Your destination might be hidden in the basement of the building or behind a fake bookshelf in the back of a restaurant. You might have to say a secret password or climb a mysterious set of stairs to get there. 

Whatever it takes to enter a speakeasy—the bar trend making a comeback 100 years later—it’s worth it.

The history of the speakeasies

The creation of speakeasies stems from the introduction of Prohibition in the US on January 17, 1920, according to The Mob Museum. The Prohibition Era, which lasted from 1920-1933, prohibited the making, selling, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in accordance with the 18th Amendment. 

The term speakeasy comes from the idea that these secret bars were not spoken about loudly for fear of discovery, which could lead to mass arrests.

Though consuming and selling alcohol is perfectly legal in the US now (as long as you’re 21), speakeasies are back and growing in popularity. People love to feel a sense of exclusivity or the idea of a hidden gem, and an increased number of articles and Reddit posts asking others what their favorite is reflects that. 

The owners of New York City-based speakeasy Arthur’s Tavern, established in 1937, say drinking in a speakeasy can evoke a feeling of stepping into the past, while thinking about the added danger can add a layer of glamor to the experience.

“We think that people like the idea of being tucked away, getting lost in conversation with the people they love,” Benjy Levit, who owns a hidden bar called Lee’s in Houston, said. “We like to think that we accomplish that with Lee’s but are no longer wishing for it to be hidden. On the contrary, we hope for it to be visible and accessible from the street but feel like an intimate gem once you step in.”

Plan your next speakeasy trip

When you find yourself in a new city in Texas, why resign yourself to the typical bar experience? Instead, try one of these acclaimed speakeasies next time you need a secret liquor fix (or at least one that looks cool on Instagram).

Lee’s

2424 Dunstan Road, Ste. 125, Houston

Recently named one of the best new bars of 2025 by Bon Appetit, Lee’s sits next door to Italian restaurant Milton’s, so it largely focuses on Italian-based cocktails. “Long Form” drinks put a spin on classic cocktails, while the “Short Form” beverages are meant to be enjoyed in a small portion between drinks.

Courtesy Julie Soefer

“It’s a tremendous honor for Lee’s to be the only bar recognized in Texas [by Bon Appetit this year],” Levit said. “There is so much talent to be found in the hospitality world these days, and we consider it to be a huge, exciting deal that Lee’s was the sole honoree in the Lone Star state.”

The Harvey’s Banger, made of gin, orange liqueur, citrus, and galliano. (Sierra Rozen/Courier Texas)

I tried it: In order to better understand the appeal of a speakeasy, I stopped by Lee’s to see what the fuss was about. Though I was initially nervous as I made my way around the back of the restaurant and up a dark staircase, I quickly understood the hype. The bar had a cozy feeling enhanced by the dim lighting, while the velvet seating gave a sense of luxury. I felt like I was in on a well-kept secret as I sipped on a Harvey’s Banger—made of gin, orange liqueur, citrus, and galliano—and snacked on the fried ravioli.

The fried ravioli. (Sierra Rozen/Courier Texas)

Midnight Cowboy 

313 E. Sixth St., Austin

Listed as one of Architectural Digest’s 18 best speakeasies in America, Midnight Cowboy lives on Austin’s infamous Sixth Street and used to be a brothel that fronted as a massage parlor. You’ll have to look closely for the secret entrance and indulge in one of their many old-school cocktails on the menu.

Akai 

1740 Crockett St., Dallas

Experience a Japanese-inspired venue at Akai, recognized by DallasSites101 as a hidden bar not to be missed. Located in the Arts District, guests have to make their way through sushi restaurant Musume to find the spot, where premium sake, yuzu, and shiso take center stage.

Thompson’s Bookstore

900 Houston St., Fort Worth

Highlighted by Visit Fort Worth, each floor in the building offers a different experience ranging from a bookstore to a cigar lounge. Armed with a password that changes weekly that you have to be on their mailing list to get, patrons can access the basement-level speakeasy through a bookcase. The space can also be rented out for large events.

RD Hidden Speakeasy

8400 N. New Braunfels Ave., San Antonio

Touted as “a place to see, not be seen,” RD Hidden Speakeasy is a San Antonio gem that offers colorful and creative cocktails. Reservations are required, which will get you a text containing a password to enter. Endorsed by Speakeasy Company, this spot may be hard to find but is worth it in the end.