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Love and Loathing LA Speakeasies

 

Who doesn’t love a good hidden entrance to a dimly lit secret spot? With hopefully the added bonus of a bevy of delicious adult beverages awaiting in the ambiance? Los Angeles especially loves the thrill of mystery and intrigue and is thus home to several watering holes we imbibers fondly refer to as “speakeasies”. Speakeasies by nature are supposed to be secrets, but as luck would have it in 2016 bars have to keep in business somehow – I know, lame – so secrets they can no longer literally remain. As with anything in life, there are good speakeasies and then there are some that just do it better than others. (It’s called Darwin’s Theory, look it up.) Here are three of my favorite LA based speakeasies you should visit and ironically tell your friends all about.

 

Love and Loathing LA Speakeasies

THE WALKER INN

The 411:

  • The Walker Inn might possibly be the “bougiest” speakeasy in town and on this list but they offer a completely unique and unparalleled cocktail experience.
  • It’s located inside the Normandie Club – it’s a bar in a bar.
  • There are only 27 seats in this sultry little gem. Make. A. Reservation.
  • The menu features a new “inspiration” monthly and offers 10-12 incredibly and inventive cocktails within that realm for $20 a pop.

How do I get in? :

  • Walk in Normandie Bar, walk to the back where you see a door and a little sign to press a button that will turn on a red light. A hostess will be with you thereafter to open the door and seat you. And remember – make a reservation.
  • Open Wednesday – Sunday, 7 pm – 2 am
  • 3612 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005

 

Love and Loathing LA Speakeasies
[photo: Alyse Lauren Photography]
BAR JACALOPE

The 411:

  • Bar Jackalope is a bourbon/whiskey/scotch/rye lovers dream come true.
  • It is located inside beloved DTLA bar Seven Grand – yes, another bar in a bar.
  • The concept is an inspired interpretation of all of the great bars the owners/managers had visited in Japan.
  • The bar has whiskey locker cabinets available for guests and regulars to purchase bottles and store.
  • There are 18 seats inside this cozy little mahogany nook.

How do I get in? :

  • Walk in through Seven grand towards the back hallway, on your right will be a door and a light switch button – no door handle. Press the button, read the instructions, and hope there’s space!
  • Open Sunday – Thursday , 7 pm – 1 am
  • 515 W. 7th St. 2nd Fl Los Angeles, CA 90014

 

Love and Loathing LA Speakeasies

GUEST ROOM

The 411:

  • Guest Room is one of LA’s newest swanky speakeasies and offers quite a bit more room than the previous two.
  • Guest Room is located in Santa Monica inside restaurant/bar Estate – it’s a bar in bar/restaurant.
  • With walnut veneers, cozy cushy seating, candle light, art deco inspired artwork, Guest Room is quite the modern homage to the Prohibition era.
  • Cocktails are imaginative twists on timeless classics.

How do I get in? :

  • Guest Room is located upstairs from Estate, to enter pull the handle on what looks like just a wooden wall near the restaurant entrance near the host stand, walk up the stairs, and there you have it.
  • Open Thursday – Saturday, 7:30 pm – 1 am
  • 1519 Wilshire Blvd Santa Monica, CA

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