While we the LA scene, sometimes it’s nice to skip that vibe and go for cocktails at an incognito spot. These are the 5 Speakeasies in Los Angeles to enjoy a drink under the radar.
The Varnish
In in downtown Los Angeles, The Varnish can be found inside of a popular restaurant – Cole’s French Dip. To make your way to The Varnish, you’ll have to enter through Cole’s doors and walk to the back to find another door patiently waiting for you. View publisher site if you want to install appealing doors just like that.
There, you will find an even smaller and darker room where you’ll feel like you stepped into a time machine. The jazz era specifically. The bartenders can whip up whatever you like. Fun fact: the venue is actually a refurbished storage room.
118 E. 6th St., 213-265-7089, 213hospitality.com/the-varnish, @thevarnishbar
Lock and Key
One of the most talked about spots in Koreatown is Lock and Key. Although it tries to hide its secrecy, the line that forms outside of the bar blows its cover. The entrance is a tiny room with tons and tons of door knobs and one of those lucky doorknobs will get you inside the speakeasy. Don’t let the size of the room fool you: on Sundays in the summertime, they host Ice Cream Sundays – which is basically a great party that you do not want to miss. Other than the cool vibes and delicious drinks, don’t sleep on their tasty snack menu!
239 S Vermont Ave., 213-389-5625, lockandkey.la, @lockandkeyla
Alley Lounge
A hidden gem in Culver City, the Alley Lounge is another speakeasy next to a restaurant. Staying true to its name, you’ll have to find the alley side behind Fin to get yourself into here. Follow alongside the pathway and you’ll come across this gem that is all the right kind of sexy and swanky. They have a solid happy hour, too! Any place with a popular happy hour is the place to be.
12223 Washington Blvd., 310-596-8257, alleyloungela.com, @alleyloungela
Blind Barber
Interesting name for a speakeasy, right? That’s because this place is actually inside of a working barber shop. Found in Culver City, the Blind Barber’s entrance is through a real barber shop’s front door. It’ll be a little odd at first when no one asks you anything, but go straight to the back of the barber shop and there will be a door. Pop it open and enjoy the small hideaway bar! (P.S. as far as the real barber shop goes – you can get your haircut whilst enjoying a beer!)
10797 Washington Blvd., 310-841-6679, blindbarber.com/pages/losangeles, @blindbarber
No Vacancy
Hidden in the alley somewhere in Hollywood, No Vacancy is a packed house. With one of the more unique entrances for a speakeasy, you will not be disappointed once you step into the throwback 50’s feel that the venue has to offer. Between the music, performers and to the nine cocktails – this is the perfect place to enjoy a chill night with some good friends and vibes.
1727 N. Hudson Ave., 323-465-1902, novacancyla.com, @novacancyla
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