What’s better than a spending the night at a hip, trendy bar? Spending the night at a hip, trendy, secret bar. And if you’re planning to travel in the United States or Canada, there are plenty of excellent speakeasies where you can get your drink on quietly and skip the average clubs and bars.
Sure, the temperance movement is over, but theses secret watering holes haven’t much changed, requiring passwords, using secret entrances, and serving handcrafted cocktails. Here are some of the best speakeasies in North America:
Narrow Lounge, Vancouver
You’ll find this speakeasy in the art district in Vancouver, located in the back of a furniture store. The bar is only open if the red light is lit, and only seats 20 people. Regulars visit for the intimate and moody vibe of the bar, staying for snacks steeped in booze like the Guinness mac and cheese or fish tacos marinated in tequila.
Back Room, New York
Otherwise known as the Lower East Side Toy Company, keep going past the kiddie cars and you’ll find a bar serving its booze in teacups- with a shout to the actual prohibition. The drink menu has shout-outs to film stars like Mary Pickford, and live jazz on Mondays.
The Staff Room, Ottawa
This place takes secrecy to a whole new level, and you’ll find it inside Union 613 restaurant behind a false bookcase. Pull out one of the books (you may have to try a few) and you’ll gain entry into a low-lit bar with recycled wood features a huge collection of whiskies.
Fifth Province, Chicago
You won’t find the entrance to this Irish Pub in another bar or a dodgy alley, but instead you’ll need to visit the Irish American heritage Centre (South wing). Head on over for some live Celtic music and shepherd’s pie on either Friday or Saturday since it’s not open during the week.
Noble, Halifax
You may find it hard to believe, but this bar (complete with a turn-of-the-century piano, apothecary jars and velvet curtains) was once a garbage room. Located in the basement of the Middle Spoon (an already excellent dessert bar), you’ll need to give a secret phrase (you’ll find it on their Twitter). Try the Adam’s Apple and stay for the huge menu.
Midnight Cowboy, Austin
This was once a massage parlour, and still has the original sign out the front. You’ll need to make a reservation and as long as you leave all of your mobile devices at home you can enjoy the creative and classic cocktails.
Smyth, Dallas
There’s no menu here, but if you tell the bartender what you’re looking for they’ll make you a custom cocktail. Smith is part of The Establishment, a restaurant and oyster bar and you can make reservations under those names.
Bourbon Room, Calgary
You’ll find this place upstairs from the 10th beer hall, and with vintage pin-up photos and leather-covered seating, this is the place to go for an old-fashioned experience. Whiskey is the big draw here, although the absinthe fountain is both authentic and sure to give you a good time.
