Hidden among the mesmerizing canals of Amsterdam lies a secret, modern speakeasy-style bar, just waiting to be discovered.

The gilded heyday of the Roaring 20’s has come back into fashion. And I think the best modern form of this revival has been the comeback of the swanky secretive Prohibition bar.

If you’re on a quest for a memorable cocktail experience in Amsterdam, finding one of these hidden establishments is a must.

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I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Nestled within the myriad mesmerizing canals lies one of the world’s top speakeasy bars waiting for your knock on the door.

Having spent quite a few evenings in these dark and moody establishments (#dontjudge), I have to say that Door 74 in Amsterdam ranks as my top speakeasy destination in the world.

(You can find their very discreet website here.)

But you don’t have to take my word for it, check out this link here showing that this bar has made the list of the Top 50 bars in the world.

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What’s a Speakeasy Bar?

For those unfamiliar, quick #spoileralert – a speakeasy is a hidden lounge that harkens back to the Prohibition era of the 1920s in the United States when liquor was taboo.

Let’s take a super quick look back in time to see how these covert bars came to be.

Back in the day, a strong religious movement, combined with a grain shortage from the war led to the banning of all alcohol consumption.

Those were some dry days, folks.

Can you imagine living in a world where the simple act of going to a bar and downing a drink risked landing you in the clinker?

Of course we all know that forbidding something makes it all the more enticing…

And this was certainly true for those rebellious souls who got creative and established these secretive speakeasies. And their brave patrons risked their livelihoods and reputations all for the chance to belly up to the bar.

Not only were these covert bars beautifully designed and detailed, but the cocktail menu also took on its own form of life. With restricted production, large distilleries went kaput, so bootleg booze and bathtub gin became a hot commodity. Germophobes, beware!!

Whiskey was still attainable with a doctor’s order. So that, along with gin became hot sellers and led to some of the classic cocktails we still know and love today.

Here’s looking at you, Old-Fashioned.

Modern Speakeasy

Thankfully, Prohibition ended!

(Fun fact: If you need an excuse to celebrate, note that the anniversary of Repeal Day is celebrated at bars worldwide each December 5th – cheers!)

And today, we can experience these revived historic treasures without any risk of ending up behind bars. *woot woot*

I love how these sequestered bars now span the gamut of various design styles, ranging from full vintage reproductions to the most modern mixology encounters.

These secluded venues can sometimes be hiding in plain sight, maybe even as your next-door neighbor. Although, they’re often discretely shielded behind an unmarked door, in the rear of a restaurant, or sometimes shrouded as a bar within a bar.

But I assure you that they’re out there, just waiting to be discovered. So keep your eyes open!

Pretty much every urban scene has at least one swanky speakeasy. And here you’ll find brilliant bartenders whisking together tempting libations with expert skill and artistry.

Such is what I discovered one night in Amsterdam.

Door 74: an Amsterdam Speakeasy

Two of my traveling companions just happened to be world-renown chefs. So, as you can imagine, only the best-of-the-best establishments made our itinerary. And this bar was the number one must-see on our list.

We ventured out on a chilly evening, sauntering up to a very nondescript, black door and gave three quick taps.

After a momentary pause, a panel behind a peephole suddenly shifted, and an eyeball appeared. It furtively shifted side to side – apparently sizing us up.

The peephole abruptly snapped shut. We waited, expectantly but nothing happened.

We looked at each other, wondering…had the doorman had somehow deemed us as unworthy? I assessed my companions. Unlikely, given Chiseled Cheekbones standing in our midst.

After an awkward pause, we considered giving up and heading to the pub across the street. Just then, the “portal of rejection” was abruptly thrust open with a loud bang. Then an apparently British bloke sheepishly yelled out, “Hey mate, this bloody door is pure rubbish – the knob keeps jamming. Sorry to keep you waiting!”

And – just like that – we were in! Access granted. We eagerly stepped past the entrance and found ourselves inside the dark cavern, giving our eyes time to adjust to the dim lighting.

This place was the real deal.

Letting you in . . . on a Secret Style

In my opinion, a great speakeasy space should include dark, moody lighting, fully stocked shelves lining the cocktail bar, and an array of spirits, bitters, and tinctures.

All of that was in fine form here at Door 74.

The bar showcased a series of lit arches filled with unique and rare liquors. Sultry booths lined the perimeter for patrons to gather and drink in a secluded, intimate space, far away from prying eyes.

Crafted Cocktails & Mixology

My party went straight to the center of the room and lined ourselves up at the bar. A charming bartender greeted us and wasted no time getting down to business.

When he asked what I fancied, I wasted no time responding,

“I’m an Old-Fashioned girl.”

With a sly grin, he winked and asked how much I trusted him.

Given Amsterdam’s notorious reputation, I was hesitant to throw all caution to the wind.

I narrowed my eyes and asked him exactly what he meant.

“Scale of 1 to 10, how much do you trust me to give you an Old-Fashioned twist and make you the best cocktail of your life?”

Bold move.

“Challenge accepted. I’ll give you a 9.5 to work with. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

And in true form, he created an epic Old-Fashioned that still is the best I’ve had in my life.

Speakeasy Interior Design Style

If you’re drawn to this hidden-bar aesthetic — think velvet banquettes, moody lighting, and secret entrances — you’ll find the same design DNA at places like Mathers in Orlando, Beauty & Essex in Los Angeles, and The Vine in Naples. Each reinterprets speakeasy style through its own lens.

Mathers Social Gathering Speakeasy in Orlando

Now, let the record state that my all-time best cocktail experience was at Door 74 in Amsterdam. However, from a design destination, I must give decor props (and solid drink props, as well) to Mathers in downtown Orlando.

Florida’s largest speakeasy sports a true hidden entrance. And #spoileralert – there’s a faux facade with a different name over the entry.

You’ll first walk into a different bar, then head up the stairs. There, you’ll find yourself within a small room surrounded by bookcases.

There’s a clever charm in having to navigate the bookshelf-lined room to discover which portal leads to the secret bar within.

The Beauty of a Well-Stocked Back Bar (and a Rolling Ladder)

After your successful entrance, you’ll be rewarded with a fully stocked bar featuring an array of whiskeys and other unique spirits lining the floor-to-ceiling shelves.

And naturally, it includes an iconic rolling ladder. You know, the types used by bartenders to scale and secure those top-shelf liquors required by discerning patrons.

The Art of Artifacts

If you’re looking to create your own speakeasy style bar within your own home, you’ll want to gather an assortment of artifacts, just like they did on this feature wall.

Be sure to take note of how they curated this array of hanging hooks, haphazardly tied with ropes hanging from the wooden beamed rafters and then offset the collection against a rugged, industrial brick wall.

Even though these spaces tend to be dark and moody, you can infuse pops of color. Check out what they did here with these vintage salmon-hued lounge chairs.

These chairs look even more enticing when gathered around this cozy vintage fireplace. And the ornate mercury glass mirror adds a vintage twist.

Crafted Cocktails

To have the ultimate home bar, you’ll need to create your own array of signature craft cocktails.

I actually LOL-ed at this Mathers signature, – paying tribute with a witty wink to the bathtub concoctions of yesterday.

Their “Bathtub Gin” is appropriately served in a porcelain bathtub. The ingredients contain a combo of gin, lavender, and simple syrup.

And #spoileralert, there’s even a rubber duckie thrown in for good measure.

What more could you want for last call?

More Style Inspo: Beauty & Essex: Speakeasy Meets Showstopper

This one’s legit: Hidden by an innocuous pawn shop entrance. But don’t let that fool you — behind those glass cases of vintage guitars and costume jewelry is one of the most dazzling modern Art Deco hidden speakeasy bars in the country. Beauty & Essex is all mood: glossy black walls, velvet banquettes, chandeliers dripping from the ceiling, and a glam staircase that begs for a little drama.

If Gatsby were throwing a party today this is where he’d throw it, and how he’s style it.

But here’s what most people miss.

Tucked along the walls are open, ornate picture frames — almost like windows. Inside each one? Dangling necklaces, just floating there, lit like little secrets. It’s a quiet nod to the pawn shop out front, but it’s more than that. It’s a peekaboo moment, a way of layering story into space. You might walk right past them — or you might stop, look closer, and realize someone designed even the in-between spaces to surprise you.

That’s what I love. The things you almost don’t see — until someone shows you where to look.

🌿 The Vine Room: Velvet, Vines & a Little Magic in Naples, FL

You’d never guess what’s behind that lush green wall in downtown Naples — but once you’re in, The Vine Room feels like a secret garden-meets-cocktail lounge fantasy. Plush velvet seating, curved lines, and warm brass accents give the space a sultry, tropical elegance that feels more Miami boutique hotel than beach town bar.

And the drinks? Unforgettable. I asked the bartender for something moody and bold, and what arrived felt like a full-on reveal: a smoked Old Fashioned presented inside a wooden box. The bartender lifted the lid, and a cloud of aromatic smoke curled into the air — rich, warm, and just a little theatrical. It was like opening a treasure chest. Pure magic.

Speakeasy Style Bar Takeaways:

Here are a few designer tips to bring a Prohibition-inspired speakeasy-style bar into your home:

Everything You’re Dying to Know About Speakeasies (But Are Too Cool to Ask)

Q: What makes a bar a speakeasy?

It’s not just about the cocktails — it’s about the mystery. A true speakeasy has a hidden or disguised entrance (think: bookshelves, unmarked doors, secret passwords), an intimate setting, and a vibe that feels tucked away from the outside world. These bars are designed to feel like a discovery — part ambiance, part storytelling, all about the experience.

Q: Can you go to a speakeasy solo in Amsterdam?

Absolutely. In fact, places like Door 74 are perfect for solo travelers who want something more intimate and stylish than a crowded pub. You’ll be seated at the bar or tucked into a corner banquette, and the staff is usually happy to talk shop about the cocktails. It’s a chic, low-key way to treat yourself while traveling.

Q: Are Amsterdam’s speakeasies actually secret?

Not technically — but they still feel like a find. Most require reservations, and many are hidden behind unmarked doors, curtains, or inside other venues (like a fake bookcase or phone booth entrance). So while they’re not completely off-grid, part of the fun is still in the hunt.

Q: What’s so special about Door 74 in Amsterdam?

Door 74 was one of Europe’s first speakeasy-style cocktail bars, and it’s still one of the best. Hidden behind an unmarked door in Amsterdam’s city center, this spot nails the Prohibition-era vibes without feeling overly themed. Inside: moody lighting, low-slung leather seating, and bartenders who know exactly what they’re doing. The cocktail menu changes often, but it’s always creative and beautifully executed. Basically, if you’re a design lover or cocktail nerd, this one’s a must.

Q: Is Door 74 a real speakeasy or just a themed bar?

It’s not just a gimmick — Door 74 plays the part and delivers. While no one’s hiding from the law these days, it does have all the hallmarks of a classic speakeasy: no signage, velvet curtain entrance, reservations required, and an elevated cocktail experience. It’s about as close as you’ll get to the real deal without a time machine.

Q: What kind of cocktails does Door 74 serve?

Expect bold, inventive drinks with flawless technique and unexpected ingredients. Door 74 rotates its cocktail menu regularly, but you’ll usually find riffs on classics with housemade infusions, seasonal garnishes, and creative glassware. Not sure what to order? Just tell the bartender what you like — they’ll mix something custom (and better than you imagined).

Q: What’s the interior design style of a speakeasy bar?

A speakeasy isn’t just a dim bar with old-fashioned vibes — it’s about secrecy, mood, and experience. Think: hidden entrances (bookshelves, unmarked doors, vine walls), low lighting, and an atmosphere that feels like you’ve stepped out of the present.

• Door 74 in Amsterdam leans into moody refinement — dark wood, leather, and candlelight with a European twist.
• Mather’s Social Gathering in Orlando is more vintage lounge than Gatsby — the kind of place where you sneak through a bookcase and settle into tufted chairs beneath high ceilings and antique chandeliers.
• The Vine Room in Naples feels like a modern escape — literally hidden behind a wall of greenery, with plush velvet, tropical tones, and cocktail theater behind the bar.
• Beauty & Essex (locations in NYC, Vegas, and LA) hides behind a pawn shop front and goes full glam: crystal chandeliers, glossy black finishes, and a “see and be seen” energy that still manages to feel like a secret.

Different styles, same formula: hidden door, head-turning design, and drinks that make you want to stay awhile.

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Cheers to you and your future speakeasy discoveries!

And if you’d like to get more inspiration on interior design Speakeasy style and master the Modern Art Deco style, check out these two blogs:

And be sure to sign up to become a Designer Insider for more interior design style tips!

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