From Tucked-Away Tiki Bars to Apothecary-Themed Watering Holes, These Hidden Gems Are Worth the Hunt

Hyped-up bars and nightclubs aren’t everyone’s cup of tea—or should we say, glass of whiskey. Some night owls prefer to fly a bit more under the radar. If that describes you, San Diego’s speakeasy scene is fortunately home to several hidden gems with wildly inventive themes and cocktails. These watering holes can, unsurprisingly, be found tucked away within popular restaurants through unassuming doors.

The term speakeasy was coined based on the idea of “speaking easy” about the illegal underground bars that existed during the Prohibition Era, and though alcohol has been legally flowing again for quite some time, the sentiment remains. Find your way in, but keep it low-key at these perfectly embellished San Diego speakeasies.

 

It’s a Secret at Andaz San Diego

Tucked inside Andaz San Diego, It’s a Secret is one of the city’s newest hidden gems—a Campari-backed speakeasy blending Prohibition-era intrigue with modern sophistication. Velvet textures, dim lighting and crimson hues set the mood for a curated cocktail experience, featuring a fresh take on the Negroni and other impeccably crafted drinks. While its location remains hush-hush, guests can message @itsasecretsd on Instagram or ask hotel staff members for hints. Reservations are limited and available on Yelp.

Tucked away in the historic 1913 building, It’s a Secret adds a sultry layer to Andaz’s Gaslamp Quarter offerings, which also include STK Steakhouse and a rooftop pool bar.

How to Get in: Ask the hotel staff for clues or DM @itsasecretsd in Instagram.

Location: Gaslamp Quarter

 

Captain’s Quarters

Set sail for Captain’s Quarters, a nautical-themed hideaway in the heart of Pacific Beach, where maritime charm meets craft cocktails and chef-driven bites. Just steps from the shore, this 17th-century-inspired speakeasy feels like stepping aboard an old-world pirate ship, complete with salvaged light fixtures, vintage portraits and decorative shrouds. The menu is an adventurous mix of elevated bar fare, featuring za’atar fried chicken nuggets, caviar service and the indulgent Fool’s Gold dessert, while those in the know can order the off-menu Captain’s Double Double. The draft gin and tonics and house cocktails like the Ecto Cooler keep the shipmates satisfied, and during happy hour, guests can enjoy 50% off all menu cocktails, G&T drafts, and beer and wine.

How to Get in: Enter the Good Time Poke travel agency and pass through a secret door with octopus figures. Reservations can be made here.

Location: Pacific Beach

 

Mothership

Prepare for liftoff at Mothership, an intergalactic-inspired tiki bar in South Park that transports guests to a world beyond imagination. Beneath a starlit sky and crater-like formations, this immersive speakeasy blends tropical flavors with a cosmic twist. Their rum-forward cocktails, infused with creamy coconut and floral garnishes, pay homage to classic island getaways—but with a futuristic edge. Pair your drinks with tapas-style bites for the full experience. Reservations are highly recommended, and every visit is limited to 90 minutes aboard the AASC Mothership—a journey that’s not quite a vacation but the ultimate escape from earthly norms.

How to Get in: Step through the hidden door at Juniper and 30th, where a glowing blue rock formation leads you into total darkness before revealing the otherworldly realm of Mothership.

Location: South Park

 

The Seventh House

Tucked in the back of Cacio e Pepe Trattoria Romana, The Seventh House is a hidden gem where mysticism meets mixology in an astrology-inspired speakeasy. Step through the secret bookcase entrance and enter a world of celestial cocktails, decadent bites and enchanting ambiance. The bar’s spellbinding menu features spirit-forward sips like the Bitter Witch and refreshing elixirs like the Amarre Love Spell, while the snack menu tempts with stuffed zucchini blossoms and artisanal cheese boards. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., this cosmic San Diego speakeasy is your sign to sip under the stars in the heart of San Diego—no RSVP required.

How to Get in: Locate the secret bookcase in the back of the restaurant.

Location: North Park

 

Part Time Lover

Tucked away in North Park, Part Time Lover is more than just a bar—it’s a full sensory experience where rare vinyl records, craft cocktails, and ‘70s-inspired vibes come together in perfect harmony. With a strictly analog sound system and a lineup of curated DJs, this dimly lit, retro-style lounge is a haven for music lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Expect a mix of soul, jazz, funk, disco and house beats spinning nightly from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Meanwhile, the adjacent record shop keeps crates stocked until 10 p.m. Settle into a cozy leather booth, sip on a thoughtfully crafted cocktail or a pour of Japanese whisky, and let the music take you somewhere timeless. Check Instagram for the latest sound selectors and get ready to stay awhile—because at Part Time Lover, the vibes are always just right.

How to Get in: Part Time Lover is located on 30th St in the former space of Bar Pink, a popular dive bar. Note: the exterior looks more like a record shop than a bar!

Location: North Park

 

Blindspot at Seven Grand

Tucked away inside Seven Grand, Blind Spot is one of North Park’s best-kept secrets—a hidden San Diego cocktail bar serving up creative drinks, fresh beats and an atmosphere made for letting loose. Open Wednesday through Saturday, this speakeasy comes alive every weekend with DJs spinning sets starting at 10 p.m., setting the vibe for a high-energy, disco-lit dance floor. Whether you’re looking to break up your usual bar crawl or sip on a thoughtfully crafted cocktail, Blind Spot delivers an inclusive, electric experience in the heart of North Park.

How to Get in: Look for the “clearly hidden” door inside Seven Grand.

Location: North Park

 

“Under the Tuscan Moon” at Baci Coffee

Hidden inside Baci Coffee in Mission Valley, Under the Tuscan Moon isn’t just a bar—it’s a portal to the Italian countryside, where golden-hued lighting, rich espresso and expertly crafted cocktails transport you straight to la dolce vita. This intimate San Diego speakeasy, which debuted on Feb. 1, 2025, blends old-world romance with San Diego’s vibrant energy, creating a space where every sip feels like a getaway.

Inside, the magic is in the details. Guests are invited to leave heartfelt notes on the Baci Intention Tree, a nod to love, dreams and the Italian tradition of slow, meaningful moments. The cocktail menu is just as thoughtful, with each drink meticulously designed to complement the ambiance—whether it’s an espresso martini for a late-night indulgence or a Negroni sbagliato to kick off the evening.

How to Get in: Simply step into Baci Coffee and look for the back room.

Location: Mission Valley

 

Bar Kamon 

Pretty pastries aren’t the only thing popping off at Asa Bakery in East Village. Once coffee hour is traded for cocktail hour, sneak off to the right side of the bakery for entrance into Kamon, a 1920s-inspired cocktail lounge. The bar is influenced by the Taisho era, known for when Western influence began to meet Japanese style—hence the iconic glass windows, chandeliers and antique clocks surrounding you. The bar focuses on Japanese-made alcohol, serving beautifully garnished drinks like the Clarified Mezcal Milk Punch and the Midnight Train to Shinjuku. Come try them for yourself—we can’t give away all the secrets. 

How to Get in: Immediately upon entering Asa Bakery, hook a right and enter through the hidden door on the right side.

Location: East Village

 

The Honey Pot Lounge

Start with the California-coastal vibe of Beeside Balcony, stay a while and get a little deeper with a stop at The Honey Pot Lounge. Once you’ve found the hidden door, step into the ‘20s-style space that draws inspiration from the Prohibition period, from decor to drinks. We suggest you stay on-theme and order the Lavender Bee’s Knees with butterfly pea flower-infused gin, house-made lavender honey and lemon. Catch live music on select nights as well, from DJs to live bands! Keep up with their Instagram for the most up-to-date information.

How to Get in: Enter through the hidden “door” in the back of the restaurant. Here’s a hint: it’s one pretty large, gold-framed picture.

Location: La Jolla

 

The Space Pad 

Earthly beings need libations; even the ones out of this world can relate. Sip your way through another galaxy at The Space Pad, Oceanside’s intergalactic, atomic-themed speakeasy lined with curious glowing botanicals, rock formations and UFO-shaped chandeliers! Choose from a variety of unique tiki-inspired cocktails like fan favorites Saturn or Blast Off, or try the new Cosmic Coil—a mix of rum, juicy peach, tangy orange and creamy coconut that’s served with a pour-it-yourself glitter garnish! Fill up with a locally sourced poke tower or the Space Pad Tacos and fuel that adventurous spirit. 

How to Get in: Step into the beaming Kilowatt Brewing and find the unassuming law office door. From there, make your way through a trippy hallway of kaleidoscopic mirrors, AKA the Space Pad Portal, and find your way out of this world.

Location: Oceanside

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Prohibition Lounge 

Step away from the scene of downtown San Diego and sneak into something dare we say…unseen. Escape the everyday life of the 21st century and turn back time to Prohibition. This truly tucked-away speakeasy is complete with live music nearly every night of the week. You can hear everything from rockabilly American country to bluegrass. If visiting Friday or Saturday, a Prohibition-period dress code is strongly encouraged. Enter the red-lit room ready to experience drinks like the whiskey-forward Bartender’s Handshake, gin-infused Hakuna Matata or rum-centric Cuban Swizzle. Their extensive cocktail list is laid out by liquor, so everyone can easily find their favorites. 

How to Get in: There’s no restaurant to serve as a front for this one; it’s hidden in plain sight. Keep your eyes peeled on Fifth Avenue for a quirky door reading “Law Office – Eddie O‘Hare Esq.” Ring the bell. Viola.

Location: Gaslamp

 

Forbidden Cove 

The forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest, especially when it’s in a cocktail. Get your fix of both at Forbidden Cove, the speakeasy hidden within Kilowatt Brewing in Kearny Mesa. Tucked away behind the barrels of the brewery, this intimate tiki-themed bar has everything from glowing neon decor to a classic parrot mascot. Go for a rum drink, of course: try the Three Dots and a Dash made with rum, allspice dram, falernum, orange, honey and lime. Bonus: add a rum float to any drink for just $4! Reservations are recommended for this 90-minute experience.

How to Get in: Once inside Kilowatt, head to the back and check in at the bar. They will hand you your entrance key, then go back towards the front by the barrels and use your key to enter.

Location: Kearny Mesa

 

Room 56 

Buried deep within the modern Moxy hotel is a speakeasy paying homage to the founding fathers. Named after the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, Room 56 delivers an upscale cocktail experience without unnecessary frills. This simple yet refined atmosphere pairs perfectly with a carefully crafted cocktail menu featuring drinks like the Public Spectacle. This sparkling gin cocktail blends lemon, elderflower, violet, honey, and sparkling wine for a visually stunning sip. Pair your drink with small plates like scallop crudo or beef carpaccio for a perfect bite. For an added touch, enjoy live saxophone performances every Thursday night at 8 p.m.

How to Get in: Head to the second floor of the hotel and find the bookcase. Remove the red book from the shelf, take a seat and you’ll be greeted by the resident “librarian” before making your way down the spiral staircase.

Location: Gaslamp Quarter

 

The Grass Skirt 

 

There’s a reason this one is a long-standing San Diego favorite. Entering Pacific Beach’s Grass Skirt feels like an instant tropical vacation. You’re transported into a tiki-filled world of exotic cocktails and island-inspired eats. Go for a classic Tropical Tony’s Mai Tai or a signature favorite like the Lava and Ice, a blend of serrano-infused tequila, overproof Jamaican rum, lime, pineapple, coconut and pomegranate. If you’re in for dinner, order the Pig Mac Bao Buns and the Hot and Spicy Garlic Noods. Pro tip: if you want to set off the bar’s (rainless) tropical rainstorm, order a punch bowl.

How to Get in: Locate the unassuming Good Time Poké shop. Enter there and let the hosts know what you’ve truly come for: a craft cocktail experience. They’ll lead you through the freezer doors, and the rest is history.

Location: Pacific Beach

 

Noble Experiment

The name says it all—Noble Experiment embraces the risky, noble charm of a true speakeasy experience. Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, this gothic-inspired hideaway features swanky white booths, a bejeweled chandelier, and moody red lighting. Cozy up beside the wall of brass skulls or the fully stocked bar, where expert mixologists craft top-shelf cocktails. Each drink blends premium liquor, house-made seasonal syrups, and artfully displayed garnishes for a one-of-a-kind experience. Bright and refreshing, classic and straight-forward, their mixologists have all you’re in search of.

How to Get in: Enter into Neighborhood located on G Street, where you’ll see a wall of beer kegs near the bathrooms. The wall is actually a secret door; just push on the right of the kegs to find yourself immersed in a whole new world.

Location: Gaslamp Quarter

 

Raised by Wolves

Raised by Wolves hides in plain sight among the shops at UTC Mall in La Jolla, despite its unassuming location. Every detail feels intentional, from the expertly crafted cocktails to the intricate furnishings and storytelling menu. Specializing in craft cocktails, you’ll find pretty much any libation under the sun—or should we say, moon—and if you’re unsure, knowledgeable bartenders will eagerly answer any questions. The extensive list of delicious drinks makes it hard to pick, but if you’re looking for anything custom, they offer a wide selection of bitters and vermouths to satisfy any connoisseur.

How to Get in: Find the small room disguised as a liquor-stocked storefront. Speak to the clerk about a walk-in or (better yet) your reservation, and wait to be seated in the velvet chairs in front of the fireplace. The staff will take care of the rest as the ground beneath spins you into a new realm of possibility.

Location: La Jolla

 

Occulto 477

We heard you’re looking for spirits, and this one’s a double whammy. Occulto 477 sits just beyond El Campo Santo, San Diego’s second-oldest cemetery, and near the haunted Whaley House. Every detail of the bar pays tribute to its eerie neighbor, from drink names to haunting décor. The number 477 isn’t random—it marks the exact number of graves resting nearby. Feeling brave? Their constantly evolving cocktail menu, organized by style, makes it easy to find a new favorite libation.

How to Get in: Enter through the mezcal bar, Tahona, and let the hostess know of your reservation for Occulto 477. You will be handed an etiquette card; pay specific attention to rule No. 10 because that’s your key to entry.

Location: Old Town

 

False Idol

Get your fix of the tropics with a slightly treacherous twist at False Idol, Little Italy’s tucked-away tiki bar experience. The space is fully immersive; you’re greeted by a water- and fireball-spitting rock wall, setting a precedent for the rest of the bar’s dramatic yet darling decor. Colorfully painted glass buoys line the ceiling while wood carvings dance about your evening of tropical-inspired drinks. And there’s no shortage of beverages here; find 18 classics and 18 inventive drinks with everything from fruity and crisp to a more mellow and dry style.

How to Get in: Enter Craft & Commerce and you’ll see a stainless-steel door on the left side of the main bar. Enter to discover a cooler full of fruits and fake skulls—and thankfully, another door leading to your tiki experience.

Location: Little Italy

 

Realm of the 52 Remedies

Come cure what ails you at the Realm of the 52 Remedies. This speakeasy honors an ancient Chinese medical text from 215 BC, which documented over 250 healing elixirs. Step into The Apothecary, a world rooted in traditional healing and longevity, before discovering the hidden bar. Here, the modern world’s quick fix awaits, offering expertly crafted cocktails for whatever’s on your mind. With Chinese and Korean influences, the menu highlights flavors of healing in every delicious sip.

How to Get in: Visit Common Theory on Convoy Street and look for a white door. Then, enter into a simply decorated apothecary, where a host is ready to welcome you towards the bar’s second secret passageway.

Location: Kearny Mesa

 

Young Blood

Find the most dazzling of drinking experiences at Young Blood, a hidden bar nestled inside The Neighborhood in East Village. A flat fee of $65 earns you a curated three-course cocktail experience, discussed in full with an experienced server over your welcome glass of bubbly. Tingle your taste buds in this warmly lit space that’s filled with comfortable velvet seats and carefully adorned decor. Your server will check on you between each course to ensure all is to your liking and can modify any selections as necessary. Not finished after dessert? Don’t fret—bonus beverages are encouraged!

How to Get in: First step: reservations only! Once you’ve secured one, enter through The Neighborhood and search for what appears to be a refrigerator case. If you open it to find a tiled hallway, keep going—you’re in the right place.

Location: East Village

 

Convoy Music Bar 

Inspired by Tokyo-style listening bars, Convoy Music Bar offers a space to enjoy high-quality tunes with expertly crafted cocktails. Settle into the 40-seat intimate setting, featuring green velvet stools and a gold-plated central bar. Each night, DJs spin curated vinyl on a custom Japanese sound system, creating a truly immersive experience. Drinks are served in vintage Japanese glassware. We recommend going for the fan-favorite New Giddy cocktail, a foam-topped blend of gin, melon, honey, cucumber, citrus and nori. Each experience lasts 90 minutes, so wear cocktail attire and book a reservation to make the most of it.

How to Get in: Walk to the alley behind O’Brien’s Pub. Look for the light-up red “On Air” sign and come on in.

Location: Kearny Mesa

 

Bar Three Piece

This escape is strictly for the whiskey lovers. Tucked inside Seven Grand in North Park, Bar Three Piece is a whiskey lover’s dream, serving only whiskey-based drinks. With over 250 bottles, the selection ranges from rare, high-quality labels to familiar favorites. Sip a strong whiskey neat or enjoy a perfectly mixed old-fashioned, all while soaking in smooth jazz vibes. Dim lighting, cushioned booths, and wallflower taxidermy give this classic-style speakeasy a timeless, nostalgic feel.

How to Get in: Enter Seven Grand Whiskey and search until you find the corridor. Monday through Friday, simply wander your way in. But on Saturday and Sunday a host may greet you, so make a reservation in advance on weekends.

Location: North Park