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3 Seattle Speakeasies for a Secret Cocktail

Back in the 1920s and 1930s, speakeasies were secret establishments that operated during prohibition. During this period, the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages were prohibited, leading to the rise of hidden bars and clubs known as speakeasies.


Today the term "speakeasy" refers to establishments that recreate the ambiance and style of the original speakeasies from the Prohibition era. These modern speakeasies intentionally evoke the secretive and exclusive atmosphere of their historical counterparts, and typically feature hidden entrances, dim lighting, vintage decor, and an emphasis on craft cocktails.


Shell gas station at night in Seattle.

Seattle is home to about a dozen speakeasies across the city. Some will allow you to walk right in, others require a secret password or reservations to enter. Below, we've selected three local speakeasies to try as a primer.


Founders Club

Walk near the bookcases in the lobby of Seattle's Fairmont Olympic Hotel and you may hear a commotion coming from behind the wall. Look closely, and you'll catch a glimpse of Founders Club through the open shelves on the bookcases.


This exclusive, upscale speakeasy features an exquisite hand-selected spirit collection, an innovative cocktail menu, and 22-pages of spirits and other drinks to choose from. Reservations are highly recommended.


Bathtub Gin & Co.

This Belltown speakeasy has all the charm you're looking for in a speakeasy: an alley entrance, dark rooms lit by candlelight, and a bartender making custom and surprise drinks based on your beverage preferences.


Bathtub Gin & Co. is located in a building built in the 1920s, so you'll be immersed in the era of the speakeasy from the walls to the floors. Be prepared to wait to get in, as this "secret" location can attract quite a crowd and no reservations are accepted. Space is limited, so you'll likely spend some time in line waited for admittance.


Phởcific Standard Time

Walking by Phở Bắc’s downtown Seattle location, you'd never guess that this beloved phở restaurant is hiding a secret speakeasy. Step by the order counter, head upstairs, and part the bead curtain to enter Phởcific Standard Time (or eat something off the menu downstairs before heading up).


The entire drink menu is great, and you can also find some lighter fare on the menu for snacking in the bar. While the food at the bar is good, it can't compare to the main menu you'll find in the restaurant below.



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