By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
The term ‘speakeasy’ originated from the hushed conversations (often accompanied by protected passwords) that patrons had to engage in to enter the Prohibition era's covert bars.
As hubs for rebellion, jazz music and the clandestine consumption of cocktails - including the kind enjoyed by notorious crims such as Al Capone - these secret establishments offered an escape for Americans to furtively indulge in their thirst for alcoholic beverages, away from the authorities.
However, the allure of the speakeasy transcends time - they have since evolved into a global phenomenon. Today, modern speakeasies mimic this mystery and pay homage to this illicit period in history, creating an atmosphere of secrecy with dim lighting, concealed entrances and a nod to the Roaring Twenties.
The following list unravels some of the best hidden bars in Australia, across every single major city:
SYDNEY:
•Palmer and Co: nestled in a basement, Palmer and Co transports patrons to the past with its jazz-filled ambience and an impressive menu of classic cocktails.
•Love, Tilly Devine: named after a notorious 1920s Sydney madam, this bar combines historical intrigue with modern sophistication, offering a unique speakeasy experience.
•Cardea: this newly opened bar in Barangaroo continues the tradition of enigmatic establishments. The vintage vibes at this place transport patrons to a golden era, welcoming them to revel in the allure of cocktails crafted with precision.
•The Cumberland: an exclusive speakeasy tucked behind a discreet fridge door in an unassuming laneway in Manly, The Cumberland is a stylish basement eatery that boasts a diverse selection of more than 250 whiskies, natural wines, craft beers, an extensive cocktail menu and a truly clandestine experience
•Employees Only: hidden in a heritage-listed basement, behind an unassuming psychic sign near Martin Place, Employees Only pays homage to its legendary New York counterpart with innovative cocktails, plush green velvet decor and signature tarot card readings.
MELBOURNE:
•Eau De Vie: known for its inventive cocktails, dimly-lit decor and concealed location, intimate Eau De Vie captures the essence of a secluded jazz sanctuary for those seeking an escape.
•Bar Margaux: with an underground setting reminiscent of a classic French bistro, this basement brassiere brings a touch of Parisian elegance to the speakeasy scene of Australia’s cultural capital.
•Lay Low Bar: true to its name, Lay Low Bar maintains a discreet profile, inviting patrons to immerse themselves in a cosy atmosphere and savour expertly crafted drinks.
•Beneath Driver Lane: this subterranean venue beneath Melbourne's city streets offers a journey back in time with its vintage decor, live jazz music and an extensive selection of cocktails.
•Trinket Bar: a hidden gem in the heart of Flinders Lane, Trinket Bar combines the allure of secrecy with an impressive menu, providing a haven for cocktail enthusiasts.
BRISBANE:
•Mrs J Rabbits: with its whimsical name and covert ambience, Mrs J Rabbits promises an enchanting experience, complemented by creative cocktails.
•Death and Taxes: this secretive spot adds a touch of mystery to Brisbane’s nightlife, inviting patrons to enjoy meticulously crafted sips in an intimate city setting.
•The Tailors: combining bespoke cocktails with a hidden location, The Tailors creates an atmosphere reminiscent of the Prohibition era, encouraging patrons to indulge in the art of mixology.
•Savile Row: with a nod to London's famous street of tailors, Fortitude Valley’s Savile Row exudes sophistication and exclusivity, offering a haven for those seeking a clandestine escape.
ADELAIDE:
•Hains and Co: anchored in maritime history, Hains and Co combines nautical vibes with a hidden allure, providing a unique setting for cocktail enthusiasts.
•Maybe Mae: this underground gem beneath Peel Street offers an intimate space with dim lighting, retro decor and a cocktail menu that pays homage to the classics.
•The Secret Vault at La Buvette Drinkery: iconic La Buvette conceals a secret vault, where patrons can escape into an intimate space filled with character and charm, complemented by a carefully curated cocktail menu.
•The Tunnels at Treasury 1860: while only available on special occasions, the tunnels beneath Treasury 1860 offer a unique speakeasy experience, transporting guests to a bygone era.
PERTH:
•Sneaky Tony’s: Sneaky Tony’s is all about a 1920s vibe, enticing patrons with its Prohibition-style ambience, discreet location and diverse range of cocktails.
•Alabama Song: with its almost imperceptible entrance and eclectic decor, Alabama Song offers a sensory journey into the world of speakeasies, accompanied by live jazz performances.
•Bobeche: this subterranean bar provides an intimate escape, inviting guests to indulge in a carefully curated selection of cocktails in a refined setting.
•The Jazz Cellar: true to its name, The Jazz Cellar infuses live performances with the charm of a hidden establishment, creating a haven for music and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
•Foxtrot Unicorn: combining a playful moniker with a clandestine setting, Foxtrot Unicorn offers a whimsical yet sophisticated atmosphere, elevating the speakeasy experience.
DARWIN:
•Hanky Panky Lounge: bringing a touch of sophistication to Darwin's nightlife, this Mitchell Street Lounge offers an intimate escape, complete with carefully crafted cocktails and an alluring ambience.
•Smoke and Oak: as one of the newest cocktail and whisky experiences in the Capital of the Top End, Smoke and Oak invites patrons to discover a hidden oasis where expertly mixed drinks take centre stage.
•The Trader Bar: a covert setting with an extensive cocktail menu, transports guests to an exotic escape within the city.
•Charlie’s of Darwin: with a nod to old-world charm, Charlie’s of Darwin captures the essence of a classic speakeasy, inviting guests to enjoy a timeless experience.
•Dom’s Bar and Lounge: things to expect at this obscure establishment (nestled within the Aralia Supermarket) include moody dim lights, live music spilling out into the mini mall’s laneways and award-winning crafted cocktails.
HOBART:
•Gold Bar: with its opulent name and concealed location (in Gibson's Mill Apartments), Gold Bar exudes an air of luxury, offering patrons a refined speakeasy experience in Tasmania's capital.
•Void Bar: nestled in the heart of Hobart, Void combines a secret setting with modern aesthetics, creating an intimate space where patrons can savour expertly crafted cocktails.
•Mary Mary: infused with charm and character, Mary Mary - hidden behind the sandstone walls of the old St Mary's Hospital Hobart - invites guests to step into an illicit world where mixology takes centre stage, accompanied by a cosy ambience.
•Pablo’s: this clandestine spot pays homage to the artistry of cocktails and provides a haven for enthusiasts seeking a speakeasy-style sip tucked away in the CBD.
•Society Salamanca: with its concealed location in Salamanca Place, Society Salamanca offers a sophisticated escape, where patrons can enjoy meticulously crafted drinks in a refined setting.
CANBERRA:
•Molly: stepping into Molly is like entering a time capsule, with its vintage decor and carefully crafted cocktails, paying homage to the classic speakeasy culture.
•Lucky’s: embracing a sense of luck and mystery, Lucky’s combines hidden delights with a curated cocktail list, providing a unique experience for patrons.
•Volstead Repeal: named after the architect of Prohibition's demise, Volstead Repeal in the country’s capital offers an immersive speakeasy experience, where patrons can enjoy an array of cocktails in a surreptitious setting.
•11e Cave: with its mysterious name and concealed location, 11e Cave invites guests to explore a secret sanctuary, where cocktails are crafted with precision and care.
•High Jinks: adding a touch of playfulness to Canberra's speakeasy scene, High Jinks combines a concealed location with an eclectic cocktail menu to create an atmosphere of utter intrigue.
