Speakeasies and Hidden Cocktail Bars in the Twin Cities (Secret Doors Included) 🥃

If you read my Amsterdam guide, you already know I am a speakeasy lover. There's something about finding an unmarked door, walking down a dark staircase, and ending up somewhere cozy with an incredible drink in your hand. 

The good news? The Twin Cities has a lot of them, and I have a lot of friends that love them.  Red lights in alleys, golden eyes painted on brick walls, phone booths that turn into doors. Here's where to find them, plus the cocktail bars locals swear by when you just want a really good drink.

This is for date nights, birthday plans, and showing visiting friends that Minneapolis and St. Paul are way cooler than they think. It's also for anyone who, like me, cares about the drink being good even if it doesn't have alcohol in it. I love when a bar takes its mocktails just as seriously as its cocktails, so I've pointed those out where I can.

The Twin Cities speakeasy everyone talks about, and for good reason. Head to the alley off Lake Street in Uptown and look for a metal door with a red light above it. When the light is on, they're open. Inside, it feels like you stepped straight into the 1920s.

Walk ins are welcome, but reservations are a smart move on weekends.

Hidden underneath Billy Sushi in the North Loop. You head down a staircase into a dark, stone walled room that feels like a completely different world from the restaurant upstairs. Fun detail: the reservation website looks like it has a virus on purpose. Don't panic, that's the point.

Reservations are required, so plan ahead.

This one is SO fun to find. Walk across the Monte Carlo's parking lot and look for a golden eye painted on a dark brick wall. That's your door. Make it a full night by grabbing a drink at the Monte Carlo first, one of the most classic bars in Minneapolis, then sneak next door.

Reservations are suggested.

You'd never guess there's a cocktail bar above a boba tea shop in Uptown, which is exactly what makes it great. Seating is first come, first served for groups of five or fewer, so it's a good one for a spontaneous night. Bigger group? Book ahead.

Hidden in plain sight in the North Loop, and there's no menu. You tell the bartender what flavors you like, and they make something just for you. It's perfect if you're picky, indecisive, or just want to be surprised. It's also a great place to ask for a custom mocktail.

• Flora Room, North Loop. A sultry cocktail room tucked downstairs.
• Pillsbury Club, inside the historic Charles S. Pillsbury Mansion.
• Prohibition Bar, at the top of the Foshay Tower. A former penthouse with views to match.
• Char Bar, the side bar inside Butcher & the Boar, with a serious whiskey list.

Some of the best hidden bars are just outside the cities:

• The Velveteen, Stillwater. Look for "follow the Rabbit" etched into the concrete, then take the spiral staircase down. Follow the 1920s jazz.
• Anoka Hardware Store, Anoka. You get a password when you reserve, and you'll need it. Look for the red light in the alley. Known for its bourbon list.
• The Mudd Room, Mendota. Head to the back of Lucky's 13 Pub, pick up the vintage phone at the top of the stairs, and follow the instructions.
• HiFi Record Bar, Wayzata. A vinyl lounge in the back of Macanda, with DJs spinning records.

No secret door, just really, really good drinks:

• Meteor, Minneapolis. James Beard nominated cocktails in a dive bar setting, with late hours and hot dogs.
• Emerald Lounge, West 7th, St. Paul. Some of the best martinis in town.
• Estelle, Mac Groveland, St. Paul. Mediterranean leaning cocktails at a small, cozy bar.
• Bar + Cart, St. Paul. Great for a late night drink.
• Meritage, St. Paul. Bubbles, oysters, and French onion soup.
• Parlour, North Loop. Famous for its Old Fashioned (and its burger)

• Check each bar's website or Instagram first. Some speakeasies need reservations, some need a password, and some are walk in only.
• Go early on weekends. Most of these are small, and they fill up fast.
• Don't post the secret. Okay, maybe post the drink, but let people find the door themselves. That's half the fun!

Save the collection so you always have a secret spot ready for date night or when friends come to town. And if you know a hidden bar I missed, tell me! I'll keep it between us (and the collection).

Till next time :)