2 days ago3 min read

10 Secret Entrance Ideas for Your Speakeasy Bar: Create an Intriguing First Impression

When designing a speakeasy, you’re setting the stage for a world tucked away from the ordinary. A true speakeasy isn’t just about its drinks or decor—it's about creating a little mystery, a dash of allure, and a sense of discovery the moment someone steps through the door. To capture that “hidden gem” vibe, the entrance itself must be a gateway to intrigue. Whether you’re working with a classic bar interior or dreaming up an entirely new space, here are 10 creative entrance ideas that invite your guests to leave the mundane behind and enter a world that’s part dream, part secret. Let’s dive in and get inspired.

hidden speakeasy entrance disguised as a vintage grandfather clock.

1. The Classic Bookcase Entrance

There’s nothing quite like the timeless appeal of a bookcase that doubles as a door. As guests enter your bar, they’ll be led to what appears to be an ordinary bookshelf filled with vintage volumes, small trinkets, and maybe a hidden key or two. One gentle push, and they’re in a new world altogether. This idea is ideal if you want to create an elegant yet mysterious vibe that feels straight out of an old detective novel.

the bookcase door seamlessly hidden within the shelving, creating a truly subtle and mysterious entrance.

2. Wardrobe to Wonderland

Channeling a bit of Narnia magic, a wardrobe entrance transports your guests from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Fill the wardrobe with coats and accessories for added authenticity, and watch as guests enjoy the surreal experience of stepping through it into the heart of your bar. It’s fun, unexpected, and easy to theme around any era or style.

a wardrobe placed flush against the wall in a clothing shop, opening up to reveal a large, expansive speakeasy bar inside.

3. Mirror Doorway Illusion

Add a twist with a mirror entrance that leads guests to wonder, “Is this the right way?” The mirror serves as a perfect distraction, enhancing the speakeasy’s elusive atmosphere. Use a two-way mirror if you want a sneak peek into the bar’s main room, adding to the suspenseful feel.

a large mirror designed as a hidden doorway to the speakeasy bar

4. Vintage Telephone Booth

Few things evoke old-school charm quite like a classic telephone booth. Guests enter, lift the receiver, and either press a hidden button or dial a secret number. Then, voilà—the door opens, leading them into the bar. This iconic setup is sure to capture that prohibition-era feel while staying effortlessly chic.

a classic red telephone booth used as the spacious entrance to a speakeasy bar, set against a vintage-style wall in a moody night scene with street lamps casting a warm glow

5. Secret Alley Entrance

For a gritty, urban feel, consider an alleyway entrance. Guests can walk through an unassuming door that blends with the rest of the alley, leading them to your hidden oasis inside. This setup works beautifully if your bar has a bit of industrial or minimalist flair.

a hidden speakeasy bar entrance in an urban alley

6. Hidden Wine Cellar Door

Imagine walking into a cellar full of stacked wine barrels or racks of dusty bottles, with one hidden door nestled among them. This rustic style feels natural and can fit seamlessly into a bar that leans into vintage decor and moody lighting.

7. Art Gallery Door

For a modern twist, disguise your entrance as part of an art gallery wall. Use a large, eye-catching painting as the doorway, letting it swing open to reveal your hidden world. It’s sophisticated, fun, and perfect if your bar has an eclectic or artistic feel.

the large art painting serving as a sliding door, moving horizontally to reveal the entrance to the spacious speakeasy bar behind it.

8. Movie Theater Entrance

Transport your guests back to the golden age of cinema with a classic movie theater facade, complete with marquee lights and a ticket booth. For an extra surprise, make the entrance a movie screen that lifts or slides to the side, revealing the entrance to your speakeasy.

Movie Theater as an entrance to a speakeasy bar

9. Barber Shop or Tailor Front

Disguise your bar behind an old-fashioned barber shop or tailor storefront. The unassuming appearance of a classic storefront is both charming and functional, giving your speakeasy a cozy, approachable feel while maintaining its hidden nature.

Barber Shop as a secret entrance to the speakeasy bar

10. Mysterious Spiral Staircase

For those with a bit more space, a spiral staircase makes a grand entrance. With each step, the excitement builds as guests descend into your bar. Use low lighting, candle holders, or classic sconces along the walls to give the staircase an otherworldly charm.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve gathered inspiration for your entrance, think about how to tie it all together with the interior of your bar. The magic of a speakeasy lies in the seamless journey from entrance to ambiance. Lighting, decor, and music should carry on the intrigue created at the door, making guests feel like they’ve truly entered a different world. A well-thought-out entrance is the first chapter of their experience, and with a little creativity, you can make it unforgettable.