LA Hidden Bars and Speakeasy Experience

REVIEW · LOS ANGELES

LA Hidden Bars and Speakeasy Experience

  • 5.05 reviews
  • From $159.00
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Operated by Secret Fun Experiences · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (5)Price from$159.00Operated bySecret Fun ExperiencesBook viaViator

Some nights in Los Angeles feel like a maze. This tour makes it simple: you get guided access to hidden speakeasies and three very different nightlife vibes in about 3 hours. I love that it mixes classic Old Hollywood style with a more modern, party-leaning stop, so the evening doesn’t get repetitive. I also like the no-pressure setup: drinking is optional, and non-drinkers can still enjoy the atmosphere.

One thing to consider is that this is a nighttime, dress-for-the-room kind of outing. You’ll need nightclub attire and a valid ID, and it’s built around good weather and walking between venues after 8:00 pm.

Key things to know before you go

LA Hidden Bars and Speakeasy Experience - Key things to know before you go

  • Three speakeasies in one night: different themes, one smooth route, about 3 hours total.
  • A guide adds the VIP factor: hosts like Victoria and Avissh are noted for keeping the mood fun and the group moving.
  • Big variety in vibes: Old Hollywood elegance, a circus-themed DJ bar, then a Latino spot with a Havana, Cuba feel.
  • Drinking is optional: you can join for social energy without pressure to order.
  • Small group size: capped at 20 travelers, which helps you feel less like a number.

How an LA Speakeasy Night Becomes More Than Bar Hopping

LA Hidden Bars and Speakeasy Experience - How an LA Speakeasy Night Becomes More Than Bar Hopping
Los Angeles nightlife can be a lot of guesswork. You might find a cool-looking building, then hit a line, a locked door, or a cover situation you didn’t plan for. This experience cuts through that with a guided format built around secret entrances and unassuming facades.

The bigger win is how the tour balances style and chaos. You start with an elegant, throwback mood and you end somewhere that leans social and music-forward. Along the way, you’re not just waiting around hoping you picked the right place. You’re learning the stories behind each stop and how to read the room.

And it’s not only for big drinkers. The event is designed to work for groups celebrating something—birthdays, anniversaries, date nights, and even corporate teams. You can come for cocktails, or you can come to talk, people-watch, and feel like you’ve got the right plan.

You can also read our reviews of more nightlife experiences in Los Angeles

The 8:00 pm Route: Three Stops That Fit Real Schedules

This tour starts at 8:00 pm and runs about 3 hours. You meet at LA Fitness, 1628 N El Centro Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, and it ends back at the meeting point. That “return to start” layout matters, because it prevents the common problem of ending the night somewhere far from where you parked—or making transit feel like an afterthought.

You’ll visit three speakeasies, each with a different personality. That means you’re not stuck in one bar atmosphere for the whole evening. The stops range from swanky art deco-style rooms to a more playful, music-driven venue. Finally, you land at a Latino bar with a Havana, Cuba vibe where you can keep the night going as long as you’re ready to call it.

Group size is capped at 20 travelers, and that helps with pacing. You’re still out walking at night, but it tends to feel more like a guided crew than a bus tour. Since the tour notes a moderate physical fitness level, expect to be on your feet for stretches between locations.

Stop One: Old Hollywood Feel and Art Deco-Like Swank

LA Hidden Bars and Speakeasy Experience - Stop One: Old Hollywood Feel and Art Deco-Like Swank
The first stop sets the tone. Think 1920s Old Hollywood mood, with that slightly theatrical “you’re in on the secret” feeling. These early bars in the route are described as swanky and sophisticated, the kind of place where the music, lighting, and décor all help you slow down for a minute.

This is where you’ll likely get your bearings on how the night works. The guide helps you understand what you’re looking at—how the bar presents itself, why the entrance feels hidden, and what makes the drinks part of the experience rather than just a transaction.

What I like about starting here is the contrast. If you begin with something elegant, the later stops feel even more fun when the energy shifts to dancing and DJ music. If you prefer a quieter first hour for conversation and photos, this is also a good way to ease in without feeling rushed.

Potential drawback: if you’re expecting a pure nightclub from minute one, this opening stop may feel more polished and less chaotic. It’s still nightlife—just not the loudest vibe at the start.

Stop Two: Circus-Themed DJ Energy and Dance-Forward Fun

LA Hidden Bars and Speakeasy Experience - Stop Two: Circus-Themed DJ Energy and Dance-Forward Fun
The middle stop is where the tour turns up the volume. One of the described themes is circus-inspired, with a DJ-spinning bar setup. This is the point in the evening where conversations get louder, the room feels more animated, and the group energy tends to shift from sipping to moving.

This matters because it keeps the tour from feeling like three separate “check-in and check-out” moments. Instead, you get a real arc: calm sophistication first, then party momentum, then a finale that leans social again.

In practical terms, this stop is your signal to wear shoes you can handle. It’s a nightlife venue, so it can be dim and crowded, and your time will be best spent being comfortable rather than adjusting your outfit all night.

Also, if you’re coming with a mixed group—someone who wants dancing, someone who’s more low-key—this kind of DJ bar usually gives both options. You can enjoy the music from the side, or fully join in.

Stop Three: Havana, Cuba Vibe for the Night’s Finale

LA Hidden Bars and Speakeasy Experience - Stop Three: Havana, Cuba Vibe for the Night’s Finale
The last stop is a Latino bar with a Havana, Cuba vibe. That’s a great theme for endings, because it often feels social and celebratory, like the night has grown into something you want to stay at instead of rushing out of.

The tour’s structure gives you one big advantage here: you can stay until you’re ready to head home. That flexibility is valuable. Not everyone wants the same pace on a vacation night, and not every bar carries the same “one more round” vibe. Ending somewhere that encourages lingering helps you avoid the awkward scramble to make your final move.

This is also a smart point for couples and small groups. The tour already did the hard part—finding the secret door, getting you inside, and setting the tone. Now you can focus on the actual reason you’re out: conversation, music, and shared laughs.

If you’re a non-drinker, this is usually where that works best too. You can enjoy the atmosphere and music without feeling pressured to match anyone’s pace.

You can also read our reviews of more drinking tours in Los Angeles

What “Drinking Is Optional” Really Means for Your Group

LA Hidden Bars and Speakeasy Experience - What “Drinking Is Optional” Really Means for Your Group
This experience explicitly welcomes non-drinkers, and that’s more than a checkbox. When a bar tour assumes everyone will order, it can feel awkward for friends who don’t drink. Here, the tour is set up around the bar experience itself: the vibe, the room, the stories, and the social movement between locations.

So if you’re the designated driver, you’re not stuck waiting outside. If you’re watching your budget, you can still participate without turning the night into a drink-count competition. You’ll still get the benefit of having a guide handle the “how do we get in” part, which is often the hardest part of speakeasy hopping.

One tip: if you plan not to drink, be ready to still enjoy the spaces. That might mean you spend more time chatting, taking in décor and lighting, and leaning into the music. Speakeasies aren’t only about cocktails. They’re about mood.

Price and Value: Is $159 for Three Speakeasies Fair?

LA Hidden Bars and Speakeasy Experience - Price and Value: Is $159 for Three Speakeasies Fair?
At $159 per person, this is not a bargain-basement outing. The question isn’t just what you pay—it’s what you get for it. Here’s the value logic I’d use to decide:

  • You get access to three different speakeasies in a single guided evening, starting and ending at a known spot.
  • You’re going at 8:00 pm, a time when finding the right places on your own can mean lines, wrong turns, or locked doors.
  • You’re in a small group (max 20), which tends to make the experience feel personal rather than chaotic.
  • You’re being guided by hosts who (based on feedback) help the group feel comfortable and keep the energy high.

Also, this type of tour often sells out or gets tight, since it’s booked on average about 25 days in advance. That timing can be a sign you’re paying for convenience and access, not just for walking into bars.

If your plan is to do three different bars anyway, this price can make sense because the tour handles the hard parts: coordination, pacing, and getting you to places you might miss on your own.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Not)

LA Hidden Bars and Speakeasy Experience - Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Not)
This is a strong fit if you want a fun Los Angeles night with structure. It’s especially good for:

  • Date nights where you want a plan that feels special
  • Birthdays and anniversaries where you’d rather not research every step
  • Friend groups that want variety—classic to party in one evening
  • Corporate teams looking for an easy, shared activity

It may be less ideal if:

  • You dislike nightlife venues with music and crowds
  • You don’t want to follow a nightclub attire expectation
  • You need a fully sedate pace with long sit-down time

One more consideration: the tour notes a moderate fitness level. You should be fine if you’re comfortable walking at night, but if you want a fully minimal-walking experience, you might want to look for something less venue-to-venue.

Practical Tips for Your Night Out (Before the Doors Open)

Here’s how to set yourself up for an easy start.

First, bring your valid ID. The tour specifically calls it out. Speakeasy-style places can be strict, and you don’t want to lose time sorting that out.

Second, plan for the dress code. Nightclub attire is required, so skip anything you’d wear to a casual daytime coffee run. Think polished, night-ready, and comfortable enough to move in.

Third, use the meeting point as your anchor. You meet at LA Fitness on N El Centro Ave. If you’re driving, give yourself extra time for parking. If you’re using public transportation, the tour notes it’s near transit, which can save you stress.

Finally, accept the pacing. This is a 3-hour guided night with multiple stops. You’ll have fun, but you won’t have a full dinner schedule. If you’re hungry, eat before you go.

And one last thing: the tour notes it requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll get offered a different date or a full refund. That’s a nice safety net.

Should You Book the LA Hidden Bars and Speakeasy Experience?

I’d book it if you want a high-energy, social LA night with real variety and a guide who knows how to keep things smooth. The structure makes it easier than DIY speakeasy hunting, and the themes line up well: Old Hollywood elegance, DJ-circus party energy, then a Havana, Cuba-style finale.

I would not book it if your priority is a quiet, sit-and-stay evening. This is nightlife. It’s meant to move, sound like music, and feel like you’re in the know.

If you’re celebrating or planning a date night and you want a plan that feels a cut above normal bar hopping, this tour is a solid choice. Just come dressed for the room, bring your ID, and give yourself permission to enjoy the whole three-stop arc.

FAQ

How long is the LA Hidden Bars and Speakeasy Experience?

It runs for approximately 3 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 pm.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $159.00 per person.

Where do we meet, and where does the tour end?

You meet at LA Fitness, 1628 N El Centro Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

How many speakeasies are visited?

The experience includes visits to three speakeasies.

Is drinking required?

No. Drinking is optional, and non-drinkers are welcome to join.

Do I need an ID or specific dress code?

Yes. Nightclub attire and a valid ID are required.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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