The 15 Coolest Modern Speakeasies in America

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In the 1880s, an Irish woman selling liquor without a license allegedly told her customers to “spake-aisy” if they wanted to make a purchase. The term stuck, and became even more critical during Prohibition. After all, if you didn't “speak easy,” the G-men might raid your favorite bathtub-gin joint.

Today's modern speakeasies pay tribute to the golden age of cocktails. Some require a password or have a secret entrance. Others operate in the open but dedicate themselves to the craft of the cocktail.

Here are 15 of the nation's best speakeasy-style and craft cocktail bars.

By Teresa Bitler (@TheAZTraveler)

15. Singlebarrel

City: San Jose, Calif.
Address: 43 West San Salvador St.
Website: singlebarrelsj.com

The Roaring Twenties come to life at Singlebarrel. Costumed bouncers, servers, and barkeeps staff this classic cocktail joint that forgoes passwords and a secret entrance. The focus is the cocktail. Mixologists here muddle, stir, and shake the classics, including gimlets, sours, and Old Fashioneds. One twist on the typical speakeasy: Singlebarrel also sells cigars to smoke on the patio. Finally, a bar that doesn't terrorize smokers.

14. The Patterson House

City: Nashville
Address: 1711 Division St.
Website: thepattersonnashville.com

In 1909, former Tennessee Gov. Malcolm R. Patterson vetoed statewide prohibition. (The Legislature eventually overruled his veto.) The Patterson House honors the governor's stance. Taste one of 50 cocktails—30 original and 20 classic recipes—as you sit at the massive 30-stool, 68-foot-long bar. Or snag one of the leather banquettes for a cozier experience. Need something to munch on? Try the donuts.

13. Drink

City: Boston
Address: 348 Congress St.
Website: drinkfortpoint.com

As you'd expect from an establishment called Drink, the cocktail takes center stage. You tell the mixologist what you like, and he'll concoct something based on your preferences. Or order an Old Fashioned, crafted from the cocktail's original 1806 recipe. The bar also makes its own ginger beer and bitters. In true speakeasy fashion, you won't see a sign for Drink on the street. Just look for the door at 348 Congress.

12. The Viceroy

City: Grand Rapids, Mich.
Address: 53 Commerce Ave. SW
Website: viceroygr.com

Mixologists at this recently remodeled and very red speakeasy stir up standards like the Pimm's Cup, Sidecar, and Old Fashioned. Ask questions as you watch them work—just don't order anything that would be advertised during the Super Bowl or imbibed on Sex and the City. They don't take kindly to that at the Viceroy. If you're in the mood for something really different, request a concoction featuring one of the house-infused liquors like sage and black pepper gin, French toast rum, or habanero and pineapple tequila.

11. The Varnish

City: Los Angeles
Address: 118 East 6th St.
Website: thevarnishbar.com

French Dip sandwiches and premium cocktails don't usually go hand-in-hand. Unless you're in Los Angeles. Tucked in the back of Cole's—home of the original French Dip sandwich—is an unmarked door. Enter, and you'll be greeted by a hostess in a small, dark, and sometimes noisy speakeasy. The menu is a short list of classically-crafted drinks chilled with hand-carved ice. Opt for the Bartender's Choice, and you won't be disappointed.

10. Speakeasy

City: Cleveland
Address: 1948 West 25th St.
Website: speakeasy216.com

DRAFT magazine named the Belgian beer bar Bier Markt one of the Best 100 Beer Bars in North America in 2009 and 2011. But if you're looking for a cocktail, walk past the bar, around the pool table, and to the staircase. If the chandelier is lit, you're welcome to descend. Speakeasy's smartly dressed bartenders craft the classics. Try the Bee's Knees, made with honeycomb-infused gin, or the Manhattan Pig, featuring bacon-infused bourbon.

9. Prohibited

City: Boston
Address: 8 Westland Ave.
Website: symphony8boston.com

Steps from Boston's Symphony Hall, you'll find Symphony 8, a restaurant with a strange bookcase. Watch closely—you'll notice people seem to suddenly appear and disappear nearby. That's because those in the know lift the latch on the middle shelf, slide it open, and sneak down the cast-iron staircase to Prohibited. You'll need a password, available on Facebook, to get in. But the cocktails are worth the effort.

8. Tavern Law

City: Seattle
Address: 1406 12th Ave.
Website: tavernlaw.com

Named for an 1832 law that legalized drinking in public bars and saloons, Tavern Law isn't much of a secret. In fact, GQ named it one of the 25 best bars in America. But look for the old phone near the vault door in the back. Sophisticated drinkers with a reservation will be invited to the upstairs speakeasy, Needle & Thread. You won't be handed a menu. Just tell the bartender what flavor profiles you like, sit back, and enjoy.

7. Columbia Room

City: Washington, D.C.
Address: 1021 7th St.
Website: passengerdc.com/columbia

It can be tough to get a spot at this 18-seat, speakeasy-style bar at the back of Passenger. But it's worth the effort. (Hint: call for reservations.) Mixologist Derek Brown turns to the jars of herbs and spices lining the backbar to create classics, new and old. Go the prix fixe route here. During your two-hour visit, you'll taste two drinks of Brown's choice. Then you'll select a third. Of course, you can skip the tasting option and just ask for the usual. But what fun is that?

6. Bourbon & Branch

City: San Francisco
Address: 501 Jones St.
Website: bourbonandbranch.com

Bourbon & Branch was actually a speakeasy during Prohibition. Known as JJ Russell's Cigar Shop at the time, the establishment sold few cigars. Make a reservation online, and you'll receive a password to gain access to the main space. Don't have a reservation? Don't worry. Wednesday through Saturday, ring the bell and give the password, “Books.” You'll gain access to the Library, a bar within a bar. Order a cocktail from the market menu that changes daily or keep it simple with a nostalgic request: the iconic “bourbon and branch,” a mix of premium bourbon and water.

5. Double A

City: Chicago
Address: 10 West Kinzie St.
Website: doubleachicago.com

Think “bar theater” when you visit Double A. Chocolate brown leather banquettes line the perimeter of the room, facing the bar where mixologists demonstrate their skills. Sample one of their signature cocktails while you watch, like the Caipisutra made with Leblon cachaça, pineapple, grapefruit, lime, and garam masala. Or try the unique bottle service, featuring fresh juices instead of the typical mixers.

4. The Violet Hour

City: Chicago
Address: 1520 North Damen Ave.
Website: theviolethour.com

In true speakeasy fashion, there's no sign for the Violet Hour. You'll only see people lingering under a yellow light. But once you get inside, you'll be transported to the early-19th century. Relax in a high-backed chair, set your Tom Collins on one of the small white tables, and bask in the ambience. A big part of the show is the magic at the bar, where premium liquors combine with housemade syrups, bitters, and eight kinds of twice-filtered ice. Bet you didn't even know ice came eight different ways.

3. PX

City: Alexandria, Va.
Address: 728 King St.
Website: eamonnsdublinchipper.com

Look for a blue light in the window at 728 King Street in suburban D.C. If the light is on and the pirate flag is flying, PX is open. Mixologist Todd Thrasher combines premium liquors with 14 varieties of housemade bitters, homemade tonic water, and some unexpected ingredients—think tobacco and pickled peaches—to create one-of-a-kind cocktails. Of course, he pours the classics, too. Try the grog, a mix of lemon verbena tea and spiced rum served in a traditional pirate's mug.

2. Death & Company

City: New York
Address: 433 East 6th St.
Website: deathandcompany.com

According to early 20th-century temperance movements, if you drank alcohol, you walked in the company of Death. While Death & Company plays on this macabre motif with a sleek, dark interior and stiff drinks, there's no need to fear the Reaper here. Bring some friends and share the classic punch service. The gin-based Mother's Ruin is to die for.

1. The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co.

City: Philadelphia
Address: 112 South 18th St.
Website: thefranklinbar.com

During Prohibition, the Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company served as a front for the largest alcohol ring in the country; today, the bar that bears its name serves some of the nation's best Prohibition-era cocktails. Look for the bouncer—the door's entrance is unmarked—who will direct you into the cavernous, 50-seat speakeasy, and order a classic sip. Then, graduate to something a little more sophisticated and potent, like the Six-Inch Gold Blade made with Scotch, Amaro, Campari, Punt e Mes, and mole bitters.