Dallas Speakeasies
10 Dallas Hidden Gems You'll Want To Sneak Into This Weekend
In the heart of Dallas, you'll find a world of hidden speakeasies that capture the thrill of the Prohibition era. While a password isn’t required to enter most of these clandestine spots, their secretive nature adds a dash of excitement to your night out. These covert bars are perfect for a memorable evening, whether you're catching up with friends or impressing a date with your insider knowledge. Step into the past with these ten speakeasies.
AKAI
Musume, the sushi spot across from the Dallas Symphony, has unveiled its hidden gem: AKAI, a secret bar. Entry requires dining at Musume, after which you'll be led through the kitchen to the red-lit lounge. This dimly lit space, infused with sultry vibes, offers Japanese-inspired cocktails featuring soju and green tea-infused whiskey. Reservations are not required, but are encouraged.
Jettison
Tucked away behind Houndstooth Coffee's patio in West Dallas's Sylvan Thirty development, Jettison is a true speakeasy-style bar in Dallas. Enter through an unmarked, blacked-out door and you'll discover an intimate space with dim lights, leather bar stools, sofas, and wood accents. Jettison features an ever-evolving menu inspired by Texas, Mexico, and Asia. Signature drinks include the BLVD P.O., a blend of Japanese whisky, Campari, sweet vermouth, and pour-over coffee, and Tom Kha Gai Guys, a blend of gin, coconut cream, lime, and mezcal. Reservations can be made through the bar’s website. Beware, because of limited space they only hold the reservations for 15 minutes.
Atlas Bishop Arts
Step through a bookshelf inside Atlas and you'll feel like you've entered a European castle drawing room. The Edgar Allan Poe-inspired “living room” area features velvet chairs by the fireplace, surrounded by big paintings on wood-paneled walls, tapestry-wrapped bar, and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The globally inspired food menu includes German pretzel bites, Cuban sandwiches, gyros, and three types of cheesecake for a sweet treat. Open until 2 AM every day except Tuesday, Atlas is a rare find for unique late-night bites and drinks.
La Viuda Negra
Behind the façade of what appears to be a bridal shop, La Viuda Negra reveals itself as one of Dallas’s best-kept secrets. Located beside El Come Taco, this Tulum-inspired speakeasy is an agave lover's paradise, featuring a curated selection of mezcals, sotols, and bacanoras from small producers. Inside, the intimate and dimly lit space offers a sultry ambiance perfect for enjoying beautifully crafted cocktails, often served in locally-made ceramic glassware. Whether you're exploring traditional Mexican drinks like nut pulqueria or sipping on an ice-cold Jarritos, La Viuda Negra provides a memorable escape that celebrates the rich heritage of Mexican spirits.
The Stache
Tucked inside Renny’s American restaurant in Preston Forest Village, The Stache is a hidden 1920s-inspired speakeasy named after owner Mark Maguire’s father’s legendary mustache. The cozy 30-seat bar is open to the public on Wednesdays and Thursdays by reservation. Gaining entry requires finding the hidden entrance and solving a nightly-changing riddle based on famous mustachioed figures. Once inside, enjoy creative cocktails like the Brambling Man and Thirty Days of Night, paired with tasty bites such as spicy Korean meatballs and ahi tuna nachos.
Bourbon & Banter
Located in the basement of the historic Statler Hotel in Downtown Dallas is the swanky libation lounge, Bourbon and Banter. Boasting one of the largest quality bourbon selections in the city, this was a secret too good to keep. Ask to be directed to the basement and make your way down a flight of stairs to an oddly placed phone booth. Dial a certain number and you just might be clever enough to gain access to the retro-styled bar. As an homage to its former life as the hotel's beauty salon, all of the cocktails on the menu are named after vintage hairstyles. Try the Pompadour for a bit of hands-on fun with your drink or a Bouffant with extra bubbles.
Truth & Alibi
If you've got a flair for the dramatic, then Truth & Alibi is the place for you. Hidden behind a secret door inside The Original Deep Ellum Candy Company is an Alice in Wonderland experience. The password to enter is updated weekly but, fear not, just stop on by their Facebook page where it is easy to find. If you want to sit at a table, we suggest calling for reservations ahead of time, but if you don't mind standing (or dancing) then you'll feel right at home swaying to the beat of a DJ underneath a pair of waterfall chandeliers. While the Deep Ellum neighborhood gives off a casual vibe, you'll want to be dressed to go out at this undercover joint.
High & Tight
Upon entering High & Tight, you might think your GPS has led you astray. This hip Deep Ellum barber shop has more than a stylish new hairdo waiting for you inside. Continue past the row of stylists and follow your ears to the live music emanating from the back room. No matter if it's a lively atmosphere or a good strong drink you crave, High & Tight delivers on every level. Their cocktail menu is inspired by new takes on old classics like the Barbara Sue or the Fitz, a strawberry-infused gin with a bell pepper cordial.
Midnight Rambler
While speakeasies are typically undercover, if a place to be seen is more your scene, then The Joule Hotel's sexy basement bar, Midnight Rambler, is where you want to be. The only clue to finding the entrance is an illuminated neon sign that reads 'Cocktails' in the hotel lobby. Follow the context clues and you'll be rewarded with a gorgeous, yet approachable, cocktail den routinely heralded as one of the best bars in the city. Midnight Rambler serves up beautiful drinks with exotic ingredients, making it the ultimate watering hole for those looking to elevate their weekend elixirs. While the drinks get you in the door, it's the ambiance that will keep you there for the rest of the evening.
BABOU’S
Nestled on the lower level of Hôtel Swexan, this secretive nightclub boasts a dynamic dance floor and cozy alcoves, perfect for an exuberant crowd. Discover the vibrant nightlife at Babou's in Dallas, a hidden gem that transforms into a lively late-night lounge after hours. Open to both hotel guests and visitors, every night promises an unforgettable experience where the revelers themselves become the stars of the show. Just a bookcase away, The Library at Babou’s sets the stage for the evening ahead. Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and relax in plush furniture, all while surrounded by the inspiring words of literary legends.
