Speakeasys are achingly cool and firmly en vogue. The mere mention conjures up images of classic cocktails, dimly lit Art Deco bars and whispered conversation. Today’s speakeasy scene is a hotbed of bartending talent and creative mixology, with standout examples found in all four corners of the globe.
But their origins lie in a very different era, over a century ago, when they offered a discreet escape for anyone wanting an illicit drink, far from the prying eyes of the authorities. Here’s a brief history – and a look at some of the best speakeasys to visit around the world.
The Prohibition Era
The story of the speakeasy begins during the Prohibition era in the United States. These bars might never have existed if not for the sweeping ban on the manufacture, sale and consumption of alcohol in the 1920s and early 1930s.
Prohibition began on January 17, 1920, and lasted nearly 14 years, ending on December 5, 1933. It was fuelled by concerns over rising crime, social unrest and alcohol abuse, all blamed on the boom in booze. The Temperance Movement pushed hard for change, and the 18th Amendment – also known as the National Prohibition Act – was passed.
President Woodrow Wilson vetoed the amendment, but Congress overrode him. Prohibition then spanned four more presidencies – those of Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover and, finally, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who repealed it in 1933 by signing the 21st Amendment.
Speakeasy bars sprang up in cities across the country, often hidden or disguised. Bootlegging also flourished – whisky from Canada and tequila from Mexico were smuggled over the borders in ever more inventive ways. Organised crime boomed, with figures like Al Capone reaping the rewards.
Cocktail culture thrived during this time, particularly drinks made with rye whisky and gin. People illegally sipped everything from the Sazerac and Old Fashioned to the Gimlet and White Lady. The Cognac-based Sidecar was also a staple.
The Best Speakeasy Bars
28 Hong Kong Street | Singapore
Tucked away on an unremarkable back street in Singapore’s Chinatown, 28 Hong Kong Street is as classic a speakeasy as they come. There’s no signage, no menu on the wall, and no windows – just a panelled door with a ’28’ above it.
Step inside and you’re transported far from the bustle outside, though the sleek lines and laid-back atmosphere still nod to Asia. The drinks? Exceptional. Expect a menu featuring creative twists on classics and a back bar that will delight spirits enthusiasts.
28 Hongkong St, Singapore 059667
Handshake Speakeasy | Mexico City
Mexico City is one of the hottest bar scenes right now, and Handshake Speakeasy sits at its peak, crowned the World’s Best Bar in 2024. Step through velvet curtains into a glamorous black-and-gold interior that channels pure Great Gatsby energy.
Everything is crafted in the bar’s on-site lab using modern techniques and left-field ingredients. Try a reimagined classic like the Salt N Pepper mezcal highball, or go bold with one of their extravagant house creations.
C. Amberes 65, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Low Country | London
This one nails the speakeasy aesthetic and feels straight out of the American South. Access is via a stairwell hidden behind what appears to be a fire escape. Inside, you’ll find a back bar heavy on American bourbon, rye and craft whiskey – all available neat or as part of an expertly crafted cocktail.
It’s buzzing Thursday to Saturday, so opt for a midweek visit if you want to soak up the relaxed vibe. The martini flight for two is a highlight – clever, unexpected, and absolutely delicious.
71 Nile St, London N1 7RD
Overstory | New York
Not a speakeasy in the traditional sense – it’s perched 64 floors up rather than hidden underground – but Overstory still delivers on drama. With sweeping views across Manhattan and shimmering Art Deco touches, it feels like stepping into a modern-day Gatsby party in the sky.
It’s the perfect setting for a Manhattan (in Manhattan, of course) or something more inventive from their multi-award-winning menu. The Last Frontier is a must-try – a mix of gin, sherry, mandarin, beeswax and Chartreuse that’s pure theatre.
70 Pine St 64th Floor, New York, NY 10005, United States
Paradiso | Barcelona
Tucked away in the city’s ‘museum district’, Paradiso was named World’s Best Bar in 2022 and still earns top billing in global rankings. Entry is via a fridge door in the back of a Catalan deli, opening into a dramatic, low-lit space shaped like an inverted boat hull.
The coolness doesn’t end at the entrance. Expect wildly imaginative cocktails served in avant-garde glassware, with ingredients and presentations that verge on performance art. They also run mixology classes if you fancy trying your hand at shaking things up yourself.
Carrer de Rera Palau, 4, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town | London
Near Spitalfields Market and Liverpool Street, this is one of London’s original speakeasys. Hidden behind a 1950s fridge at the back of The Breakfast Club, you’ll need the password – “I’m here to see the Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town” – to gain entry.
Inside, dim lighting and low music set a moody tone, making it feel a world away from the chaos outside. The cocktails are mixed right in front of you, adding a bit of theatre to your tipple. Popular with both locals and out-of-towners – and for good reason.
12-16 Artillery Ln, London E1 7LS
