You don’t need a time machine to party like it’s 1929—you just need to know where to knock. SoCal speakeasies are alive and well, serving up prohibition-era vibes with modern craft cocktails.
The first modern speakeasy that really put the trend on the map was Please Don’t Tell (PDT) in New York City, which opened in 2007. It’s hidden behind a phone booth inside a hot dog shop. That combo of secrecy and sophistication lit a fire. It wasn’t just about the drinks—it was about the experience. And it offered a kind of curated escape from loud, overcrowded bars.
Here’s why the speakeasy trend stuck:
- Nostalgia with polish. People were craving something different after years of loud clubs and neon shooters. The speakeasy vibe—low lighting, jazz, intimate spaces—felt like a classy throwback.
- Craft cocktail boom. With the explosion of interest in artisanal everything—coffee, beer, chocolate—cocktails followed suit. Speakeasies were a natural fit for showcasing thoughtful, well-made drinks.
- Millennial taste for “experiences.” Younger drinkers have leaned hard into experiences over “stuff,” and speakeasies offer something a little mysterious and special. You don’t just go out—you discover a bar.
What makes a speakeasy sing?
But not all hidden bars are created equal. So what separates a real-deal speakeasy from a dimly lit gimmick? First, there’s the entrance. A good speakeasy should give you a little thrill getting in—maybe it’s behind a bookshelf, inside a working barber shop or down an alley with no sign.
Second, the drinks have to be strong in both taste and concept. Think barrel-aged spirits, creative infusions, and bartenders who know their way around a shaker. And finally, ambiance. Low lighting, plush seating, jazz in the background—yes, even if it’s a Spotify playlist.
What to wear
If you’re heading to SoCal speakeasies, the vibe is everything — it’s part mystery, part glamour, and all about stepping into a different era, even if just for the night. That means your outfit should feel intentional and a little elevated, whether you’re channeling vintage flair or going for modern-day chic with a nod to the past.
For women, a slip dress or a midi dress with interesting details — think velvet, lace, or fringe — strikes the right balance of sultry and sophisticated. Pair it with a strappy heel or ankle boot and a clutch small enough to tuck under your arm. Add a red lip and a touch of sparkle, like statement earrings or a beaded headband, to lean into the speakeasy aesthetic without looking like you’re in costume.
Guys can keep it sharp with a classic suit or slouchy trousers, a button-down and a blazer or leather jacket. A well-fitted vest adds instant old-school charm, and leather boots or classic oxfords finish it off. Even a fedora can work if it feels like your style — just keep the whole look intentional, not overdone.
The key is to wear something that makes you feel confident and a little bit mysterious. Speakeasies are meant to be discovered — and so are great outfits.
Great SoCal speakeasies
If you’re up for a little adventure, here are a few SoCal speakeasies that are worth tracking down.
The Blind Rabbit – Anaheim
Hidden inside the Anaheim Packing House, The Blind Rabbit is one of OC’s most atmospheric speakeasies. With a vintage decor vibe and strict house rules (no flash photography or phone calls), it’s a throwback to when going out was an occasion. The cocktails are bold, and the food menu is legit too—think duck confit mac and cheese.
How to get in: Head to the back of the Packing House and look for the wall of sake barrels. One of them opens into the bar. Reservations highly recommended.
La Descarga – East Hollywood
If Havana in the 1950s sounds like your speed, La Descarga is where you want to be. It’s not your typical speakeasy—it’s part cigar lounge, part rum bar, part cabaret. You’ll need a reservation, and yes, there’s a dress code. But once you’re inside, it’s like being dropped into another world. Salsa dancing, live music, and enough rum to sink a ship.
How to get in: Make a reservation online. You’ll be given a specific time to check in at the unmarked door. Dress up—seriously.
Lock & Key – Koreatown
Deceptively hidden behind a wall of doorknobs (only one actually opens), Lock & Key is all about discovery. Inside, the vibe is upscale without being stuffy. The bartenders are quick to recommend a drink if you’re feeling indecisive, and the crowd tends to be chill but stylish.
How to get in: Walk up to the doorknob wall, pick the right one (or just wait and follow someone in). No password, but a little patience helps.
The Guild Club – Costa Mesa
Tucked behind a curtain in the OC Mix, The Guild Club is intimate and stylish, with heavy drapes, velvet chairs, and some serious cocktail artistry. It’s one of the more elegant speakeasies in OC—ideal for when you want to sip rather than party.
How to get in: Enter through Arc Food & Libations, then slip behind the curtain. Reservations encouraged.
Prohibition – San Diego
Prohibition is San Diego’s original speakeasy, nestled in the city’s historic Gaslamp Quarter. The interior features dark wood paneling, vintage furnishings, and dim lighting that casts a warm, intimate glow. Plush seating arrangements, antique accents and live jazz create an atmosphere that’s both cozy and sophisticated, reminiscent of the Prohibition era’s secret lounges.
How to get in: Look for the unmarked door labeled “Eddie O’Hare’s Law Office” on Fifth Avenue; flip the light switch and wait for staff to escort you down to the lounge.
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