Speakeasies are becoming an increasingly popular trend, and these hidden bars can be found throughout the Tampa area. A throwback to the Prohibition era, speakeasy bars come in a variety of themes and offer a range of experiences from more casual to elevated and upscale.
When choosing a speakeasy to visit in Tampa, it’s important to pick an option that suits your preferences for a hidden bar experience.
Our speakeasy Tampa guide gives you an overview of some of the best speakeasies in the area. We discuss themes, dress codes, and instructions on how to locate these hidden bars and the types of cocktails and other assorted menu items you can expect to find once inside.
What Are the Different Types of Speakeasy Bars in Tampa?
Tampa is home to several unique speakeasy bars. Themes range from 1920s vintage throwbacks that stay true to the history of the speakeasy to more casual and eye-catching choices, like a spooky-themed speakeasy that is perfect for Halloween or year-round spooky vibes.
When researching speakeasies, it’s important to pay attention to these themes, as they generally determine the type of dress code the bar has in place.
Most speakeasies are smaller spaces, and the hidden bars in Tampa are no different. The speakeasies in Tampa are generally intimate and cozy, perfect for a date night or a quiet night out with friends. That being said, some of the hidden bars in the area are more boisterous and offer music, deceptively strong drinks, and a good time to be had.
The Best Speakeasy in Tampa: Our Top 5 Picks
The following speakeasies stand out as some of the best choices of speakeasy in Tampa. We give you all the important details you need to know about these bars, including information on where to find them and how to contact each speakeasy.
1. Jekyll
- Hours: Mon – Sun: 5pm – 12am
- Website: https://jekyllhydepark.com/
- Phone Number: (813) 358-2037
- Reservations Policy: Reservations Not Required, but Encouraged
- Address: 1500 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
- Open in Google Maps
Hidden behind an unassuming bagel shop called Sesame, Jekyll has a unique method of admitting patrons looking for the secret bar.
Reservations are highly encouraged, and upon making your reservations through the Jekyll website, you will be provided with a password. You head to the address with your password and speak to one of the cashiers at Sesame; tell them your password, and they will escort you behind a mirror in the bagel shop to the hidden bar that is Jekyll.
The interior of Jekyll is Victorian, and there is bar seating available in addition to couches and several secluded booths. A chandelier hangs above the space, and unique artwork dots the wall. Jekyll’s cocktail menu is expansive, with every signature cocktail the speakeasy serves getting its own dedicated page to discuss inspirations and flavor profiles.
Jekyll offers a limited food menu in addition to specialty cocktails and a selection of wine and beer, and the overall vibe of the speakeasy is quiet, intimate, and classy.
2. The Catacombs
Image sourced from: https://www.spookeasylounge.com/.
- Hours: Sun – Wed: 7pm – 1am; Thurs – Sat: 7pm – 3am
- Website: https://www.spookeasylounge.com/catacombs
- Phone Number: (813) 373-6452
- Reservations Policy: Call for Reservation Policy
- Address: 1909 N 15th St, Tampa, FL 33605
- Open in Google Maps
Located inside SpookEasy Lounge, a non-alcoholic and spooky-themed lounge space, The Catacombs offers adults 21 and up a space to enjoy spirits as desired. Perfect for lovers of Halloween or spooky décor, The Catacombs offers an intimate space with moody atmospheric vibes.
To access The Catacombs, head to the address above where you will find SpookEasy Lounge. Once inside, speak to a server who will direct you down a set of stairs and into the hidden bar. After you have found a seat at one of the tables or at the bar, you can choose from a menu of specialty cocktails that offer spooky twists on Southern and American classic cocktail recipes.
The Catacombs offers a limited menu of beer, wine, and spirits in addition to these cocktails. You can also enjoy anything from their full menu of food and snacks while taking in the unique and bone-chilling décor.
As an added bonus for the brave, ghost tours regularly leave from the SpookEasy Lounge, and you can take one before or after enjoying your time in the speakeasy.
3. Bar Chica
Image sourced from: https://ilovetheburg.com/bar-chica-st-pete/.
- Hours: Wed – Thurs: 7pm – 12am; Fri – Sat: 7pm – 1am; Sun: 5pm – 12am
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/thebarchica
- Phone Number: None Available
- Reservations Policy: Reservations Not Accepted
- Address: 1180 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
- Open in Google Maps
A Havana-styles speakeasy that has risen to notoriety in the Tampa area, Bar Chica is located in the back of Bodega, a Latin street food restaurant. Bar Chica is fairly well hidden, and there is no sign for this speakeasy; the bar also has minimal online presence.
To access Bar Chica, walk to the back of Bodega and go through the sliding panel wall. If you show up outside of Bodega’s operating hours, you can go down the alley to the right of the restaurant to find another door that lets you inside.
The menu of Bar Chica is heavy on tequila and mezcal, with unique and interesting flavor combinations headlining each specialty cocktail. Wine, beer, and spirits are also available, and the speakeasy is focused on mixology and quality ingredients for each of their drinks.
Bar Chica hosts DJs on select nights, and the overall vibe of the space is Latin-inspired, relaxed, and somewhat jazzy.
4. C.W.’s Gin Joint
Image sourced from: https://cwginjoint.com/.
A true Prohibition-style speakeasy, C.W.’s Gin Joint is one of the larger speakeasies on our list. You can locate this bar by looking for the sign outside, next to a set of blacked-out doors. The interior of this speakeasy is vintage 1920s, with a selection of bar seats and small tables for seating options.
As the name suggests, this speakeasy specializes in gin, and if you are a gin lover you can try a gin flight from the many different gin options the bar provides. C.W.’s Gin Joint also has an extensive list of specialty cocktails, or you can choose from beer, wine, and other spirits to sip on.
More than just a speakeasy, C.W.’s Gin Joint also offers a full food menu in addition to a menu of lighter fare. The entire atmosphere of this hidden bar is elevated, classy, and refined. This bar does enforce a business casual, upscale dress code.
5. The Ship’s Hold
Image sourced from: https://theshipshold.com/.
Located just outside of Tampa, The Ship’s Hold is too much of a notable speakeasy to leave off of our list of the best-hidden bars in the area. This bar is found behind an unmarked door at the address, and once inside, you will be transported to a space decorated like the hold of a ship – hence the name of this speakeasy.
The Ship’s Hold is primarily a rum bar, with hundreds of choices for rum and an extensive menu of specialty cocktails. Unique flavors and artisanal twists on classic cocktails are found here, in addition to new cocktail creations that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. A limited selection of beers and seltzers are available at this bar if mixed drinks aren’t your thing.
The atmosphere at The Ship’s Hold is relaxed, unpretentious, and cocktail-forward. Staff are friendly and can help you pick out your new favorite drink as you spend your time in this nautically-themed space.
How to Find a New Speakeasy in Tampa?
Discovering a new speakeasy in Tampa might seem difficult at first, as many speakeasies pop up without too much fanfare. This is a tribute to the more private and secret nature of these bars, a throwback to the 1920s Prohibition-era history.
However, you can ask around at your current favorite speakeasies. Keep your eyes peeled when going about your life in Tampa to try and spot any secret doors, mysterious signs, and other indicators that you are close to a unique hidden bar.
Of course, you should also stay up to date with our speakeasy guides at Speakeasy.co. We are always looking out for the next best thing in the speakeasy world, and we will provide you with updates on the hottest speakeasies in Tampa for you to try on your next night out.
Find the Best Tampa Speakeasy
Choosing a Tampa speakeasy can seem overwhelming, as there is plenty of choice in the area for an interesting and unique speakeasy experience. However, you should keep in mind your preferences for a speakeasy, such as theme, dress code, and any applicable house rules. These considerations will help you choose a speakeasy that gives you the best experience.
Make sure to review our choices for the best speakeasies in Tampa carefully. From there, you can understand the basics about our top choices and start to think about which of these captivating hidden bars is the best fit for you.
