16 Most Unique Speakeasies in San Francisco
Struggling to move through a sea of people at a loud club just isn’t my scene. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes it’s fun! But there’s something magical about finding a hidden spot with a secret entrance that serves up special drinks in a swanky environment. That’s why I love speakeasies.
San Francisco has a special history when it comes to speakeasies since it was home to several of these real undercover bars in the 1920s and 30s during the prohibition era when alcohol was illegal. Nowadays, drinking alcohol isn’t a crime, but these newer lounges bring back that vintage vibe where you can discover a whole other world behind an unmarked door. Check out some of the coolest speakeasies in San Francisco where you can party like it’s 1922!
Bourbon & Branch
501 Jones St, San Francisco, California 94102
www.bourbonandbranch.com
The name “Bourbon & Branch” is a nod to the old-school way of ordering bourbon with water. This spot is special because it’s got speakeasies within speakeasies. You heard that right: There’s the main bar, but dig a little further, and you’ll find five hidden bars within it!
It’s located on Jones Street but you’ll need a password to get in. The drinks here are top-notch—they’ve got five categories of cocktails: Lighter Fare, Spirit Driven, Free Range, Ice Breakers, and Fresh and Fancy.
Cold Drinks
644 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133
chinalivesf.com
If you happen to be downstairs at the popular restaurant and bar China Live, head up a secret stairwell with black bat murals. You’ll be welcomed by tuxedo-wearing bartenders, comfy leather seating, and a whole lotta class. With a specialty for scotch whiskey, Cold Drinks has a huge selection, some so fancy they might make your wallet cry. But rest assured, the quality and experience are worth every penny.
The Pawn Shop
993 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103
www.thepawnshopsf.com
Right in downtown SF, next to bar/club Monarch, you’ll find The Pawn Shop, a secret bar that looks like an unassuming pawn shop from the street. To get inside, you’ll need to engage with their quirky pawn master. Bring something fun or unique to pawn or trade. This playful interaction leads to an immersive dining experience, best for tapas lovers.
Enjoy classics like Pan con Tomate and inventive dishes like Vegan Chicharrón, perfectly paired with a great wine selection. Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups!
Downloadable Map of Speakeasies in San Francisco
Linden Room
292 Linden St, San Francisco, CA 94102
www.nightbirdrestaurant.com
The Linden Room, located in Hayes Valley next to the Nightbird restaurant, celebrates the craft of American cocktails with fresh local ingredients. Inspired by Chef Kim, their award-winning menu features “Spirituous” and “Seasonal” cocktails, complemented by local beers and wines.
No reservations are needed—just swing by and savor their unique, speakeasy-style atmosphere with a drink that’s perfect for you.
Circa 1905
415 Sansome St, San Francisco, CA 94111
www.barrelroomsf.com
The Barrel Room’s hidden entrance leads to Circa 1905, a basement bar with plush furniture, a library corner, and a converted bank vault seating area. They serve up creative cocktails like the Cordial Daiquiri and Lavender Gimlet, inspired by prohibition-era drinks, alongside a selection of canned wines.
Feeling fancy? Try their Cask Strength Old Fashioned, but beware, it’s strong! No reservations are needed; just walk in (or down) and hope for a spot, or consider a private booking for a special night out with friends.
Marianne’s
360 Jessie St, San Francisco, CA 94103
mariannessf.com
Marianne’s, hidden behind a bookcase at The Cavalier, is a secret bar with edgy throwback glamor inspired by Marianne Faithfull. Ask a waitress, and they’ll guide you to this unique spot, perfect for rock history buffs and style lovers alike.
Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, a curated wine list, and great music in a decadent salon setting that exudes vintage rock & roll vibes.
Last Rites
718 14th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
www.lastritesbar.com
Imagine sitting in a tropical rainforest after a plane crash, but instead of being stranded, you’re having amazing cocktails. That’s the mood of Last Rites. They’re famous for their over-the-top tiki drinks, with over 150 rums to choose from.
They have boozy ones, lighter ones, and even non-alcoholic drinks if you’re the designated driver. No reservations are needed—just come in, grab a seat, and enjoy!
Smuggler’s Cove
www.smugglerscovesf.com
+1 415-869-1900
Smuggler’s Cove is a rum lover’s paradise with over 550 rums and 80 exotic cocktails. Renowned for its tiki vibe and nautical décor by Ignacio “Notch” Gonzalez, it’s racked up awards like the James Beard Foundation Award and has been listed in the World’s 50 Best Bars. No secret knocks are needed to enjoy this ultimate rum haven.
Wilson & Wilson
Wilson & Wilson is famous for being a speakeasy within a speakeasy(inside Bourbon & Branch). You’ll need a password and a reservation for 1 to 4 guests. Their separate experimental cocktail menu offers creative and unique drinks presented in a case file for a detective agency ambiance. With cozy decor featuring velvet-flocked wallpaper and antique glassware, it’s perfect for a special night out.
The Hideout
3121 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
If you’re at Dalva (a quirky bar in the Mission district) but want a more chill environment, just head to the back. There, you’ll find The Hideout, a smaller bar with amazing craft cocktails. Specializing in classic drinks like old-fashioned and martinis, their skilled bartenders mix each drink with precision and care. Unlike at Dalva, you’ll need to head to the bar to order, adding to the authentic speakeasy experience.
The Den at Wesburger’ N’ More
2240 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
www.wesburgernmore.com
Well, this speakeasy is hidden in plain sight. It’s right next door to Wesburger N’ More, a popular burger joint on Mission St. Look for the tiny door next to the burger place—that’s your entrance! This tiny speakeasy is known for its intimate atmosphere and creative punch bowls. It’s perfect for a one-of-a-kind date or just hanging out with a friend.
Don’t miss their late-night menu featuring dishes like the popular pimento grilled cheese sandwich with strawberry jalapeno jelly, adding a tasty twist to your evening out.
Remedie Room at Devil’s Acre
www.thedevilsacre.com
+1 415-766-4363
Remedie Room at Devil’s Acre, located in the Italian neighborhood of North Beach, is an “apothecary chic” speakeasy known for its magical elixir-like cocktails. Descend through The Devil’s Acre to uncover this journey through vintage alchemy, where bartenders craft unique “remedies” and tonics that could cure any bad day. The intimate ambiance, dim lighting, and mysterious decor transport you back to a 1920s apothecary shop, making it the perfect spot for an unforgettable night out.
Blind Pig
1113 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
blindpigspeakeasy.com
If you’re in SF craving a fancy, creative cocktail, check out Blind Pig in Chinatown. This speakeasy is hiding above an old Chinese restaurant called Cathay House. Ascent to the second floor to find cozy booths, dim lighting, and big windows overlooking the city streets.
Award-winning bartender Derrick Li crafts unique Asian-inspired drinks like bitter melon tequila and mango vodka baijiu cocktails, and some are served with a dramatic flourish, like billowing smoke. It’s like a secret club, so you’ll have to find them on social media for the weekly password.
Obscenity Bar & Lounge
562 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94102
www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
This isn’t your typical fancy spot, and that’s what makes it awesome. Obscenity Bar & Lounge is a secret 1920s hangout, dark and intimate, with an atmosphere straight out of a movie set. Jazz music, low lights, and plush booths set the scene perfectly for conversation.
They serve classic cocktails with fun twists, like the spicy pineapple margarita, and offer a good selection of beer, wine, and upscale options like Veuve Clicquot champagne for those feeling like celebrating.
Green Room at August Hall
420 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102
www.augusthallsf.com
The Green Room is a plush and luxurious escape located on the second floor of the August Hall music venue. Known for its semi-secret entrance, it offers a full-service bar with craft cocktails, wines, and beers. The menu includes classics with a modern twist, expertly mixed by skilled bartenders. Designed by Britt Hull and Clinton Miller, the ambiance features forest-green velvet booths, library shelves stocked with books, and old records, creating a sophisticated backdrop for a swanky night out.
Moongate Lounge
28 Waverly Pl, San Francisco, CA 94108
www.moongatelounge.com
Moongate Lounge, located above the Michelin-starred Mister Jiu’s restaurant, is known for its lunar-inspired decor and creative cocktails based on the Chinese lunar calendar. To enter, head to the main entrance of Mister Jiu’s and take the stairs or elevator to the upper floor.
The entrance isn’t obvious, so it’s best to ask the staff at Mister Jiu’s for directions. Once inside, partake in innovative drinks with a mid-century Chinatown look you wouldn’t want to miss!
Which of these speakeasies would you most like to have a drink at?
Tell us in the comments!
