Hidden drink spots that hearken back to the age of Prohibition are all the rage. These are the top Speakeasies in Minneapolis
Things to Do in Minneapolis: Speakeasies
- Volstead’s Emporium – No other speakeasy tried as hard as Volstead’s and this speak easy pulled it off perfectly. From the entrance door to the servers, the theme is unbroken. The bartenders are incredibly well versed in their trade, and the food is great. An added unexpected bonus is the nearly constant schedule of live music at the bar. Don’t be lazy. Explore this place. I mean really explore it. The website won’t tell you the location, but this blog has it on a map. Tucked away in Uptown Minneapolis, Volstead’s Emporium transports you to a Prohibition-era speakeasy. Hidden behind an unmarked door, discover a dimly lit, intimate space adorned with vintage decor and plush seating. Expert bartenders craft classic cocktails with a modern twist, using fresh ingredients and house-made infusions. Explore their extensive list of whiskeys, gins, and other spirits, or opt for a non-alcoholic “mocktail.” Live music is a mainstay and adds to the immersive atmosphere. Expect attentive service, handcrafted drinks, and a step back in time to the glamour of the Roaring Twenties.
- Billy After Dark – Billy After Dark is adjacent to Billy Sushi, but harder to find. It is hidden but busy. Inside it feels like you are walking into a Southeast Asian mobster’s lair. It is modern not retro,or prohibition era, but really, really cool. This hidden gem, accessible through the Billy Sushi restaurant, offers an exclusive speakeasy experience. Descend the stairs to a stylish space with birch tree walls and a twinkling ceiling. Enjoy craft cocktails with unique descriptions (“Embrace the Wilderness,” “A Moment of Clarity”) and upscale bar bites. Reservations are required, adding to the mystery and allure.
- Flora Room – This is the rebirth of Marvel bar, with a little more signage and plants. The cocktails are still stupendous. Try it out. It is in the same location in the North Loop with the same interior. The difference is the introduction of live plant decor which is a huge plus. Nothing lost, everything gained. Its main attraction is the stunning Art Deco bar, complete with vibrant floral wall panels and brass accents. The menu features craft cocktails highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients and botanical influences. Beyond drinks, enjoy small plates with Mediterranean and Asian fusion flavors. Live music and DJ nights add to the vibrant atmosphere, making The Flora Room a popular spot for a stylish night out.
- Cobble Social House – This speakeasy is off the beaten path, but not an underground lair. It is also really fun when you go inside because you can buy the decor. It is basically an art gallery that sells drinks and it is very compelling. The drinks are to die for and there is a little food menu too. Cobble Social House, in Minneapolis’ North Loop, aims to be a multi-faceted experience. The small space features a rotating selection of wines, with high-end cocktails and an evolving menu showcasing globally inspired “culturally crafted provisions.” Think sushi alongside bluefin tuna guacamole or wagyu beef with uni. Artful presentations and a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients highlight the dishes. The space itself blends a curated art collection with rotating designer wares, offering a dynamic atmosphere for socializing, enjoying food and drinks, and potentially discovering unique finds.
- Young Joni’s Back Bar– This pizza place made it into the top 5, and the speakeasy is first class too. So you can get some of the best pizza in Minneapolis, while you get some of the best drinks in Minneapolis, all while you are hidden away in a little retro lair with fun decor. Hidden behind its sister restaurant, Young Joni, lies this 21+ speakeasy. Inside, find a “rustic cabin meets groovy cocktail lounge” vibe, featuring mismatched furniture, vintage finds, and nostalgic wallpaper. A reel-to-reel player sets the soundtrack, while expert bartenders craft classic and creative cocktails using seasonally-inspired ingredients. Pizzas and bar bites complete the menu. Enjoy an intimate atmosphere perfect for conversations or reservations-recommended group gatherings.
Honorable Mention
Prohibition Bar – Before speakeasies were cool, there was Prohibition Bar. The only downfall of the Prohibition Bar is how hard it is to get to, which is why it is kind of a speakeasy. It was also built in the 1920’s as Foshay’s Penthouse Apartment, so it is the perfect vintage. It is one of the top bars in Minneapolis and the atmosphere is beyond words. A penthouse bar in a Gilded Age retreat! Go back in time with one of their amazing signature drinks in your hand.
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