰, 接骨木花, orange bitters and sparkling wine) and forget about your cell phone (the bar has a strict no-phone policy).
2. 廉价小酒馆, 圣路易斯奥比斯波
A two-chair, vintage-style barbershop is a front for an underground taproom in 市中心SLO. Although it’s not an authentic Prohibition bar—the speakeasy-themed 廉价小酒馆 opened in 2016 as an extension of BarrelHouse Brewing Co.—the building it occupies is well over 100 years old. Step through the barbershop and down the stairs to explore a little room finished with exposed brick and rusted beams. Of the 16 high-end specialty taps available year-round, the most in-demand include the exclusive Reservado de Robles Barrel-Aged Beers and Salvaje de Robles Sour and Wild Ales.
3. The Varnish, Los Angeles
The oldest public house in L.A., 科尔的 is best known for its iconic invention: the 法国 dip sandwich. But behind the old-fashioned eatery serving up classic sandwiches, there’s an intimate speakeasy stirring exceptional cocktails. Push past a secret door in the back of the 餐厅 to find cozy booths and an upright piano that comes to life Sunday, 周一, and Tuesday nights. Try the Havana Fix (gin, homemade grenadine, and pomegranate syrup)—or ask the mixologist to surprise you and put yourself in their capable hands.
4. The Blind Rabbit, Anaheim
This 1920s-style club, complete with low lighting, eclectic glassware, and a 1905 working piano, is tucked behind a stack of sake barrels in the Anaheim Packing House. 独家 550-square-foot bar hits capacity at 35 guests, and reservations are mandatory after 5 p.m. Try the Wait for It to get a free show with your drink—the aged rum cocktail is served flambé. Small plates like crispy pork belly and duck mac and cheese help soak up the sauce. Think you’ll return? Regulars can opt to reserve a personal locker to keep their favorite bottle under lock and key.
5. 虚假的偶像, 圣地亚哥
Head through the walk-in fridge in 圣地亚哥’s Little 意大利 to discover this Polynesian hideaway. Part tiki bar, part speakeasy, 虚假的偶像 is hidden inside trendy gastropub 工艺 & 商务. Hundreds of colored glass buoys and preserved pufferfish cover the ceiling, while water trickles and fire spouts from the wall. The cocktails are equally as enthralling. Try the punch bowl–style Alkala the Fierce: a chai-infused bourbon blended with dark rum, 香草, 甘椒树dram, 和杏仁糖浆. Every time someone orders it, it causes the bar's “volcano” to erupt and its seats to shake.
