Unlocking the Secrets of LA’s Hidden Speakeasies

Los Angeles is a city of spectacle, where the best experiences aren’t always in plain sight. Beneath the neon lights and extravagant hotel lobbies, a secret world of hidden speakeasies awaits, tucked behind unmarked doors, behind bookshelves, or within the hushed corners of luxury establishments. Each one offers an immersive step back in time, where craft cocktails, intimate atmospheres, and whispered conversations transport guests into a world of exclusivity.

One of the most coveted hidden gems is Bar Jackalope, discreetly located inside Seven Grand, one of LA’s premier whiskey bars. To the untrained eye, it’s just another part of the bar’s warm, wooden decor. But those in the know understand that in the back of Seven Grand is a whiskey haven with only 18 seats. Stepping inside feels like entering a private study, a sanctuary for those who truly appreciate a fine pour. Guests can sip on rare Japanese and American whiskeys, listen to vinyl jazz, and embrace a no-phones atmosphere that encourages real conversation. Reservations are highly recommended, though bottle owners enjoy priority access. (barjackalope.com)

For those who seek luxury wrapped in old Hollywood glam, Veil & Velvet is a must-visit. Nestled inside the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, this opulent speakeasy is the embodiment of a bygone era, where velvet curtains, gilded fixtures, and hushed candlelight set the mood. Open only for a limited time this winter, Veil & Velvet offers handcrafted martinis served tableside via a roving martini cart, alongside gourmet delicacies like Dungeness crab rolls and Petrossian caviar service. Every sip and bite feels like an invitation to the golden age of Hollywood, where secrets were best shared over a perfectly stirred drink. Hurry before March 3, 2025 for your chance to experience this old luxury Hollywood glam experience. (fourseasons.com)

Not all speakeasies are about glamour, some lean into mystery and adventure. Room Number 13, hidden within Escape Hotel Hollywood, is a masterclass in theatrical intrigue. Here, guests find themselves in an environment where vintage glamour meets eerie charm, creating the perfect stage for immersive dinner shows, live music, and elaborately themed cocktail nights. The experience feels cinematic, as though one has stumbled into a 1920s murder mystery waiting to unfold. (roomnumber13.com)

In Silverlake, The Rosemary is redefining what a speakeasy can be. Part boutique hostel, part hidden cocktail bar, this establishment captures the essence of 1920s Prohibition-era rebellion. Every inch of its design—ornate chandeliers, vintage wallpaper, and plush seating—whispers of clandestine affairs and underground parties. While primarily catering to guests of the hostel, The Rosemary invites a select few into its dimly lit parlor for craft cocktails and an intimate, timeless escape. (therosemaryspeakeasy.com)

Meanwhile, in Koreatown, the journey to Lock & Key begins with a puzzle—an array of unmarked doors that tempt and tease, daring patrons to find the right entrance. Those who succeed are rewarded with a sleek, modern speakeasy, where artisanal cocktails, gourmet pizza, and an inviting outdoor patio create the perfect balance between mystery and comfort. A strict dress code keeps things classy, ensuring that once you’re inside, the ambiance is as elevated as the drinks in hand. (lockandkey.la)

For those who appreciate elegance with a side of nostalgia, The Rendition Room in Studio City delivers a speakeasy experience straight out of a noir film. Located behind a hidden bookshelf inside Vitello’s Restaurant, this intimate hideaway is adorned with deep red hues, soft lighting, and vintage 1940s jazz floating through the air. The drinks are as meticulously crafted as the decor, with classic cocktails made with top-shelf spirits and a small, curated menu that makes for the perfect pairing. Whether settling into a cozy corner with a whiskey neat or sipping a bespoke cocktail at the bar, The Rendition Room exudes an effortless cool that only comes with true discretion. (vitellosrestaurant.com)

Part of the allure of LA’s hidden speakeasies is the thrill of discovery. These aren’t just places to grab a drink—they’re experiences, waiting behind velvet curtains, concealed doors, and whispered invitations. Whether you’re looking for the grandeur of old Hollywood, the intimacy of a whiskey den, or the intrigue of a puzzle just waiting to be solved, Los Angeles offers a hidden world where the best nights begin with a secret.

Where to Find Them:

• Bar Jackalope – 515 W. 7th St. #200, Los Angeles, CA 90014 | barjackalope.com

• Veil & Velvet – Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 300 S Doheny Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90048 | fourseasons.com

• Room Number 13 – Escape Hotel, 6633 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 | roomnumber13.com

• The Rosemary – 3636 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027 | therosemaryspeakeasy.com

• Lock & Key – 239 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004 | lockandkey.la

• The Rendition Room – 4349 Tujunga Ave, Studio City, CA 91604 | vitellosrestaurant.com

  
  

Embarking on a journey to these clandestine spots is more than just a night out—it’s an immersion into LA’s rich history, culture, and the timeless art of the cocktail.