Modern Day Speakeasies

Modern bartending tools when making craft cocktails.

In recent years, speakeasies have experienced a resurgence as trendy, upscale hidden bars that mimic the secrecy and exclusivity of their Prohibition-era predecessors. Today’s speakeasies often feature hidden entrances, unmarked doors, or secret passwords, creating a sense of intrigue and adventure.

A bartender making three different craft cocktails on a bar

While these establishments are legal, they evoke a nostalgia for the past and often offer craft cocktails, unique atmospheres, and an emphasis on mixology. Some modern speakeasies aim to recreate the aesthetics of the 1920s speakeasy culture, complete with vintage décor, jazz music, and prohibition-style drinks.

Four different craft cocktails in martini glasses on top of a bar

Others take a more contemporary approach, using the speakeasy concept as a way to create an exclusive, intimate environment away from the hustle of typical nightlife. Speakeasies now exist around the world, with major cities like New York, London, and Tokyo offering renowned hidden bars. They’ve become a global phenomenon, combining old-world charm with modern cocktail culture.