If you want to venture out to a bar or two but are deterred by the rain, tune in. These hidden bars and speakeasies may require a bit of extra work to locate their entrances, but their cozy, dimly-lit interiors are well worth it. After all, what’s more fun than capping off a night with a memorable drink at a swanky, sometimes literal “hole in the wall?”
So with that in mind, here are 13 of the best hidden bars & speakeasies to check out on your next bar crawl.
Arcana Spirit Lounge
Vancouver’s newest hidden bar is occult-themed, inviting guests to indulge in a variety of spirits – and we don’t just mean drinks. So if you’re looking for a unique spot that offers a variety of innovative sips and upscale French comfort food, get ready to visit this spooky yet cozy hole-in-the-wall.
Where: 238 Abbott Street, according to Arcana’s Instagram story
Cantina 189
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Cantina 189 (and Chupito) might not be a speakeasy in the traditional sense, but the cozy, ‘hidden’ bar offers visitors plenty of delicious cocktails, Mexican fare, and swanky vibes any day of the week. Though there are typically DJs spinning every Friday and Saturday!
And in the summer, Chupito opens its back patio, which is accessible via the alleyway – making the location feel like even more of an adventure.
Where: 324 West Hastings Street
Laowai
What does ordering the “Number 7” get you at BLND TGER in Chinatown? Access to this swanky bar, hidden by a very unassuming facade. Inside, you’ll find some amazing cocktails and small plates to enjoy – and a cozy interior that oozes class.
Where: 251 East Georgia Street
Bagheera
Along the same vein as Laowai is Bagheera, Vancouver’s latest speakeasy-style, gold-clad bar. Captioned simply “we hide, you seek,” the hidden spot is open from 5 pm to late from Tuesday to Sunday. Note that the venue only accepts groups of 6 and under. Simply follow the clues in their Instagram stories to uncover its location!
Where: Downtown Vancouver
The Stock Room
A classy yet approachable spot for cocktails and good chats, The Stock Room sits behind Hundy Burger downtown, designed to lure folks back with tropical island vibes and a stockroom’s worth of fancy libations and bar snacks.
Where: 1144 Homer Street
Key Party
One of the few spots on this list that actually brands itself as a ‘speakeasy’, and for good reason. Beyond the run of the run-of-the-mill exterior, you’ll find a fun and eclectic spot inspired by the 60s and 70s, when actual ‘Key Parties’ were popular amongst swingers. Don’t worry though, it’s just a name here.
Where: 2305 Main Street
The Narrow Lounge
Now for an iconic spot from the same folks behind Key Party. The Narrow Lounge is an underground bar that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Maybe our top pick on this list for when you want something off the beaten path that’s cozy enough to become a go-to spot. Plus, the amazing happy hour deals never hurt.
Where: 1898 Main Street
Guilt & Co.
If live music is more your jam, then Guilt & Co. is the answer. Another underground bar (this time in Gastown) this spot is the perfect option for a night of eating, drinking, and listening to some of the city’s best artists perform on a weekly basis.
Where: 1 Alexander Street
Hail Mary’s
This East Van spot might not brand itself as a speakeasy in the traditional sense, but as soon as you step into the heaven and hell-themed bar, you’ll understand why it’s on this list. Low lighting, funky seating and decor, and a certain way of making guests feel tucked away in a time capsule somewhere. They can’t turn water into wine, but they’ve got plenty of delicious cocktails to make up for it.
Where: 670 East Broadway
Hidden Lounge
Okay, back to the ‘bars within bars’ wave. Located in the D/6 Bar and Lounge, this space is hidden behind one of the many bookshelves, and offers access to a complete room to kick back in. Pair that with a rooftop patio in the main space, and it’s a great place to start in one area and finish off in the other.
Where: 39 Smithe Street
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The Shameful Tiki Room
We know, we know… The Shameful Tiki has become anything but a secret over the years, but we can’t help but include it. Maybe it’s the unassuming exterior, maybe it’s the incredible interior – one thing’s for sure: It’s definitely the amazing tiki drinks and shareable bowls. Whatever the reason, it’s the first place we go when we want a break from the usual fare.
Where: 4362 Main Street
Gran Reserva
This spot is actually located in the basement of Bodega on Main, which serves up some of the best Spanish-style fares in the city, if you ask us. So if you’re out for dinner and want to keep the party going, head downstairs for a cocktail or three.
Where: 1014 Main Street
Loulas Taverna
Last but certainly not least, we come to Loulas Taverna, AKA your best shot at going on a trip to the Mediterranean without leaving Vancouver. For those who don’t know, the airy, bright interior contains a back door to a ‘secret’ bar, where guests can venture off to after a delicious meal.
Where: 1608 Commercial Drive
So there you have it, Vancouver! Happy adventuring!
