Speakeasies in Las Vegas: Hidden Bars or Just Hype?
Could speakeasies in Las Vegas be more than a trendy Instagram post?
Are these so-called hidden bars in Las Vegas actually secret—or just expensive gimmicks?
And do you need to spend big just to say you've found one?
I followed the clues, asked locals, and walked down unmarked hallways to get to the bottom of it. Here’s what I found—and how to score real drinks in real hidden bars in Las Vegas.
What Counts as a Real Speakeasy in Las Vegas?
Vegas is known for blur and neon, but real Las Vegas speakeasies are different. They ditch the advertising, the big signs, and the long lines. You enter through a bookcase or an elevator, the lighting is low, and the vibe is something you can’t plan for. It’s like stepping into the past.
You should know these things about the speakeasy in Las Vegas:
- 1923 Prohibition Bar (Mandalay Bay & Venetian) — feels like stepping into 1920s New Orleans, no password needed
- Speakeasy at the Mob Museum (Downtown) — password from the website, live music on weekends
- Laundry Room (Downtown) — tiny, reservation-only, and worth the fuss
- Cosmo Speakeasies – Ski Lodge, Barbershop, Ghost Donkey – well-themed, creative, and easy to find
Each place offers a different take on hidden bars in Las Vegas—but all deliver drinks and a story you’ll tell later.
What These Speakeasies Actually Do
1923 Prohibition Bar
You push past a bookcase, and suddenly you're in dim lounges, plush seats, and smooth jazz vibe. Drinks are top-notch—think Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned or PB&J-infused cocktails. The weekend shows mix piano and burlesque, at no extra charge. It’s like timeless Vegas, not trying too hard.
Speakeasy at the Mob Museum
You need a password from the website, which makes it feel truly exclusive. Live music on weekends adds to the old-time feel. The moonshine they distill? Part of the experience . This one feels secret enough to brag about.
Laundry Room
Tiny, moody, curated. You reserve a seat, share the space with strangers, and get cocktails based on what you like. People rave about how unique it feels “better than Ski Lodge” 1923 Prohibition . Intimate and creative. Just don’t forget to make a reservation well in advance.
Cosmo's Hidden Spots
Most visitors miss the Cosmo’s hidden bars. Ghost Donkey, Barbershop, and Ski Lodge each bring different flavors, tequila-focused, whisky-based, or alpine lounge. No lines, no cover, just atmosphere. These are easy wins if you’re already staying at the property.
How to Go to a Speakeasy in Las Vegas and Not Waste Your Night
- Choose your style: classic (1923), underground (Laundry Room), or trendy (Cosmo spots).
- Get the details: Some spots need passwords or reservations. Check websites ahead.
- Go early: Doors open early, and the best seats disappear fast.
- Dress smart: These places live in low light and vintage vibes—look the part.
- Try one drink you won’t find anywhere else (PB&J Old Fashioned, anyone?)
If you do just one thing, make it 1923 Prohibition Bar. It’s easy to find but hard to forget.
Real Charm Hides in Plain Sight
These speakeasies in Las Vegas aren’t tourist traps. They’re small, clever, and rich with character. You won’t find them on billboards, but they’ll become your Vegas highlight.
If you’re tired of crowded clubs and obvious lounges, leave the neon behind. Head into these hidden bars, order something off-menu, and soak in a piece of Vegas few people ever see.