1 What do you know about Speakeasy bar?
Speakeasy bar (or Hidden bar) is a type of secret bar known to customers through word of mouth. This type usually has no signs or advertising information and is hidden in unique locations such as behind doors, bookshelves, in the basement, deep in alleys… sometimes requiring a password to enter.
The Speakeasy bar model originated in the United States between 1919 and 1930, when the government issued a series of bans on the sale of alcohol and alcoholic beverages. To continue to exist, a large number of bars in New York have suspended all promotional activities and switched to a closed business style.
Most Speakeasies are limited in the number of guests, but this has created a complete difference in both the quality of drinks, sound and space compared to the mainstream. Safety, quiet and seclusion have turned Speakeasy bar into an ideal place to enjoy the bartender’s dedicated drink. At the same time, it brings a very different aspect of the hustle and bustle of the nightlife industry.
2 Top 6 Speakeasy style bars in Saigon
2.1 The ATM Cocktail Bar & Kitchen
Address: 10/27 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Business hours: 17:00 – 00:00 Monday – Thursday | 17:00 – 00:00 Friday, Saturday | Sunday off
The ATM Cocktail Bar & Kitchen is located in a small alley in the busiest area of District 1, hidden behind a door like an old ATM that has stopped working. As soon as you push the door in, you will be overwhelmed by the space filled with classic wooden furniture, catchy Jazz music and the attractive aroma of dishes.
If you don’t know which drink to choose from the menu, Vietnamtravelio suggests you try Spicy Margarita or Gin Fizz – basic dishes but leaving a quite complete experience for the first time enjoying. In addition, don’t forget to experience the factor that makes The ATM Cocktail Bar & Kitchen famous, which is the diverse menu of dishes from Vietnamese to Western cuisine.
The space of The ATM Cocktail Bar & Kitchen is filled with classic wooden furniture
2.2 Tamarind Hidden Cocktail Bar
Address: 2nd Floor, 33 Nguyen Trung Truc, Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Business hours: 17:00 – 1:00 every day of the week
Tamarind Hidden Cocktail Bar is also known by another name: Me – Drink and Chill. This is a small, cozy Speakeasy bar located on the 2nd floor of an apartment building, outside hangs a small sign that is somewhat mysterious compared to the Vi Da restaurant next door, which is always crowded.
Tamarind’s space is decorated with romantic yellow lights, candles and wine bottles placed right behind the bar, creating a classic, harmonious feeling. If you choose to sit at the counter, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the professional and skillful mixing process of the bartender to create strange drinks from taste to appearance.
If you sit at the bar, you will have the opportunity to observe bartender Tamarind’s skillful mixing techniques
Tamarind has a variety of signature cocktails made from Vodka/Rum or Agave (Tequila) for you to enjoy while listening to live music. Also serves non-alcoholic drinks made from soda or light ale. Some dishes suitable for sipping with wine here will have reference prices from 80,000 – 350,000 VND.
2.3 CLIMB – Hidden Cocktails Bar
Address: Floor 2-3, 15 Phan Van Dat, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Business hours: 18:00 – 1:00 every day of the week
CLIMB is one of the leading names in Bespoke and is known as the first Hidden bar in Saigon. In 2022, this Speakeasy style bar reached the top 5 most popular best bars and top 8 World Class Vietnam.
To chill here, you will have to go deep into the old apartment complex, pass through houses and look for a door that resembles a wine vending machine. The interior space with seating corners and layout creates a feeling of perfect contrast to the outside. Under subtle sound and lighting, CLIMB provides a truly private place for groups of friends to chat and confide.
Each corner of Speakeasy bar CLIMB shows its own sophistication and interest
The menu of this Speakeasy bar has a variety of dishes, from drinks such as mocktails, cocktails, expensive mixed wines to snacks such as steak, fries, tapas… In particular, the bartender team here always knows how to conquer diners with professional bartending skills and a friendly, enthusiastic attitude.
2.4 Firkin Bar
Address: 1st Floor, 20 Mac Thi Buoi, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Business hours: 18:00 – 00:00 every day of the week
Firkin Bar is located on the first floor of an old house, hidden behind a door with only the letter “f” on matte black paint. If you only look from the outside, it is difficult to imagine a Speakeasy bar space with high shelves filled with high-end wine, surrounded by green walls decorated with countless photo frames.
Firkin’s drink menu has a variety of dishes. But the most impressive ones are Whiskey Sour, Formula 20, Rye’s Up and Bronze Bullet with flavors specifically for the confiding atmosphere. The sophistication does not stop at the drinks but also comes from the seating arrangement and space layout with 2 service areas: indoor and outdoor.
Firkin Bar’s drink menu has a variety of professionally mixed dishes
2.5 Rabbit Hole
Address: Basement, 138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Business hours: 18:00 – 2:00 every day of the week
Just hearing the name is enough to feel the rarity of this Speakeasy bar. Rabbit Hole is located in the basement with a fairly closed staircase leading down to the door. The menu here includes a variety of Western wines, classic and typical cocktails with reference prices from 200,000 VND. A unique drink to try when coming to Rabbit Hole is The Mad Hatter.
Rabbit Hole’s space has a Speakeasy feel with gentle lighting, private, discreet red velvet curtains and an attention-grabbing wine display counter. Along with that, live Jazz music performances are held almost every week here, bringing a relaxing classic atmosphere.
Rabbit Hole has a Speakeasy-style space with yellow lights and red velvet curtains
2.6 Irusu Lounge
Address: 57 Nguyen Du, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Business hours: 17:00 – 00:00 every day of the week
In Japanese, “Irusu” describes the state of hearing a knock on the door but wanting to pretend there is no one inside. This shows the mystery and uniqueness of this Speakeasy bar.
On the first floor of Irusu Lounge, you can find classical music records and photos of Yakuza tattoos imbued with Japanese culture. The space here includes many service areas, the most popular is the terrace with views of the church.
Irusu Lounge is curious from the name to the pictures of Yakuza tattoos hanging on the wall
When we think of Japan, we think of Sake, but in Irusu there is even more variety of drinks than that. Coming here on the weekend, you can choose between Irusu cocktails, full-bottle wine such as Rum, Tequila, Vodka… Along with a rich tapas menu to enhance the flavor of the drink. Bringing a space Enjoying a drink separate from the hustle and bustle of the city, that’s how Speakeasy bar has become a favorite stop for anyone who has ever been here, even tourists. Save the top 6 Speakeasy bars in Saigon for slow weekends.
