Looking for a speakeasy in Memphis? The city has a growing mix of hidden cocktail bars, intimate lounges, and Prohibition-inspired spaces where atmosphere is as much a part of the experience as the drinks.
Speakeasies originally emerged during Prohibition, when bars operated discreetly to avoid detection. Today, Memphis speakeasies borrow from that history with tucked-away entrances, low-lit interiors, craft cocktails, and smaller spaces built for conversation.
From Downtown Memphis and Cooper-Young to Harbor Town and East Memphis, these hidden bars and speakeasies offer different ways to experience Memphis nightlife.
Fat Charlie’s Speakeasy
Located in Harbor Town, Fat Charlie’s Speakeasy leans fully into the hidden-bar experience with an intimate setting, reservations, and a polished cocktail-focused atmosphere.
The speakeasy requires reservations for entry, making it a strong choice for visitors planning a quieter, more curated night out. Its Harbor Town location also gives this list broader geographic coverage beyond Downtown and Midtown.
Bar 33
In East Memphis, Bar 33 is a members-only speakeasy tucked beyond a working barbershop. The hidden setup is a major part of the experience, with the space designed around cocktails, conversation, and a more private atmosphere.
Membership options are available, and reservations are encouraged. Check the official site for current access details before visiting.
The Pocket Speakeasy
The Pocket offers a more modern take on the hidden-bar experience in Memphis. The current page describes an intimate cocktail-focused space with an entrance designed to reinforce its speakeasy character.
The Pocket is a strong option for visitors looking for a smaller cocktail-bar atmosphere and a more tucked-away experience.
Dodici at Bari Ristorante
For a hidden cocktail experience in Midtown, Dodici at Bari Ristorante offers a more intimate counterpoint to the city’s larger nightlife districts.
Bari Ristorante is located on South Cooper Street and is known for its Italian food, wine, and cocktails, making Dodici a natural addition to a night out in the Cooper-Young area.
Belle Tavern
Tucked into Barboro Alley in Downtown Memphis, Belle Tavern is a hidden cocktail and whiskey bar with a low-key atmosphere and an extensive selection of bourbon, whiskey, scotch, and handcrafted cocktails.
Its alley location gives it the hidden-bar feel many visitors are looking for, while its Downtown setting makes it easy to pair with dinner, live music, or other nightlife nearby.
More Memphis Nightlife to Explore
Want to keep the night going? Explore more Memphis bars, restaurants, events, and nightlife experiences before deciding where to head next.
