There’s something about scavenger hunt, uncovering a hard-to-find hidden secret spot, and deciphering real-life trompe-l’oiel that never gets old. It’s no wonder the fascination and mystery of the speakeasy has not waned since the Prohibition era. From a Roaring Twenties-inspired watering hole and gastropub tucked within an emporium in Anaheim, to a dark and moody speakeasy in the Tenderloin District in San Francisco, here’s where to hide out with a hand-crafted cocktail and small bites in the Golden State.
The Blind Rabbit
Disguised as a set of stacked wooden boxes concealing a front door, the swanky, reservations-only Anaheim hideout—appointed with a copper bar, Tiffany-style stained glass lamps and library-like armchairs—serves up meticulously concocted libations such as Sailing Before The Wind with Humboldt vodka, Mommenpop Seville orange, cantaloupe and citrus, and Love You Better with absinthe, tequila, pineapple and lime. For light bites and heartier options, consider the crab cakes with jumbo lump crab, potato cakes, and beef with pickled Shimeji mushrooms, garlic crostini and bone marrow.
The Grass Skirt
Located in San Diego’s Pacific Beach neighborhood, the playful, Polynesian-inspired tiki bar designed by Davis Ink (of El Hefe in Scottsdale and Gravity Heights in San Diego), feels like a modern-day iteration of South Pacific meets Swiss Family Robinson. Layered with a bamboo-clad bar, rope ceilings, colorful glass floats, hanging rattan chairs, and a Tiki God-like fire feature, the kitschy bar offers pupus and plates (think shrimp toast and grilled Korean marinated hanger steak), and an extensive menu of drinks from massive punch bowls to the Painkiller with GS 7 Rum blend, lime, pineapple, passionfruit and coconut.
Bourbon & Branch
Featuring essentially five speakeasies within one via non-descript doors and hidden bookcases-gone-doors, this beloved San Francisco hangout in the Tenderloin District—only indicated by an unmarked door—offers distinct experiences (and cocktail menus) within each space. Just be sure to check the website and make reservation for details and appropriate passwords. Depending on the space, expect to find brocade wallpaper, exposed brick walls, tin ceilings, and artfully created cocktails by established mixologists.
