Chicago’s rich history dates back to the Prohibition era, when the city was a hotspot for bootlegging and home to gangsters like Al Capone. 100 years have passed and prohibition has long since ended, but Chicagoans can still get an authentic speakeasy experience right in the heart of the Windy City.
Behind unmarked doors, hidden entryways, and secret panels, Chicago boasts a range of charming secret bars, each with their own theme and specialty drinks. Step back in time to the roarin’ twenties with these seven local speakeasies.
5050 N Clark St.
Hidden behind the front facade of a laundromat, lies a spacious theatre where you can enjoy music and magic. The Chicago Magic Lounge brings the art of sleight of hand back to Chicagoans. You can purchase tickets to their nightly shows, or enjoy handcrafted drinks such as the Houdini Died and Selight of Hand.
The Bamboo Room at Three Dots and a Dash
435 N Clark St.
With its concealed alleyway entrance, Three Dots and a Dash is a landmark speakeasy in the United States, known for its pivotal tiki bar revival. The bar features rum-based cocktails served in tiki mugs, accompanied by Polynesian classics like crab rangoons and spring rolls. The bar introduced a speakeasy within a speakeasy, The Bamboo Room, that offers more personal and quiet areas.
948 W Fulton Market
Barber Shop by day and speakeasy by night! The Blind Barber is a hidden gem tucked away inside an actual working barber shop. Behind their unmarked door, visitors can enjoy signature cocktails and food alongside burnt-orange sofas and pine walls.
676-8 N Orleans St.
Underneath The Green Door Tavern lies this vintage speakeasy left over from the Prohibition days. This restored subterranean escape offers over 100 cocktails served on Tarot cards, alongside entertainment that runs throughout the night. The capacity for the establishment is 37, so wait times are expected.
4626 N Knox Ave.
This traditional Irish pub is located in the south wing of the Irish American Heritage Center, completely hidden from view. The Fifth Province serves up free live music and tasty bites like fish and chips. The pub takes its residency inside an old local school with countertops made of chalkboards that were remnants of the building’s past.
3222 N Sheffield Ave
Room 13 is the most secret bar that Chicago has to offer. With a discreet alleyway entrance to the left of the Old Chicago Inn, visitors must apply for a membership for a yearly fee or earn an invite by staying at the hotel. They serve up drinks from the 1920s accompanied by historical insights.
1939 W North Ave
Hidden inside a small record shop storefront in Wicker Park, Dorian’s serves up food and drinks with a little bit of rhythm. The space hosts vinyl DJ nights and has a stage for live music. This music-inspired speakeasy has a narrow menu of house cocktails to perfectly accompany the beats.
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