Thank goodness we live in a time where alcohol and bars are legal. Hard to believe that decades ago drinking a spirit or two was banned and frowned upon. Now although we’d never want to go back to prohibition era laws, there’s something charming about the hidden bars and speakeasies from that time. Luckily, LA is home to some incredible speakeasies where you’ll experience what it was like drinking during the prohibition era and get the chance to hang out with the girls or guys in a more intimate setting. Nothing romantic here, speakeasies are great spots to relish in the calm and enjoy top notch crafted cocktails, and we just found the top 5 speakeasies here in LA.
1. La Descarga
Location: 1159 N. Western Ave., Hollywood
You don’t have to get on a plane to visit Cuba! Enjoy the best of Havana Nights at Hollywood’s Las Descarga. Enjoy a wide variety of cocktails including their specialty rum based drinks. Dance the night away to a live band playing traditional Cuban music too. Beginners will also love their salsa and bachata lessons. Once you’re done, enjoy smoking in the secret cigar room. It’s all the perks of a vacation, minus the luggage fees, sunburns, and jet lag. La Descarga is open from 8 pm – 2 am, Tuesdays through Saturdays.
2. The Cellar
Location: 26 E Colorado Blvd Pasadena
Classin’ it up is easy to do here at The Cellar in Pasadena. This speakeasy is a TOTAL hidden gem. The Cellar is located on Colorado Blvd (near the Vans and Lush store) and has a unique entrance where you’ll take a elevator to a wine barreled door that opens up to a cozy space with a grand piano, comfy seats, classical music and of course, a huge selection of wine. Shoutout to Eli Solano for showing us the deets below. Note that this place has a dress code. No caps, shorts, sports gear, or slippers. Seating is also a first come, first served basis. The Cellar is open Thursday from 6pm until midnight. Friday and Saturday they are open from 6pm to 1am (pretty sure you can hang until 2am), and Sunday from 4pm-9pm.
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3. No Vacancy
Location: 1727 N. Hudson Ave., Hollywood
Hollywood’s No Vacancy transports you into the golden days of speakeasies, where the parties roar on behind hidden doors. Sip on handcrafted cocktails while lounging on art deco couches. This bar is one of a kind, and a hot spot to bring friends and family who are visiting. Don’t forget to stop by their photo booth and capture a moment before heading out. No Vacancy is open nightly from 8 pm – 2 am.
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4. Adults Only
Location: 7065 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
This risqué speakeasy isn’t for the easily flustered. Adults Only may look like your average 1990s video rental store, but surprises lie in the back section that’s for adults only. Just like real life video stores, you’ll find some NSFW materials…and behind that, a full service bar, live music venue, and of all things, reupholstered Church pews to sit in ( because a little repentance may be needed after a visit LOL).Adults Only is open from 7 pm – 2 am, Tuesdays thru Sundays.
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5.Break Room 86
Location: 630 S. Ardmore Ave., Koreatown
If you’re looking for those chill vibes, check out Break Room 86 inside The Line Hotel. This awesome 80s themed speakeasy has private karaoke suites, arcade games, and a nostalgic drink menu. They’ve got boozy versions of the red white and blue rocket pops you’d get from the ice cream truck as a kid too. YUM!Break Room 86 is open from 9 pm – 2 am, Tuesdays through Saturdays.
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6. Black Rabbit Rose
Location: 1719 N. Hudson Ave., Hollywood
Who says magic shows are only for kids? Black Rabbit Rose puts a grown up twist on magic shows in their sultry bar and theatre lying behind an unassuming entrance. Grab some drinks and enjoy magic tricks throughout the entire bar, or catch a full 55-minute show for an extra fee. If you’re feeling hungry, the speakeasy’s take-out window Crying Tiger serves up authentic Thai-Chinese dishes. A night at Black Rabbit Rose is one you’ll never forget. Black Rabbit Rose is open 6 pm – 2 am, Mondays thru Saturdays. Magic shows run Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
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Want a taste of some more of LA’s unique nightlife? You have to check out these 8 bars with the craziest hidden entrances.
Feature photo from No Vacancy Instagram
