The American speakeasy may have reached its peak during Prohibition in the 1920s and early ’30s, but its origins stretch back to the late 1800s, when people dodged licensing laws and regulations by hosting secret gatherings and operating illicit watering holes. During the COVID pandemic, many economists predicted that the end of the shutdown and restrictions would lead to a Roaring Twenties atmosphere across the world.
While most Americans didn’t start donning flapper dresses or fedoras, a renewed fascination with the speakeasy itself did emerge. They began popping up all across the county, including here in Houston. Though they’re no longer illegal—and you don’t have to “speak easy” to get in—these bars still offer the thrill of stepping into a different, slightly naughtier world.
Here is a list of speakeasy-style establishments in Houston that provide a glimpse into the past, but with modern cocktails and liquor licenses.
Road to Nowhere
The Toasted Coconut, Martin and Sara Stayer’s tiki bar and global eatery in Montrose, conceals a speakeasy that extends the island vibe into a cozy lounge and bar. Open Thursday through Saturday, from 5 p.m. to midnight, Road to Nowhere is limited to walk-ins only, and features a menu of tropical drinks created by Tiffany Kirk and a vintage hi-fi set-up done by Unmanned Music. Classic vinyl albums wholly set the mood. 1617 Richmond Ave., Houston, gettoastedhtx.com
Bandista at Four Seasons Houston
Tucked behind a discreet bookcase within the hotel, Bandista is an intimate lounge and bar where expert mixologists take craft cocktails to new heights. Guests must be escorted by hotel staff to the bar, where a hidden world of fancy cocktails and bow-tied bartenders awaits. The cocktail menu is made up of cards that list the drinks and ingredients—and their gulp-inducing prices. There is no food on the menu, but the hotel’s pan-Latin steakhouse, Toro Toro is steps away. 1300 Lamar St., Houston, fourseasons.com/houston
Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge
This Downtown bar gives legit speakeasy vibes, because it isn’t easy to find. One giveaway is the second-story patio above a law office, located in a historic building, that can be spotted from Main Street. Up a slightly treacherous staircase is a wood-paneled bar from which some of the best mixologists in town create drinks that rotate often. The terrace, which plunges out over the street below, is a pleasant spot to watch Downtown revelers. There’s also a great selection of beers. 308 Main St., Houston
Sidebar at Credence
Adjacent to Levi Goode’s live-fire restaurant, Credence, this secret bar area is accessed through a side door, or through a curtain inside the dining room. Discover a dimly-lit world with arched ceilings from which chandeliers that mimic the look of flapper-style dresses are suspended, and cocktails are crafted by well-dressed bartenders. Caviar service is offered, and there is often live music from performers such as the Ben Clifton Trio, or Jeremy Joseph. 9757 Katy Frwy., Houston, sidebarhtx.com
Aye Candy
The easy-to-miss entrance to this Spring Branch getaway echoes a vintage candy shop, and indeed, guests can avail themselves of the treats. Behind the storefront, however, other indulgent sweets await. Fashionable young people lounge across velvet upholstery, sipping espresso martinis, one of the many agave-based drinks, or the decadent Wonka-tini, a cocktail of vodka, Licor 43, and Ghirardelli white chocolate. Reservations are recommended and dressing for impressing is a good idea. 1849 Bingle Rd., Houston, ayecandyhtx.com
Mijos at Cantina Barba
Located in a storage container behind Cantina Barba, this mezcal bar keeps things intimate, with limited seating and an outdoor patio. The cocktail list features a mezcal Old Fashioned, the Batanga—a mezcal-and-Coca-Cola classic—and playful shots like Mexican Candy. Neon lights cast an eerie glow over a wall of mini skulls, adding to the vibe. It’s likely the most laid-back speakeasy in Houston, ideal for stopping by after a couple of Cantina Barba’s street tacos. 3701 N. Mains St., Houston, cantinabarba.com
Hidden Bar at Norigami
Norigami, the Japanese hand roll bar from the Hidden Group (Hidden Omakase, Sushi by Hidden), has a neon-lit speakeasy, accessible from a nondescript door in the small dining room. Origami art covers the ceiling of the bar, creating an interesting visual, and guests are drawn in for cocktails like lychee martinis and Paper Cranes. 2175 Bissonet St., Houston, norigamihtx.com
Marfreless
Located behind a nondescript blue door in the River Oaks Shopping Center, this might just be Houston’s first modern speakeasy. Open since 1972, it has seen many clandestine affairs and cuddly canoodles in its couples-only upstairs space. Its laid-back vibes, low lighting, and well-made drinks earn it a regular clientele downstairs. Locals love the generous weekday happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m. 2006 Peden St., Houston, marfrelesshouston.com
CASE Chocolates
CASE Chocolates is a true chocolaterie that has a hidden, glamorous cocktail lounge that feels less like a dessert stop and more like a world built around cacao. Part cocktail lounge, part tasting room, chocolate is treated with the same reverence as fine wine or rare spirits. Guests can choose their own pace, from an easy late-night indulgence to an immersive multi-course exploration. The Journey, CASE’s most elevated offering, is a five-course, chef-led tasting that turns cacao into a sensory narrative of flavor, emotion, and surprise. Pairings might include tuna tartare layered with white chocolate and yuzu, or a pisco-and-Campari cocktail served alongside caviar and a white chocolate cracker. The menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring no two evenings feel quite the same. 3401 Harrisburg Blvd., Houston, casechocolates.com
The Blind Finch
For those yearning for a life like F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, this sophisticated speakeasy in Spring will fulfill those Gatsby-esque fantasies. Located next to Thistle Draftshop, the entrance is through the back door where a sign that says ”Closed” is displayed. Inside is an elegant bar with traditional furniture and 1920s-inspired artwork. The cocktail menu is printed in the same font as high school paperbacks of “The Great Gatsby” with classic drinks, like a boulevardier and sazerac, alongside modern cocktails like a tequila carajillo. 5210 FM 2920, Spring, theblindfinch.bar
Emilia’s Havana
Berg Hospitality operates a number of high-end restaurants in Houston and this Uptown speakeasy, with an entrance through the kitchen at the Annie Cafe & Bar, is one of them. The glamour of 1950s Cuba is evident in the rattan furniture, backlit bar shelves, and vintage-style wallpaper. A tiny corner stage hosts a bossa nova band for each dinner seating, so bring your dancing shoes. Tropical cocktails and Latin-inspired bites make the urban landscape melt away. Reservations can be tough to get, so plan ahead. 1800 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, emiliashavana.com
Bar Buena
For a flavor of old Mexico, and top notch agave spirits, this saloon-style speakeasy behind Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina in River Oaks is the place to go. Tequila and mezcal are taken very seriously, with a menu of drinks like the Oaxacan Old Fashioned, made with reposado tequila, mezcal, piloncillo, and mole bitters. The vintage Mexican decor and cavern-like space create a cozy ambiance for sipping on tequila and munching on carnitas flautas. 2002 W. Gray St., Houston, barbuena.com
Meo Bar
A hidden button tucked behind a framed cat photo grants entry to this Southeast Asian–inspired lounge, discreetly nestled inside Wokker, an Asian fusion restaurant. Through the money cat (with cowboy hat) door, lies a stylish and spacious lounge with red lanterns and a mural of a lotus pond. Cocktails rotate, but include drinks like Lychee to the Limit, a gin and lychee juice combination. The bar also features a dim sum menu with kimchi butter dumplings and pork eggrolls. 1848 Airline Dr., Houston, wokkerhtx.com/meo-home
Off the Record
Fronted by a vinyl record store, Off the Record is accessed through a velvet curtain, wherein awaits a world of velvet booths, gold records, and cocktails like the Smooth Criminal. Upstairs is George’s Music Room with memorabilia celebrating George Daniels, founder of a Midwest record store of the same name. The venue also operates as a listening lounge with themed music nights from local DJs. Expect long lines on the weekends. 416 Main St., Houston, offtherecordhtx.com
