10 Cool Speakeasy Bars in Connecticut

Finding a cocktail in Connecticut is a whole experience. From cool bars to pubs to fine dining, there are countless places to enjoy a libation. A fun way to enjoy a relaxing environment and a curated cocktail is at one of the many speakeasies and speakeasy-style bars. While speakeasies are from the bygone era when alcohol was illegal, many local speakeasies incorporate a vibe of this elusive era (dark and seedy with a modern spin), along with secretive passwords-only entryways. Below, you’ll find a range of expertly crafted drinks - some of which are Prohibition-inspired - light bites, and a mysterious vibe with secret entryways that will have everyone in your party excited to venture into the unknown. Check out more about these 9 cool speakeasies below.

Founders House Pub & Patio - Milford

www.milfordfoundershouse.com/the-guest-room

Located on the historic Milford Green, Founders House offers a charming combination of vintage-style decor mixed with classic American bites for lunch or dinner. Guests of 10-12 can upgrade their party/celebration by renting their cozy retro speakeasy. This includes access to your own server, bartender, and restroom, as well as separate side entrance and exit. Dining options include family-style offerings, such as starters of mozzarella spiedini and oysters rockefeller, chopped salad, beet salad, and caesar salad, as well as entrees of a sliced tomahawk ribeye, oven-roasted sea bass, and sliced roasted pork loin, to name a few options. Pair your meal with a classic vintage cocktail, wine, or a craft beer.Selections include sazerac, classic mojito, old fashioned, and much more. Additionally, find Founders House exclusive cocktails made with Knob Creek, such as a smoked old fashioned and a black Manhattan. This speakeasy oozes charm and style as you step back in time for an evening you’ll never forget.

The Bunker -   West Hartford

www.instagram.com/thebunkerweha/

Part of Shish Kebab House, The Bunker is a relaxed bar with a cool military-themed atmosphere. Dubbed as being “straight out of the Cold Wars civil-defense days,” you’ll find a mystery-looking entryway complete with hazard signs. Once inside, enjoy a range of expertly crafted cocktails, wine, and beer, along with traditional bar bites such as pizza slices, hot dogs, and popcorn. The space also has arcade games and a pool table for endless hours of fun everyday from 6:00pm until late.

Antoinette's at Nouveau Monde - Sandy Hook

https://www.nouveaumondesandyhook.com/antoinettes/

Located behind Nouveau Monde, Antoinette’s offers a fun, relaxed vibe. Open from Thursday- Saturday (until 1:30am) you’ll find themed music and stunning views of the Pootatuk River on their seasonal patio as you soak in the beauty of New England. Additionally, enjoy a cocktail crafted by Gary Fiveboys, local beers on tap, or a glass of wine

Conspiracy - Middletown

https://www.conspiracyct.com/

Enjoy a selection of hand-crafted cocktails from this Middletown speakeasy. Founded in 2017, the speakeasy is known for their unique cocktails and pre-prohibition style drinks. This includes a range of seasonal cocktails, absinthe, craft beers, and bar snacks. Cocktail options include a campfire old fashioned with bourbon, smoked maple, bitters, scorched marshmallow; tea for two with spiced whiskey, stroopwafel syrup, august uncommon painted desert tea; and the Shirley Temple black with dark rum, creme de cassis, blackberry+currant syrup, lime, ginger ale, to name a few opinions. Additionally, enjoy cozy plush blue leather seating with expansion windows, live music, and a rotating selection of art.

I Know You Know - New Britain

www.ikykct.com/

This speakeasy starts with a classic adventure where you will need a code for entry. This changes daily so be sure to check out their social media pages, and/or website to enter through a bookcase. Once inside, you’ll enjoy a range of cocktails and elevated bar fare from the Soriano brothers. This includes an ode to craftsmanship and flavor in their drinks such as the clover club and tom collins, as well as gastro pub specialities such as empanadas and sliders.

Ordinary - New Haven

https://www.ordinarynewhaven.com/

Enjoy a cocktail in one of New Haven’s oldest taverns. With its dark wood and subdued lighting, this speakeasy-style bar offers a selection of tasty snacks and cocktails. Find wine, beer, non-alcoholic selections, classic cocktails and experimental drinks. You’ll also find an impressive spirit list, along with selections from their private barrel, such as Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon and New Riff Bourbon. Additionally, find wheated whiskey, bourbon, rye whiskey, Irish whiskey, Japanese whisky, scotch, and much more. Pair your libation with one of their bar snacks such as marinated olives, charcuterie & cheese boards, candied mixed nuts, and more.

1928 Cocktail Club - Branford

https://www.1928ct.com/

Founded in 2022, this cocktail club is reminiscent of a 1920s speakeasy where you will find a range of curated classic and modern cocktails and live entertainment. Enter through their facade door with a password that can be found on their website and/or on social media. The space typically fills up quickly for walk-ins so try to make a reservation when you want to visit. Cocktails include the beauty and seoul with baller whiskey, soju, lemon juice, local honey, saline, and sake or the I can buy myself flowers cocktail with silver tequila, strawberry and rose syrup, elderflower, lemon and lime juice, and egg white, to name some fun options.

196 Club - Hartford

https://www.the196club.com/

Enjoy a cocktail (or two) in this chic speakeasy. Find crafted cocktails, bar snacks, and shareable bites. Cocktails include their clever and creative drinks such as the twist cone old fashioned and strawberries and cream, as well as classics such as French 75, martinis, and more. Drinks pair well with bar bites such as marinated olives, pickle plates, bar nuts, oysters, cheese plates, and much more. The 196 Club advises to make a reservation to find out the secretive location of this chic speakeasy. They also have an upscale dress code - no  men’s tank tops or sweatpants are permitted.

J.B. Percival Co. Craft Cocktail Lounge - Fairfield

https://jbpercival.com/

Take a walk down a tucked away alley to experience this craft cocktail bar. Find wine and bubbles, draft beers, and modern and original cocktails such as lavender martini with vodka, lavender liqueur, lime juice and a touch of cranberry and the smokeshow with mezcal, four roses bourbon, vermouth, lemon agave and bitters. They also have classic cocktails such as the vesper martini and the last word, a prohibition-style cocktail served up with gin, chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and lime juice. For food pairings and small bites, try the cheese board with artisanal cheeses, the antipasto board with parmigiano-reggiano cheese, fresh mozzarella, salami, bruschetta, giardiniera, olives, and a baguette, naan pizza, and hummus plate, to name a few options. Big parties can also check out their gin bowls where you pick from an assortment of gins, mixers, and garnishes.

Dial 9 Prohibition Lounge - Southington 

www.dial9ct.com/

Enjoy a selection of tapas, wine, and cocktails at this speakeasy-style bar. This includes classics like The Black Velvetinni, a classic vodka martini; the Buffalo Boulevardier with high-end bourbon; and the French 125 made with cognac mixed with limoncello, barrel aged maple syrup, and a sparkling spritz. Pair your drink with tapas or one of their entrees such as black garbanzo hummus, scallop crudo, chicken and waffles, and their signature NOLA oyster roast.