In an age where sleek bars and neon-lit lounges dominate city nightlife, the charm of the speakeasy continues to enchant those who crave mystery, style, and intimacy. Originating during the Prohibition era, speakeasies were hidden establishments where people could discreetly enjoy drinks, music, and company away from prying eyes. Today, they’ve evolved into modern-day oases that blend secret entrances, creative themes, and a touch of theatricality.
Designing or visiting a speakeasy is not just about sipping cocktails—it’s about experiencing a moment in time. Every detail, from lighting to layout, helps transport guests to a world that feels both secretive and stylish. Whether you’re a bar owner dreaming of your next concept or simply a design enthusiast, here are 10 must-try speakeasy ideas that combine atmosphere, storytelling, and craft in unforgettable ways.
1. Vintage Gatsby Glamour
If you’re drawn to the roaring twenties, the Gatsby-inspired speakeasy is the perfect choice. Picture velvet lounges, gold accents, jazz music, and champagne towers glimmering under chandeliers. The idea is to capture the opulence and elegance of the Jazz Age without overdoing it.
Design Details:
Use dark wood furniture, gilded mirrors, and plush seating in deep emerald, burgundy, or navy. The lighting should be warm and dim, highlighting details like crystal glassware and brass bar fixtures. A small stage for live jazz or piano adds authenticity.
Entrance Concept:
A hidden passage behind a bookshelf or a false wall lined with old books creates a sense of discovery. Guests should feel like they’ve stumbled upon something exclusive.
Menu Inspiration:
Serve classic cocktails like the French 75, Sidecar, or Gin Rickey. Offer small bites reminiscent of 1920s decadence—think oysters, shrimp cocktail, and truffle popcorn.
Why It Works:
The Gatsby theme never goes out of style—it’s nostalgic, luxurious, and transports patrons to a timeless era of celebration.
2. Industrial Underground Hideout
For a moodier and more modern twist, an industrial-style speakeasy gives an edgy vibe that resonates with urban sophistication. Think concrete floors, exposed brick, and black steel beams paired with moody lighting.
Design Details:
Incorporate Edison bulbs, metal stools, and reclaimed wood tables. A bar made from polished cement or dark marble sets a contemporary tone. The key is to keep it raw yet refined.
Entrance Concept:
Hide the entry behind a false maintenance door or inside a basement-level corridor marked “Employees Only.” Use signage sparingly to maintain intrigue.
Menu Inspiration:
Offer craft cocktails that showcase unique infusions and artisanal ingredients—charcoal-infused gin, smoked old fashioneds, or coffee-based cocktails.
Why It Works:
This concept appeals to the modern minimalist who loves a mysterious, urban escape without the frills of traditional glamour.
3. Secret Library Lounge
Books and bourbon are a pairing few can resist. A library-themed speakeasy offers quiet sophistication for guests who enjoy good conversation and the scent of old pages.
Design Details:
Line the walls with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with vintage hardcovers, candles, and curiosities. Use warm amber lighting, leather chairs, and Persian rugs to create an intimate reading-room feel.
Entrance Concept:
Disguise the door as part of the bookshelf—one that swings open with a hidden latch or when a certain book is pulled.
Menu Inspiration:
Curate cocktails inspired by literary classics: “The Hemingway Daiquiri,” “Tequila Mockingbird,” or “The Old Man and the Sea.” Serve elegant snacks like cheese boards, chocolate truffles, and nuts.
Why It Works:
This theme creates a peaceful sanctuary from noisy nightlife and encourages guests to slow down and savor the experience.
4. Art Deco Time Capsule
An Art Deco speakeasy immerses guests in geometric patterns, metallic finishes, and luxurious design. It’s where architecture meets ambiance, creating a space that feels bold and elegant.
Design Details:
Use patterned floors, mirrored walls, and symmetrical lighting fixtures. Incorporate marble tables, velvet seating, and sleek gold trim. Every detail should nod to the opulence of the early 20th century.
Entrance Concept:
A polished brass elevator door that opens into a glam world of jazz and cocktail art.
Menu Inspiration:
Champagne-based drinks, martinis, and Negronis served in coupe glasses. Add some flair with gold leaf garnishes or artful cocktail stencils.
Why It Works:
It appeals to those who crave elegance and a strong design aesthetic. The visual experience becomes part of the storytelling.
5. Hidden Garden Oasis
Nature and secrecy blend beautifully in a garden-themed speakeasy, offering a tranquil atmosphere filled with greenery and gentle lighting. It’s the perfect escape from the city’s chaos.
Design Details:
Cover walls in lush plants, hanging vines, and potted greenery. Use wooden beams, soft lanterns, and flowing fabrics. Consider incorporating a glass ceiling or skylight to create a sense of openness.
Entrance Concept:
A nondescript greenhouse door, garden gate, or floral archway that leads to the hidden bar. Guests will love the feeling of stepping into a secret botanical retreat.
Menu Inspiration:
Serve herbal and floral-infused cocktails like lavender gin spritzers, rosemary-infused old fashioneds, and basil mojitos. Add edible flowers for garnish.
Why It Works:
It provides a breath of fresh air—literally. The lush, natural environment encourages relaxation and social connection.
6. Vintage Train Car Bar
For a unique and cinematic experience, design a train carriage-themed speakeasy. It’s inspired by the golden age of travel, where elegance met adventure.
Design Details:
Build the bar to resemble an old train interior with narrow passageways, plush booth seating, brass details, and luggage racks overhead. Add sound effects like soft train rumbles or distant whistles for immersion.
Entrance Concept:
A station-like entry with an old ticket counter or a false door marked “Platform 9” leads to the speakeasy.
Menu Inspiration:
Offer cocktails named after famous destinations—“The Orient Express,” “Midnight in Paris,” or “Route 66.” Include gourmet appetizers served in vintage tins or trays.
Why It Works:
This design merges nostalgia, travel, and style, creating an unforgettable journey within four walls.
7. Retro Movie Theater Bar
Cinematic glamour and secrecy combine perfectly in a vintage cinema-inspired speakeasy. It caters to film lovers who appreciate a bit of old Hollywood mystique.
Design Details:
Decorate with vintage film reels, velvet curtains, and movie posters from the golden age of cinema. Soft red lighting, plush seats, and a small projection screen enhance the mood.
Entrance Concept:
Hide the bar behind a curtain or through a “maintenance” door inside a faux theater lobby.
Menu Inspiration:
Offer creative drinks like “The Director’s Cut,” “Film Noir Martini,” or “Popcorn Old Fashioned.” Serve small snacks like gourmet popcorn, truffle fries, and sliders.
Why It Works:
This theme invites storytelling and nostalgia while giving guests a sense of cinematic escape.
8. Jazz and Blues Cellar
If your goal is to capture soulful energy, a jazz and blues-inspired speakeasy brings rhythm, mood, and warmth. Think dimly lit corners, live saxophone sessions, and clinking glasses under a smoky atmosphere.
Design Details:
Exposed brick, dark wood finishes, vintage lighting, and a small stage. Add record players, framed photographs of jazz legends, and cozy banquette seating.
Entrance Concept:
A basement staircase behind a hidden door or alleyway entrance gives the feeling of descending into another world.
Menu Inspiration:
Serve bourbon-heavy cocktails, whiskey flights, and soulful Southern bites—like shrimp and grits or cornbread muffins.
Why It Works:
It evokes emotion and connection, perfect for guests who love music and rich ambiance.
9. Modern Minimalist Hideaway
For those who prefer clean lines and refined simplicity, a minimalist speakeasy focuses on design precision and mood lighting rather than ornamentation.
Design Details:
Matte black walls, indirect lighting, geometric furniture, and quiet corners. Use materials like stone, metal, and glass to emphasize texture and modern elegance.
Entrance Concept:
An unmarked black door with a digital keypad or motion-triggered entrance light. Subtle and mysterious.
Menu Inspiration:
Simple yet sophisticated cocktails emphasizing quality over quantity. Serve Japanese whiskey, craft gin, or sake-inspired blends.
Why It Works:
The minimalist approach appeals to guests seeking exclusivity and calm in a high-design environment.
10. Secret Cellar Wine Lounge
Finally, for a warm and sophisticated escape, a cellar-style wine speakeasy delivers charm, intimacy, and refinement.
Design Details:
Brick or stone walls, wooden barrels, wrought iron fixtures, and candlelight create a European cellar ambiance. Add vintage wine racks and rich leather seating.
Entrance Concept:
A staircase behind a false wall or a disguised wine shelf that opens into a cozy underground space.
Menu Inspiration:
Offer curated wine flights, artisanal cheese boards, and small European-inspired plates. Include a few signature wine cocktails or sangrias for variety.
Why It Works:
The cellar setting provides warmth and authenticity, inviting long, relaxed conversations over fine drinks.
Conclusion
A speakeasy is more than a bar—it’s a living story told through architecture, design, and atmosphere. Each of these ideas provides an opportunity to evoke mystery, elegance, or nostalgia while delivering a unique experience. Whether it’s a botanical hideaway, a 1920s Gatsby soirée, or a minimalist modern retreat, the magic lies in the unexpected.
When guests step through a hidden entrance and feel the hum of a secret world come alive, you’ve captured the true spirit of the speakeasy—an unforgettable blend of intimacy, creativity, and wonder.
