Best Speakeasy Bars in Phoenix (Hidden Cocktail Bars You’ll Love)

Looking for the best speakeasy bars in Phoenix? While true speakeasies disappeared after Prohibition ended, today’s hidden cocktail lounges keep the spirit alive with secret entrances, moody lighting, and top-tier drinks that feel straight out of the 1920s.

The term “speakeasy” originated in the 1920s from patrons being told to “speak easy” so the police wouldn’t hear them buying illegal booze. Fast forward a century, and Phoenix has embraced that old-school charm with a modern twist. Think hidden doors behind bookcases, secret entrances in pizza joints, and cocktail menus worthy of Gatsby himself.

Across the Greater Phoenix area, there are several speakeasy-style bars to choose from, and only one still requires a password to get in. Some are authentically old-school, while others are more of a modern-day hideaway that just feels exclusive. Either way, they’re all worth finding.

Short on Time? Here are the key takeaways:

• Phoenix has a thriving speakeasy scene, with everything from true hidden bars to themed cocktail lounges.
• White Rabbit and Rough Rider are our top picks for a true Prohibition-era experience. Trophy Room offers a high-end, reservation-only experience with showstopping cocktails.
• If you’re traveling with kids or love arcade vibes, Ziggy’s Magic Pizza Shop is a fun hidden gem.
• Most speakeasies have limited seating, so reservations or early arrivals are a smart move.
• Expect craft cocktails, moody interiors, and creative menus at every Phoenix speakeasy.

This post was originally published in April 2023, and was updated in October 2025.

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Speakeasy bars in Phoenix

1. White Rabbit 

• Hours: Sunday – Thursday 5 – 11 PM
  • Friday – Saturday 5 PM – midnight
• Food Available: Yes, small bites and flatbreads
• Average Price per drink: $15-25
• Happy Hour: Yes, 5 PM – 7PM

If you’re searching for one of the most authentic speakeasy bars in Phoenix, White Rabbit,should be at the top of your list. Located in Gilbert, about a 20-minute drive from Scottsdale, this place is 100% worth the trip.

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted at the top of a staircase and asked for a password. To get it, you can sign up for their VIP list ahead of time. If you forget, don’t worry – the staff are friendly and will help you sign up on the spot.

Once you have the password, you’ll head down the stairs and into a hallway lined with bookcases. Choose wisely, because one of those shelves hides the entrance. (Hint: it’s not called the White Rabbit for nothing.)

As soon as we stepped inside, we felt transported back to the 1920s. The lighting is low, the furniture is antique, and the atmosphere feels like a scene from the Great Gatsby.

The cocktail menu is creative and carefully curated, offering something for every taste. My favorite was the Mitsubachi, made with Suntory Toki Whisky, plum, honey, umami, and lavender. It was smooth, balanced, and completely unique.

We also shared the margherita flatbread, which was light and flavorful — the perfect pairing between drinks.

This place gets busy, so plan ahead. Reservations are available Sunday through Thursday, but on weekends, expect a 30-minute wait if you don’t arrive early.

2. Rough Rider

• Hours:
  • Tuesday – Thursday: 3 PM – 11 PM
  • Friday & Saturday: 3 PM – 12 AM
  • Sunday: 3 PM – 10 PM
  • Monday: Closed
• Food Available: Yes, full restaurant 
• Average Price per drink: $16-30
• Happy Hour: Yes, Tuesday – Sunday 3 – 5 PM

Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row Arts District, Rough Rider is one of our favorite speakeasy bars in Phoenix for its atmosphere, cocktails, and historical flair.

Inspired by the late 19th century, this bar pays homage to Teddy Roosevelt and his famous cavalry, the Rough Riders. To enter, head to the Ten-O-One building at the corner of E. Roosevelt St. and N. Central Ave. The entrance is through the alleyway. Walk through the glass lobby until you find the elevators. Only the middle elevator will take you back in time to this hidden gem of a bar.

Once inside, you’ll find yourself in an elegant, dimly lit space that blends Victorian design with classic Americana. It’s the kind of bar that makes you want to sit up straighter and order an Old Fashioned.

The cocktail menu is a thoughtful nod to the past, featuring cobbler-style drinks made with housemade jams and traditional punches that feel straight out of the 1800s. Their spirit list is extensive, and the bartenders are excellent at helping you find a drink that fits your mood.

When we visited during happy hour, Chris (the frugal accountant) went with The Derby, a refreshing mix of bourbon, honey, grapefruit, and sparkling water. I asked the bartender for something creative, and he whipped up an off-menu Gold Rush made with bourbon, lemon, and honey. Simple but absolutely perfect.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try The Mystery Punch, one of their happy hour staples. No one will tell you what’s in it, and honestly, that’s half the fun.

We didn’t have a full meal here but did enjoy some oysters from their raw bar. During happy hour, oysters were $1 off each, which made it an easy win.

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. There’s no password required here, but it still feels every bit like a true speakeasy. Between the entrance, the story, and the drinks, Rough Rider easily ranks among the best speakeasy bars in Phoenix.

3. Ziggy’s Magic Pizza Shop 

• Hours: Monday -Thursday 4 PM-1 AM
  • Friday – Saturday 4 PM-2 AM
  • Sunday 12 PM – 1 AM
• Food Available: Yes, in the pizza shop
• Average Price per drink: $8-12
• Happy Hour: Monday – Friday: 5 PM – 7 PM

Here’s a sentence I’d never thought I’d say: Ziggy’s Magic Pizza Shop is a speakeasy that’s suitable for all ages… until 9 PM.

Located in downtown Phoenix, this quirky spot blends a New York-style pizza joint with a hidden bar, making it one of the most unique speakeasy bars in Phoenix.

At first glance, Ziggy’s looks like a normal pizza shop, serving up hot slices and good vibes. But the secret lies inside. Walk in, head toward the restrooms along the right side of the counter, and you’ll spot a white swinging door. Go through, and you’ll see a freezer door with a glowing sign that boldly says, “DON’T COME IN!” You know what to do.

Once you push through, you’ll be greeted by loud music, neon lights, and a disco floor that immediately gives away the secret – you’ve just stepped into Stardust Pinbar , a hidden arcade-style bar packed with pinball machines and nostalgia.

During the day, kids are allowed until 9 PM, and we happened to visit while families were enjoying the games. Based on their social media, though, it looks like this place shifts to a college crowd after dark.

If you’re after high-end cocktails, this isn’t the place. Chris ordered one of their specialty drinks, and it wasn’t his favorite. I kept it simple with my go-to vodka soda. They do have beer and wine, but this is definitely more about the experience than the drinks.

If you want a moody, candle-lit speakeasy, you’ll want to skip this stop. But if you’re in it for a fun secret entrance and a lively atmosphere, Ziggy’s Magic Pizza Shop is a playful stop worth checking out.

The is an arcade style-bar during the day time and kids are permitted to enter until 9 PM. We were there earlier in the day so there were a lot of kiddos running around. 

4. 36 Below

• Hours:
  • Sunday – Thursday: 4 PM – 12 AM
  • Friday – Saturday: 4 PM – 1 AM
• Food Available: Yes, small bites
• Average Price per drink: $13-20
• Happy Hour: No

Hidden beneath Sip Coffee Bar in Scottsdale, 36 Below is one of the most creative cocktail experiences in the Greater Phoenix area. While it’s easier to find than some of the other speakeasy bars in Phoenix, it still feels like a secret worth uncovering.

The concept here is simple: cocktails meet storytelling. Their rotating themes completely transform the space every few months, and each cocktail is designed to match the current theme. During our visits, we’ve experienced both Ancient Greece (in 2022) and Under the Sea (in 2023), and each time the drinks and presentation completely blew us away.

Expect carefully crafted cocktails with ingredients you’ve likely never seen before, served in custom glassware with theatrical touches like smoke or light effects. It’s definitely one of those “sip slowly and admire the artistry” kind of bars.

While there’s no happy hour, you can elevate your visit by booking their private hidden room for a more intimate speakeasy experience. Seating is limited, so reservations are a must whether you’re just grabbing a drink or going all in on the private room.

36 Below isn’t just a bar – it’s an immersive experience that combines flavor, atmosphere, and a touch of mystery.

5. Grey Hen Rx

• Hours:
  • Tuesday – Thursday: 4 PM – 12 AM
  • Friday – Sunday: 2:30 PM – 12 AM
  • Monday: Closed
• Food Available: Yes, small snacks
• Average Price per drink: $16-25
• Happy Hour: No

Just a few steps away from 36 Below, Grey Hen is an intimate cocktail bar with serious speakeasy and apothecary vibes. Walking inside feels like stepping back into a 1930s pharmacy where the bartender doubles as your personal “prescription mixer.”

The atmosphere is moody, classy, and just a little mysterious — exactly what we love about a good speakeasy. While the menu features timeless classics like the Sidecar and Negroni, the real fun starts with their pre-Prohibition-inspired creations. One standout was the Marigold Mule, made with ginger beer and marigold-infused vodka — floral, spicy, and perfectly balanced.

Seating here is very limited, so we highly recommend making a reservation online. If you try to walk in, there’s a good chance you’ll be told they’re full and asked to come back later.

Grey Hen is part of the Grand Century complex (which includes Undertow and Platform 18), a collection of bars each with their own unique character. If you want to explore more from this group, check out our Scottsdale Craft Cocktail Guide for the full breakdown.

6. Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlor

• Hours:
  • Tuesday – Thursday (4pm – 12am)
  • Friday – Saturday (4pm – 1am)
  • Sunday & Monday – Closed
• Food Available: Yes, full menu
• Average Price per Drink: $13 – $22
• Happy Hour: Tuesday – Friday: 4 PM – 6 PM

Located inside the historic Luhrs Building in downtown Phoenix, Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlor is one of those bars that effortlessly blends old-school glam with a modern twist. The moment you walk in, you can feel the buzz of creativity – the décor is bold, the bartenders are pros, and the cocktail list is basically a work of art.

Their drink menu reads like a cocktail encyclopedia, featuring dozens of inventive creations that rotate seasonally. The bartenders here truly take their craft seriously – think elaborate garnishes, unique glassware, and spot-on flavor.

Even though this isn’t technically a “hidden” speakeasy, the experience absolutely channels those Prohibition vibes – classy, dimly lit, and a little mysterious.

7. Melinda’s Alley

• Hours:
  • Friday – Saturday: 9 PM – 2 AM
  • Sunday – Thursday: Closed
• Food Available: No
• Average Price per Drink: $16 – $18
• Happy Hour: No

If you’re looking for a true hidden speakeasy in downtown Phoenix, Melinda’s Alley is as secret as it gets. No flashy signs, no neon lights, just a single red bulb above a door in the alley behind the Renaissance Hotel. If you didn’t know it was there, you’d walk right past it.

When you step inside, you’ll find a small, red lit room with velvet curtains, vintage furniture, and jazz softly playing in the background. It’s moody, intimate, and feels like a portal straight back to the Prohibition era.

The drink menu here is intentionally short (like on a chalkboard) and changes weekly. You’ll usually find around five cocktails that rotate depending on the season or the bartender’s inspiration.

Melinda’s Alley doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait if you show up late. The best move is to arrive right when they open to secure a spot, it’s worth it. For those who crave that authentic hidden-door speakeasy experience, this is the one that feels most true to the 1920s spirit.

8. Trophy Room

• Hours:
  • Mon – Thursday: 5 PM – 9:30 PM
  • Friday: 5 PM – 12:30 AM
  • Saturday: 4 PM – 12:30 AM
  • Sunday: 4 PM – 9:30 PM
• Food Available: No
• Average Price per Drink: $18 – $25
• Happy Hour: No
• Reservations Required: Yes

Located inside the Wren & Wolf restaurant in downtown Phoenix, Trophy Room is one of the city’s most exclusive hidden cocktail lounges, and yes, you actually need a password to get in.

When you arrive, check in with the host at Wren & Wolf. They’ll escort you to a secret hallway that looks like something straight out of a movie. The entrance changes occasionally, which adds to the mystery, but once you’re inside, you’ll know you’ve made it. Cameras and cell phones are not allowed inside and a locked storage unit will be provided.

The vibe is dark and intimate, moody lighting, and curated music that perfectly fits the upscale speakeasy atmosphere. The cocktails are high-end and theatrical, many arriving with smoke, flames, or unique glassware.

Trophy Room is reservation-only and you are limited to 90-minutes. Spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends. If you want a true VIP-style speakeasy experience in Phoenix, this is the one to splurge on.

9. Captain’s Cabin

• Hours:
  • Thursday: 6 PM – 11 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 6 PM – 12 AM
• Food Available: Yes, small snacks
• Average Price per Drink: $13 – $18
• Happy Hour: No

Hidden above Hula’s Modern Tiki in Phoenix, Captain’s Cabin is one of the most unique speakeasy-style bars in the city. Walking up the narrow staircase feels like you’re entering a secret sailor’s hideout, complete with nautical décor, wood-paneled walls, and the faint scent of rum in the air.

The theme here is vintage tiki meets mid-century lounge, and the drink menu delivers on that promise. Expect classic tiki cocktails like Mai Tais and Zombies, along with creative rum-based drinks that pack both flavor and fun.

The bartenders are super friendly and love to chat about the history behind each cocktail. Seating is limited, so it’s best to get there early or grab a quick bite at Hula’s first and then head upstairs for drinks.

From hidden entrances to secret passwords, the speakeasy bars in Phoenix invite you to experience a different time with a great drink in hand. Each bar has its own personality and vibe. If you’re planning your next night out, start with one of these nine speakeasy bars in Phoenix and let the adventure unfold one cocktail at a time.

Still thirsty? Check out more of our Arizona drinking guides:

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