During the Prohibition era, when selling alcoholic beverages was illegal throughout the United States, speakeasies quenched the public’s thirst for a smooth cocktail in dark, smoke-filled basements. Prohibition ended in 1933, but almost a century later, speakeasies — now operating under lower stakes — have been steadily gaining steam in bar scenes across the country. Slink down narrow alleys and slip through unmarked doors to find a not-so-secret world in these eight hidden bars around the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area, listed geographically (not ranked) as always.
Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.
Tread down the alley and keep an eye out for the red light above a door. Not only does Volstead’s pour some excellent drinks, but it has an extensive food menu — expect burgers, rich desserts, and classic cocktails. Come for live jazz music on the weekend.
Wander up to the second story of the former Saint Sabrina’s space on Hennepin Avenue and you’ll find L2 @ Tii Cup, a speakeasy-style bar pouring dragonfruit mojitos, bloody mango margaritas, and creamy ube cocktails, finishing them with sweet, chewy boba. Even better, there’s a sunny upstairs patio overlooking Hennepin Avenue and a menu of Taiwanese street food (think popcorn chicken, grilled prawns, noodles bowls, etc.)
Prohibition Bar isn’t exactly hidden, but considering it’s tucked away on the 27th floor of the Foshay Tower, it has the hush-hush feel of a classic speakeasy. Try a vintage cocktail like the Wilbur’s Manhattan, finished with bitters and tart amarena cherries. The bar drips with the ornamental charm of the 1920s and 1930s.
Billy After Dark is the clandestine complement to chef Billy Tserentbat’s swanky North Loop sushi restaurant, Billy Sushi. Wander down the alley to the right of the building, and find the back door market with a neon sign. B.A.D. is both sleek and cavernous, the ceiling flecked with L.E.D. stars. Gaze on the collection of fine Japanese whiskies encased in an elegant, back-lit wall display. This spot has been quite popular since its opening, so it’s best to make a reservation in advance.
Look for the mysterious golden eye painted on the dark brick building next to Monte Carlo’s parking lot. This swanky little bar serves drinks and snacks for those clever enough to get in and snag a seat. Try the Sweet Dreams cocktail, a creamy, chocolately rum and fernet concoction finished with sea salt and an Andes mint.
This hidden bar behind Young Joni is just as popular as the award-winning restaurant it’s attached to. Sneak down the alley and look for the red neon light, which indicates if the bar is open (a limited number of customers are allowed at a time inside). This intimate room, cloaked in dark florals and velvet, feels like your chic grandma’s basement setup. (That is, if your grandma had a 1970s-era reel-to-reel playing in the background.)
During Prohibition, the success of speakeasies was due in part to their creative disguises as everyday businesses. The Hardware Store revives that clandestine tradition in Anoka. Come for live jazz, blues, and guitar music and cocktails with modern twists. Note the specials: Old Fashioneds are $6 on Wednesdays, and Thursdays feature Old Fashioned flights.
Descend a tight staircase in a nondescript building in Stillwater, and you’ll enter a dusky room filled with stylish seating and romantic corners. Sneak onto the secret garden patio and enjoy a Prohibition-style classic cocktail, like a Hemingway daiquiri with tart ruby red grapefruit.
Tread down the alley and keep an eye out for the red light above a door. Not only does Volstead’s pour some excellent drinks, but it has an extensive food menu — expect burgers, rich desserts, and classic cocktails. Come for live jazz music on the weekend.
Wander up to the second story of the former Saint Sabrina’s space on Hennepin Avenue and you’ll find L2 @ Tii Cup, a speakeasy-style bar pouring dragonfruit mojitos, bloody mango margaritas, and creamy ube cocktails, finishing them with sweet, chewy boba. Even better, there’s a sunny upstairs patio overlooking Hennepin Avenue and a menu of Taiwanese street food (think popcorn chicken, grilled prawns, noodles bowls, etc.)
Prohibition Bar isn’t exactly hidden, but considering it’s tucked away on the 27th floor of the Foshay Tower, it has the hush-hush feel of a classic speakeasy. Try a vintage cocktail like the Wilbur’s Manhattan, finished with bitters and tart amarena cherries. The bar drips with the ornamental charm of the 1920s and 1930s.
Billy After Dark is the clandestine complement to chef Billy Tserentbat’s swanky North Loop sushi restaurant, Billy Sushi. Wander down the alley to the right of the building, and find the back door market with a neon sign. B.A.D. is both sleek and cavernous, the ceiling flecked with L.E.D. stars. Gaze on the collection of fine Japanese whiskies encased in an elegant, back-lit wall display. This spot has been quite popular since its opening, so it’s best to make a reservation in advance.
Look for the mysterious golden eye painted on the dark brick building next to Monte Carlo’s parking lot. This swanky little bar serves drinks and snacks for those clever enough to get in and snag a seat. Try the Sweet Dreams cocktail, a creamy, chocolately rum and fernet concoction finished with sea salt and an Andes mint.
This hidden bar behind Young Joni is just as popular as the award-winning restaurant it’s attached to. Sneak down the alley and look for the red neon light, which indicates if the bar is open (a limited number of customers are allowed at a time inside). This intimate room, cloaked in dark florals and velvet, feels like your chic grandma’s basement setup. (That is, if your grandma had a 1970s-era reel-to-reel playing in the background.)
During Prohibition, the success of speakeasies was due in part to their creative disguises as everyday businesses. The Hardware Store revives that clandestine tradition in Anoka. Come for live jazz, blues, and guitar music and cocktails with modern twists. Note the specials: Old Fashioneds are $6 on Wednesdays, and Thursdays feature Old Fashioned flights.
Descend a tight staircase in a nondescript building in Stillwater, and you’ll enter a dusky room filled with stylish seating and romantic corners. Sneak onto the secret garden patio and enjoy a Prohibition-style classic cocktail, like a Hemingway daiquiri with tart ruby red grapefruit.