Travelers looking for a fun and unique drink experience should seek out these hidden bars. From Prohibition-era speakeasies to laundromat fronts, these bars offer an exclusive atmosphere that’s sure to captivate anyone who finds them.
Tucked away behind a Cyclone Liquors door in Ames, Iowa, Cellar 626 is one of the country’s best hidden gems. Guests can enjoy their cocktails in this cozy underground bar, complete with a copper bar and a 48-star American flag.
Bramhall Speakeasy
Located in the basement of Denver’s Halcyon Hotel, this cocktail lounge is a hidden gem bar. The entrance is a door that’s out of place in the otherwise upscale restaurant, but the challenge of finding it is part of the fun. Once you enter, you’ll find a cozy space that’s perfect for enjoying a delicious cocktail. This cocktail lounge is also a great place to grab a bite to eat. The menu includes items like fried chicken sandwiches and burgers, along with a variety of creative drinks.
The Marble Ring is a dark and intimate hideaway hidden behind a Doctor Who-esque blue police phone call box in Birmingham. No password is required, but reservations are recommended. Simply text the number listed on the website to make a reservation and a hostess will appear to seat you or put your name on the list. When you arrive, the interior of this bar is reminiscent of a speakeasy in the 1920s. You’ll find a brick and stone lined chamber lit primarily by candles and dim sconces, giving the bar an air of intrigue.
There aren’t many speakeasy bars that can claim to be as swanky and classy as Conspiracy. The tucked away restaurant is a dark and quiet respite from the noise of Market Square. Inside, you’ll find a library with an eclectic collection of books and drink menus tucked in old encyclopedias. The cocktails here are inventive and creative, but the best thing about this place is the food. The burgers, fries, and poutine are especially good, much like Pub Food in Backbarrow.
Paper Tiger is another speakeasy that’s a bit challenging to find, but it’s all part of the experience. Guests can order cocktails from the menu, which includes everything from the sultry “You Son of a Bitch, I’m In” to the refreshingly tart “Hair of the Dog.” The food menu is equally interesting, with options such as the Chicken Sanwich and the Bacon Fat Fries.
One of the most famous hidden gem bars in the country, this tucked away spot is hard to find, but it’s well worth the effort. The entry is a nondescript door on the corner of West 23rd Street and Park Avenue, but once you get through the doors, you’ll discover a dark and intimate hideaway with a swanky vibe. The menu features an extensive selection of spirits and cocktails, including some that are infused with chocolate protein powder.
Cellar 626
If you love wine and are looking for a new place to enjoy it, look no further than Cellar 626. This hidden gem is located inside of a vintage liquor store, and it offers a unique wine bar experience that you’ll never forget. Guests can enjoy wine paired with delicious food in this intimate space while listening to soft piano music.
Cellar 626 is one of the most unique bars in Pasadena, and it’s the perfect place to relax after a long day. Located in the heart of Old Pasadena, this hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone who loves wine.
Hidden gems are hard to find, but they can be worth the hunt. To discover a hidden gem, you must be willing to go out of your way and explore the city. This can include finding hidden bars and restaurants. To find a hidden bar, start by asking locals for recommendations. This is a great way to meet new people and see the city in a different light.
NYC is filled with hidden bars that are tucked away in the most unassuming places. From Prohibition-era speakeasies to ice cream shops, there is no shortage of secret bars in the city. Here are some of the best hidden bars in NYC:
The first step to discovering a hidden gem is to ask locals for suggestions. This can be done by striking up a conversation with people you encounter on your daily commute, or by talking to strangers who are visiting the city. Ask about their favorite hidden spots and where they like to hang out.
You can also ask for a guide to help you find hidden gems in your area. This will allow you to avoid getting lost and finding the wrong spot. This is a great option if you’re traveling alone and don’t want to waste time exploring the wrong areas.
There are a few ways to find hidden gems in any city, including taking a guided tour. This will allow you to learn about the history and culture of a city while having fun. Whether you’re looking for a hidden bar or restaurant, a guided tour will help you find the right place.
Le Bistro’s Cellar Door
Speakeasy-style bars are always popular. They’re a throwback to Prohibition-era dens where cocktails were bold, and patrons could sneak in and out of the establishment without being seen. And though the 1920s era may be long gone, there’s no sign that these secretive spots emphasizing craft cocktails and discreet entrances are going anywhere. From tiki-inspired eateries behind daytime barbershops to a hidden bar in the middle of a subway station, there are plenty of cool hidden gem bars in NYC that you’ll want to visit.
Hidden in the heart of Alphabet City, this swanky speakeasy is a cool place to sip mouthwatering drinks and dance. To get into the bar, head through a daytime barbershop that’s closed to the public, and pass by a striped blackboard with cryptic phrases like “you know, you’re so sweet / you’re so fine.” Then open the door to this gin-infused cocktail lounge and order up some cocktails.
To enter this quirky, turn-of-the-century tiki-inspired bar, guests must solve a cipher. Then the front window will become translucent, revealing the entrance. The bar is filled with bright, tropical-inspired cocktails that are sure to delight and quench your thirst. You can try a citric lavender fizz that’s spiked with butterfly pea blossoms, a mirbella with kombucha, or something with a hint of Saratoga juice.
The entrance to this quiet speakeasy in downtown Bismarck is as subtle as it gets, and the bar itself is just as swanky. Located below a restaurant called Rouge Gorge, the hidden spot is decorated in classic colors and boasts a cozy, intimate atmosphere. If you’re looking for a quiet escape from the noise of Market Square, then this is the place to go. Drink menus are tucked inside old encyclopedias, and cocktails are named after characters from novels.
While this hidden gem bar in West Virginia isn’t technically a speakeasy, it does have an exclusive feel that makes you feel as though you’re walking into someone’s private club. The space is decorated with antique furniture and a mirrored bar. In addition to cocktails, you can also find delicious small plates here, including short ribs and barbecue bacon-wrapped shrimp. This classy hideaway is perfect for a night out with friends, and it’s also a great place to meet people from all walks of life.
Culture Espresso
In a city where there are Starbucks on almost every corner, a little independent coffee shop called Culture Espresso has quietly staking out its territory. Founded in 2009, the small coffee shop now has three locations, all within a few blocks of each other. Each location is a little different, but each aims to be an escape from the hustle and bustle. The staff see themselves as more than just vendors and baristas, and they take great pride in curating the coffee experience. They also offer a selection of baked goods and doughnuts.
The Garment District location of Culture is one of the best hidden gem bars in New York, offering a variety of high-quality espresso beverages and baked treats. The cookies are particularly excellent, and our favorites are the chocolate chip and oatmeal cranberry. We also recommend their iced coffee, which features a strong shot of espresso mixed with ice cubes and milk.
Located on a faceless block of 38th Street, the Garment District is now home to several destination boutiques and restaurants, as well as luxury apartments. With so many distractions, it can be hard to focus on a great cup of coffee, but Culture Espresso is making it easier to do just that.
This tucked-away spot is not a speakeasy in the traditional sense, but it does play with some speakeasy conceits to create an experience that’s uniquely its own. Guests enter the restaurant through the back door of a burger joint that leads to an old-time bank building, which was once the home of a notorious corrupt banking family. The space still retains some of that history, with velvet couches and a library (likely where the tellers once sat) along with stellar craft cocktails.
While you’ll need to have a reservation to enjoy this hidden gem, the food and cocktails are worth it. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a hint of glamour from the glimmering sake image that hangs above the bar. We think it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind, especially when you’re tired of navigating the busy streets of midtown Manhattan.