Tucked away behind unmarked doors, hidden inside restaurants or just otherwise elusive, these sneaky bars bring a touch of Prohibition-era mystery to the prairie. Whether you’re searching for cocktail culture, an intimate setting or a unique spot for a night out with friends, we’ve got the codeword.
Lunar Lounge
1114 Classen Drive
For those who love the thrill of uncovering a secret, Lunar Lounge absolutely delivers. Look for an unmarked glass door near James E. McNellie’s Public House, 1100 Classen Drive, and lean into your sense of adventure. This is maybe the speakeasiset of the speakeasies in OKC, not just because it’s well and truly tucked away, but because it’s so cool. The brainchild of Julia McLish of nearby Barkeep Supply fame, Lunar Lounge has become an industry hangout, but all are welcome. In addition to killer seasonal cocktail menus, McLish and partner Zach Armfield have established an excellent content calendar featuring vinyl-only nights, emo rabbit holes, cocktail competitions, pop-ups by local foodie favorites and more. Don’t take our word for it: Follow @lunarloungeokc on Instagram for the insider info.
Good for A Few
1705 NW 16th St., Suite B
As the name suggests, Good For a Few is a small, intimate bar designed for those who appreciate quality over quantity. The bartenders there are some of the best in the biz; when you don’t know what you want, they do. The tiny space keeps things organically exclusive, meaning the menu does not need to bow to trends or gimmicks. This bar could be anywhere, and across all five senses, you could easily convince yourself you’re in another city entirely. If you’re lucky enough to find your way inside, you’ll be rewarded with a thoughtful menu of inventive drinks, each made with equal parts precision and creativity.
FRIDA
500 NW 28th St.
(405) 683-7432
The jewel in the crown of Paseo’s Humankind Hospitality, FRIDA Southwest, has been challenging the status quo since it opened in 2019. In simultaneously creating the daley, Humankind really outdid itself. Thanks to a carefully curated menu of handcrafted cocktails, a whiskey library and stunning interiors by Emily Fiaccone, you’re already ahead of the game when you belly up to this bar. Add the fact that the full FRIDA menu is served at the daley, and we’re hard pressed to think of a better night on the town. This is an especially good choice when you want to be out, but don’t necessarily want to see everyone and their dog.
The Hamilton
12232 N. May Ave.
(405) 849-5115
Tucked away inside Northpark Mall (but only accessible from an otherwise empty parking lot ’round the back), The Hamilton already feels like a bit of a classified file, and it’s also home to a speakeasy-style lounge located toward the back of the restaurant. If you’ve watched Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentlemen, this will all feel familiar: Framed portraiture meets leather furniture, an entire wall of spirits and the occasional taxidermied mammal. The drinks are on point, the food is wonderful, and the Fridayland people watching is always chef’s kiss.
Library of Distilled Spirits
120 N. Robinson Ave.
libraryofdistilledspiritsokc.com
(405) 900-6835
Tucked away inside The National, one of Oklahoma City’s most iconic historic buildings, Library of Distilled Spirits is worth seeking out. While not exactly top secret, it gets a mention for being located inside an actual vault. Library of Distilled Spirits is more than just a clever name; the bar houses more than 1,500 unique spirits and has 200 classic cocktails on the menu. Be sure to check out the Library’s Encyclopedia, which highlights the history of making liquor. After a Thunder game or before a gala in the hotel’s ballroom, there’s nothing incognito about this gin joint; it’s a place to sip, see and be seen.
Later Bye
301 NW 13th St., Suite 101
(405) 768-3208
Later Bye is absolutely not a speakeasy. There’s no password, but there is a sign, and the team behind the concept that opened last November would absolutely love for their wonderful bar to no longer be the city’s best kept secret. All are welcome, and if you like delicious bites with your handcrafted drinks, this may very well become your new favorite bar. (It’s seriously maybe one of the best menus in the 405 right now.) On the drinks front, from its low-ABV cocktails to classics (admittedly, classics made with a bit of liberty), the main thing this lovely little spot has in common with speakeasies is it’s the kind of place you feel lucky to have found.
51st Street Speakeasy
1114 NW 51st St.
(405) 463-0470
Finally, while it’s technically not a speakeasy (the giant sign announcing it as such pretty much disqualifies it from the category), we’d be remiss not to mention OKC mainstay 51st Street Speakeasy. It opened in 2007 and has since outlived dozens of competitors by keeping it real: $5 burgers, live music and an extensive list of local beers. The big house it calls home has lots of different rooms for cozying up with a drink and friend, including the nod to its name: a hidden room worth taking the time to find. As the city has grown up around it, The Speak abides.
This article appears in Alcoholmanac 2025.