Watch CBS News

Best Speakeasy Bars In OC

[header] 213 nightlife bars drinking alcohol drink 610 header
(credit: 213 Nightlife)

Speakeasy bars are no longer necessary, since you can freely buy a drink at any bar these days. Nevertheless, there is some charm in going to a place that feels like a secret. No, you won't have to worry about the fuzz raiding the place and shutting it down, but you can definitely get the feel of an old-time speakeasy during your hunt for these password-protected bars. The 1920's might be over, but the vibe of speakeasy bars is alive and well in Orange County.

Pie Society
(credit: Paul L./Yelp)

Pie Society Bar
353 E. 17th St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 313-6335
piesocietybar.com

Pie Society might seem like a strange name for a speakeasy, but the name fits this Costa Mesa bar. Located in a building that used to be a Marie Callender's restaurant, the bar is tucked away behind Pitfire Pizza, even though you may not even know it's there. Once you've found it and gotten in, you'll find delicious craft cocktails and tasty bites in a very comfortable setting. This might be the kind of place you don't tell your friends about just so you can keep it your little secret.

blind rabbit bar - "tragic kingdom" cocktail drink
(credit: 100eats.com)

Blind Rabbit
E. Santa Ana St.
Anaheim, CA 92805
theblindrabbit.com

Some places might go by the designation speakeasy because it's trendy, but The Blind Rabbit truly is a speakeasy to the point that neither an address nor phone number is listed for the place. That's right, if you want to go here, you have to find the place first. Once inside, you are limited to 90 minutes, but you can enjoy some delicious things during that time. You'll find craft cocktails that will take some time but will definitely be worth the wait; you'll also find classic American dishes with a twist, like the duck confit mac and cheese. Be sure to know and observe the rules when you come here.

The Speakeasy
(credit: Odra B./Yelp)

The Speakeasy
7561 Center Ave., Suite 37
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(714) 899-3279
speakeasyhb.com

Like most speakeasy bars, you might have to hunt a bit around Old World Village before you find The Speakeasy, however, once you're inside, you'll be glad you found it. The Speakeasy offers small plates of dishes, like bacon-wrapped dates and angel hair pasta with shrimp. Unlike most speakeasies, you won't find any liquor here, however, you will find a good selection of wines as well as draft and cask beers.

Related: Best cocktail happy hours in Orange County

CASA Costa Mesa
(credit: Rio M./Yelp)

Casa
820 W. 19th St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 877-4011
casacostamesa.com

Casa stays true to the whole speakeasy vibe in a couple different ways: first, there is no phone number listed, however, you can make a reservation through the website; second, a dress code is strictly enforced here - no, you don't have to put on a suit to get into the place, but tank tops, hooded sweatshirts, shorts, or flip-flops are not allowed; finally, just like a traditional speakeasy bar, you have to know the password to gain entrance. Once you've gained entrance, you'll have your pick from a wide selection of amazing hand-crafted cocktails and live music in a setting that is unique. So, while you may need a password to get in, once you're in the friendly staff will help you get acquainted with their 1920's speakeasy vibe and terrific drinks.

Continental Room yelp user Miss J
(credit: Yelp user Jennifer F.)

The Continental Room
115 W Santa Fe Ave.
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 526-4529
continentalroomoc.com

While The Continental Room technically isn't a speakeasy anymore, it was founded as a speakeasy back in the 1920s, and you still get some of the speakeasy vibe here. Once you enter through the alley entrance, you'll find a dimly lit space filled with vintage furnishings with the feel of a place you might have seen a long time ago. You'll find good drinks here as well as live bands and DJs. You don't need a password to get in, but you can still feel like a part of history when you go to The Continental.

Related: Best bars in Orange County with a great martini selection

Gary Schwind is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.