Hidden behind an unmarked door inside the Four Seasons in Westlake Village — distinguishable only by a gold posting outside the door — and only open on Friday and Saturday nights, the Prosperous Penny is a speakeasy in the Conejo Valley worth visiting. Like at many speakeasy-style bars, there is low lighting, 1920s-inspired decor, and expertly-crafted cocktails.

This 1930s-style small and intimate speakeasy sticks to the theme from start to finish. There’s a hidden entrance tucked away behind a bookshelf at Vitello’s restaurant in Studio City, and through the door, the decor, drinks, and jazz are reminiscent of a bygone era, transporting diners and drinkers to another time and place entirely. The drinks are incredible, and the staff led by “liquid chef” Scott Warren is warm, hospitable, and highly skilled, ready to make any drink on or off-menu. This Valley gem was even once members-only but has since opened its doors to those who make reservations in advance.

Good Housekeeping is a small bar hidden behind the popular restaurant Cafe Birdie. The drinks are well-made — strong, balanced, and delicious. The Gin Drink is a standout and comes with gin, dry vermouth, pear, cardamom, and lemon.

Walk through an old refrigerator door acts to enter this 70s-themed speakeasy. The decor and drinks stick to the theme here — expect midcentury furniture, funky wallpaper, and vintage beer cans to set the vibe, and grab a can of Coors Banquet during happy hour. It’s all very retro and nostalgic in this post-Prohibition spot.

While this bar is certainly more contemporary than others on this list, what makes it a speakeasy is that it is hidden behind a fake storefront in West Hollywood. Inside are some of the best craft cocktails in the city, plus creative aperitifs. Their seasonal offerings are switched out twice a year, and a new menu debuted this month.

From the outside, the Roger Room is nondescript, appearing less like a bar and more like a fortune teller’s office. Inside, bartenders serve up delicious craft cocktails. The new spring menu at this modern-day speakeasy comes with seasonal drinks like the Strawberry Fields Forever, which features the Mexican spirit pox alongside strawberry maple syrup, lemon, mint, and absinthe.

When entering this speakeasy-style bar, expect a dark room with seemingly hundreds of door knobs; only the right one will allow folks inside. Like many spots throughout and beyond the city, Lock & Key has changed tremendously since the pandemic. Before, Lock & Key was serving truly innovative drinks with unusual ingredients and techniques. Today, expect a slightly pared-down menu, plus DJ sets that go on late into the night.

Inside Downtown LA’s whiskey bar Seven Grand is the exclusive Bar Jackalope, where members can reserve a spot and non-members can hope to snag a seat by walking in. To enter, look out for the mysterious doorbell. Inside, expect whiskey flights, jazz music, and a patio for those looking to smoke a cigar.

To find this unmarked bar, look for a bouncer waiting outside next to LA Cha Cha Chá. Inside Death and Co., there’s a separate waiting area for those without reservations. Here’s expect a pared-down menu with some light snacks. The main room features dimly lit nooks, perfect for sipping a cocktail or two with a small group. Better yet, grab a seat at the bar. The talent here is among the best in the city. Ask for the Canyoneer, which comes with Westward American single malt whiskey, Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Rubino, aperitivo, pasilla chile, and mole bitters.

This Downtown LA staple is hidden behind Cole’s French Dip. Through a wooden door in the restaurant, there’s one of LA’s most iconic speakeasies. The Varnish is home to some of LA’s best mixologists who will shake and stir classic cocktails along with more innovative drinks. Expect wooden panels, tiled flooring, cozy leather booths, and of course, dim lighting.

With locations in Culver City and Highland Park, the Blind Barber is hidden behind a fully operational barbershop. While the Culver City location sticks more to the Prohibition-era theme, the Highland Park spot has more of a midcentury feel. At both, expect strong and well-made drinks.