Clandestino has grown up, literally. What began as a small operation in Frederick has moved into a larger space, and the expansion suits them well. This is Puerto Rican pitorro, also known as ron cañita, made with care and intention rather than gimmickry. Many local liquor stores now carry the brand, and it is well worth picking up a bottle, but visiting the distillery is an experience in itself. The founder is a fellow Puerto Rican born retired military member, a background I share, and like me, he has put down roots in Maryland. That story is reflected clearly in the brand's own framing, "Puerto Rican born, Maryland made." The space feels grounded and unpretentious, and that sensibility carries through to the hospitality. We arrived late on a Saturday and were still welcomed warmly, never rushed. We were taken care of by the founder's daughter, who was exceptionally kind, attentive, and knowledgeable. She guided us through a flight that included the traditional pitorro, almond, pineapple, coffee, coconut chai, and several seasonal offerings. The flavors were thoughtful and well balanced; even the infused expressions retained a clear rum backbone rather than drifting into novelty. We enjoyed them enough to leave with several bottles. This is artisanal pitorro done right, rooted in Puerto Rican tradition and confidently made in Maryland. Buying it locally is convenient, but going to the distillery is where the people, the story, and the spirit fully come together. read more

This local speakeasy has quickly moved its way to the top of my list. I love the ease of parking, safe neighborhood, and spacious speakeasy space. Always great service by bar manager Charlie, fantastic food and beverage menu and options. My favs so far are the grilled wings and chicken tortilla soup. The drinks are pretty awesome, and Charlie the Great can alter beverages to your preference if you prefer. This is an overall mezcal bar, but they have other libations as well. My fav is John Updike's Old Fashioned. My son ordered and loved the Strawberry Gin & Tonic. This establishment is a great conversation starter, and I look forward to returning asap. read more

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I think I would have given 4 stars, but the service I received from Charlie was excellent, so I'm going with 5 stars! The main restaurant was pretty loud when I walked in. I asked a server where the restroom was, and she was not pleasant at all when she pointed in the direction of the restrooms. She seemed annoyed with me. I was worried that interaction was going to set the tone for my experience, but as soon as I walked into Clandestino, everything was different. I was greeted immediately by Charlie, and the place was calm, dimly lit, and had some really chill Jazz music playing. For cocktails, I ordered the Matador, which was just ok. I went with El Diablo next, and that was much better. There are lots of tequila and mezcal options, and a few gin, bourbon, and whiskey options as well. I also got the guacamole, which was ok. It didn't seem super fresh, but it wasn't bad. The grilled wings were really good. They were seasoned and cooked really well. Food and drinks were good, but overall, the service is what made the experience great! read more

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I was so excited to try this place. And I really did want to love it. Unfortunately I couldn't give it a rave review for multiple reasons. The positive of it is the place is in Belevdere Square area. Super easy to get to and parking even on a Saturday night was no problem. It's a cool idea in a local restaurant, a secret door to a back room that opens up into a speakeasy cocktail bar. Although they do serve food from the restaurant as well. When we entered there was a woman musician up front who was great. The bar is at the back of the room. The unfortunate part was the bar itself was very small and crowded. Difficult to get one of the 2 bartenders to get you a drink. They were nice but not overly helpful or friendly. We ordered 4 drinks, one was absolutely horrible (tall white drink in photos not sure on the name) We did get 2 margaritas, both came out looking different in appearance (one was white and the other yellow) and tasted so-so, very sour, not in a good way. The 4th drink a whiskey and coke, seemed to be satisfactory for the person drinking it. I was really disappointed because the place is a fun spot, loved the decor. Liked that it's easy to get to and parking is no fuss. But not sure if I'm willing to give it another try since it's well...a cocktail bar and the cocktails did not make me want to ever taste another one there. read more

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I enjoyed this hidden gem. I don't know if I'm doing a disservice talking about it or if I should let word of mouth work its magic. But here I am on Yelp saying that this is a dope speakeasy with reasonably priced cocktails (the priciest one was $12 at the time of this writing). The bartender was outstanding and the ambiance superb. Check it out! read more

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What a cute bar!! I had never been to zen west so I can't speak to that per say but this place seems like an upgrade! We walked right in and were greeted by Judd who was welcoming and excited. Sat down and ordered drinks. I had a strawberry gin and tonic that by that alone I'll be back for. I did dock one star because we couldn't order any off menu drinks which feels weird for a bar but otherwise it's a good find! read more

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What a hidden gem. Literally. Walk through a secret door and you're whisked away to a cool tequila bar with a wonderful vibe.

Clandestino is a speakeasy cocktail bar inside Zen West; it has a cool, mezcaleria vibe. We stopped by with some friends before and after a movie at the Senator. The service was great, and I really enjoyed my cocktails (they have mezcal- and tequila-based cocktails, but they also have everything else - classics to modern cocktails). Plenty of seating (we were there on a Friday night, and there were several tables to choose from while we were there). You can get food from Zen West in the bar. Overall, it's a fun, cool bar to spend some time at. Only downside, the bar area itself is small, and while the single bartender there was great - he was the only one working, so it took some time to get drinks later on in the night! Will definitely be back before or after a movie sometime soon. read more

Fun new bar/speakeasy located in the Zen West restaurant. Very nice and comfortable atmosphere. Great cocktails, mood lighting, and fresh plants. Food can be ordered from Zen and brought into Clandestino. Both sides have the same owner. read more

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This is my kind of speakeasy. You walk through a random door or some inconspicuous entry to a whole other vibe from what you walked through to get there. And for me, a speakeasy sets things apart from the norm of what you can see daily: and sometimes daily sights can get a little mundane. So, to walk through to another Place that seems to be off the beat & path... I'm Sold. Charlie, was awesome. Attentive to his patrons, good conversation, and was kind of a master of ceremony, if you will, that set the tone for the evening. Needless to say, I'll be back. read more

Very good Tex-Mex food. Very friendly, expert bartender. Great ambience of old wood and antique fixtures in a handsome room designed and hand-built by the owner. Live music often. read more

A surprisingly fantastic secret speakeasy bar inside of Zen West. I won't post a picture of the secret entrance but it's honestly unnoticeable if you don't know it's there! The decor within the bar is excellent and the owner, Charlie, is a delight who makes a great drink and equally as great conversation. While it has a special drink menu apart from Zen West, you can get the Zen West food. I won't say the food is top notch but it comes out quickly and gets the job done at a cheap price, just make sure to get some hot sauce with whatever you order. I hesitated even writing this review because this place is a hidden gem and I worry that when more people discover it they'll want to come back as much as me! read more

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Great discovery in Havana! Their goods and products are whimsical and fun. Love that this place exist and will continue to go and bring people when I am in Cuba. read more

This speakeasy roars like the 2020's ! Perfect cocktails, huge wine cabinet. Senor Speakeasy is totally focused on your satisfaction. If you wish to meet people he's synergetic at intros. I went to Woodstock, but most patrons are much younger. Has a Woodstock poster, Stevie Ray & BB King axes, but don't get any ideas unless you are Moby Affiliated. :) Great food from connected Zen Bistro is available. Would tell you how to get in, but then you'd have to kill me. :) Very spacious, huge tables. read more

I've been coming here for over a year and would give it 10 Stars if I could. Inventive cocktail menu, full Zen West menu offerings ( wings are superb) and ran by one of the kindest most personable and professional bartenders in Baltimore. Charlie is gracious and accommodating to all and has curated a special space where I've made many new friends and enjoy quality people/conversations every time I pop in. Great Happy Hour as well! Check it out! read more

Atmosphere, check. Service , great. Cocktails nasty. This space is pretty cool. I'd go back just for that and get a beer but stay away from the cocktails read more

Thank goodness for the kindness of strangers because I would have never found the entrance on my own! Good food, good drinks. It was a little too dark inside for my taste but I guess that was the vibe. Had a good time, I'd return. read more

what a find.speakeasy on york road by the senator theater.inside Zen West thru a hidden door[really hidden] is a pocket bar.cool vibe[coolest]real guitars on the walls.great drinks,food by Zen West.live entertainment.great date bar.sshhh!don't tell... read more