13 best hidden bars and speakeasies in Charlotte
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Bruno at Seoul Food Optimist Park gets its name and tagline from the "We Don't Talk About Bruno," track off Disney's "Encanto." Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios
Dim lighting, discreet entrances, secret passwords and nods to the prohibition era — all ingredients for a bar with a "speakeasy vibe."
Here's a list of the best hidden bars and speakeasies in Charlotte for you to uncover.
BackStage Lounge
Known for its holiday and seasonal-themed pop-ups, like Christmas in July, BackStage Lounge is tucked behind South End taqueria SouthBound.
If you go: You need a password to enter, which changes weekly. You can find it on their Instagram.
- Open Wednesday-Saturday from 5pm-midnight at 2433 South Blvd.
Supperland Speakeasy
A ten-seat bar located in the basement of Supperland in Plaza Midwood.
- The speakeasy's team regularly hosts themed "spirit experiences," which are multi-course pairings of cocktails and small plates.
If you go: It's by reservation only — book a spot here.
The Conspiracy
A cocktail bar and speakeasy from Charlotte real estate developer Northwood Ravin, located around the corner from The Vue in Uptown.
If you go: There's no password, but you may need to pay close attention to find the entrance.
- Expect craft cocktails, wine, beer and light bites — here's a closer look.
- Open Tuesday-Saturday at 412 W 5th St.
Bruno at Seoul Food Meat Co.
A bourbon-centric speakeasy hidden inside Seoul Food Meat Co. in Optimist Park. Take a peek inside.
If you go: You won't need a password. Instead, you'll press a call button to be let inside — okay, we've already said too much.
Go deeper: Seoul Food Meat Co. opens a hidden, kid-free speakeasy inside its Optimist Park location
The Green Room
An intimate, 450-square-foot "pocket bar" inside South End's Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails.
- Expect craft cocktails, some light snacks, plus themed pop-ups around Halloween and the holidays.
If you go: It's only open Friday and Saturday from 6pm-midnight.
Go deeper: Hidden bar from top Charlotte mixologist to open in South End
Single Barrel Room
A cozy cocktail lounge that reopened inside Whiskey Warehouse in Plaza Midwood this summer.
- Expect craft cocktails, plus spirit-free and low-ABV options, small plates and desserts in a setting that seats around 30.
- Check out our visit from their grand opening.
If you go: It's open Wednesday-Thursday 6-11pm, Friday-Saturday 6pm-12:30am and Sunday 4-10pm.
The Cotton Room at Belfast Mill
Head upstairs above Irish Pub Belfast Mill, and you'll find a snug, speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked inside The Alley at Latta Arcade in Uptown.
- The space may be small, but the cocktail menu is extensive.
If you go: It's open Monday-Thursday 5pm-midnight, Friday-Saturday 4pm-2am and Sunday 3pm-midnight.
Dot Dot Dot
An upscale, prohibition-style speakeasy in an old storage unit behind Park Road Shopping Center.
- You have to be a member to get in, which costs $10/year.
If you go: Reservations are highly recommended on weekends.
- Open Tuesday-Thursday 5-11pm, Friday 5pm-1am and Saturday 4pm-1am.
- 4237 Park Road
Sneak
This "sneakeasy" in Elizabeth offers speakeasy aspects, like hidden doors and dim lighting, without needing a password to get in.
- Expect craft cocktails, wine, beer and seltzer, plus non-alcoholic versions of each.
If you go: It's open Monday-Wednesday 5pm-midnight, Thursday-Friday 5pm-2am, Saturday 2pm-2am and Sunday 2pm-midnight.
- 2001 E 7th St., next to Bang Bang Burgers.
Go deeper: A speakeasy-style cocktail lounge called Sneak opens soon in Elizabeth
Elsewhere
An intimate cocktail bar from the CEO of Wooden Robot tucked away in South End's Design Center Courtyard — near Jeni's and Superica.
If you go: It's open Tuesday 6-11pm, Wednesday-Thursday 5-11pm, Friday-Saturday 4pm-1am and Sunday 4-11pm.
Hermanita
A tequila and mezcal-focused cocktail bar hidden inside Plaza Midwood's El Malo Tacos.
If you go: Grab some late-night bites from the El Malo kitchen, which gets delivered to Hermanita via a pass-through window.
- Open Tuesday-Thursday 5pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday 5pm-2am and Sunday 5pm-10pm.
- 1308 The Plaza
Go deeper: Mexican restaurant El Malo opens in Plaza Midwood, speakeasy-style bar coming soon
The Cellar at Duckworth's
Underneath Duckworth's in Uptown, a popular Charlotte restaurant chain with a sports bar vibe, you'll find The Cellar, a dimly-lit speakeasy with a gastropub menu.
- The exposed brick walls and vintage decor lean into the prohibition-era feel— even the staff dresses the part.
If you go: It's open Sunday-Wednesday 4-11pm, Thursday-Saturday 4pm-midnight at 330 N. Tryon St.
The Loft at Duckworth's
Duckworth's SouthPark location also has a secret spot for cocktails — The Loft. As its name suggests, the discreet cocktail lounge is on the upper level of the restaurant.
- It's decked out in a mid-century modern design with a menu focused on classic cocktails.
If you go: It's open Thursday-Saturday 4pm-midnight.
Go deeper: Cocktail lounge by the owners of Duckworth's opening soon in SouthPark
Editor's note: This guide was originally published in Nov. 2024 and last updated July 2025.