What Is a Speakeasy? 15 Former Bootlegging Haunts to Visit

During Prohibition, the party never ended for many drinking establishments. They became known as speakeasies, hidden bars tucked away in basements or alleys that were usually run by organized crime figures, gangsters and bootleggers. Patrons were expected to follow the rules of the house and “speak easy” by ordering alcohol without raising any suspicion.

After Prohibition ended, the places on this list became legitimate watering holes, and some are still in operation today. Check out these colorful speakeasy bars and the fascinating stories behind them.

Location: San Francisco, California

Still open: Yes

A bar has operated on the current Bourbon & Branch site since 1867, and an actual speakeasy operated illegally at this location throughout Prohibition. In 1923, it was purchased by John J. Russell, who was connected to well-known West Coast bootleggers, and the booze kept flowing in what was called “JJ Russell’s Cigar Shop.”

Customers would need to provide a password to gain entry, and then if they ordered a specific brand of “cigar” a trap door would open where the visitor would then be escorted to the basement for the real deal. There are five exit tunnels that were used for escapes.

Today, visitors can step foot in the main bar or in its speakeasy within a speakeasy, Wilson & Wilson — and yes, there is a password, which you are given when you make a reservation. 

Location: Venice, California

Still open: Yes

One of L.A.’s oldest drinking establishments, the Townhouse opened as Menotti’s Buffet in 1915. During Prohibition, owner Ceaser Menotti kept the party going in the basement after turning the upstairs storefront into a grocery store.

Getting in the door wasn’t easy — not only did you need a connection to Caesar and his staff, but there was also no way into the basement outside of a rope-operated dumbwaiter. 

After Prohibition, the grocery store closed, and the bar upstairs reopened. The basement became a performance space known as Club Del Monte, which it still is today. Luckily for today’s patrons, a staircase was added.