Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Speakeasy

    4.1 (688 reviews)
    ModerateSpeakeasies
    Open 8:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)
    Updated a few days ago

    The Speakeasy Photos

    THE SPEAKEASY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Happy hour specials
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Speakeasy

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Daisy C.

    Not so hidden speakeasy, but still such a vibe it came here on a Friday night. Gave the password and entered into a red room! Ordered our drinks and chilled for half an hour. Music was good and the ambience was super chill.

    Vanessa D.

    This was such a cute place decked out in Chinese decor! It's absolutely a speakeasy, you need a code to get in so make sure you go through the proper steps for that. Go visit their website. It's a different name than what it is once you show up! The menu was festive as well! And they also had a DJ with some great music. It's fitting for a girls night out, a chill date night as they had food as well! We didn't get any food we went for drinks but it did look delicious! And parking was no issue, Pasadena has so many parking structures there's one right across the street!

    Vahe A.

    The experience getting in was pretty cool. But other than that this place has no business calling itself a speakeasy in my opinion. None of the rules were followed by the crowd, no one was dressed up, music was EDM - in other words, this place does 0 things to transport you to the prohibition era. And I believe that is the whole point of going to a speakeasy, at least for me. Put that aside, it's a decent bar, music is not too loud so you can have a conversation, the interior has a nice atmosphere and decorations.

    Larry C.

    I may or may not have been here for cocktails before dinner last night. The fella standing in front of the boarded up storefront, who we passed twice before getting suspicious about why he was just standing there, he might or might not have been generous in giving us hints to "remember" the password. The interior may have been gorgeously post thanksgiving, the Naked & Fanous and the Manhattan may have been very solid. Or not, it may have just been a boarded-up storefront with a fella standing out in front.

    Kitty drink without coconut is amazing - made by wonderful Jeremy :)
    Aurora L.

    Love coming here with friends. Love the strawberry surprise and kitty drink (without coconut). All of the bartenders are so nice! Jeremy is always so kind and makes amazing drinks that hit the spot every time :)

    Vera L.

    We decided to visit this speakeasy last minute after dinner nearby and it's one of those hidden gems where the experience starts even before you step foot inside. After looking up the place online, I found that we needed to email them for a password for entry. I had to send a quick polite email explaining why we wanted to visit, and surprisingly we received a response back almost immediately with the password, a few house rules, and the specific location details depending on whether we arrive before or after 9pm. I won't spoil with too many details! It's a prohibition-style bar and seating is a first come first served basis. We had to knock twice to provide the password and walk through, entering exactly how a speakeasy should be. There's dim lighting, vintage decor and overall cool vibes. Drinks were also decent! It's a large full bar, but also cozy enough inside to chat without needing to yell across each other like your typical bars.

    Melodie M.

    AHHH I freaking loved it! The bartenders were very attentive and fast. The atmosphere was very dim, calming but as well a very social environment. There dirty martinis were just as strong as I like it. Will go back one of these days. The best!

    Kitty Killer (Right) New Bee's Knees (Left)
    Johnny Q.

    I love their secret code concept where you need to email them prior to going to receive a secret passcode in order to get into the bar. It makes the experience very exclusive and personal. Stepping inside feels like entering another world with the dim red lighting casting glowing crimson hues across the high ceiling. The environment creates an intimate, almost secretive atmosphere where the glow of the candles on each table invite you to be seated next to its subtle warmth. -Kitty Killer: a vibrant and sweet tropical drink reminding me of a berry fruit punch. The sweet berry and hint of pineapple take the center stage while a creamy hint of coconut balances the palate. The flavors are bright and refreshing compliment the floral smell of the dried Chrysanthemum on top. The cocktail is topped with a skewered berry assortment that I nibbled on after every sip. (9/10)

    Alejandro F.

    Pro Tip: Going to www.speakeasypasadena.com in advance allows you to get the password for the specific day in which you intend to go. People here are friendly. Everyone in the staff is super professional, courteous, friendly and amicable. The vibes are impeccable. Definitely a place to check out on weekends.

    Liana M.

    I really wanted to like this place. I'm a huge speakeasy/1920s fan. And it's not that I didn't enjoy myself on some level, but it was more amusement at how weird it was rather than a 5-star experience. First off the password. You have to send an email telling them you want to visit. Then you get back a big long explanation for why the owner does things the way he does things and the password is near the bottom. I was like, oh boy, if this guy is preemptively arguing about his choices, this should be interesting. We get there and tell the bouncer the password. I was expecting something other than a converted empty storefront. Maybe a basement like some of the other nearby places. But yeah, it's just a former restaurant or something with a long bar on one side and tables and chairs scattered about. It was decorated for Halloween, which was cool ambiance. But like many people have said in their reviews, and the owner tried to explain away in his email, the music was loud and didn't match the vibe. Just odd but kind of funny. The bar was filled with fresh herbs which smelled really nice but it looked kind of ridiculous. I mean it was like bouquets upon bouquets of herbs lining the bar. But at least you know they're using fresh herbs in the cocktails I guess. The drinks themselves were pretty good, but basic. A little sugary, too. The only food I ordered was some fries. They took a while to come out and they were steak fries, which was also an odd choice because there were like less than 15 pieces. I don't know what this place actually is, an experiment maybe, but it's definitely not a true speakeasy. Go if you're already drunk and dgaf or you just want to see it for yourself. Not my scene!

    Dark and moody
    Steve W.

    You pass a guy standing in front of a door. He asks for a password. He helps you get it. Then you're in. The atmosphere is dark yet engaging with a massive wall of booze behind the bar. As speakeasies go this is average and I wanted a little more intrigue. But the drinks are good ( I had a decent old fashioned). The password game is a bit lame, too. We went on a Saturday and it was not too crowded.

    Richard P.

    Overall: always find it tricky to review speakeasy but not this place! Easy 5* Ambience/Decor/Service: solve the riddle and you'll enter into this noir/burlesque kinda bar. Their October theme adds a little spooky feel with the fake cobwebs prop bats and spiders on the roof. Drinks: at the bar their selection is wide ranging for all kinds of enjoyers. Go with a lighter sweet drink or have something slightly spicy or go for a classic old fashioned kinda vibe. So good you'll go back for a second one!

    Love this place. Ambiance & service is great. They do have food menu, although never tried it.

    See all

    Photo of cindy f.
    32
    147
    14

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amanda L.
    10
    38
    47

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 2

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 5
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Julia M.
    306
    25
    6

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 3

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Belinda R.
    112
    61
    15

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Had drinks at this most delightful place last night!! Great drinks! Dark moody vibe!! And the doorman "Cornbread" was wonderful!!!!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 39
    Thanks 16
    Love this 34
    Oh no 2

    11 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Esenia J.
    45
    42
    55

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of rico
    0
    1
    1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Davi Y.
    9
    115
    33

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Adri R.
    7
    40
    13

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 18

    The Speakeasy Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Speakeasy

    Do they have mocktails for those who don't partake in alcohol but want the experience?

    Yes! Just ask the bartender for a mocktail and they will suggest something.

    What is the password?? I emailed for tonight and nothing yet. :(

    Chicken, potato, give me your banano

    18 and over?

    They check ID. I believe it's 21 and over.

    What kind of music do they play?

    Depends on the night I'm sure. I went on a Saturday and it was a bit of a edm chill vibe. It was cool

    Do they have food?

    Yes! They have really good snacks. Wouldn't call it dinner-like tho.

    Are vax cards required for entry?

    Proof of full vaccination and photo idea to match the name on the vaccination card or digital file is required.

    Where's the best place to park for easy access?

    Across the street in a parking garage. As soon as you walk out the garage to the street,the speakeasy is directly across the street.

    Is password required as of July 2021?

    Yes Chicken potato give me your banano

    Do they allow cigar smoking inside?

    No way - Pasadena is tough only place is the cigar ship on green - good smokes there

    Is there music playing on Saturday nights?

    They had music on a Friday night so I'm sure they'll have it on a Saturday.

    Is there dancing?

    There is dancing once the night gets going (there's a DJ), but it's not a full-fledged dance club.

    View All 15 Questions

    You might also consider

    Ladies and Gentlemen - Snacks for drinking

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    (245 reviews)

    $$$$

    If you come here expect to spend quite a bit more than you would at a standard cocktail bar, and be…read moreprepared to spend at least a couple hours. We made a later reservation and would have stayed longer but didn't know just how much of an experience it would be. Vibes here are dark and moody, and it would be a great place for a unique date, just maybe not the first one. We got the beef tartare and spicy tuna crispy rice to munch on. The spicy tuna crispy rice was worth it, the beef tartare not so much. Also decided to do the drink omakase because they make the single drink prices so expensive it still feels more worth it to do the omakase so you end up getting that instead. You tell the server what you do and don't like or are looking for in your drinks and the bartenders will make them for you. Some might be already on the menu, some may not. If there is something you really don't like and you tell the servers, they will be kind enough to replace it for you with something you do. Overall they did a good job with making mine but didn't quite hit it for my friend. The omakase is at least 3 drinks, so be prepared to have transportation after, you may be a little drunk Overall would come back or bring other people here just for the unique experience, but it is pricier than just grabbing a cocktail at a normal bar.

    Ladies and Gentlemen was a sultry speakeasy experience for themed cocktails and light bites in a…read morebasement. It wasn't difficult to spot, as there was a sign at the Indiana Colony Market. Just look for the Wanderlust and go towards the back of the building! We were then greeted by the doorman who had a series of questions. After that you are led to the bathroom, which then leads you to the space. Their cocktail names are catchy, due to the names being irreversible binomials. For example, we ordered the Beauty and The Beast cocktail (delicious and pretty drink btw!) and Friends and Neighbors cocktail. Other ones include Day and Night, Born and Raised, and Rise and Shine. They even have an omakase experience if you really wanted to try the bartender picks. For a bite, we ordered a steak tartare. It was a light-handed portion, enough for a small bite between two people if you just want something to eat in between sips. It was decent, however, not filling and I would get food elsewhere. This is a great speakeasy in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, I'd recommend it if you're looking for tasty and innovative drinks! I loved all our drinks, and the service was excellent from beginning to end.

    The Cellar - A Wine Library - Another one of our favorite servers/ sommelier

    The Cellar - A Wine Library

    (603 reviews)

    $$

    This was a fabulous special date night and makes you feel like a rockstar. From the velvet rope to…read morethe speakeasy/literati vibe, this place feels swanky and sophisticated. You can almost imagine a 60s beatnik, decked out in a black beret and turtleneck, sitting in the corner, reading Thoreau. The charcuterie board was delicious and the wine lovely. Great for special occasions...or a last minute surprise, like it was for us!

    Waiter Manuel. This…read moreis a review reflected on you, solely. Being kind is the moral of the story, from the beginning you were passive agressive with your comments and tone. Being in a party of 4 girls coming from high tea, we were dressed in elegant dresses, first comment was asking if we were coming from church, followed by eye flutters, short "okay" with an upward inflation to a joke about the day, an impatient comment about hurrying up and trying the wine while we were talking, asked for water when we were out, were left to pour the rest of our wine, didn't ask how the food was all the while was attentive to the table behind us, the cherry on top comment was when we were discussing the bill at the end, he was hovering at the table behind ours, then when we were ready, we asked to split the bill into 2, my portion on mine and the rest on another card, he then said "this isn't like a drive through, we can't do it that way" so I asked him to explain his comment, cause it was passive agressive and rude. After he wasnt able to becuase he wasnt expecting me to call out his rude comment, I had to then break it down and specify what I had ordered, he then sold "okayyyy....so how much, cause we don't itemize?" I had to again express for him to specify how they do it cause he has still yet to explain where his attitude is coming from and explain how they do their check splits, from my understanding it just felt like he wanted to play dumb and make me to the math, one I did he was like "ohh, okay" should have asked for the manager but we paid and left, I hasnt had this experience before being a returning customer, but he needs an attitude adjustment as his attitude was completely out of pocket. Do better Manuel, you alone got your place of work a 1 star. The rest of the staff was kind, facility beautiful and food and wine was good. This restaurant is not reflected in the 1 star.

    The Blind Donkey - Highland Park 18, Laphroaig Cairdeas, top right- For What it's worth- top left - Pear Necessities

    The Blind Donkey

    (712 reviews)

    $$

    We came here for a casual dinner on a Sunday night and the Blind Donkey did not disappoint. We sat…read moreoutside because we brought our dog and there was no one else out there! The menu was scanned via QR code and it was easy enough to access. We both got burgers, mine was a beyond patty and my fiancé got a beef one. The food came so quickly and the French fries were DELICIOUS. I've been looking for a new favorite fry since Pizza of Venice was lost in the Eaton Fire and I think these may be it! Funny that we didn't try the drinks or spend time inside at the bar but from sitting outside on a cold winter night, I can only imagine the inside is even more fun!

    I've been to this bar multiple times and have always had a good experience, which is why what…read morehappened yesterday around 5 PM was so surprising and upsetting. When we walked in, there was a tall, bald male bartender and a blonde female bartender working--neither of whom I've seen here before. We ordered two drinks, but the service from the male bartender was inattentive from the start. At one point, my friend tried to get someone's attention to ask for a lime and wasn't acknowledged. She ended up grabbing a lime herself from the garnish tray--which I understand isn't ideal--but the response we got was completely out of line. The male bartender became immediately hostile and started aggressively cursing at my friend. When I calmly asked the female bartender if this was normal behavior, he inserted himself into the conversation and said, "she put her fucking hand in the fucking jar," in a very confrontational tone. I tried to de-escalate the situation and respectfully explained that there was no reason to speak to us that way, but he continued the hostility and ultimately told us to "get the fuck out." At that point, I paid for our drinks and we left. What made this especially disappointing is that this has never been our experience here before. We've always enjoyed this bar and have had positive interactions with the regular staff. If this had been my first visit, I would not come back. I understand that what my friend did wasn't appropriate, but it absolutely did not justify being yelled at and cursed out. I hope management addresses this, because this kind of behavior is not reflective of the bar I've come to know.

    Behind Bars - Lou's delicious mocktail with no name lol! Grenadine, pineapple juice, cherry and more?

    Behind Bars

    (21 reviews)

    Great place once you can actually find it! LOL! I had to wonder up and down this alley asking…read moreseveral people where it was until they opened at 5:00pm and put out their sign. *Hint ~ it's located next to Edwin Mills by Equator. The bar has some great cocktails to try but I went for "Don't be a Prick." Yes, the name alone had me at "hello," but it was a prickly pear margarita which is my fav! I lucked out! It had fresh blueberries in it and was very good! My Yelp sister Nikki went for the same drink, my sister Sam got the Purple People Eater which was rum based with Ube syrup & my sister Hannah ordered a specialty mocktail created by our bartender Lou who was dyno-mite! We enjoyed the music while catching up with each other. Great hang for friends with plenty of tables and bar seating. *There is a quaint courtyard that separates the bar from Mills Alley restaurant which offers a "lite bite" menu to Behind Bars. *Meter street parking & local parking garages

    I've never been behind bars, and I never want to be unless it's as cool as this place. Behind Bars…read moreis a relatively new spot in Old Town Pasadena located where Wokcano's back bar used to be. Blink & you'll miss it because there is no sign. However, it's next door to Edwin Mills by Equator. I met my lovely Sisters B here for Happy Hour. The place gives off friendly neighborhood dive bar vibes. Bartender Lou is fantastic! Friendly, upbeat, & attentive. 5 stars for him. The cleverly named cocktails incorporate unique ingredients such as Ube Syrup, Ube beer, & lime dust. Our drink order consisted of Don't Be a Prick, Moon Rocks, & Purple Peter Eater. Lou was kind enough to create a lovely mocktail for Ms. Hannah. The Purple Peter Eater is a picturesque drink that combines rum with Ube beer and gets its pretty hue from Ube Syrup. The Moon Rocks had a bit of a kick and is a tad on the sweet side. I really enjoyed the Don't Be a Prick, which was a tasty combo of Tequila, Prickly Pear Syrup, & Lime garnished with blueberries. The music can be a bit loud, but there is a quaint courtyard that is shared with adjacent restaurant Mills Alley if you prefer to sit outside. You can also order select food items from there as well. We sat inside and had a great time catching up. It's always a fun time when the Sisters B get together.

    The Tap Room - Stepped into the "Twilight Zone & Tropical Lightening"

    The Tap Room

    (331 reviews)

    $$$

    Genuinely impressed with this entire hotel, but the tap room really stood out. It feels like a…read morehidden speakeasy with live music, and before the sun fully sets you get some beautiful views through the large hotel windows. We were here for a work event and had a few cocktails, and it was such an enjoyable experience. If you're staying on the property, this is absolutely worth stopping by for a couple of drinks. Great views, friendly people, and an easy walk from your room.

    It was a cool surprise we got our drinks paid for by another customer standing in line in front of…read moreus at the bar, so kind of him! Because this is a hotel bar since it's situated in The Langham 5-star luxury hotel, the drinks are expensive like $25 starting. One of my friends got a lemon-based mocktail (pretty good) and I got Cosmopolitan-type cocktail with Prosecco (pretty solid and not overly sweet, just not one of the best cocktails I tried). Another friend ordered Negroni, which is a potent cocktail with a bitter sharp, dry aftertaste. I could hardly taste any hint of sweetness in the drink. My friend thought it was too bitter, too. Honestly, for me it tastes just as bitter as a Manhattan, probably because both cocktails incorporate sweet vermouth. 3 stars for the poor customer service and wait time for standing in line to order drinks. There were 2 or 3 bartenders and they were rushing but also seemed like they weren't efficiently helping customers with drinks in a timely manner. The lounge area was meh (super limited seat spots) and the vibes were bland despite coming here on New Year's Eve. Definitely an older demographic that frequents this bar, not that it's a bad thing, just not our vibe since it would've been more fun if there other people closer to our age, so we decided to bar hop elsewhere after.

    The Speakeasy - speakeasies - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...