7 Most Spectacular Speakeasies in Cleveland, OH
The allure of a speakeasy is obvious to anyone who visits one of these hidden-in-plain-site bars. Finding an obscured or unusual entrance, providing a secret word or using a special door to enter, only to be rewarded with a swanky bar, spectacular cocktails and an unmatched prohibition-era vibe. Some of the most fun spots in Cleveland are these sometimes-underground gems, the spectacular speakeasies hiding right underneath our noses.
Quintana’s Speakeasy
2200 S Taylor Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
(216) 262-8288
Around the back of the historic home that houses Quintana’s Barber & Dream Spa is a little button that secures your entry into the second and third stories of this speakeasy after hours. But for daytime entrance, guests have to locate the secret bookcase that opens to the main bar or up to the upper floor’s bourbon room. A traditional speakeasy with a Prohibition feel, creative cocktails flow here, but Quintana’s popularity means that you might want to get a reservation before coming. The sharable Charcuterie or Antipasti Skewers keep your table fed while you decide between Sidecars, Sazeracs or Gin Fizzes.
Vault
2017 9th St Level B1, Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 331-6327
This historic spot originally held gold, jewelry and other valuable items in the uniquely shaped, intimate rooms that make up Vault. Visitors to this speakeasy enter through the circular vault entrance that opens up to various rooms, each with plush velvet or leather seating, cozy booths, period lighting and authentic details harking back to the Vault’s original time period of the early 1900’s. The small Bites menu features interesting options like Duck Flatbread and Beef Tartare. As for the hand-crafted cocktails, the French Martini, Blueberry Revival and the Spicy Bourbon Side Car steal the show. This unique spot is just perfect for a girls night out!
The Spotted Owl
710 Jefferson Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 795-5595
This quirky spot is located in a basement in trendy Fremont, but interestingly, also features an outdoor lawn area. Hosting regular live music is an anomaly for speakeasies, but The Spotted Owl is anything but usual. The rambling space opens up into multiple rooms, notably with the bar backed by huge stained glass recovered from an old church, giving the bar an unexpectedly gothic feel. Spin their “Cocktail Wheel” to discover if relaxing, restorative, rejuvenating or a reflective drink will suit. Some of their more interesting drinks include the Philadelphia Fish House Punch and the Black on Black, an Irish whiskey take on a Guinness Black and Tan, offered inside as well as outside at the lawn’s Tiki Bar.
The Whiskey Bar
2767 Euclid Heights Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
(216) 321-1930
Hidden behind dark curtains and a hard-to-read sign, The Whiskey Bar is a treasure-trove of whiskey, bourbon and scotch, with bottles covering a whole wall floor to ceiling. A very small space, The Whiskey Bar only seats a dozen or so guests and they don’t serve much food outside of complimentary pretzels or nuts and cheeseboards, so this is a great spot for drinks before or after dinner. The Whiskey Bar pours spirits for every taste and budget, so when we are feeling adventurous we head here to try out a new maker to put into our regular rotation.
Lulo Kitchen
1273 W 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 929-1053
Walking into plant-filled Lulo Kitchen with its menu bursting with fresh-squeezed juices and healthy offerings, speakeasy-seekers will think they are in the wrong place. But Lulo Kitchen’s secret is down the staircase that sits squarely in the middle of the cheerful café. Underground, Lulo morphs into a comfortable, candle-lit space with a sultry laid-back vibe where a full dinner and cocktail menu is served. Some of this Latin kitchen’s best dishes include Churrasco steak, Carne Asada and Tres Leches cake.
Foundation Room
308 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 274-3329
Located in the venerable House of Blues, Foundation Room feels like an exclusive club reminiscent of the original speakeasies. The luxurious details here are a knockout, from the Moroccan-inspired decor to the oversized lounge seating, making this spot totally instagram worthy. This members-only club offers tickets for HOB events or on other special events like Restaurant Week, but dining at Foundation Room includes fantastic food options like steak, cajun chicken pasta and more.
Giappone
2079 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 770-4662
This spot is hidden underneath popular Goma, a sleek Japanese restaurant known for its authentic sushi from chef Dante Boccuzzi. Down the interior staircase lies Giappone, a gorgeous modern lounge that features an ever-expanding craft cocktail and sake menu and music events perfect for the small space. With no food service, Giappone’s gorgeous copper bar and DJ booth bring the action to nightlife in style.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Cleveland page, here!
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