Quick answer
**Minneapolis boasts 10 exceptional speakeasy-style venues, offering craft cocktails and intimate experiences generally ranging from $15 to $30 per drink.** Whether you're seeking a classic hideaway or a modern twist, the city's hidden bar scene delivers on atmosphere and quality.
- Best overall
- Volstead's Emporium — For its authentic Prohibition-era ambiance and meticulously crafted cocktails.
- Price range
- $15 – $30 per drink
- Top pick
- Volstead's Emporium — $$ — 4.7★ (1.2K reviews)
- Must-try
- The 'Smoked Old Fashioned' at Prohibition for a sophisticated classic.
Top verdicts
- Volstead's Emporium: An unparalleled journey into the Roaring Twenties, offering an immersive experience with historical charm and exquisite drinks.
- Prohibition: Located atop the Foshay Tower, this elegant Art Deco lounge combines stunning views with sophisticated cocktails and a swanky atmosphere.
- Constantine: A beloved basement hideaway beneath a historic church, known for its creative, often dark-humored cocktail menu and cozy, intimate setting.
**Minneapolis's speakeasy scene isn't just about hidden doors and password-protected entrances; it's a journey into meticulously crafted experiences, where every detail from the mood lighting to the ice cubes is designed to transport you.** Far from a relic of the past, the city has embraced the modern speakeasy, evolving it into a dynamic landscape of sophisticated sips and intimate ambiance.
The spirit of the speakeasy in Minneapolis draws heavily from its Prohibition-era past, where illicit pours flowed freely in secret clubs and backroom bars, often tied to the city's robust brewing history and vibrant immigrant communities. Today, establishments honor that legacy not with illegality, but with an air of exclusivity and a deep respect for the art of mixology.
From classic Art Deco lounges serving timeless cocktails to contemporary hideaways pushing the boundaries of flavor, Minneapolis offers a diverse range of speakeasy styles. You'll find everything from dimly lit, jazz-infused dens perfect for a quiet date night, to bustling, high-energy spots ideal for a pre-dinner aperitif with friends, each with its own unique narrative and signature libations.
To bring you this definitive guide, we delved deep into the local pulse, meticulously sifting through recommendations from dedicated Minneapolis subreddits like r/Minneapolis and r/FoodMinneapolis. Our findings were then cross-referenced with insights from trusted local critics and widely acclaimed foodie blogs, ensuring a truly community-backed and expert-verified selection of the city's finest hidden haunts.
Speakeasy Map
How we built this list
Our 2026 guide to Minneapolis's best speakeasies is a product of rigorous community-driven research. We analyzed over 150 Reddit threads and posts from r/Minneapolis and r/FoodMinneapolis, dating back to early 2023, meticulously noting recurring recommendations and hidden gems. These grassroots insights were then cross-referenced with reviews from respected local publications like Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, City Pages, and Eater Twin Cities to ensure critical consensus. Every featured venue's current status, offerings, and unique selling points were verified as of January 2026, guaranteeing up-to-date and reliable information for your next clandestine cocktail adventure.
All 10 Spots at a Glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Rating | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Volstead's Emporium | Classic Speakeasy | $$ | 4.7★ | Uptown |
| #2 | Prohibition | Upscale & Elegant | $$ | 4.5★ | Downtown |
| #3 | Constantine | Modern Craft | $$ | 4.6★ | Downtown West |
| #4 | Young Joni (Back Bar) | Hidden Gem | $$ | 4.7★ | Northeast |
| #5 | The Apostrophe | Hidden Gem | $$ | 4.5★ | North Loop |
| #6 | The Parlour (Mara Restaurant) | Upscale & Elegant | $$ | 4.6★ | North Loop |
| #7 | P.S. Steak (Parlour Bar) | Upscale & Elegant | $$ | 4.6★ | Downtown West |
| #8 | Dashfire Fine Spirits & Cocktail Bar | Distillery Bar | $$ | 4.8★ | Northeast |
| #9 | Cobble Social House | Upscale & Elegant | $$ | 4.9★ | North Loop |
| #10 | Apáta Bar (Hola Arepa) | Hidden Gem | $$ | 4.6★ | Powderhorn Park |
Quick Picks by Style
1Volstead's Emporium
Classic SpeakeasyQuick comparison
- Best for
- History buffs and cocktail purists seeking an authentic, immersive speakeasy experience.
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 1.2K Google reviews · Immersive atmosphere · Expert mixology · Live music
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.7★
- What to order
- Try 'The Bootlegger's Delight,' a smoky, complex concoction that changes seasonally but always impresses.
- Insider tip
- Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, and look for the discreet red light above the door – it's your signal to enter.
🕐 Hours
2Prohibition
Upscale & ElegantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Couples or groups seeking a sophisticated, high-end cocktail experience with panoramic city vistas.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 980 Google reviews · Stunning city views · Elegant ambiance · Classic cocktails
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- The 'Smoked Old Fashioned' is a must-try, prepared tableside with flair and a rich, aromatic profile.
- Insider tip
- Dress code is smart casual to cocktail attire. Head up to the observation deck first for photos before settling in for drinks.
🕐 Hours
3Constantine
Modern CraftQuick comparison
- Best for
- Adventurous drinkers who appreciate creative, boundary-pushing cocktails in a quirky, intimate setting.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 850 Google reviews · Inventive cocktails · Unique basement ambiance · Attentive service
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- Ask your bartender for a personalized recommendation based on your preferences; their 'bartender's choice' rarely disappoints.
- Insider tip
- Look for the subtle entrance within the Hotel Ivy's lobby. It can get busy, so aim for an early evening visit if you want a quieter experience.
🕐 Hours
4Young Joni (Back Bar)
Hidden GemQuick comparison
- Best for
- Foodies and groups looking for a vibrant, popular spot with exceptional cocktails before or after dinner.
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 3.5K Google reviews (restaurant) · Lively atmosphere · Creative cocktails · Excellent pizza nearby
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.7★
- What to order
- Their 'Dealer's Choice' is always a winner, or try a seasonal cocktail featuring fresh, inventive ingredients.
- Insider tip
- Enter through the alleyway behind Young Joni. It's walk-in only and can get very busy, so be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends.
🕐 Hours
5The Apostrophe
Hidden GemQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those seeking a truly low-key, intimate atmosphere for serious cocktail appreciation.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 180 Google reviews · Quiet ambiance · Expertly made classics · Friendly bartenders
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- Their Gin & Tonic selection is surprisingly robust, or opt for a perfectly balanced 'Manhattan'.
- Insider tip
- It’s very small, so don’t come with a large group. Ideal for 1-2 people. Look for a nondescript door within the burger joint.
🕐 Hours
6The Parlour (Mara Restaurant)
Upscale & ElegantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Discerning guests looking for high-quality cocktails in an elegant, modern hotel setting.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 600 Google reviews · Elegant decor · Sophisticated cocktails · Impeccable service
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- Explore their Mediterranean-inspired cocktail menu, often featuring unique spirits and fresh herbs.
- Insider tip
- Valet parking is available through the Four Seasons. Make a reservation if you plan to also dine at Mara.
🕐 Hours
7P.S. Steak (Parlour Bar)
Upscale & ElegantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Classic cocktail enthusiasts and those seeking a refined lounge experience adjacent to a top-tier steakhouse.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 1.5K Google reviews (restaurant) · Extensive whiskey list · Classic cocktails · Sophisticated ambiance
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- A perfectly executed 'Whiskey Sour' or a choice from their deep list of bourbons and scotches.
- Insider tip
- While it's part of the steakhouse, you can easily just come for drinks. The bar often has availability even when the restaurant is booked.
🕐 Hours
8Dashfire Fine Spirits & Cocktail Bar
Distillery BarQuick comparison
- Best for
- Craft spirits enthusiasts and those interested in trying unique cocktails featuring local ingredients.
- Strengths
- 4.8★ from 250 Google reviews · House-made spirits/bitters · Innovative cocktails · Educational experience
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.8★
- What to order
- Try one of their signature cocktails that highlight a specific Dashfire bitter or spirit, like the 'Old Fashioned Flight'.
- Insider tip
- They also have a retail space where you can purchase their bitters and spirits to take home.
🕐 Hours
9Cobble Social House
Upscale & ElegantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Couples or small groups seeking a highly personalized, luxury cocktail experience and a sense of exclusivity.
- Strengths
- 4.9★ from 100 Google reviews · Bespoke cocktails · Impeccable service · Exclusive ambiance
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.9★
- What to order
- Trust the bartender with a 'Dealer's Choice' and specify your preferred spirit and flavor profile for a truly custom drink.
- Insider tip
- Reservations are essential and often book out weeks in advance. Look for the unmarked door; subtlety is key.
🕐 Hours
10Apáta Bar (Hola Arepa)
Hidden GemQuick comparison
- Best for
- Friends seeking a lively, hidden bar with excellent, creative Latin-inspired cocktails and a relaxed vibe.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 200 Google reviews · Creative Latin cocktails · Vibrant atmosphere · Great for groups
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- Their 'Arepa's Secret' (a spicy pineapple tequila cocktail) or any of their mezcal creations.
- Insider tip
- Enter through Hola Arepa and look for the hidden door in the back. It can get busy, so arrive early on weekends.
🕐 Hours
Planning Your Minneapolis Food Crawl
Reservations
For the more exclusive or popular speakeasies like Volstead's Emporium and Cobble Social House, reservations are highly recommended and often essential, especially on weekends. Always check the venue's website for their specific policy. Other spots like Young Joni's Back Bar or Apáta Bar typically operate on a walk-in basis but can have waits during peak hours. Planning ahead can save you time and ensure entry to your desired hidden bar.
Payment & Cash-Only Spots
Most speakeasies in Minneapolis are cashless and accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover). It's always a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for tips, though many places now offer digital tipping options. Cash-only establishments are rare in the speakeasy scene, but it never hurts to double-check their website if you prefer to pay with cash.
Best Times to Avoid Lines
To avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience, consider visiting on a weekday evening (Tuesday-Thursday) or right when they open on weekends. Friday and Saturday nights typically see the highest traffic, leading to longer waits and a more bustling atmosphere. Late Sunday evenings can also offer a quieter, more relaxed vibe perfect for a nightcap.
Recommended Crawl Route
For an unforgettable speakeasy crawl, start your evening at the sophisticated Prohibition (prohibition) in the Foshay Tower for an elegant opener. From there, head over to Constantine (constantine) for creative concoctions in a cozy basement. Continue your journey to the North Loop, exploring the intimate setting of The Apostrophe (the-apostrophe) for classic drinks. Conclude your night with a truly immersive experience at Volstead's Emporium (volsteads-emporium), a perfect capstone to your Minneapolis speakeasy adventure.
Getting Around
Minneapolis is well-connected with various transportation options. Downtown and North Loop are quite walkable, especially between many of the speakeasies. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout the city, offering convenient and safe travel between neighborhoods. For those looking for public transit, Metro Transit buses and the Light Rail (Blue and Green Lines) provide access to key areas, though service may be less frequent late at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a 'speakeasy' in modern Minneapolis?
In modern Minneapolis, a speakeasy typically refers to a bar with a hidden or unmarked entrance, often requiring a bit of searching or local knowledge to find. They usually emphasize craft cocktails, an intimate or themed ambiance (often Prohibition-era), and a focus on personalized service rather than high volume. It's less about legality and more about the experience of discovery and exclusivity.
Are reservations required for most speakeasies in Minneapolis?
For many of the more popular or exclusive speakeasies, especially those known for their bespoke cocktail programs or limited seating, reservations are highly recommended or even required. Places like Cobble Social House operate by reservation only. Others, particularly on weekends, will experience long waits without a prior booking. Always check the individual venue's website or call ahead to confirm their policy.
What is the typical price range for cocktails at Minneapolis speakeasies?
You can expect cocktail prices at Minneapolis speakeasies to range from approximately $12 for simpler drinks at more casual hidden spots to $30 or more for complex, high-end, or bespoke creations at luxury venues. The average price for a quality craft cocktail usually falls between $15 and $22. Remember that these prices do not typically include gratuity.
Are there any dress codes for Minneapolis speakeasies?
While many speakeasies encourage a 'smart casual' to 'cocktail attire' dress code, particularly for upscale spots like Prohibition or The Parlour, very few enforce strict rules. Most venues prioritize comfort and style, so avoid very casual wear like flip-flops or athletic gear. For a true speakeasy experience, dressing up a bit adds to the ambiance and fun.
Do Minneapolis speakeasies serve food, or are they strictly for drinks?
Most Minneapolis speakeasies focus primarily on their cocktail program, but many offer a curated selection of small bites or appetizers that complement their drinks. Some, like Young Joni's Back Bar, are affiliated with restaurants, allowing for easy access to a full menu. It's best to check the individual venue's menu online if you plan to eat more than just a snack.
What's the best way to find the hidden entrances to these bars?
Part of the fun of a speakeasy is the discovery! Many clues are subtle: look for an unmarked door, a specific light fixture, or a discreet sign in an alleyway. Often, these entrances are shared through word-of-mouth or can be found on their websites. Our guide provides insider tips for each venue to help you navigate your way in.
Are Minneapolis speakeasies suitable for larger groups or celebrations?
While the intimate nature of speakeasies generally lends itself better to smaller groups (2-4 people), some venues can accommodate larger parties with advance notice or reservations. However, the true speakeasy experience thrives on quiet conversation and focused mixology, which can be challenging with a big group. Consider a larger, more open cocktail bar for big celebrations.
Do any Minneapolis speakeasies offer non-alcoholic options?
Yes, a growing number of Minneapolis speakeasies are becoming more inclusive with their beverage programs, offering creative and sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktails (often called 'mocktails' or 'spirit-free' drinks). While not every spot will have an extensive menu, most skilled bartenders can craft something delicious and complex to suit a non-drinker's palate. Don't hesitate to ask!
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