Speakeasy Guide

Florida doesn’t always get credit for subtlety, but behind unmarked doors, inside hotels, and tucked behind everyday storefronts, there’s a strong speakeasy scene built on atmosphere, storytelling, and intentional design. These aren’t bars you stumble into. They’re places you seek out, follow clues to, and remember long after the last drink.

Below are some of Florida’s most interesting speakeasies, especially those that commit fully to hidden entrances and immersive themes.

The Gibson Room

2224 SW 22nd St, Miami, FL 33145

Hidden behind a refrigerator door inside the Shelborne South Beach, The Gibson Room feels like a secret that belongs to another era. Think jazz-age glamour without the costumes or gimmicks. The room is intimate, dimly lit, and designed for conversation. Cocktails are classic-forward, thoughtfully balanced, and served with restraint rather than flash. This is the kind of place where you slow down without realizing you’ve done it.

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila – Speakeasy

1220 16th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

What looks like a casual taco spot turns into something else entirely once you find the bathroom door that isn’t actually a bathroom. Behind it is a high-energy speakeasy with DJs, late nights, and a packed dance floor. The contrast is the point here. One moment you’re ordering tacos, the next you’re in a dim, pulsing room that feels completely separate from the street outside.

Esotico Miami

1600 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33132

Esotico blends tiki culture with speakeasy elements, including hidden rooms and unexpected transitions throughout the space. While the main bar is energetic, the tucked-away areas reward curiosity. The décor leans heavily into escapism, and the cocktails are layered, boozy, and unapologetically bold. This is a spot that embraces fantasy without feeling kitschy.

The Broken Shaker (Freehand Miami)

2727 Indian Creek Dr., Miami Beach, FL 33140

Not a speakeasy in the traditional sense, but still worth mentioning for its tucked-away feel. Located behind the Freehand Miami, The Broken Shaker requires intention to find. The entrance isn’t obvious, and the courtyard setting creates a sense of separation from the city. Cocktails are ingredient-driven and seasonal, often built around herbs, house infusions, and unexpected pairings.

The Courtesy

1288 N Orange Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

In downtown Orlando, The Courtesy operates more like a quiet secret than a flashy destination. There’s no spectacle at the door, just a refined, intimate room once you’re inside. The focus here is entirely on craft. The menu rotates, the bartenders take their time, and the overall tone encourages staying awhile rather than hopping to the next place.

Room 901

100 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Located inside the Hyatt Centric Las Olas, Room 901 leans fully into the speakeasy concept. Access is intentionally limited, and entry requires knowing exactly where to go. Inside, the atmosphere is moody and refined, offering a sharp contrast to the hotel environment just outside its door.

Dirty Laundry

1642 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33712

Dirty Laundry hides behind what appears to be a functioning laundromat in St. Pete’s EDGE District. Step through the correct door and you’ll find a dim, retro-inspired cocktail lounge with a playful edge. The experience leans into secrecy and surprise without taking itself too seriously, making it one of the area’s most talked-about hidden bars.

Why Florida Does Speakeasies Well

Florida’s speakeasy scene thrives on contrast. Bright streets give way to dark rooms. Tourist-heavy areas hide thoughtful, well-designed spaces just out of view. These bars reward curiosity, patience, and a willingness to look twice at what seems ordinary.