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! Opened late 2023

💃🏻 Theme: 1920's Prohibition Cabaret

📍 Location: Downtown

🔒 Hidden Factor: 2/5

Venture off 17th Ave and into Prohibition Lounge, where the rebellious spirit of the 1920s Prohibition Era is reborn. Prepare for a thrilling journey to a time when drinking was an act of defiance, steeped in clandestine charm. With a cocktail menu that's more than just drinks – it's mesmerizing performance art, featuring Moonshine, Bootleggers Brew, and Public Enemy No. 1.                    Opened late 2023.

💼 Theme: Exclusive After Work Club

📍 Location: Inglewood

🔒 Hidden Factor: 3/5

We can assure you that we didn't overlook this hidden gem as one of the top spots for excellent drinks and a unique atmosphere; we simply wanted to thoroughly assess the venue! Nestled within the Inglewood community, this unassuming yet undeniably chic cocktail bar features an alleyway entrance, delectable snacks, and truly outstanding beverages. Opened late 2022

🙏 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. With superb cocktails and exclusive, invite-only access, it's a hidden gem dedicated to a noble cause – an experience worth toasting to! Plus, every guest at Graybar receives a personal passport with 40 unique drinks, earning a stamp with each one they enjoy 

🍶 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 a speakeasy 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. Opened in 2020.

🏮 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.)  Betty Lou's Library is small, dark, intimate and has a luxurious 1920's decor.  Check them out Tuesdays or Thursdays for live Jazz or Wednesdays when they host burlesque! Opened late 2016.

💣 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.  Where this bomb shelter theme came from, will forever keep me up at night (just kidding, I sleep like a baby).  But seriously, the decor includes gas masks and sandbags, making it odd, but at the same time classy and old school.  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?! Opened mid 2017.

🍾 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.  For real though.  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. Opened early 2017.

💈️ Theme: 1930's Barber Shop

📍 Location: Bridgeland

🔒 Hidden Factor: 2/5

Imma be honest with you. I've been to Cannibale a handful of times, but I've also been several drinks deep so my memories are fuzzy at best.  The coolest part is that compared to other speakeasy-type bars on this list, this one is definitely more committed to the act.  Cannibale is behind a fully functioning barber shop.  Opened in 2015.