During Prohibition, concealed behind false storefronts, coded phone booths, and whispered passwords, clandestine bars became unlikely incubators of creativity — giving rise to some of America’s most enduring cocktails, including the Old Fashioned, the French 75, and the Bee’s Knees. Today, secrecy is no longer essential for survival, but the allure of the hidden bar hasn’t faded. If anything, it’s stronger than ever.
Atlanta has embraced this spirit wholeheartedly, offering a collection of modern speakeasies that blend mystery, craftsmanship, and a sense of discovery that makes every entrance feel like you’re stepping into another world.
Here are 10 of Atlanta’s best speakeasies — and exactly how to find them.
JoJo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge
Behind a neon-lit video store façade inside Colony Square, JoJo’s reveals a glamorous ’70s-inspired lounge. Walk to the back of the Politan Row Food Hall, past the bathrooms, and slip inside the disco-tinged cocktail room with plush seating, theatrical drinks like the Red-Headed Independent Woman Who Don’t Need No Man. 1197 Peachtree St. NE Ste. 150, Atlanta, jojosbeloved.com
Red Phone Booth
A Downtown classic, Red Phone Booth is Atlanta’s most faithful homage to the Prohibition era—right down to its entry ritual. To gain access, guests must acquire a unique code from a current member, a nearby hotel concierge, or an affiliate partner, truly taking things back to the clandestine spirit of the 1920s. Once you have the code, step inside the iconic London-style phone booth and dial it in to unlock the hidden door. Inside, you’ll find a richly appointed lounge with leather seating, low lighting, and well-crafted Prohibition-era cocktails like a Smoked Old Fashioned and the Bramble, inspired by Jerry Thomas’s 1862 Bartender Guide. The cigar selection is one of the best in the city, and small bites like flatbreads and charcuterie round out the experience. 17 Andrew Young International Blvd. NE, Atlanta, redphonebooth.com
Ranger Station
Located inside Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall on the BeltLine, Ranger Station is a cozy, lodge-inspired speakeasy tucked behind an unmarked door. Head inside Ladybird and look for the discreet entrance near the back of the restaurant. Upon entering, you’ll discover a warm, wood-paneled hideaway serving craft cocktails. The menu ranges from “easy” to “strenuous,” and food offerings also tip the scale with light bite options like oysters and onion rings to more hearty options like lobster bucatini and steak. 684 John Wesley Dobbs Ave. NE, Atlanta, rangerstationatl.com
Himitsu
Tucked behind a discreet door inside Umi in Buckhead, Himitsu lives up to its name—himitsu literally means “secret” in Japanese—and the bar enforces that ethos with a strict no-photos policy. The reservation-only lounge is sleek, moody. and intentionally elusive, offering one of Atlanta’s most exclusive speakeasy experiences. To inquire about access, guests can email hello@puraibeto.com and request a special code to enter, or dine at Himitsu’s sister restaurant, Umi Sushi and request entry details. Expect refined, minimalist cocktails built on premium spirits, elegant garnishes, and a curated menu of sushi and small plates from Umi’s acclaimed kitchen. 3050 Peachtree Rd. NW, Atlanta, umitogo.com/himitsu
The James Room
Disguised behind a coffee shop façade on the BeltLine, the James Room shifts from café to sultry cocktail lounge as evening falls. Slip past the velvet curtain to find candlelit tables, carefully crafted specialty cocktails like their Espresso en Noir and Breakfast in Japan. They also offer small plates like miso glazed salmon wonton cups. 661 Auburn Ave. NE Ste. 280, Atlanta, thejamesroom.com
After Eight
Tucked along Howell Mill, After Eight is a moody, design-driven speakeasy that blends mid-century glamour with a modern edge. Head toward the back of the building and look for the discreet entrance marked by a subtle “8.” Step inside and the space opens into a sultry, low-lit lounge with inventive cocktails with a Japanese-twist. 1133 Howell Mill Rd. NW, Atlanta, aftereightatl.com
12 Cocktail Bar
Perched atop Ponce City Market, 12 Cocktail Bar is a refined, intimate lounge hidden within the rooftop amusement area. Take the elevator to the Roof, walk past the carnival games, and look for the understated entrance marked by a small “12.” Once there, you’ll find elegant cocktails like the Chai Paper Plane, light bites, skyline views, and vibey low-lit atmosphere. Reservations are recommended. 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, 12cocktailbar.com
The Third Door
Located just off the Marietta Square, the Third Door is a 1920s-style speakeasy hidden behind what appears to be a vintage service station. To enter, walk around to the back of the building, and look for the discreet door marked only by a small lantern. The glamorous Art Deco lounge with live music, inventive cocktails (offering non-alcoholic cocktails as well) brings a lively and intimate crowd. 131 Church St, Marietta, thethirddoor.net
Redacted Basement Drink Parlor
Right off Georgia Avenue, Redacted Basement Drink Parlor is an underground haunt offering a vibe and cocktail list inspired by conspiracy theories. They only offer charcuterie, but with cocktails like the Epstein Files, who’s worried about food. Head to Reed Street to find the black door with “Redacted Basement Drink Parlor” on it in tiny letters. 63 Georgia Ave SE, Atlanta, Redactedbdp.com
Eleanor’s
Tucked behind Muss & Turner’s in Smyrna, Eleanor’s is a beloved speakeasy hidden behind what looks like a walk-in cooler. Pull open the cooler door, and inside, you’ll find a cozy, dimly lit bar serving craft cocktails, local beers and elevated comfort food from the kitchen. 1675 Cumberland Pkwy. SE #309, Smyrna, mussandturners.com/eleanors
Moonlight
Moonlight is a hidden cocktail den tucked inside the boutique hotel, FORTH. Head to the restaurant and ask the host to guide you to the 16th floor, where you’ll find Moonlight. Expect moody lighting, inventive cocktails and an elevated snack experience with caviar bumps and wagyu cheesesteak flatbreads. 800 Rankin St. NE. Atlanta moonlightatlanta.com
