Prohibition might be a thing of the past, but many bars in Pasadena embrace the speakeasy style as a throwback to when the production, transport, and sale of alcohol was illegal.
There's no reason for real speakeasies to exist anymore. The vintage furnishing, 1920s decor, and the secrecy that comes with these places make speakeasies in Pasadena a unique place to spend a night out, though!
This article will list five of the best speakeasies in Pasadena. Read on to get to know the best speakeasies in Pasadena and instructions for accessing each, whether they require a secret password or have a hidden entrance.
What Are the Different Types of Speakeasy Bars in Pasadena
You'll find different types of speakeasy-style bars in Pasadena, from ones that are traditional to others that will give you a hint of 1920s vibes you can locate and access without much trouble.
Most Pasadena speakeasies keep a Prohibition decor, but you'll find just as many with a modern take on the 1920s design elements. Some of these speakeasies in Pasadena are upscale bars that enforce a dress code and may only take reservations. Often, speakeasies like these have house rules that may put a limit on cellphone usage or where you can take photographs.
Since all these vary among different speakeasies in Pasadena, we won't leave you guessing. We’ll cover everything you need to know about each speakeasy that found a place in our best speakeasies in Pasadena article.
The Best Speakeasy in Pasadena: Our Top 5 Picks
Here are five of Pasadena's best speakeasies, with their working hours, phone numbers, reservation policy, and address. On a separate note, all the speakeasies in the city are in Old Pasadena – you won't need to go too far away from one spot to another for speakeasy hopping.
1) The Speakeasy Pasadena
- Hours: Thursday: 8 PM – 1 AM; Friday – Saturday: 7 PM – 2:30 AM
- Website: https://www.speakeasypasadena.com
- Phone Number: (626) 676-1205
- Reservations Policy: Not Required but Encouraged
- Address: 25 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
- Open in Google Maps
Located on 25 N Raymond Ave, Old Town Pasadena, the Speakeasy Pasadena is a true speakeasy-style bar in the city. Reservations aren't required but forced in a way, as you'll need to email to get the password. The security guard at the door also gives clues about the password, but you must get it right; otherwise, you won't be let in.
Being the only traditional speakeasy in the city, the Speakeasy Pasadena is certainly not an ordinary bar. Inside, you'll find a wide range of classic and craft cocktails, including many that will take you back to the Prohibition era. This speakeasy in Pasadena also has a small food selection.
The vibe of the Speakeasy Pasadena is great for those going for the experience, making it an excellent place in Pasadena for a fun date night. The password changes regularly, so make sure to get it by emailing info@speakeasypasadena.com on the day of your visit.
2) The Cellar: A Wine Library
- Hours: Thursday: 6 PM – 12 AM; Friday – Saturday: 6 PM - 1 AM
- Website: https://www.lecellar.com/
- Phone Number: (626) 676-1205
- Reservations Policy: Not Accepted
- Address: 26 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
- Open in Google Maps
The Cellar: A Wine Library isn't a traditional speakeasy but rather an underground wine bar. With its 1920s-inspired interior design and rows of books and vintage wine bottles, the Cellar: A Wine Library is full of speakeasy vibes.
This speakeasy-style bar doesn't have a strict dress code, but the guests are expected to dress appropriately for the occasion. On the website, the Cellar: A Wine Library clearly says a no for baseball caps, shorts, sports attire, and slippers. It is an upscale bar where you must wear cocktail attire.
You'll find a vast selection of wines on the menu, including high-end options and a charcuterie board to pair your drink. If you're a wine lover looking for a speakeasy in Pasadena, the Cellar is undoubtedly the best place, especially for those who wish a more upscale experience on top of the speakeasy vibes.
3) 10 ¼ Pasadena
Image sourced from: https://tenquarterpasadena.com.
- Hours: Wednesday: 6 PM – 12 AM; Thursday – Saturday: 8 PM – 2 AM; Sunday: 7 PM – 12 AM
- Website: https://tenquarterpasadena.com
- Phone Number: (626) 356-9315
- Reservations Policy: Not Accepted
- Address: 12 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
- Open in Google Maps
10 ¼ Pasadena is a speakeasy hidden on the bottom of the sports bar 35er. It is a cozy little gem in Pasadena you need to take a series of actions to access. Get inside 35er, go downstairs to the tiki bar, enter the phone booth, pick up the phone, and make a call. Answer the question, and the door will magically open – kind of like Harry Potter.
Inside, you'll find a cozy, intimate atmosphere and a wide range of spirits and cocktails, like their signature Walking in LA and Rodeo cocktails. In case you want classic cocktails, this hidden gem of a speakeasy also got you covered with a selection ranging from 10 ¼ Old Fashioned to Barrel-Aged Mezcal Negroni.
Overall, 10 ¼ Pasadena is a nice little speakeasy located inside 35er. It gives the true speakeasy vibes with the treasure map you must follow to access the bar. It is a great place to grab a cocktail not only after watching sports but on any night.
4) Der Wolf
Image sourced from: https://www.thederwolfpasadena.com.
- Hours: Monday – Thursday: 5 PM – 1 AM; Friday: 2 PM – 1 AM; Saturday: 11 AM – 1 AM; Sunday: 10 AM – 1 AM
- Website: https://www.thederwolfpasadena.com
- Phone Number: (626) 219-6054
- Reservations Policy: Not Required but Encouraged, Required for Groups: 72 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
- Open in Google Maps
Der Wolf is a German-themed beer hall with vintage decor and eye-catching artwork on the walls. Although it doesn't have a big speakeasy vibe like the Speakeasy Pasadena or the 10 ¼ Pasadena, it has a decent speakeasy lounge separate from the regular bar.
Once an underground cellar, Der Wolf turned this space into a hidden speakeasy called the Dungeon.
Unlike other speakeasies in Pasadena, where you can enter with a passcode or follow a series of actions to access, only the staff decides whether you can enter the speakeasy lounge. You must stand out with your formal attire and convince them you should be at the Dungeon instead.
The Dungeon doesn't require a reservation. Walk-ins are perfectly fine, but reservation is required for groups, as the space is usually reserved for corporate events and birthday celebrations.
This speakeasy is designed more for parties in mind with custom cocktail menus, but the bartenders know their way around a delicious cocktail. There are also countless food options, from appetizers to a full-course dinner.
5) Ladies and Gentlemen
- Hours: Thursday: 6 PM – 12 AM; Friday – Saturday: 6 PM – 1 AM; Sunday: 4 PM – 10 PM
- Website: https://www.ladiesandgentlemenla.com
- Phone Number: (626) 696-3612
- Reservations Policy: Reservations Only
- Address: 59 E Colorado Blvd B100, Pasadena, CA 91105
- Open in Google Maps
Last but not least, this speakeasy in Old Pasadena, Ladies and Gentlemen, is among the top destinations for a date night. To enter Ladies and Gentlemen located on 59 E Colorado Boulevard, you'll need to locate the hidden entrance and then walk through a "bathroom" to enter the bar.
Inside, you'll enter a stylish bar with craft cocktails and a concept that will make any date night memorable.
Instead of ordering drinks off the menu, the staff asks about what you like, and the bartenders craft personalized cocktails based on your preferences. It is the bar version of the omakase concept used in high-end Japanese restaurants.
Since this concept doesn't appeal to everyone, Ladies and Gentlemen is a reservation-only speakeasy. If you're after a unique speakeasy experience, you can make reservations on the bar's website. Note that reservations are limited to two hours in this Pasadena speakeasy.
How to Find a New Speakeasy in Pasadena?
Speakeasies aren't just regular bars. When you want to find a new speakeasy in Pasadena or any other city, what you're looking for may not always be apparent.
Speakeasy-style bars keep secrecy above all else and don't have a big online presence. For instance, the Speakeasy Pasadena listed in our article only has a few posts on social media.
Just as it was in the 1920s, word of mouth is the strongest tool you have for finding new speakeasies in Pasadena. As you discover Pasadena speakeasies and make new friends, ask about other speakeasies. Since most bars are located in Old Pasadena, you can go bar hopping in different speakeasy-style bars on a single night out with friends made along the way.
Find the Best Pasadena Speakeasy
Pasadena is home to several speakeasies. The Speakeasy Pasadena, 10 ¼ Pasadena, and Ladies and Gentlemen are traditional speakeasies. If you're simply looking to go to a speakeasy to have a good time, the Speakeasy Pasadena and 10 ¼ Pasadena are great options, both offering a wealth of spirits and cocktails.
Ladies and Gentlemen is a unique speakeasy with its adaptation of the omakase concept. It can be a great experience, particularly for a special date night. Others, the Cellar: A Wine Library, is a speakeasy for wine lovers, while Der Wolf appeals to those who enjoy drinking German beers with delicious appetizers.
Regardless of the speakeasy in the city that attracts you, one of the advantages of the speakeasies in Pasadena is that all the best ones are within walking distance. You can go to one speakeasy in Old Pasadena, and if you don't fancy it, simply skip it and go to the next one just a few minutes away – giving you an unforgettable night out!
