Have you ever wondered about the origin of speakeasy bars? These hidden bars, wrapped in mystery and accessible only through secret doors or passwords, have become a global trend. But their history goes far beyond vintage aesthetics and craft cocktails: they were born in an era marked by prohibition, secrecy, and a nightlife culture that had to reinvent itself to survive.
In this article, we present four speakeasy bars where you can transport yourself back to that time, reliving the magic, the mystery, and the clandestine spirit that made these secret bars legendary
The story behind today’s trendiest bars
Speakeasy bars emerged in the United States during prohibition (1920-1933), when the production and sale of alcohol were banned. To keep drinking, people turned to clandestine bars hidden behind secret doors, passwords or ordinary looking businesses. These venues served bootleg alcohol, played jazz, and brought together diverse crowds, becoming symbols of rebellion and the heart of a vibrant nightlife. The term “speakeasy” referred to the need to speak quietly to avoid attracting police attention.
After prohibition ended, speakeasies disappeared as clandestine spaces, but their aesthetic and mysterious aura remained in popular culture. Starting in the 2000s, they experienced a revival as modern cocktail bars with hidden entrances, craft drinks, and vintage ambiance inspired by the 1920s, offering exclusive experiences that evoke that era of secrecy and glamour.
Speakeasy bars in barcelona
The supermercat
The supermercat is a speakeasy that plays with surprise from the very first moment: its entrance is hidden behind what looks like a small neighborhood supermarket, and only those who know the secret access can discover what truly lies inside.
Once you pass through the disguised door, you enter an intimate secret bar with soft lighting and a carefully curated cocktail menu. The bar stands out for its relaxed atmosphere, artisanal drinks, and an experience that blends the everyday with the clandestine. It’s ideal for anyone looking to explore a unique concept and discover one of the most distinctive speakeasies in the city.
Location: Ample 32, 08002 Barcelona
If you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit:
Barcelona Cathedral
Museum of the History of Catalonia
Bobby’s Free
Bobby’s Free is hidden behind the façade of a classic barbershop, a perfect disguise for a speakeasy: once you give the correct password, you’ll enter an intimate clandestine urban bar with vintage decor, soft lighting, and a long wooden bar.
Its menu features more than 200 international spirits, combining classic cocktails with signature creations; and if you don’t find what you’re looking for, the bartenders will gladly craft it for you on the spot.
In addition, there is often live music on Thursday and Sunday nights, adding an extra layer of ambiance and turning the visit into a truly complete experience.
Location: Carrer de Pau Claris, 85, L’Eixample, 08010 Barcelona
If you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit:
Milà House – La pedrera
Dr Stravinsky
Dr Stravinsky is a cocktail bar known for its “cocktail laboratory” concept: many of its drinks are crafted in house using artisanal techniques such as their own distillations, macerations, and fermentations, working with surprising and experimental ingredients.
Upon entering, the atmosphere invites you to step into another dimension: jars, flasks, antique bottles, and an aesthetic reminiscent of an old alchemy cabinet.
Among its signature cocktails, the Camp Nou stands out a refreshing drink made with their house gin, herbs, and citrus, alongside other bold creations that embrace experimentation.
Location: Carrer dels Mirallers 5, Barcelona
If you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit:
Paradiso
Paradiso is a speakeasy hidden behind the door of a refrigerator inside a pastrami shop in the heart of El Born , an entrance as discreet as it is intriguing.
Once inside, you’re greeted by a stunning interior: curved wooden ceilings, an intimate atmosphere with soft lighting, and elegant decor with maritime touches, as if you were standing inside the belly of a whale.
Its cocktail menu is internationally acclaimed, featuring surprising flavors, theatrical presentations, smoke effects, bubbles, dry ice, and a level of creativity that has placed it among the best cocktail bars in the world.
For all these reasons, Paradiso has received numerous international awards and recognitions, making it an essential destination for those seeking a sophisticated, memorable, and truly clandestine cocktail experience.
Location: Carrer de Rera Palau 4, 08003 Barcelona
If you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit:
Sightseeing Cruise along the Coast of Barcelona
Touring Ciutadella Park on a Segway
Pay a visit to the Barcelona Zoo
Exploring a speakeasy bar is much more than enjoying a good cocktail, it’s an invitation to dive into a world where Barcelona reveals its most hidden and intriguing side. These spaces blend history, creativity, and a unique atmosphere that turns a simple night out into a memorable experience.
If you’re drawn to places with personality, the stories behind each concept, and the thrill of discovering a secret bar tucked away in the city, these spots are an essential stop to experience Barcelona in a different, intimate, and charming way.
