Secret Bars in L.A.

In the early 19th century, Americans started began giving alcohol some serious side-eye and by the late 1800s, this attitude got political and several states began outlawing the making and selling of the stuff. December 1917 rolled around and along with dealing with WWI, we also passed the 18th Amendment which prohibited the “manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes.” Boooo!

Thankfully, in 1933 thirty-six states came to their senses and ratified the 21st Amendment. (Mississippi was the last foot-dragger on the matter ending their prohibition in 1966, but hey, that's Mississippi for you.)

During those pesky sixteen years, we had to get teenager-level sneaky about getting the good stuff and partying with friends and thus the speakeasy was born. Actually, the term had been around in Britain since at least 1823, but we caught up in the 1880s when the afore-mentioned side-eye started. We also called these secret liquor purveyors "blind pigs" or "blind tigers" because the bar would charge customers to see an attraction (such as an animal) and then serve a "complimentary" alcoholic beverage, thus circumventing the law. The history is fascinating.

Today, speakeasies are just cool. Everyone likes to be in the know--to have a juicy secret, especially when it's mixed with gin. Here is our Westside secret list:

  • Alley Lounge in Culver City | 12223 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles | Behind Fin restaurant there is a service door at the end of an alley is this great place to enjoy a late night nosh and some great cocktails.

  • Blind Barber in Culver City | 10797 Washington Blvd | https://blindbarber.com/ | Barbershop in the front, party in the back! Head through a door in the shop to find a lively lounge space. Their website is equally sneaky, which makes us smile.

  • The Del Monte Speakeasy | 52 Windward Ave, Venice | http://www.townhousevenice.com/ | This place is an ORIGINAL hidden speakeasy bar in Los Angeles that operated during prohibition by smuggling in alcohol through underground tunnels. Go down the stairs at Townhouse, formerly an inconspicuous grocery store with a dark secret.

  • Killer Yacht Club | 4211 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey | Located inside of Killer Shrimp. Beloved by patrons for their craft cocktails and live music.

  • Seventy 7 Lounge | 3843 Main St, Culver City | Not on Main Street, but tucked into an alley in the middle of a block next to a parking garage. Gorgeous cocktails and bar bites.

  • Old Man Bar in Culver City | 12517 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles | http://www.hatchethallla.com/ | Tucked away in the rear of Hatchet Hall, Old Man Bar is an intimate, dimly lit, straight forward bar with an emphasis on American whiskey & spirits.

The following secret spots are sadly closed - we hope they return.

  • £10 (Ten Pound) in BeverlyHills | 225 N Canon Drive | The Montage Beverly Hills had a hidden staircase on the second floor of the hotel that led up to this lavish lounge that specialized in single malt Scotch. (Permanently Closed)

  • Old Lightning in Marina Del Rey | 2905 Washington Blvd | We found this place at the back of restaurant Scopa Italian Roots and enjoyed rare liquors and vintage whiskey. (Temporarily Closed)

  • Basement Tavern in Santa Monica | 2640 Main Street | Located beneath The Victorian–a historic home built in 1892 that was transported to its prime Santa Monica location on Main Street. (Permanently Closed)

Neighborhoods, LifestyleCecilie Korst//