In the heart of San Francisco, hidden behind shops and secret entrances, you’ll find many speakeasy bars that transport patrons back to the mystique of the 1920s.
These charming and mysterious establishments offer an immersive experience, drawing from the history of the Prohibition era—a time when drinking in the United States was anything but simple.
What Is a Speakeasy Bar?
The term “speakeasy” originated during Prohibition, or The Prohibition Era (1920-1933). In January 1920, the United States enacted the Eighteenth Amendment, prohibiting the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol.
Known as The Volstead Act, this law sought to curb drinking nationwide, aiming for national sobriety and improved public morals. However, the law led to unexpected consequences. Instead of eradicating alcohol consumption, it drove it underground, sparking the rise of speakeasies (people had to get a bit more creative if they wanted to enjoy a night out with a good drink).
Speakeasies were hidden establishments where people could gather to drink, socialize, and escape the restrictive laws of the time. To avoid detection, they were often disguised behind other businesses—such as barbershops, ice cream parlors, or even telephone booths.
Patrons would enter with a password, creating an atmosphere of exclusivity and secrecy. These bars became popular for their creative cocktails, thrilling atmosphere, and allure of flouting the law. Today, modern speakeasies capture that spirit with their hidden entrances, vintage decor, and carefully crafted drinks.
You don’t have to look too far in San Francisco to find speakeasies that offer a great experience. Here are five of the best speakeasies in San Francisco where you can experience the excitement of this Prohibition-era vibe, whether on your own or as part of an expert-led Food tour in San Francisco.
Bourbon & Branch
Bourbon & Branch is one of San Francisco’s most famous speakeasies. In fact, the most renowned guided Food Tour in San Francisco includes a stop at this hidden gem.
Located in a historic building that once housed an actual speakeasy during Prohibition, this bar is a throwback to the 1920s, complete with hidden rooms and secret passwords for entry.
Guests are encouraged to book a reservation and respect the house rules, including no cell phones or photography, to keep the ambiance intact. In Bourbon & Branch, you won’t just find great drinks (the selection is small but carefully curated); you can also take cocktail-making classes.
Marianne’s
Nestled behind The Cavalier restaurant, Marianne’s feels like an exclusive, members-only club with a more flexible door policy.
Named after Marianne Faithfull, a woman who had an affair with Mick Jagger, this speakeasy is inspired by the 70’s rock & roll vibes yet maintains the speakeasy tradition of privacy and exclusivity.
Marianne’s has a cozy interior with plush seating and vinyl records. The cocktail list is sophisticated and focuses on classic cocktails with unique twists.
The Remedie Room
The Remedie Room, hidden in the basement of a Chinatown pharmacy, is one of the more unique speakeasies in the city. This bar draws inspiration from apothecaries, offering a vintage atmosphere and medicinally-themed cocktails that will cure all your troubles.
Upon entering, guests are greeted with shelves stocked with antique bottles and dim lighting, adding to the ambiance. The menu includes herbal-infused drinks and creative concoctions, each designed to evoke the feeling of an old-world pharmacy.
You’ll have to try the Three Sworn Enemies, a charmed mix of bourbon, vanilla syrup, angostura, and orange bitters.
Smuggler’s Cove
If you’re feeling adventurous, Smuggler’s Cove offers a tropical twist on the traditional speakeasy. Modeled after an old-world tiki bar, Smuggler’s Cove is a place for a perfect time, featuring over 500 types of rum and an extensive menu of tiki-inspired drinks.
While not a classic speakeasy in the Prohibition sense (it’s loud!), Smuggler’s Cove captures the mystery and allure that speakeasies are known for, making it a popular spot in the San Francisco nightlife scene.
Cold Drinks Bar
Behind an unmarked door above China Live (a Chinese restaurant) in one of San Francisco’s safest areas, you’ll find Cold Drinks Bar, a Scotch-centric semi-secret speakeasy with an elegant twist.
This sophisticated bar combines Chinese and Scottish influences, which are reflected in the décor (full of velvet chairs and sleek light fixtures) and the high-profile cocktail menu.
Dark wood accents and moody lighting set the tone, while the cocktails are carefully crafted with premium ingredients.
The experience here is refined and stylish, with a laid-back energy. It’s perfect for those looking for a quiet night out with expertly made drinks. Remember to make a reservation to ensure a table.
