Hidden Speakeasies You’ll Only Find if You’re in the Know

So, what makes a speakeasy a speakeasy? It comes down to an elusive entrance and a sense of discovery. Secret door disguised as bookcases, vending machines, or refrigerators, password or invite-only access, locations that don’t exist on Google Maps, a front that is disguised as something else entirely: an abandoned building, a barbershop, a laundromat—you name it. It’s a place you won’t find unless you know where to look or who to ask. Luckily for you,we are in the know and are here to share some of the most exclusive speakeasies in the world with you.

Please Don’t Tell - New York City, NY

A reservation at Please Don’t Tell (PDT) is essential, but fortunately, it’s easily made on Resy. To access PDT, you need to make a phone call from the phone in the phone booth located inside Crif Dogs, 113 St. Marks Place in the East Village. The number is on the phone with instructions. A secret door will quickly open, and you’ll be whisked inside. Being on time for your reservation is crucial, as a $15 cancellation fee applies, and your reservation will only be held for fifteen minutes. Once inside, you’ll be able to enjoy some delicious craft cocktails.

Recommended Hotel: The Bowery

The Back Room - New York City, NY

Unlike PDT, the Back Room is a bit tricky to find and has been in operation since Prohibition — that’s right, it’s an original, bona fide speakeasy. To get there, head to the alley with a gate that has a sign that says “Lower East Side Toy Company,” walk through the gate, down the alley, and up the stairs to the bar. Cocktails are served in teacups to further disguise the bar, and if you can get VIP access, head through the bookcase to the super secret bar.

Recommended Hotel: The Ludlow

La Descarga - Los Angeles, CA

To get access to La Descarga, make a reservation on their website. It will be a late night, as they are open from 9 pm to 2 am Tuesday through Saturday, so make sure you don’t have to get up the next morning. Once in the door at 1159 North Western Ave, go up the stairs, and then a hostess will guide you through a wardrobe (think Chronicles of Narnia). It’s a Cuban bar, so you’ll find handcrafted cocktails with a Cuban flair, and, of course, cigars. The dress code is strict — collared, button-down shirts tucked in, or cocktail dresses. Hoodies, t-shirts, crewneck sweaters, flip-flops, or sandals are not permitted.

Recommended Hotel: Hollywood Hotel

The Cloakroom - Montreal, Quebec

Named the third-best bar in Canada, the Cloakroom brings you back to the prohibition days. Located inside an actual men's wear store, you’ve to find the hidden door, which is a mirrored wall within the store. There is no menu; simply tell the bartender what kind of drinks you like, and they will create a personalized cocktail for you. With just twenty-five seats, the intimate setting is cozy and exclusive.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Nelligan

Evans & Peel Detective Agency - London, UK

Need a private investigator? Have a mystery to solve? Make an appointment with the Evans & Peel Detective Agency. They may not help you solve the crime, but they will make you a damn good drink. Book a “consultation” here, after a short “interview” with the agency, they’ll let you in so you can get that old-fashioned you’ve been waiting for.

Recommended Hotel: Henley House Hotel

Le Syndicat - Paris, France

If you’re not paying attention, you may miss Le Syndicat, which has a facade covered by posters and graffiti. Once inside, you’re greeted with gold accents and served delicious cocktails. You’ll find fun, themed cocktails from their ever-changing menu.

Recommended Hotel: Le Pigalle

The Jerry Thomas Speakeasy - Rome, Italy

The first on our list that requires a password, the Jerry Thomas Speakeasy opened in 2010 and quickly became one of the world's best bars. You can get the password on their website by signing up for their newsletter. Reservations are recommended and can also be made on their website. Sip a glass of champagne or get a craft cocktail. Located in the historic Trastevere neighborhood, it boasts a funky, bohemian vibe that perfectly complements the speakeasy ambiance.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Isa

Bar BenFiddich - Tokyo, Japan

Named one of the world’s best bars, Bar BenFiddich has just fifteen seats, and reservations are required. Located in a nondescript office building at 1-13-7 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, you’ll find them on the ninth floor. There is no menu, and you’ll enjoy craft cocktails with a private, intimate atmosphere.

Recommended Hotel: Hundred Stay

Taylor Adam - Singapore

This bar presents itself as a tailor, with a facade that resembles walking into a tailor shop. Don’t be fooled, though, because you’ll be walking into one of the best bars out there. With a menu inspired by around-the-world beverages and cuisine, Taylor Adam prides themselves on their “sensory delights.” Like the others, reservations are recommended.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel 1929

The Iron Fairies - Hong Kong

The Iron Fairies may be well-known, but it still gets a spot on this list for the sheer gorgeousness of the inside. Not apparent to an outsider, it’s located on a side street in Hong Kong, beneath a frame shop. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale, with hundreds of butterflies hanging from the ceiling and other whimsical touches.

Recommended Hotel: Ovolo Southside

The Baxter Inn - Sydney, Australia

If you like whiskey, The Baxter Inn is the speakeasy for you. Located at 152-156 Clarence St, you enter via an alleyway, which leads to a courtyard. From there, in the back of the courtyard, on the left-hand side, you’ll see a nondescript door, go through that door and down the stairs. Enjoy some whiskey (or a cocktail if whiskey isn’t for you). Unlike several of these speakeasies, reservations are not accepted.

Recommended Hotel: The Kirketon

Caretaker - Auckland, New Zealand

This New York-style bar is tucked away under a shopping center in Auckland. Head to Britomart, and find Roukai Lane to enter the Caretaker. You’ll find a dimly lit, old-fashioned bar with no menu. Reservations are not accepted.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel DeBrett

Hanky Panky - Mexico City

Hanky Panky is not as easy to get into as the other speakeasies we’ve listed. It’s considered a “members-only” bar, which means that if your reservation is accepted, you’ll have to pay to get in. To get in, make your reservation either via social media or their website. If your reservation is accepted, you’ll be contacted and provided with explicit instructions on how to access the venue. You’ll likely be given a meeting spot, where you’ll be met and brought into the bar. Pretty cool, right? Once inside, you’ll enjoy some delicious cocktails in an intimate setting. It’s one of the best bars in Mexico.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Geneve

Frank’s Bar - Buenos Aires, Argentina

To get into Frank’s, you’ll need to check their Instagram page for clues to the daily password. They take reservations, and we’re not sure how strictly they enforce the password rules, but it’s fun nonetheless. The door is guarded by a bouncer, whom you need to give the password to. He will give you a code, which you must enter into the phone booth. Then, proceed past the velvet curtain and enter a roaring 20s speakeasy homage.

Recommended Hotel: The Glu