Almost 100 years ago, when alcohol was prohibited in the United States, working-class people and celebrities alike flocked to “speakeasies” — or hidden bars behind restaurants, storefronts, and sometimes, even in private homes!
With a combo of 1920s nostalgia being bigger than ever these days, merged with the Bay’s rich Barbary Coast history, there’s tons of fun speakeasies popping up all over the place in cities like San Francisco!
It’s no secret that in my absolutely biased opinion, San Francisco is the best city on the planet.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend to explore famous tourist spots like Fisherman’s Wharf or end up moving here on a whim nearly 10 years ago (guilty!), you’ll never be bored, and the city I call home has its fair share of history including some Instagram-worthy speakeasies!
These are 13 of the best speakeasy bars in San Francisco (read: our favorites), and where to find them, how to get in, and what you can expect once you get inside!
13 Best Speakeasy Bars in San Francisco You Need To See For Yourself
Just looking online for the best San Francisco speakeasies isn’t enough — you need to know what you’ll need to know to get in, how to get in, and most importantly, what you can expect once you’re inside!
We’ve done all the hard work for you. Here's all the deets on the best speakeasy bars in San Francisco!
If you’re looking for a true hidden speakeasy experience, consider visiting Bar Nonnina. This hidden space behind Fiorella’s rooftop features a green marble bar, a vintage chandelier, and burgundy walls that will take you back to the height of prohibition!
To get into Bar Nonnina, you’ll have to visit the Inner Sunset District’s Fiorella rooftop. When you reach the roof, take a left and walk past all the tables until you get to the back wall. Look to the left, and you’ll see an unmarked door. Walk through a tiny, neon-lighted hallway, then slide open the hidden pocket door on the right to enter this vintage-themed bar.
One of the best things about Bar Nonnina is that, unlike some of the more exclusive speakeasies, there are no locked doors or passwords to get through — once you’re in, you’re in!
For the true Bar Nonnina experience, try their three-course seasonal cocktail and food pairing. They have speciality cockails, our favorite is the Elote and Comfortably Numb.
Bar Nonnina also takes reservations, which we recommend doing if you have your heart set on this speakeasy. The standing bar only has space for five walk-in guests, so call ahead to reserve your table!
The Pawn Shop is one of the coolest secret speakeasy bars in San Francisco! Located right on Mission Street, it’s designed to look like an actual pawn shop, and to enter, you’ll first need to pick up a chic golden phone outside to talk to the “Pawn Master.”
He’ll buzz you in and ask you what you want to “unload.” So, to get inside quickly, bring a trinket with you that you’re willing to pretend to haggle for! During the holidays, they're even accepting packaged toys for donation!
After some fake haggling, the Pawn Master will open a hidden door you’ll walk through to get to the tropical tapas bar and lounge! This speakeasy features low-ABV cocktails, including an extensive wine list! It helps if you make a reservation online before you go, so schedule your visit to this unique hidden bar before you get all your friends together.
Holy Mountain is another speakeasy you’ll find in San Francisco’s Mission District. It’s only open Friday and Saturday from 6-11 PM, so schedule your visit accordingly!
You’ll find this speakeasy bar above Hawker Fare. Walk to the back of the restaurant, then look for the neon triangle with a halo above it (AKA, the Holy Mountain!). When you find it, go up the staircase to enter the hidden bar.
Holy Mountain is a dimly-lit, rustic-looking space. They feature the classic drinks you know and love, as well as some more creative concoctions!
The Linden Room is a swanky, vintage bar at the back of the Nightbird restaurant. While dark alleys are usually a no-go, entering the Speakeasy's alley off Gough St. will bring you to one of the coolest speakeasies in the city! Just look for the nondescript red door!
Linden Room is all about tradition and the classic American cocktail. There are no reservations — everything is first come, first serve. So, gather your friends and get there early to enjoy a seasonal cocktail menu and amazing vintage vibes! Try The Blue or the Tequila Greens for the true Linden Room experience!
Planning a night out with a friend? Looking for a great spot to take a first date and avoid the potential awkwardness? Try the immersive experience of Wilson & Wilson Private Detective Agency!
You can only access this secret bar inside Bourbon & Branch in Union Square with a password — which you’ll get when you make your reservation online! Walk into Bourbon & Branch, then find the secret backdoor near the bathrooms.
After giving the correct password, you’ll enter a pseudo “detective agency,” where drink menus are presented in a case file format and drinks are served exclusively in stainless steel teapots!
This is definitely a more relaxed, intimate space than some of the other speakeasies in the city. So, it’s probably not the best place for a big group. It is, however, a great place to reconnect with an old friend or take someone on an exciting first date they’ll never forget!
If the 1970s are more your vibe, you might enjoy a trip to Marianne’s — a rock and roll-themed speakeasy located inside The Cavalier restaurant! Inspired by the iconic Marianne Faithfull, Marianne’s features royal purple walls, candlelight, and lots of plush seating.
This decadent bar screams “throwback glamour!” But, at this time, Marianne’s is only accepting reservations for private events and large groups. So, get all your friends together for a private cocktail party, and visit Marianne’s for a night out you’ll never forget!
You won’t find any hidden doors when you visit Last Rites in San Francisco’s Mission District — unlike a lot of the coolest bars in San Francisco, this tropical bar has a sign right outside!
Last Rites describes itself as a “Polynesian Noir” adventure. It may look basic from the outside, but you’ll be shocked as you step inside and are transported into a tropical rainforest!
Imagine if the TV show Lost was a bar — that’s what you’ll get when you visit Last Rites! Complete with a converted airplane fuselage bar, this tropical SF speakeasy features over 150 types of rum and some amazing twists on classic tropical cocktails.
For the true Last Rites experience, try one of their seasonal cocktails. The Paradise Lost, made with a combination of bourbon and fruits, is our favorite!
One of the best San Francisco hidden bars just reopened after some big renovations — The Hideout! Situated in the back of Dalva, a beloved tavern right in SF’s Mission District, The Hideout has a whole new look.
While The Hideout used to exude a classier energy compared to Dalva’s dive bar vibes, the renovations have completely switched this up. Now, you can walk to the back of Dalva and escape to The Hideout for those dark, moody vibes that every true dive bar is famous for!
At The Hideout, you’ll find tons of perfectly-crafted cocktails. But, our favorite is one of the classics — a gin martini!
When someone thinks about the best bars in San Francisco, Smuggler’s Cove is one of the first places that come to mind. Combining vintage tiki and nautical decor with the largest selection of rum in the US, this bar is an absolute must-see for tourists and lifelong SF residents!
Smuggler’s Cove is located on Gough St. behind a very bland-looking storefront. Without taking a second glance, you might not even notice it while you’re walking down the street!
Look for a very subtle sign on the door that says “Smuggler’s Cove.” Open it up, and you’ll be transported into a Polynesian paradise!
True to its name, Smuggler’s Cove is about all things pirate — especially rum! They have a huge selection of cocktails, some specified as “very strong” for visitors who want a wild night out. Our favorite? The Jet Pilot!
Combining rum with bitters, Nerves of Steel, falernum, and herbsaint, this drink makes for an unforgettable night out in an incredible atmosphere.
All three floors of Smuggler’s Cove have a relaxed, sociable energy. Visit during Happy Hour, between 5-6 PM, for the best deals and amazing vibes!
A basement-level San Francisco prohibition bar, the Remedie Room is located right underneath the main bar at North Beach’s Devil’s Acre.
If you have friends who wonder, “what is a speakeasy?” this is the perfect place to introduce them. With a vintage apothecary look, complete with candlelit tables, you’ll feel like you just traveled back in time to 1920s New York!
The Remedie Room can be reserved for private parties and features a decadent selection of apothecary-inspired drinks. One of our favorites? The Golden Era!
If you’re looking for a second floor destination for your next night out, stop by the Alchemist Bar & Lounge! Located one block from Oracle Park, Alchemist Bar & Lounge is widely regarded as the best speakeasy in San Francisco.
In SoMa, a neighborhood full of sports bars, Alchemist offers a unique steampunk atmosphere that’s perfect for a big group of friends.
Inspired by 14th-century alchemy, this bar features a gorgeous industrial aesthetic. You’ll love the iron chandelier hanging from the ceiling and the music played on a digital phonograph!
The extensive food and cocktail menu features hand-crafted syrups and seasonal ingredients. If you want the true Alchemist experience, try one of our favorite drinks — Starstruck!
The Green Room is hidden upstairs inside August Hall, a famous San Francisco music venue. If you’re looking for hidden bars in San Francisco, this is one place you just can’t pass up.
This secret bar is tucked upstairs behind a door that reads, “Relief from the glare of the stage.” Inside, you’ll find green velvet booths and shelves full of instruments, old records, and lots of books!
This San Francisco speakeasy bar is only open during shows, and it’s only available to August Hall ticket holders. If you’re lucky enough to visit, try the Native Sons cocktail — a blend of mezcal, sherry, vermouth, and maraschino!
When you look online for speakeasies in San Francisco, you’ll find a ton of cool places you never even knew existed! But, picking somewhere to go for a unique date night in San Francisco can be tough when you consider all the options.
3 comments
Combining the Bay’s extensive Barbary Coast heritage with the current vogue for all things 1920s
Your blog is a constant source of inspiration for me. Your passion for your subject matter is palpable, and it’s clear that you pour your heart and soul into every post. Keep up the incredible work!
I’ve been following your blog for some time now, and I’m consistently blown away by the quality of your content. Your ability to tackle complex topics with ease is truly admirable.