We’ll let you in on a little secret… this actually is a list of speakeasies (or, at least, speakeasy-adjacent bars) in the 614.
Born out of necessity in the Prohibition Era, speakeasies are now considered a sacred gathering place to privately enjoy conversation, company, or even a little bit of naughtiness…
Each bar on this list has a unique vibe, and none are quite like the other, so I guess you’ll just have to visit each one to get a true sense for the speakeasy lifestyle.
Without any further ado, here is a list of the most secretive bars in Central Ohio.
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
Forty Deuce
3959 Brighton Rose Sq, Columbus, OH 43219
Have you ever found yourself eating a slice of New York-style pizza, only to find yourself ushered into a burlesque show via a walk-in refrigerator in the pizzeria’s kitchen? No? Then you’ve not been to Forty Deuce! Combining the flavors and atmospheres of New York and Las Vegas’ most happening clubs, Forty Deuce is an experience unlike any other in Columbus.
Sacred Palm
457 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Forty Deuce isn’t the only speakeasy conveniently situated within the confines of a pizzeria. Somewhere along the way, it was gleaned that eating a slice of pizza inherently leads to drinking in a spot no one knows about, and we couldn’t be happier about it. Sacred Palm is located somewhere beneath Mikey’s Late Night Slice on High Street. Where, exactly? Just go underground and be on the lookout for some strange colors emanating from the beer cooler…
Sotto Terra at The Sanctuary
610 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
If you’ve ever found yourself going down Neil Avenue, you’ve definitely noticed the church that sits on the corner of Neil and Goodale, just off I-670. But what kind of church is it? Well, it’s the kind that has a speakeasy underneath its floorboards. That’s right, Sotto Terra sits beneath “The Sanctuary,” offering some of the best late night vibes and events like trivia, dance parties, and so much more.
No Soliciting
119 E Chestnut St, Columbus, OH 43215
If you prefer your speakeasy to be, uhhh, how do we put this… exclusive, then No Soliciting is for you. You’ll have to shell out a not-so-small amount of money to gain membership rights, but it is truly one of the most secretive and incredible speakeasies anywhere.
DRNK at CRMD
915 Evans Farm Drive Suite G, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Mmmm, what’s better than ice cream and an ice cold Coke from a soda machin– wait a minute… why does CRMD’s soda machine have a door handle? Maybe it’s because there is a speakeasy behind this ice cream shop! DRNK is hidden behind a soda machine, so you can grab a pint while grabbing a pint at CRMD. Pretty sweet, huh?
Switch
212 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205
Located underneath The Railhouse Bar at the East Market, Switch is a password-protected speakeasy. Don’t worry about two-factor authentication, though. Once you get your password, you’re in. Where do you get your password? That, my friend, you’ll have to figure out for yourself…
I Like It Like That
945 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
You may remember that at the old Natalie’s location in Worthington, there was a speakeasy hidden within its premises. Well, the new Natalie’s in Grandview just ushered in a speakeasy-esque spot, I Like It Like That. This cocktail bar shouldn’t be too hard to find, and when you do find it, you’ll be itching to go back.
Don’t Tell Comedy Shows
Location TBA
A unique take on a speakeasy, Don’t Tell Comedy is essentially a traveling speakeasy with unannounced performances from various stand-up comedians. There are plenty of shows happening each week and tons of different locations, so take a shot in the dark and sign up for this experience of a lifetime.
The Torpedo Room
1550 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Enjoy film? Enjoy talking film with fellow film buffs? Enjoy drinking expertly crafted cocktails? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have got to check out The Torpedo Room in the Gateway Film Center. This speakeasy is a membership-only speakeasy that connects you with the Columbus film scene, while granting you access to all film screenings, advanced screenings, members only screenings, complimentary popcorn, and special concessions pricing! If you enjoy film, this membership is a no-brainer.
Apt B.
1044 N. High St., Columbus, OH
One of my favorite bars in Columbus is Bodega, so you’d be surprised to know that I had zero clue that hidden beyond the kitchen wall of Bodega lives Apt. B, a former apartment that has been transformed into an intimate speakeasy. The vibes are incredibly high while the lights are turned down low, with excellent cocktails at the ready.
