Once a major proponent of Prohibition, Columbus has a history steeped in secrecy. During those dry years (1920-1933), bars and saloons went underground (literally!), giving rise to hidden watering holes where locals could still gather and enjoy a beer or a cocktail. These days, bar culture in Columbus is booming, yet there’s still a scene of devoted fans that long for the speakeasies of yesteryear. Around town, you’ll find several hidden bars and saloons that echo the underground culture of Prohibition!
This guide rounds up some of the best speakeasies in Columbus, each offering a unique experience, right down to how you get inside!
Sacred Palm
Short North’s famous Mikey’s Late Night Slice just got better with the addition of its own secret bar. Grab a slice of pie (don’t forget the Unicorn Sauce), then head downstairs and follow the glow of the fridge until you find yourself inside a warm, beach-themed cocktail bar. There’s no secret password here; you just have to know how to get in!
Apt B.
To get into Apt B., you’ll need to make your way into the kitchen of Short North favorite, Bodega. Tucked among stovetops and stacks of dishes is a false wall that opens into a former apartment-turned-cocktail-lounge. It’s a chic little hideout with low lighting and cozy nooks to sip and chat. What started as a humble bar cart has evolved into a refined, well-curated cocktail experience and one of the most unique bars in Columbus.
Head to Forty Deuce for live entertainment. | Photo credit: Beau Ridge Photography
Forty Deuce
Order a slice at their pizzeria, walk through the refrigerator (yep, it’s a secret door!), and suddenly you’re in a whole new world. Inside, you can catch a burlesque show, enjoy table service, and sip on old-school cocktails. As the night rolls on, the tables get cleared, the DJs take over, and the dance floor heats up for a lively, bumping, and unforgettable time.
P.O. Box Twenty-One
There’s no better cover for a secret bar than a brightly lit United States Post Office. However, once you step through the doors at this Westerville spot, you won’t find boxes, envelopes, or packing tape. Instead, hidden behind its postal facade, the owners have transformed the space into a cozy, low-lit bar specializing in craft cocktails and bourbon. It’s one of Columbus’s most charming speakeasies and is well worth a visit!
Switch
Underneath a bar… is, you guessed it, another bar! Upstairs, you’ve got The Railhouse. But head downstairs and you’ll find Switch, a password-protected speakeasy tucked beneath East Market. Word has it the vibe is intimate, the bourbon list is serious, and the secret’s half the fun!
Enjoy an underground experience at No Soliciting.
No Soliciting
If the name doesn’t feel very inviting, don’t be discouraged! Instead, consider getting yourself a membership. This hidden bar is so underground, you can only enter if you’re a card-carrying member. Behind its velvet ropes are leather chairs, a grand fireplace, swanky decorations, hushed voices, and some of the best mixology in Columbus.
The Speakeasy
The name says it all, kind of. This “hidden-in-plain-sight” spot isn’t exactly whispering, but it’s still a full-volume haven for music lovers and bourbon fans, with cocktail-fueled chatter, events, and a dance floor that keeps the night going. Low-key? Not exactly. But we’re not mad about it! If you’re in the Brewery District, pop in and see what the buzz is all about!
Sit under the disco ball at Sotto Terra at The Sanctuary. | Photo credit: Sotto Terra Instagram
Sotto Terra at The Sanctuary
Inside the historic church at Neil & Goodale, bible study has given way to something a little stronger. Sotto Terra serves up straightforward drinks in a spacious, playful setting, complete with church-style stained glass overhead! Trivia nights and themed parties? Let’s just say the spirit really moves you.
Looking for More Bars in Columbus?
Not every night in Columbus needs a secret knock or hidden door (though we love a dramatic entrance). Once you’ve checked these speakeasies off your list, there’s a whole city of cocktail dens, dive bars, rooftop lounges, and late-night haunts waiting for you! Some low-key, others loud and proud, all worth the tab.
