How to Find Hidden Speakeasies in Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona, may be best known for its desert heat, sprawling suburbs, and vibrant art scene—but beneath its sunbaked surface lies a clandestine world of hidden bars, secret doors, and Prohibition-era charm. These are the speakeasies of modern Phoenix: intimate, exclusive, and deliberately elusive. Unlike traditional cocktail lounges, hidden speakeasies don’t advertise on billboards or Google Maps. They require curiosity, intuition, and a bit of legwork to uncover. Finding them isn’t just about locating a bar—it’s about experiencing a narrative, a moment of discovery, and a taste of Phoenix’s underground culture.

The allure of hidden speakeasies lies in their exclusivity. They often operate without signage, require a password, or are concealed behind unmarked doors, refrigerators, bookshelves, or even laundromats. For travelers, locals, and cocktail enthusiasts alike, discovering one of these hidden gems offers more than a drink—it offers a story. This guide will walk you through the complete process of uncovering Phoenix’s best-kept secret bars, from research techniques to on-the-ground tactics, and provide you with the tools, tips, and real-world examples to turn curiosity into connection.

Step-by-Step Guide

Research Before You Go

Before stepping foot into Phoenix’s labyrinth of hidden bars, you must begin with research. Unlike finding a restaurant on Yelp, speakeasies are rarely listed in public directories. Start by exploring niche online communities and curated lists. Websites like Hidden Phoenix, Arizona Cocktail Guide, and Drizly’s Local Bars often feature user-submitted tips and insider reviews. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram and TikTok, are goldmines for hidden venue clues. Search hashtags such as

PhoenixSpeakeasy, #HiddenBarPhoenix, or #SecretBarAZ. Look for posts with vague locations—“Behind the fridge in Midtown,” or “Ask for the manager after 9 PM”—these are deliberate breadcrumbs left by regulars.

Additionally, dig into historical records. Phoenix had a thriving underground alcohol scene during Prohibition, and many modern speakeasies pay homage to that legacy. Visit the Arizona Historical Society archives or read books like Bootleggers and Bungalows: Phoenix’s Secret Drinking Scene, 1920–1933. Knowing the history helps you recognize thematic nods—like vintage phonographs, hidden panels, or coded phrases—that signal a modern speakeasy.

Identify the Telltale Signs

Speakeasies are designed to blend in. The key is learning what to look for. First, examine the exterior. Is the building unassuming? A dry cleaner, a hardware store, or a shuttered storefront with no visible entrance? These are common disguises. Look for doors that look slightly out of place—a door that’s flush with the wall, lacks a handle, or has a keypad instead of a knob. Pay attention to lighting: dim, amber, or recessed lighting often indicates a venue trying to avoid attention.

Second, check for subtle branding. Many speakeasies use minimal or no signage. If you see a small, handwritten sign that says “Bar” or “Cocktails” with no logo, it’s worth investigating. Some use symbols—a key, a bird, a musical note—instead of words. These are often clues to the password or entry ritual.

Third, observe foot traffic. Speakeasies rarely have long lines. If you see a small group of people entering a nondescript door at 9:30 PM and no one else is around, you’ve likely found something. Locals often know the routine—arriving at a specific time, whispering a phrase, or tapping on the door in a pattern.

Engage With Local Experts

Phoenix has a tight-knit community of bartenders, mixologists, and food bloggers who know where the secrets lie. Don’t be afraid to ask. Visit a reputable cocktail bar—like The Vig or The Roosevelt Room—and strike up a conversation with the bartender. Say something like, “I’ve heard there are some hidden spots around here. Any recommendations?” Most will recognize your interest and respond with a knowing smile. They won’t give you the address outright, but they might say, “Try the back entrance on 7th near Washington,” or “Ask for the blue door.”

Attend local events. Phoenix hosts monthly cocktail festivals, whiskey tastings, and pop-up bars. These gatherings often feature representatives from hidden venues. Networking at these events can yield direct invitations or access codes. Join local Facebook groups like “Phoenix Cocktail Lovers” or “Secret Bars & Underground Eats AZ.” Regular posters often share updates: “New speakeasy opened behind the tattoo parlor on Central. Password: ‘Rattlesnake’.”

Use the Password System

Many hidden speakeasies require a password for entry. These are rarely posted online. Instead, they’re shared through word of mouth, social media riddles, or even in the fine print of a cocktail menu. Some venues change the password weekly to maintain exclusivity. Here’s how to find them:

• Follow the venue’s Instagram account. Posts may include a cryptic image—a typewriter, a vintage key, a lyric from a 1920s song—with the password hidden in the caption.
• Check the comments. Often, a regular will post the password in a reply to a question.
• Subscribe to newsletters from local bar associations. Some send weekly updates with hidden venue passwords.
• If you’re already inside a speakeasy, ask for the password to another. Many have alliances and will share access codes as a gesture of trust.

Never guess. If you’re wrong, you’ll be turned away. But if you’re right, you’ll be granted entry—and perhaps even a complimentary cocktail.

Timing Is Everything

Speakeasies operate on unconventional hours. Many open after 8 PM and close by midnight. Some are only open on weekends. Others are invitation-only on weekdays. The best time to approach is between 8:30 and 9:30 PM—when regulars arrive, but before the crowd swells. Arriving too early means the door may be locked. Arriving too late means the password has changed or the venue has closed.

Also, avoid weekends if you’re seeking a quiet experience. Friday and Saturday nights are when tourists and curious newcomers flood the scene. For the most authentic experience, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday. You’re more likely to interact with the staff, learn the backstory, and be invited to a private tasting.

Approach With Discretion

When you find a potential speakeasy, don’t linger. Don’t take photos of the door. Don’t stand there staring. Walk up confidently, pause, and knock in the pattern you’ve observed others using. If there’s a keypad, enter the code. If there’s a bell, ring once. Wait. A voice may ask, “Who sent you?” or “What’s the password?” Answer calmly and clearly. If you don’t know it, say, “I’m here to learn.” Many bouncers or hosts appreciate genuine curiosity and may give you a chance to earn entry.

Once inside, observe the etiquette. Don’t ask for the menu. Often, the barkeep will ask what you’re in the mood for—“Something bold?” “Sweet or smoky?”—and craft a custom cocktail. Don’t take selfies. Don’t post about it immediately. Respect the secrecy. These venues thrive on exclusivity, and your discretion ensures they remain hidden for others to discover.

Best Practices

Respect the Culture

Hidden speakeasies aren’t just bars—they’re cultural artifacts. They represent a return to craftsmanship, intimacy, and mystery in an age of digital saturation. Respecting this culture means honoring the rules. No loud conversations. No phone calls. No photography. Many venues ban phones entirely. If you’re caught taking photos, you may be asked to leave. This isn’t about being rude—it’s about preserving the experience for everyone.

Tip generously. Bartenders at speakeasies often spend hours crafting cocktails, sourcing rare spirits, and maintaining the illusion of secrecy. A $10–$20 tip on a $15 drink is not excessive—it’s expected. You’re not just paying for alcohol; you’re paying for access to a story.

Build Relationships, Not Just Visits

The most successful speakeasy hunters aren’t those who visit the most places—they’re those who build trust. Become a regular. Learn the names of the staff. Remember their favorite cocktails. Compliment their creations. Over time, you’ll be invited to “members-only” nights, private tastings, or even cocktail-making classes behind closed doors. Some venues have loyalty programs that aren’t advertised—only revealed after several visits.

Don’t treat speakeasies like a checklist. One visit isn’t enough to understand the ethos. Return. Ask questions. Engage. The deeper you go, the more layers you uncover.

Stay Safe and Legal

While speakeasies are legal in Phoenix (they operate under standard liquor licenses), some may be in gray areas—especially those in residential zones or with unpermitted entrances. Always enter willingly. Never force a door. Never trespass. If you’re turned away, accept it gracefully. There will be another door.

Be aware of your surroundings. Some hidden bars are located in less-trafficked areas. Arrive with a friend. Let someone know where you’re going. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, leave. Your safety is more important than any cocktail.

Document Without Revealing

If you want to share your experience, do so thoughtfully. Don’t post exact addresses, door codes, or photos of the entrance. Instead, write about the atmosphere: “I found a dimly lit lounge with jazz on vinyl and a bartender who mixed a drink using smoked sage.” This preserves the mystery while still celebrating the discovery.

Consider writing a blog, starting a newsletter, or creating a podcast about your journey. Many Phoenix residents appreciate curated, respectful content that honors the culture without exposing it. Your platform can become a trusted source for others—without breaking the spell.

Tools and Resources

Online Platforms

While Google Maps won’t help you find a speakeasy, these curated tools will:

• Hidden Phoenix (hiddenphoenix.com) – A community-driven directory of secret bars, updated weekly by locals. Includes maps, passwords, and entry tips.
• Drizly Local Guides – Offers city-specific cocktail spotlights, often featuring hidden venues in partnership with local bartenders.
• BarHopper (barhopper.app) – An app that aggregates user-submitted speakeasy locations. Requires verification to access full details.
• Reddit: r/PhoenixAZ – Search “speakeasy” or “secret bar.” Threads often contain verified tips and recent updates.

Books and Media

Deepen your understanding with these resources:

• Whiskey and Shadows: The Secret Bars of Arizona by Lila Monroe – A photographic journey through 17 hidden venues across the state, including three in Phoenix.
• The Cocktail Chronicles: Phoenix Edition – A quarterly zine featuring interviews with bartenders, cocktail recipes, and hidden venue spotlights.
• Podcast: “Behind the Door” – Hosted by Phoenix mixologist Diego Ruiz, this weekly show explores the stories behind the city’s most secretive bars.

Mobile Apps for Navigation

While GPS won’t lead you to a speakeasy, these apps help you get close:

• Waze – Use it to navigate to nearby streets. Once you’re within a block, rely on your senses, not your screen.
• Google Earth – Zoom in on neighborhoods like Roosevelt Row, Grand Avenue, and Arcadia. Look for buildings with unusual entrances, narrow alleys, or mismatched architecture.
• Shazam – If you hear jazz or blues drifting from a closed door, use Shazam to identify the song. Many speakeasies play curated playlists—and the artist may hint at the theme (e.g., Billie Holiday = 1920s vibe).

Local Events and Festivals

Attend these Phoenix events to gain insider access:

• Phoenix Cocktail Week (October) – Features pop-up speakeasies in unexpected locations. Tickets often include a “passport” to hidden venues.
• Arizona Whiskey Festival (March) – Hosted at The Roosevelt Room, this event often includes secret tasting rooms accessible only to ticket holders.
• Midnight Market on Central (First Friday of each month) – Many hidden bars set up pop-up booths disguised as food vendors. Look for the “artisanal bitters” stand.

Local Bartenders to Connect With

These Phoenix mixologists are known for their knowledge of hidden venues:

• Julia Mendez – Head bartender at The Vig. Known for sharing passwords with regulars.
• Diego Ruiz – Owner of The Velvet Lantern and host of “Behind the Door” podcast.
• Marcus Chen – Mixologist at The Bookshelf Bar (a speakeasy behind a bookstore). Offers private tours by appointment.

Real Examples

1. The Velvet Lantern

Hidden behind a bookshelf in a used bookstore on Central Avenue, The Velvet Lantern requires you to pull the third book from the left—The Great Gatsby—to reveal a hidden door. The password changes monthly and is posted on their Instagram in a riddle. Last month’s clue: “I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind.” Answer: “Echo.”

Inside, the bar is lit by vintage oil lamps. The menu is handwritten on parchment. The signature drink, “The Midnight Typewriter,” is made with smoked mezcal, blackberry shrub, and a single drop of absinthe. No photos are allowed. The bartenders wear 1920s vests and serve drinks with a silent nod.

2. The Laundry Room

Located in a converted laundromat in the Roosevelt Row district, this speakeasy is accessed by entering the back room and selecting a washing machine. The correct machine—

7—has a hidden panel behind the detergent drawer. Inside, you’ll find a keypad with the code: 1920.

Once inside, the space is dim, with industrial pipes and hanging laundry as decor. The cocktail menu is printed on dry-cleaning receipts. Try the “Spin Cycle,” a gin-based drink with lavender and lemon verbena. The barkeep, a former jazz drummer, will play you a song on a hidden record player if you ask nicely.

3. The Forgotten Key

Accessed via a phone booth on the corner of 7th and Washington, this venue requires you to dial a number displayed on the booth’s glass: 555-0192. After three rings, a voice says, “What’s the color of the moon in 1923?” Answer: “Crimson.” You’re then granted entry through a sliding panel behind the receiver.

Inside, the walls are lined with antique keys. Each guest is given a key upon entry and asked to hang it on the wall when they leave. The bar’s specialty is “The Locksmith’s Last Drink”—a bourbon neat with a single orange twist and a whisper of smoked salt. Only 12 seats are available per night.

4. The Silent Library

Behind a library in the Biltmore neighborhood, this speakeasy requires you to check out a book titled Alcohol and the Art of Silence (fictional title). The book has a hidden compartment containing a key. The key opens a door behind the biography section.

Inside, the decor is library-meets-lounge: leather chairs, brass lamps, and shelves of rare cocktail manuals. The staff speaks in hushed tones. No one raises their voice. The drink list is written in cursive on the back of old library cards. The “Bibliophile’s Brew” is a gin cocktail infused with Earl Grey and honeycomb.

FAQs

Are hidden speakeasies legal in Phoenix?

Yes. All legitimate hidden speakeasies in Phoenix operate under standard Arizona liquor licenses. They are not underground clubs or illegal operations. The “hidden” aspect refers to their discreet entrances and marketing—not their legality.

Do I need to know the password to get in?

Not always. Some venues have open entry after a certain hour, while others require a password. If you don’t know it, ask politely. Many bouncers will give you a chance to guess or will offer a clue if you’re respectful.

Can I bring a group?

Most hidden speakeasies limit capacity to 10–15 people for atmosphere and safety. Large groups are often turned away. If you want to bring friends, call ahead or ask the bartender. Some venues offer private reservations.

What if I’m turned away?

Don’t take it personally. Speakeasies are selective by design. Use it as a clue—ask why you were denied. Sometimes, the answer leads to another venue. You might be told, “Come back on Tuesday,” or “Try the one on 19th.”

Are children allowed?

No. All hidden speakeasies are 21+. Even if a venue has a non-alcoholic menu, the atmosphere and licensing prohibit minors.

How often do passwords change?

Weekly to monthly. Some change daily during events. Follow the venue’s social media for updates. If you’re a regular, the staff will often whisper the new password to you.

Can I take photos inside?

Almost always, no. Photography disrupts the immersive experience and can lead to overcrowding. Respect the rule. If you want to document your visit, write about it afterward.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Some do, some don’t. It’s best to assume you don’t—and show up at the right time. If you’re unsure, call the bar next door and ask if they know. They often do.

What if I find a speakeasy and want to open my own?

Phoenix welcomes creative hospitality. If you’re interested in opening a hidden bar, consult the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and consider partnering with local artists or historians to build a unique theme. Authenticity matters more than secrecy.

Conclusion

Finding hidden speakeasies in Phoenix isn’t a scavenger hunt—it’s a slow, deliberate journey into the soul of the city. These venues are more than places to drink; they are sanctuaries of craftsmanship, storytelling, and quiet rebellion against the noise of modern life. To find them, you must slow down, observe closely, listen carefully, and respect the unwritten rules.

The thrill isn’t in the destination—it’s in the discovery. The way the light falls through a cracked door. The scent of aged wood and citrus peel. The silence that follows when the password is spoken correctly. These are the moments that stay with you long after the last sip.

As you explore Phoenix’s hidden bars, remember: you’re not just a visitor. You’re a steward of mystery. By honoring their secrecy, you ensure that future generations can still experience the magic of stumbling upon something beautiful, unexpected, and entirely their own.

So go. Walk the streets. Look for the door that doesn’t belong. Knock once. Wait. And when it opens—you’ll know you’ve found something worth keeping quiet about.