5 Speakeasies to Check Out in the Gaslamp Quarter
Looking for ways to spend your time in the Gaslamp Quarter while visiting Downtown San Diego? Given the incredible history of the area, visiting a prohibition-style speakeasy in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is a must. Read on for five speakeasies to check out the next time you find yourself in America’s Finest City.
Prohibition
Enter through an unassuming door posing as the entrance to a Law Office before heading into this underground speakeasy. Prohibition’s dimly lit, vintage feel is worth visiting for its nostalgic atmosphere, but further reels you in with its cocktails and events calendar. Enjoy live music ranging from jazz to rockabilly to blues. Now ironically enough, the bar that’s named after an era of bootlegging and rule-breaking has very distinct rules that must be abided by. One, no cell phones! Two, drink with an open mind. Three, be chivalrous and gentlemanly; no unsolicited advances on females. Four, a cocktail attire dress code is encouraged on Fridays and Saturdays. Keep it classy, proper, and period-focused. Try one of the Prohibition Standard cocktails like the House Old Fashioned with cherry apple bitters or their Espresso Martini. I love an espresso martini! They do not take reservations, and there is no call ahead, so plan accordingly. Prohibition is located at 548 Fifth Avenue in Gaslamp, San Diego, Southern California, and is open 8 pm until 1:30 am daily.
Courtesy of Prohibition
Room 56
Hidden within the Moxy Hotel, Room 56 is one of the best speakeasies in the San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, deriving its name from the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. After picking up the red book to access the hidden entrance, pass through the bookcase to find yourself inside this exclusive speakeasy bar. You’ll be greeted by the “librarian” before proceeding down the spiraling staircase into the retro-themed establishment. Once seated, enjoy one of the several craft cocktails, including the unique Kookabura or classic French 75 with lemon and sage. The menu is quite extensive, and the bartenders are absolutely brilliant, so you’ll have no issue reaching the two-drink minimum, although you might have a difficult time deciding which are your favorite cocktails. Make sure to make reservations as they are often booked up well in advance, and so you can receive instructions on how to find Room 56. Room 56 is located at 831 Sixth Avenue in the Gaslamp and is open from 7 pm until 1 am Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and 7 pm until 2 am Friday and Saturday.
Courtesy of Hoodline
Vin de Syrah
This wine bar, a speakeasy in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, has a very Alice in Wonderland feel to it with its playing cards on the ceiling and eccentric decor. Vin de Syrah is a quirky, underground garden known for its wine and wine tastings, but also features seasonal craft cocktails and other spirits to tickle your fancy. Its cabaret show on Friday nights is very entertaining, almost as entertaining as watching guests try to access the entrance, which is hidden behind a hedge-like door. It’s a perfect place to host events from birthdays to bachelorette parties to corporate events and can accommodate reservations from 10 to 250 guests. Their list of amenities is wide, ranging from live music or a DJ to offering a tarot card reader or even an illusionist. It truly is a spectacular experience! Vin de Syrah is located at 901 Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp and is open from 5pm until 12am Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and 5pm until 1:30am on Friday and Saturday.
Courtesy of 10Best
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Noble Experiment
A swanky, intimate cocktail bar, The Noble Experiment is a small speakeasy with an “Interview with a Vampire” feel, that can be found inside The Neighborhood restaurant. Simply push to the right side of the unassuming wall of kegs near the restrooms before being greeted by a collection of ornate brass skulls resembling the catacombs in this fabulously secret establishment. Specializing in dealer’s choice, craft cocktails, just describe what flavors entice you and the bartender will do the rest. This place is fabulous for a date night or to catch up with a friend. With reservations becoming available about a week in advance, you’ll want to book your space as soon as possible. Although there is saved space for walk-ins, this speakeasy tends to fill up quickly. The Noble Experiment is located at 777 G Street in the Gaslamp and is open 6pm until 2am, daily.
Courtesy of The Dana
Young Blood
Enter through an unremarkable, faux refrigerator door to access this retro-Hollywood, art deco-styled, 30-velvet stooled speakeasy. Young Blood does things a bit differently than other bars by offering a not-so-Prix-fixed, four-drink nightly menu. Your all-inclusive $65 ticket for a 90-minute session starts you off with a glass of bubbly followed by three cocktails, created by a team of bartenders as they create personalized libations to suit your preferences. Granted, you are not limited and are more than welcome to add cocktails to your pre-paid courses. Go through their website to make reservations, but do not expect much from the site since it’s just a proxy. It does not divulge any information, in true speakeasy bar fashion. Young Blood is located right behind The Noble Experiment at 777 G Street in the Gaslamp and is open 6pm until 2am daily.
Courtesy of The San Diego Union-Tribune
Honorable Mention
False Idol
Although not located in the Gaslamp Quarter, the historic heart of San Diego, this Tiki-themed speakeasy is a can’t miss! Fairly well hidden inside Craft & Commerce, False Idol serves up tropical concoctions with an equally complimentary atmosphere. They’ve been serving up indoor thunderstorms since 2016. To access this hidden bar, you’ll need to pass through the stainless-steel industrial refrigerator door to the left of the main bar inside Craft & Commerce. Inside the walk-in, you’ll find crates of citrus and pineapples as well as a shelf adorned with jars holding skulls and human heads of the “general contractors we had to fire”, according to tiki expert and project partner Martin Cate. Past all that, there’s a secondary door that leads you into the tiki bar. They get pretty busy, so you’ll either want to make reservations or get there right when they open in order to get a seat. False Idol is located at 675 W Beech Street near Little Italy and is open 5pm until 1am, or until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights, with a Happy Hour from 5pm until 6pm.
Courtesy of DoSD
Next time you’re in the downtown San Diego area, you must try out one of these speakeasies! From the entertainment value in the secrecy of entering to the atmosphere once inside and the impressive cocktails crafted by some of the best mixologists, these hidden bars are truly a memorable experience. Perhaps even throw in a Brothels, Bites and Booze guided walking tour of the Gaslamp District San Diego, Southern California to learn a bit more about the secrets behind the area’s historic buildings. So Diego can also provide a private Gaslamp walking tour catered to your group’s interest. Whether you want to go on a rooftop bar tour, a craft cocktail tour, or explore the breweries in the area, we have something just for you! Browse our site and join us on one of our many San Diego tours. There are plenty of curiosities to uncover.
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This blog was written by Aleezah Davenport. Aleezah is a native San Diegan, and a second-generation PLNU alumna. She enjoys exploring the city and taking her girls out for dinner on the cliffs at Sunset Cliffs. Writing about San Diego provides her the opportunity to learn more about the local scene, and share her newfound knowledge about her hometown – two of the things she loves most. She enjoys sharing her passions with readers, and is excited to be writing for a platform that provides fun information to a large audience.
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