Las Vegas is a city of dazzling lights, grand shows, and endless energy. But just beyond the well-trodden paths of the Strip lies another world, one whispered about in quiet corners and discovered by those with a taste for adventure.
We invite you to step away from the crowds and join us on a journey to find the city’s most incredible hidden bars. This is your personal guide to unlocking a different side of Vegas, where every password and secret entrance leads to a new discovery and a fantastic cocktail. Let’s explore together.
Table of Contents
- Truly Hidden Gems: Speakeasies & Secret Spots
- Not So Hidden, But Still Amazing
- Golden Tiki
- Atomic Liquors
- Lucky Tequila & Mezcal
- Bonus: Oak & Ivy
Truly Hidden Gems: Speakeasies & Secret Spots
Ready to do some exploring? These bars require a little extra effort to find, but the reward is an experience you won’t forget. It’s time to nurture your inner adventurer and discover these amazing hideaways.
The Ski Lodge
Tucked away inside The Cosmopolitan, this might be one of the harder to find hidden bars in Las Vegas. That is what makes The Ski Lodge a unique treasure hunt, as the search is part of the fun. You’ll need to venture to the second floor of the Boulevard Tower and look for what appears to be the most ordinary of doors, with a small skier on the front, just a hint of what lies behind the door. Step through, and you’re instantly transported from the desert heat to a cozy, retro ski chalet in what could easily be Whistler, BC.
Cold brew, foam, vodka
The atmosphere is pure mountain comfort, complete with a fireplace, vintage ski decor, ski stickers lining the walls collected over the years by the owner during his travels, and panoramic “windows” showing a snowy landscape. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and feel like you’ve escaped the city entirely. The drink menu features creative, warming cocktails that fit the theme perfectly. It’s a wonderful, quirky retreat that encourages you to slow down and savor the moment.
1923 Prohibition Bar
Travel back in time at the 1923 Prohibition Bar, a classic speakeasy hidden within Mandalay Bay. Located downstairs near the escalators leading to The Shoppes, this hidden bar offers an authentic 1920s experience. The ambiance is dark, intimate, and sophisticated, with live music and unique shows adding to the Jazz Age vibe.
To enter, you might need a password, which adds to the thrill of discovery. What you definitely will need is to enter one of childhood’s greatest dreams for a library nerd like me – a bookcase that moves to become the door.
Once inside, you’ll find masterfully crafted cocktails, many featuring bourbon and rye, served by bartenders who are true artisans. It’s a space that invites you to dress up, connect with friends, and lose yourself in the glamour of a bygone era. To the truly daring, book tickets to their magic show – Ghost Stories, where you will be entertained, amazed and shocked. Secrets will be revealed. Will it be your deepest, darkest secret?…
(There is another location over in the Venetian as well, with its own set of events and shows).
Ghost Donkey
Another gem inside The Cosmopolitan, Ghost Donkey is a vibrant, high-energy tequila and mezcal bar. To find it, head to the Block 16 Urban Food Hall on the second floor and look for a door with a simple white donkey on it. What lies behind is a small, dazzling room filled with red lights and festive decor.
This spot is an absolute celebration of agave spirits. The menu is extensive, offering rare and unique selections for both connoisseurs and newcomers. The cocktails are inventive, and the truffle nachos are legendary. The intimate size of the bar creates a lively, communal feeling, making it a fantastic place to start your night with a burst of energy. It absolutely feels like you’ve been invited to a private cocktail party, and everyone is friendly and there to enjoy the festivities.
Stray Pirate
Ahoy, matey! If you’re looking for a swashbuckling good time, make your way to the Stray Pirate. This hidden rum bar is over in the Arts District of Las Vegas, away from the strip, well worth the Lyft/Uber to wander the district for drink, food, and second hand shops to create a perfect afternoon away from the casinos.
Once inside, you’re in an immersive sunken ship. The decor is all about nautical charts, skulls, treasure chests, and yes, dogs. Inspired by their beloved dog, the Stray Pirate is a hidden bar you will not want to miss. You might feel you are in a large submarine, with the surrounding “windows” showcasing an underwater changing scenery, complete with a whale moving from each screen. The menu featuring delicious, strong, and creative tiki-style cocktails. It’s a playful, fun escape that will bring out your adventurous spirit.
Prowl
Right next door to Stray Pirate lives its equally intriguing sister bar: https://prowllv.com/. Prowl keeps its own secret, luring you in with a totally distinct theme and vibe. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve slipped into the world of a seductive noir thriller—think plush shadows, feline grace, and a hint of mischief in every detail.
The mood is mysterious, stylish, and just a bit wild, thanks to deep jewel tones, glowing lighting, and quirky nods to prowling panthers and moonlit escapades. The cocktail menu is an adventure unto itself, offering bold, imaginative flavors with a playful wink. If you’re looking to trade pirate swagger for intrigue and glamour, Prowl gives you that next chapter—one that’s waiting just through the next secret door.
The Laundry Room
For a truly exclusive and personal experience, seek out The Laundry Room, hidden inside Commonwealth on Fremont Street. This micro-speakeasy seats only about 20 people and operates on a strict reservation-only basis, often requiring you to text a special number for a spot.
There is no menu. Instead, the expert bartenders have a conversation with you about your flavor preferences and craft a cocktail just for you. The space is tiny, historic, and filled with character, operating under a set of rules (like no photos) to preserve the intimate atmosphere.
It’s a place for quiet conversation and appreciating the art of mixology—a true journey of self-discovery through taste. I haven’t ever been organized enough to plot out a bar with a reservation several days in advance, so you’ll have to let me know if you’ve experienced this one, and if it was worth the hype.
Underground Bar at the Mob Museum
Combine history with happy hour at The Underground, located in the basement of The Mob Museum. This speakeasy and distillery brings the Prohibition era to life with stunning accuracy. You can access it through the museum or via a separate, discreet side entrance on the street (look for the green light).
The space is filled with authentic artifacts and exhibits from the 1920s, and they even distill their own moonshine on-site. The cocktail menu features classic recipes from the era, served in a setting that feels like you’ve stepped right into a scene from history. It’s an educational and incredibly fun experience that connects you to the city’s fascinating past.
This to me is the quintessential speakeasy, exactly as you’ve imagined it. A lot of the other Vegas hidden bars, go crazy with the extravagant and bizarre, which I love, but this one hits the jackpot by firmly knowing their place in history and keeping it simple and classy.
Be sure to spend time in the Mob Museum itself. You could spend hours in here learning about the history of Las Vegas and in particular, the Mob dynamics. For info on my favorite museums in Las Vegas to entertain your days with, check out my post here – Las Vegas Museums
Beauty & Essex
One of the most unusual hidden entrances in Vegas belongs to Beauty & Essex, located in The Cosmopolitan. The entrance is a fully functioning pawn shop, filled with quirky and vintage items for sale. Browse the guitars, jewelry, and curiosities, then walk through the back door to enter a different world.
Behind the pawn shop lies a stunning, multi-room restaurant and lounge with a grand staircase and opulent decor. The vibe is sophisticated and energetic. While known for its food, the bar serves incredible cocktails in a chic, jewel-toned setting. It’s the perfect place for a stylish night out, offering a journey from a humble storefront to pure luxury. Be ready to pay the price, this one is pricey, even based on Vegas prices.
Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails
Don’t be fooled by the name—or the storefront. The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails at The Cosmopolitan presents itself as a classic men’s grooming parlor. You can actually get a haircut here! But for those in the know, the real magic lies behind the unassuming janitor’s door at the back.
Step through it, and you’ll find a speakeasy with a dark, Prohibition-era vibe, complete with plush leather couches and an extensive whiskey selection. This hidden bar often features live bands playing rock and pop hits, turning the intimate space into a lively party. It’s a wonderful blend of old-school cool and modern fun.
Now that this one is super popular, expect a long line outside the barbershop and security like its a Vegas dance club.
Not So Hidden, But Still Amazing
These spots might not be hidden behind unlabeled doors or storefronts, but they are absolutely essential for anyone looking for a unique drinking experience in Vegas. They are beloved for a reason and offer a fantastic journey of their own.
Golden Tiki
Escape to a Polynesian paradise at The Golden Tiki in Chinatown. This is not just a bar; it’s a fully immersive tiki experience. The decor is a treasure trove of pirate skeletons, shrunken heads (some modeled after local celebrities), and nautical wonders, all under a canopy of stars.
The cocktail menu is classic tiki drinks, served in elaborate, custom-made ceramic mugs. The atmosphere is always buzzing with upbeat music and a friendly crowd. It’s a place to let loose, have fun, and embrace the spirit of aloha right in the middle of the desert.
One of the best things about this bar, besides the decor, that extends even to the bathroom – wallpaper and door handles not excluded (those who know….know), is that it is on what appears to be a mundane strip mall. However, this is Vegas, and this is Chinatown. So, nothing is ordinary, least of all this.
A few favorites of mine would be Pho Kim Long, consistently delicious and friendly, with some of the best people watching at 2am anywhere in the world, and Shokku Ramen for some quick noodles to slurp up at unbeatable prices if you can get a seat inside the small establishment.
Atomic Liquors
Step into a piece of Las Vegas history at Atomic Liquors, the city’s oldest freestanding bar. It earned its name from the days when patrons would climb to the roof to watch atomic bomb tests in the distance. The vintage sign and classic facade are iconic.
Inside, the bar maintains its old-school charm while serving a fantastic selection of craft beers and well-made cocktails. The outside has a large beer garden style seating if the interior vibe isn’t for you.
Be sure to explore the historical news clippings displayed on the walls. Visiting Atomic is a way to connect with the city’s roots and enjoy a genuinely authentic Vegas experience.
Lucky Tequila & Mezcal
Located on Fremont, Lucky Tequila & Mezcal is a visual feast. As you enter, you’re greeted by a stunning canopy of thousands of colored lights, creating a magical, festive atmosphere that’s impossible to forget.
Despite not being a hidden bar, this one is still not entirely well known, and a delight to the senses. It is a celebration of all things tequila and mezcal, with an impressive list of spirits to explore. The cocktails are creative and delicious, and the energetic vibe makes it a perfect spot for a fun night out with friends. It’s a vibrant, joyful place that will definitely lift your spirits, and is absolutely one of my favorite spots.
Bonus: Oak & Ivy
Nestled in Downtown Container Park, Oak & Ivy is where creativity and hospitality collide. This intimate whiskey-focused cocktail bar is already a favorite among locals, but what truly sets it apart is the bartender—widely considered one of the most entertaining and inventive in Vegas.
Every visit here feels like a performance. Whether they’re torching orange peels, infusing spirits, or whipping up a cocktail just for you, the bartenders put heart, flair, and a dash of mischief into every glass.
Oak & Ivy is known for its imaginative takes on classics and one-of-a-kind barrel-aged creations, all served in a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. If you’re looking for a friendly conversation, a great story, and a drink you’ll talk about for years, this is your spot. It certainly is mine.
