10 Best Hidden Bars and Speakeasies in Dallas

The revival of the 1920s speakeasy refuses to die, especially in a city that's got a knack for exclusivity.

But if a bar has a slew of social channels AND a website dishing out its location and entry requirements, can it call itself a speakeasy?

For purists, no.

A real speakeasy from the Prohibition Era was a whisper, hence the name "speak easy." Today, passcodes, secret handshakes and identification cards for entry have been replaced with viral videos captioned with explicit directions to get into said "secret" bars.

The allure just isn't the same.

However, would the current climate around food and dining in Dallas allow these underground institutions to thrive, anyway? Some of Dallas' veteran speakeasies like Truth & Alibi (which was actually hidden and had a password) shuttered in Deep Ellum. As did Blackbird Society.

Alcohol isn't illegal anymore and we're past the times where nights taking (legal at the time) ecstasy at The Starck were safe from mainstream media.

We're in a new age, and these bars offer us a teeny tiny little peek into a bygone era. Let's relax about semantics. Speakeasy or no, these are some of the best hidden bars in Dallas.

The Branca Room

324 W. Seventh St.

Taking us way south of the border is The Branca Room, an Argentinian-style speakeasy located inside Chimichurri Latin Bistro in Bishop Arts. It's more formally known as Dallas' first vermouth bar, but they use a trove of ingredients for their specialty cocktails like the Amaro transfusion, which features a "blood bag" that drips your cocktail into a small crystal glass. There are two ways to get in, although the second is much cooler. First, walk past the dining room and wine cellar, then pass through another door. Or wait until 10:30 p.m., when you can access the speakeasy through an alley between West Seventh and Eighth Streets. Hopefully, you're not scared of the dark. There's a small red light above the door in case you are.

The Parlor

400 Olive St.

The Sheraton is a bustling hotel in downtown Dallas that is the host to the retro but relaxed speakeasy, The Parlor. If you're not there for mixology Mondays, where an expert mixologist teaches you how to make classic cocktails step-by-step, you'll most definitely be in for the artisan cocktails and extensive list of spirits. If you can't decide, you can tell the bartenders what you like and they'll make you a cocktail based on your preferences, in true speakeasy style. Pro-tip: use the hotel self-parking, bring your ticket to the bar and they'll validate it for up to four hours.

La Vuida Negra

2513 N Fitzhugh Ave.

The "bridal shop" next to El Come Taco in East Dallas will have you saying yes to the drink, not the dress. This agave bar shakes up some creative cocktails that don't shy away from non-traditional flavors and obscure spirits. Its shared kitchen with El Come Taco means the traditional flavors of Mexico City aren't only served in cocktail glasses. The entrance is projected on the floor of the bridal shop with the vuida negra (black widow) in a wedding dress. No code (or prenup) necessary.

Ayahuasca

334 W. Jefferson Blvd.

Ayahuasca is a bar that takes you out of Dallas and into a mystical interpretation of ancient Mexico. Ironically, it could almost imbue the feeling of an ayahuasca ceremony with the dim lights, deep bass from the speakers and burning incense swirling around the space. This place is all vibes, with the drinks to match. Behind the bar are spirits and wines from a diverse selection of Mexican distillates, which they use to create themed cocktails based on Mexico's historic eras. The vibes extend to a full Contempo-Mexican menu with housemade churros you can't help but be curious about. It's not just a spot, it's the spot.

Magnum

215 E. Dallas Road

It's fitting that Magnum parallels the 1920s Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Disguised as a retro telephone booth inside the Hotel Vin, this hidden bar features a true Prohibition Era theme and a seasonal cocktail menu with both approachable and rare spirits. Ask for the Dealer's Choice and they'll make you a unique cocktail based on your spirit and flavor preferences.

Midnight Rambler

1530 Main St.

One reason to visit Midnight Rambler is because it's The Joule's edgy and glamorous subterranean cocktail lounge. The other is that veteran Dallas bartender Gabe Sanchez oversees the ever-changing cocktail program. The New York Times reported on their Miami Vice, which, stay with me here, is a Jell-O shot that looks like a deviled egg, but tastes like a piña colada. The seasonal food and beverage menus here are a staple of Dallas, which is why it's on our list of Top 100 Bars in Dallas.

Bourbon & Banter

1914 Commerce St.

What was once The Statler Hotel's old barber shop is now a hidden bar in Dallas with a library of bourbon bottles. The trend may be bourbon and yap, but they encourage us to Bourbon & Banter. The space is dimly lit, void of windows and has that signature discreet speakeasy feel. The barrel-aged American whiskey does take the helm for a lot of the cocktail menu, but they don't shy from offering vodka, gin and tequila in a handful of drinks. To get in, step into the vintage telephone booth to the right; pick up the phone to reveal the passcode, dial and the door magically opens.

Ginger's

2115 Jackson St.

You haven't lived until you've hunkered down in one of Ginger's bar stools. This subterranean cocktail lounge knew that ample back support, custom ice cubes and someone worthy of the aux cord could make anyone linger til the lights come on. It's a glamorous destination, although they encourage a come-as-you-are vibe and say, "Ginger's is a place where anything can happen, and all bets are off!" The Blood Moon house cocktail here is a lovely introduction to sotol, an agave-based spirit. Otherwise, the classics are great because they never go out of style. P.S. After the bar stools, the staircase is the second favorite feature of this hidden bar.

Atlas

408 N Bishop Ave.

Despite welcoming globetrotters, Atlas reminds us to check into local cocktail menus. Behind the back bookshelf is its speakeasy, which remains unnamed and carries the same theme as the bar. The "well-traveled" section of the cocktail menu features iconic drinks from around the world, like Peru's pisco sour, a Dutch martini from New York and the U.K.'s own espresso martini. Further down, their staff has created a roster of original drinks with more global themes. Happy hour runs weekdays from 4-6 p.m. and offers $7 classic cocktails and $5 light bites from the food menu.

Apothecary

1922 Greenville Ave.

Rye may have won The Most Exceptional Cocktails Award in the 2024 Michelin guide, but it goes without saying its cocktail lounge next door is also a local haunt for some stellar mixology. In the past, Apothecary has created themed menus inspired by Alice in Wonderland and all twelve Zodiac signs, but right now, the offerings are a reflection of the team and the boundaries they pushed to create this free-spirited menu. It's a James Beard Most Outstanding Bar Semifinalist, Best New Bar Nominee from the Spirited Awards and beloved by just about everyone who sinks into its velvet seats for a sultry nightcap. The bar is sort of hard to find since the only sign is a small plaque on a fence in front. Good luck.