Shhh! It’s the 10 Best Secret Speakeasies in Los Angeles

You don’t need a key to access all the secret speakeasies in Los Angeles…because you’re already holding it! Here’s a list of some of the best bars on the speakeasy scene, plus tips on how to get inside. 

*It’s no secret- this article includes an affiliate link. Thank you for considering the click.

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Cold Shoulder (South Fairfax)

Cold Shoulder is the newest speakeasy on the scene, and you need an actual password to get in.

Located directly next to the friendly neighborhood bar, Blue Collar, you enter through a secret bookcase that connects the two watering holes using a password you retrieve from their Instagram or with clues from the host.

Once you enter, everything is topsy-turvy, like you’ve walked through the looking glass into a 1920s train caboose – but with music from the 50s and 60s.

There’s an entire encyclopedia of signature cocktails, like the Art of Smoke mezcal that’s paired with a side of tortilla chips and smoky molcajeteada salsa, and the Midnight in Paris, crafted with chocolate-covered strawberries and topped with whipped white chocolate strawberry cream.

Cold Shoulder is open daily beginning at 7 p.m.

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The Varnish (DTLA)

The Varnish, located behind the iconic Cole’s on 6th Street in Downtown Los Angeles, is probably one of the best-known speakeasies in Los Angeles because of its transparency. There are no secrets here. The mood is low-key, and your drink order should always be Bartender’s Choice.

The bar opens at 7 p.m., and Live music begins at 9 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday night.

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Velvet Martini Lounge (Studio City)

The Velvet Martini Lounge, located above Vitello’s Restaurant in Studio City, is your spot if you love crooners and old Hollywood vibes.

They open for service as early as 5 p.m., but the Live Music doesn’t get going until at least 6:30 p.m. The ambiance is so lovely, though, that you might not mind if it’s just you and your lover listening to some old Frank Sinatra on a plush couch with a duo of Manhattan Cocktails.

Make your reservations here for Thursday to Sunday night.

Even more Secrets: There is an even more secret speakeasy located inside The Velvet Martini Lounge called The Rendition Room. It’s located behind a secret bookcase. Expect creative cocktails with bar seating only – so it’s extremely intimate.

Make your reservations here. They are open from Tuesday to Sunday, beginning at 5 p.m.

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Lock and Key (Koreatown)

Upon arrival at Lock and Key (which is a non-descript red door with a bouncer), you’ll be greeted with a wall of, you guessed it, locks and keys! Pick the right one, and you’ll be granted entry into this bar with both indoor and outdoor space. They specialize in Craft Cocktails and Deep-Dish Pizza. Get there early if you don’t want to wait in line, or ball out and get table service.

Hours are 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday to Saturday and 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday for afternoon Sunday Funday activities like Bottomless Mimosas.

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Mr. Wanderlust at Level 8 (DTLA)

Level 8, the multi-layered dining and nightlife concept atop the Moxy Hotel, is so expansive that it needs an entire article dedicated to itself. Still, since we’re only talking about secret speakeasies in Los Angeles, the focus will be on Mr. Wanderlust – where the journey begins.

Mr. Wanderlust is a lively piano bar and jazz lounge that begins with a trip into a wood library, complete with aerialists swinging from the chandeliers. There are secret passageways galore, including one that leads to a performance space where you’ll find the live music.

The cocktails are meant to be a trip around the world, and you can also indulge in small plates like Braised Wagyu Beef “Cigarettes” or Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup. Once your experience at Mr. Wanderlust is over, you can head home or venture through two other speakeasy-style doors for restaurants: Maison Kasai or Lucky Mizu.

Make your reservations on OpenTable if you plan on visiting after 9 p.m. They are open Wednesday to Sunday beginning at 6 p.m.

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Black Rabbit Rose (Hollywood)

Black Rabbit Rose is located right off Hollywood Blvd on Hudson Avenue. It’s where you want to be if your idea of a great night is a magic show with spirited cocktails and Chinese food.

The best part is that you can buy a ticket to the show for guaranteed entrance or try your luck in the lounge. Showtimes range, but it’s usually 7:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. Get your tickets here for both a show and a Magic Potion Cocktail.

The lounge is open Monday to Saturday beginning at 6 p.m.

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No Vacancy (Hollywood)

Also, in Hollywood, No Vacancy is located inside a Victorian-style home from the early 1900s. There are three doors to choose from to enter, and your only clue is, “Enter through the bedroom.” This place isn’t that easy to get into, so go early or reserve a table on their website.

Hours are 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday to Friday.

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Blind Barber (Culver City/Highland Park)

Blind Barber has locations in both Culver City and Highland Park, but that doesn’t make it any less cool. Not only can you sip on some hair of the dog, but you can actually get your hair cut, too.

They open at 11 a.m. for haircuts and 6 p.m. for drinks. The Culver City location also just went through a “redo” and has transformed into a 1970s-era bar. Visit Monday to Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. to enjoy Happy Hour pricing that begins at $7.

Reservations are available on the website. They also just launched an app that allows you to earn points for haircuts and drink purchases.

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Lilly Rose (DTLA)

You’ll find Lilly Rose in the basement of the Wayfarer Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. Evenings include live DJ entertainment and the occasional comedy show, but the schedule is not set. There’s also something called High Tea and Highballs if you’re into day drinking.

Lilly Rose is open Fridays and Saturdays only for nighttime activities beginning at 7 p.m. Reservations are available on the website.

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Bar Jackalope (DTLA)

Bar Jackalope is a whiskey-tasting library modeled after those secret spaces you might find in Japan. There’s seating for only about 20 guests inside, and there’s an outdoor space overlooking an alley for enjoying cigars. The bar is located behind Seven Grand, a hangout known for its brown spirits, and if you’re too busy looking at the glass cases holding private whiskeys – you may miss the door. Visit Bar Jackalope for Whiskey Flights and Rare Pours you’ve never had before.

Hours are 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. daily, and reservations are highly recommended due to the intimate space.

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