Speakeasies are hidden bars, a concept dating back to the Prohibition era across the United States. While alcohol sales and consumption are legal today, many bars still embrace the speakeasy-style of hidden, exclusive, and intimate spaces that put an emphasis on unique cocktails and mixology.
In Philadelphia, there are a number of different speakeasies to choose from. These bars can offer a variety of experiences from more cocktail-forward spaces, to more intimate and relaxed speakeasy vibes.
Our article gives you an overview of the different types of speakeasy bars in Philadelphia in addition to providing you with our top choices for the best speakeasies in the city.
What Are the Different Types of Speakeasy Bars in Philadelphia?
Many speakeasy bars opt to capture the 1920s vintage vibes that numerous Prohibition-era bars embraced while alcohol was illegal. This means that many speakeasy bars will have vintage themes, antique furniture, and touches of classy 1920s style that give these hidden bars distinct cozy and intimate vibes.
However, not all speakeasies are the same, and you are also likely to encounter more modern takes on this 1920s speakeasy style. These bars may embrace more modern design elements or elements of minimalism. Other speakeasy themes include tiki bar themes and classic, intimate, hidden spaces with a variety of retro decorations.
Numerous speakeasies in the Philadelphia area enforce dress codes, and you will generally need to wear more upscale styles to gain access to the speakeasies on our list. Some speakeasies also enforce certain house rules, such as limiting cell phone usage and photography for patrons.
The Best Speakeasy in Philadelphia: Our Top 5 Picks
In Philadelphia, speakeasies can be found hidden all over the city. Our top five picks give you an idea of the best choices of speakeasies around today.
1. Elbow Lane
Image sourced from: https://harpcrown.com/.
- Hours: Mon – Tues: 4pm – 10pm; Wed – Thurs: 4pm – 11pm; Fri – Sat: 4pm – 12am
- Website: https://harpcrown.com/
- Phone Number: (215) 330-2800
- Reservations Policy: Reservations Not Accepted
- Address: 1525 Sansom St., Philadelphia 19102
- Open in Google Maps
A hidden bar and bowling alley beneath the elegant Harp & Crown restaurant, Elbow Lane features two lanes for bowling, a cocktail menu, and a lounge area. Patrons can order food from the Harp & Crown restaurant while in Elbow Lane, and the vibes of the speakeasy are comfortable, retro, and relaxed.
In order to access Elbow Lane, you will need to walk through the Harp & Crown restaurant to a secluded staircase. These stairs will take you down into the basement where you can grab a seat at the bar or relax on one of the plush lounge chairs. To take advantage of the bowling alleys in Elbow Lane, speak to a server.
Signature cocktails at Elbow Lane are modern takes on classic drinks, and a healthy selection of wine, spirits, and beer are offered alongside the bar’s mixed drinks. The kitchen closes two hours before the bar does, giving you ample time to enjoy both food and drinks in this speakeasy.
2. Blind Barber
Image sourced from: https://blindbarber.com/pages/philly.
- Hours: Mon – Sat: 5pm - Close
- Website: https://blindbarber.com/pages/philly
- Phone Number: (215) 528-9485
- Reservations Policy: Reservations Not Accepted
- Address: 1325 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Open in Google Maps
Located at the back of a functioning barber shop, the Blind Barber bar is a 70s-inspired hidden backroom bar. If you want to access the Blind Barber, visit the address and look for the single striped barber pole as an indicator you are in the right place.
Enter the venue and then walk back to the unmarked door. Once you go through, you will be met with the Blind Barber’s cocktail lounge where you can take a seat at the bar or in one of the small tables located in the space.
Both the barbershop and the Blind Barber bar are fairly small, and service is given on a first-come, first-served basis. The drink menu is on the smaller side, and it offers a selection of specialty cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits.
On certain nights, the Blind Barber offers certain events, such as cover-free Burlesque shows and DJs to infuse the area with great music and good vibes.
3. Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company
Image sourced from: https://www.thefranklinonrittenhouse.com/.
- Hours: Sun – Thurs: 5pm – 12am; Fri – Sat: 5pm – 2am
- Website: https://www.thefranklinonrittenhouse.com/the-lounge
- Phone Number: (215) 546-9544
- Reservations Policy: Reservations Not Required, but Highly Encouraged
- Address: 1715 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Open in Google Maps
Found within the luxury Rittenhouse Hotel, Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company is a throwback to true 1920s speakeasy style. This speakeasy is named after the bootleggers who once operated out of this space during the prohibition era.
You locate this bar by heading to the Rittenhouse Hotel and looking for an unmarked door where a doorman is generally waiting. You may have to line up, as the space is small. Once inside, you will descend two flights of stairs into the vintage-themed space.
The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company focuses on mixology with the cocktails offered, and there are a number of unique and curated mixed drinks to choose from. Snacks are also offered in this speakeasy alongside a limited beer and wine selection.
The vibe of this speakeasy is quieter and a serious throwback to the 1920s Prohibition era, and the crowd typically sways a little older. Cocktail attire is recommended when visiting this hidden bar.
4. Hop Sing Laundromat
Image sourced from: https://www.rishiray.com/.
- Hours: Fri – Sat: 5pm – 1am
- Website: None Available
- Phone Number: None Available
- Reservations Policy: Reservations Not Accepted
- Address: 1029 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Open in Google Maps
In true speakeasy fashion, Hop Sing Laundromat is hidden behind an unmarked door near a busy street in Chinatown. To gain access, locate the door at the address and then buzz to be let in. A doorman will meet you and grant you admission if there is space inside; you may need to wait for patrons to leave this small space before you are allowed to enter.
An upscale dress code is enforced for this speakeasy, so be careful not to show up in shorts, sandals, jeans, hats, or other kinds of casual clothing. This bar also enforces a no cell phone rule, and patrons utilizing their phones or taking pictures inside the speakeasy will be asked to leave.
Once you get inside and get past these rules, you can partake in some of the most unique and captivating cocktails Philadelphia speakeasies have to offer. There is no food offered at Hop Sing Laundromat, and the vibe inside of the cocktail lounge is quiet and well-decorated.
5. Ranstead Room
Image sourced from: https://ransteadroom.com/.
- Hours: Mon – Wed: 7pm – 12am; Thurs – Sat: 7pm – 2am
- Website: https://ransteadroom.com/
- Phone Number: (215) 563-3330
- Reservations Policy: Reservations Not Accepted
- Address: 2013 Ranstead Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Open in Google Maps
Private, intimate, and classic, Ranstead Room is decorated with red leather booths, vintage wallpaper, and captivating chandeliers. Velvet touches throughout the space give the bar a true 1920s speakeasy vibe filled with privacy and secrets, and the space is considered fairly cozy and a hidden gem in Philadelphia.
To access the Ranstead Room, head to the address and look for a black door marked with two ‘R’s. Once you get inside, you will be transported to the atmospheric, dimly lit, and moody space, and you can sit in one of the booths or directly at the bar.
The Ranstead Room offers a unique selection of specialty cocktails, or you can leave your choice of drink up to one of the expert bartenders. Limited snacks, beer, and wine are also served in this speakeasy.
How to Find a New Speakeasy in Philadelphia?
Finding new speakeasies in Philadelphia can seem challenging. Many speakeasies in the city will pop up without too much fanfare and advertisement, a throwback to the true in-the-know bars of the Prohibition era.
However, word of mouth spreads quickly. You can generally find new speakeasies in Philadelphia by asking patrons of your current favorite speakeasies or keeping your eyes open when walking around the area.
You can also stay up to date with Speakeasy.co’s guides to speakeasies. We’re always looking out for the most up-and-coming speakeasies and interesting bars to share with you, so you can craft the perfect night out.
Find the Best Philadelphia Speakeasy
Philadelphia speakeasies come in a range of themes and vibes, and it’s important to select the speakeasy that best matches your preferences. For example, you may prefer a more cocktail-focused and modern speakeasy, or you might enjoy the casual and relaxed atmosphere or a less intimate hidden bar.
Reviewing the selections in our article and the details available about each of our chosen top speakeasies will tell you all of the information you need to know. Then you can prepare for your next visit to one of the best speakeasies Philadelphia has to offer.
