Secret Bars in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego
We're letting the secret out. Check out these awesome secret and hidden bars in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Impress your date with you insider knowledge of these amazing bars and quickly become the life of the party!
Secret Bars in San Francisco
Burbon & Branch
Enter here to take a step back into the 1920's. Make sure you take a gander at their House Rules (some of which include speaking "easy", no use of cell phones, and no standing at the bar). If you can find your way around these, make Burbon & Branch your next late night diversion.
Flickr by Sarai Mitnick Wilson & Wilson Private Detective Agency The website for the Wilson & Wilson Private Detective Agency (the speakeasy within Burbon & Branch) is pretty amazing (trust us, it's worth a visit). Their fun and slightly encrypted case file-style webpage makes it clear that appointments are needed, along with the proper password, if you want to take part in "solving the case" or maybe buying a drink or two.
Flickr by Sarai Mitnick Russells Room @ Burbon & Branch Enter through a bookshelf to this additional room in Burbon & Branch. Again, a password is required.
Flickr by Luigi Anzivino
Smugglers Cove
Boasting "traditional drinks of the Caribbean Island" and so much more, this pirates paradise offers over 70 cocktails and has an atmosphere to put even the most discerning pirate fanatic at ease. It may not be secret, but the entrance to this three-level bar is hidden in plain sight without much to draw attention to it. Keep a weather eye out, matey.
Flickr by stephanie vacher
The Hideout at Dalva
Hip. Trendy. Hidden. The Hideout at Dalva is another bar within a bar. Tucked away in the back of the Dalva, The Hideout has everything you'll want in a secret, hidden bar. Their Facebook page won't give you much helpful information, but this article at Party Earth will.
From The Hideout (at Dalva) Facebook Page
Secret Bars in Los Angeles
The Varnish
Located at the back of Cole's, The Varnish has a speakeasy style to suit the most discerning tastes. It's a must visit when looking to experience secret bars.
From Yelp by Christine A.
Blind Barber
Need a haircut...and a drink? The Blind Barber is for you. You reach this fun, vintage bar through the back door of the functioning barbershop and will experience an intimate speakeasy atmosphere.
From Yelp
Good Times at Davey Wayne's
By far the most bizarre way to enter a bar--ever--you get to Good Times at Davey Wayne's by entered through a garage and, get this, a refrigerator door entrance. This 70's themed bar boasts comfy seating like outdoor couches and hammocks in addition to playing vintage 70's music. It's fun and a great secret bar in Hollywood!
From Yelp by Alice L.
The Writer's Room
You don't have to be the future Hemingway to enjoy this 1930's inspired speakeasy located behind Musso & Frank, but you do have to be on "the list" (though it seems you may be able to make it in on flattery alone...?).
From Yelp by Michael S.
Secret Bars in San Diego
Nobel Experiment
Even their website is secretive and leaves you wondering what you're in for with a visit to Nobel Experiment. All we can tell you is that it's recommended you make a reservation. Thrillist divulges that you send in a text to obtain a reservation and show up during a 15 minute window to enter through what looks like a wall of kegs in order to enjoy some of the best drinks in San Diego!
From Yelp by Kent D.
Gaslamp Speakeasy
As long as you remember these simple rules,"No Religion. No Politics." you'll be good-to-go at the Gaslamp Sepakeasy. They also require a few other rules to be followed, but nothing that will keep you from having a good time. Come enjoy drinks and live music at this hidden gem.
From Yelp by Ingrid I
Prohibition
If you've found a door advertizing, "Law Offices of Eddie O’Hare, Esq." you've come to the right place. You'll need to agree to house rules and then, depending on availability, you'll enter into this popular San Diego speakeasy. It's first come first serve and a dress code is enforced, but completely worth it to enjoy live music, amazing drinks, and a truly fantastic atmosphere.
From Yelp by Jean L. Cover Photo from Flickr by Jonathan Ball Source: Thrillist, Huffington Post, Yelp
