Calgary Speakeasy Lounges

⌚ Theme: 1930's Watch Repair

📍 Location: Downtown

🔒 Hidden Factor: 5/5

Tucked away within the stylish confines of Salt & Brick, you'll discover Calgary's freshest Speakeasy experience. This hidden gem not only crafts the most enchanting and offbeat cocktails in town but also boasts a weekly-changing password that unlocks its secrets. Here's the scoop: every Tuesday, their elusive entry code mysteriously materializes in their Instagram stories!

🙏 Theme: Donation-based

📍 Location: Downtown

🔒 Hidden Factor: 5/5

Nestled discreetly in the heart of the city, Graybar is a clandestine speakeasy that doesn't charge for drinks. Instead, it invites friends and family to donate in support of their chosen charity, Inn From The Cold. Plus, every guest at Graybar receives a personal passport with 40 unique drinks, earning a stamp with each one they enjoy. 

🍸 Theme: Vintage tequila speakeasy

📍 Location: Marda Loop

🔒 Hidden Factor: 5/5

We have a tequila speakeasy in town! This one seems legit with a password required and everything.  (They text the night's password to you when you make a reso). I checked it out and was very impressed with the quality of drinks. If you don't have a reso they also accept walk-ins but note the place is small so you may not get in during peak times.

🍶 Theme: Japanese izakaya

📍 Location: Macleod Trail

🔒 Hidden Factor: 4/5

I've only been once and I thought it was pretttty cool. We had to wait a bit because it's small and popular. It's probably easy to go on a weekday though. The drinks are fun with good presentation. The sushi was good, but I think we paid a premium because we're eating in the cool part of the restaurant. (Ajito is within a sushi restaurant called Sho).  I'd probably say fill up on Sushi at Sho and then finish the night with cocktails and dessert at Ajito for the perfect combo!

🏮 Theme: Tropical Vietnamese 

📍 Location: Downtown

🔒 Hidden Factor: 4/5

I like Paper Lantern a lot. I've been twice and both times the staff (also the owners) have been SO freaking nice. Even when they're busy they really care to make sure you're enjoying yourself. We stayed way late one Saturday, definitely keeping them past when they were to close and they were so chill about it and even sat and chatted with us. The drinks are tropical and come in fun glasses. And the bathrooms have silly exotic wallpaper (like monkeys!). This place is great. Good luck finding it! ;)

📚 Theme: Illegal spicy library

📍 Location: Downtown

🔒 Hidden Factor: 5/5

Of all Calgary's speakeasy lounges, Betty Lou's is the most true to prohibition era history.  Betty Lou's is legitimately hidden (no signage, no clues) and to enter you require a password.  Don't worry, you don't have to join the mafia to get the code, they email it to you when you make a reservation.  (I'd personally still like to see you try to join the Mafia though.)  Check them out Tuesdays or Thursdays for live Jazz or Wednesdays when they host burlesque! 

💣 Theme: War time bomb shelter

📍 Location: Downtown

🔒 Hidden Factor: 3/5

I would describe Shelter's decor as "mildly deranged" and I mean that in the best way possible.  The décor includes gas masks and sandbags, making it odd, but at the same time classy and different.  Note the venue is TINY and the couch seating means you need to be prepared to get cozy with your neighbor.  Hopefully they're attractive?! 

🍾 Theme: Champagne

📍 Location: Downtown

🔒 Hidden Factor: 1/5

This champagne lounge is elegant and pretentious, in a good way,  Hey we need some of that in Cowtown.    If you like quiet party vibes. low intimate seating, chandeliers, and lots of opulent gold decor you'll want to visit for some bubbly.  I'm trying to remember what it's like late at night but I'm thinking there's gotta be a DJ.  I am also unsure on dance floor situation. clearly I need to revisit.