There’s something unforgettably thrilling about stepping through an unmarked door or sliding bookshelf and uncovering a completely hidden world. Underground speakeasies not only serve outstanding cocktails, but they’re steeped in mystery, creating the perfect mix of exclusivity and charm. Born out of necessity during Prohibition in the 1920s, these clandestine spots became havens for creative cocktails and rebellious conversations.

Though Prohibition ended long ago, the speakeasy style survived, enticing visitors with hidden entrances, elusive vibes, and incredible craft drinks. Today, speakeasies are less about secrecy and more about the experience. From New York to Tokyo, these spots offer unforgettable evenings that transport you back in time. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just in it for the atmosphere, here are underground speakeasies worth discovering.

1. Please Don’t Tell (PDT), New York City, USA

A Phone Booth with a Twist

Nestled in New York City’s East Village, PDT (Please Don’t Tell) embodies the classic speakeasy spirit. The fun begins with its hidden entrance inside the iconic Crif Dogs restaurant. Step into what looks like an ordinary phone booth, pick up the receiver, and press the buzzer. Moments later, the back wall of the booth opens to reveal a cozy, dimly lit bar.

PDT is famed for its creative cocktails, each one crafted with exceptional attention to detail. Try the Benton’s Old Fashioned, a smoky, savory drink made from bacon-infused bourbon. The menu also features gourmet hot dogs delivered straight from Crif Dogs for a quirky touch.

What Makes It Special

  • The secret phone booth entrance is an experience in itself.
  • The intimate vibe makes every visit feel like a VIP adventure.
  • Unique cocktail ingredients like bacon and house-made tinctures.

2. Nightjar, London, UK

Old-School Glamor Beneath the Streets

Step into Nightjar in London, and you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled back to the Jazz Age. This subterranean bar, located near Old Street, offers an air of secrecy and sophistication. Its name, inspired by the elusive nightjar bird, sets the tone for the inconspicuous entrance and the hidden world waiting below ground.

The menu at Nightjar is nothing short of magical, blending era-inspired drinks with innovative presentation. Drinks are divided into Pre-Prohibition, Prohibition, and Post-War eras, each crafted with historical accuracy and attention to detail. Sip the dramatic Birdcage cocktail while enjoying live jazz, swing, or blues performances, adding to the authentic vintage vibe.

What Makes It Special

  • Themed cocktails inspired by history.
  • Live music amplifies the Gatsby-style atmosphere.
  • A reservation-only policy keeps the space exclusive.

3. The Baxter Inn, Sydney, Australia

Hidden Down an Alleyway

Tucked away in a nondescript alley in Sydney’s CBD, The Baxter Inn is the definition of a hidden gem. There are no signs to guide you, just industrial doors and an old wooden staircase that lead you into this moody, candlelit haven. Once inside, the welcoming staff and walls lined with hundreds of whiskey bottles make you feel as though you’ve stumbled upon a well-kept secret.

This speakeasy’s standout feature is its whiskey collection, boasting over 800 varieties from around the world. Whiskey aficionados will love chatting with the knowledgeable bartenders who are experts in crafting smooth, flavorful drinks. For non-whiskey fans, fear not—classic and modern cocktails are also on offer, each executed to perfection.

What Makes It Special

  • The alleyway entrance adds a dash of mystery.
  • Exceptional whiskey selection gives it an edge.
  • Laid-back vibe makes it equally appealing for casual drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts.

4. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo, Japan

A Farm-to-Bar Experience

Hiding in plain sight inside a nondescript building in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district is Bar Benfiddich, an intimate speakeasy that blends Japanese precision with phenomenal botanical libations. This one-man-show, run by master bartender Hiroyasu Kayama, focuses on farm-to-bar cocktails featuring ingredients he grows himself.

Unlike other bars where a menu guides your choices, the experience at Bar Benfiddich is fully personalized. Kayama crafts each cocktail based on your preferences, incorporating everything from absinthe made on-site to seasonal herbs. The result is an artisanal masterpiece that feels like equal parts drink and performance art.

What Makes It Special

  • No menu means a completely personalized experience.
  • Incorporates fresh, homegrown ingredients for one-of-a-kind flavors.
  • The intimate setting makes it feel like a hidden sanctuary.

5. La Descarga, Los Angeles, USA

Cuban Flair with a Hidden Twist

La Descarga brings the flair and energy of Havana’s nightlife to Los Angeles. The adventure starts as you enter through an unassuming door in East Hollywood and are led down a spiral staircase. Beyond the door lies a sultry, Cuban-inspired bar complete with cigar smoke, live salsa music, and dazzling burlesque performances.

Rum enthusiasts will rejoice at La Descarga’s extensive menu featuring rare, aged varieties and impeccably crafted tiki drinks. The vibe is vibrant and romantic, perfect for losing yourself in the rhythm of the night.

What Makes It Special

  • The entrance feels like stepping into another world.
  • Live music and dancing keep the energy high.
  • The focus on rum and tiki drinks adds an exotic twist.

6. Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires, Argentina

A Bar That Blooms

What looks like a quaint flower shop in Buenos Aires is actually the façade of Florería Atlántico, a speakeasy that leads you underground to one of the city’s hottest cocktail spots. Once inside, this candlelit bar pays homage to Argentina’s immigrant roots with drinks inspired by Italian, Spanish, and British influences.

Each cocktail tells a story, blending unexpected ingredients to represent flavors from around the globe. An exceptional mix is the Negroni Balestrini, featuring yerba-mate-infused gin. The setting, complete with flowers and fragrances from the upstairs store, adds to the charm.

What Makes It Special

  • Creative cocktails inspired by immigrant flavor profiles.
  • The flower shop entrance is picture-perfect.
  • The vibrant cultural theme makes every sip meaningful.

7. Little Red Door, Paris, France

Through the Red Frame

Little Red Door in Paris is a speakeasy that trades an elaborate façade for subtlety. Found in the Le Marais district, a glowing red doorframe marks the understated entrance to this imaginative bar. Once inside, the dim light, quirky decor, and expertly crafted drinks make for an enchanting experience.

The menu centers on creative, conceptual cocktails, often inspired by art or design. Each drink is built on unique combinations that showcase innovation, such as using savory infusions or rare spirits. The attentive staff adds that extra touch, ensuring each visit feels captivating.

What Makes It Special

  • A minimalist yet striking entrance through a glowing red frame.
  • Concept-driven menus elevate the cocktail experience.
  • A lively crowd gives the bar an engaging atmosphere.