Secret bars in Los Angeles can feel like a maze. This tour gives you the map and the momentum, with three carefully picked speakeasies in one fun night out. I love the mix of styles, from old-school Old Hollywood mood to a dance-friendly DJ stop, and I also like that drinking is optional so you can still enjoy the night even if you skip alcohol. One thing to consider: it runs at 8:00 pm and it’s a nightlife setting, so you’ll want to plan for nightclub attire and a valid ID.

You’ll meet at LA Fitness (1628 N El Centro Ave, Los Angeles) and then head out on a guided route timed for peak evening energy. The group stays small, up to 20 people, so it doesn’t feel like a cattle-car crawl. Still, the pace does involve some walking and standing, so a moderate fitness level helps.

Guides like Victoria and Avissh are part of what people remember most. They make the night feel friendly and VIP-ish, with stories tied to each venue and a smooth flow between stops. Just remember: you’re paying for access and guidance, not a bar-bargain deal, so it’s best when you want a full, planned night rather than wandering solo.

Key things that make this LA bar crawl work

• Three distinct speakeasy vibes in about three hours, so you get variety instead of repeating the same kind of room
• Nightlife built for groups: birthdays, anniversaries, date nights, and corporate teams all fit the tone
• Drinking is optional, which means you can enjoy music, atmosphere, and social energy without feeling pressured
• Small group size (max 20) helps keep the pace from turning chaotic
• A guide-led experience that makes it easier to find places you would likely miss on your own

The simple pitch: what this tour actually gives you

This is a classic LA nightlife concept, but with a practical structure: you start in one place, hit three speakeasies, and finish back where you started. The point isn’t just to drink. It’s to see how LA’s secret-bar scene changes from one room to the next, and to get in without the stress of hunting down clues all night.

You can also treat it like a social event. Even if you’re not focused on cocktail craft, you’ll still be spending the evening in curated environments: swanky lounge energy, a DJ-spinning bar with movement, and a final stop with a Latin vibe inspired by Havana, Cuba.

The “highest rated” claim is always marketing, but the real value here is the format. One guide, three venues, a set route, and a group size that keeps you from losing track of where you’re supposed to be.

Price and value: is $159 a fair trade for a planned night?

At $159 per person, you’re paying for access, timing, and someone else doing the logistics. This isn’t the kind of tour where you do one or two stops and call it a day. You’re getting a full evening rhythm: gather at 8:00 pm, spend time at each venue, and end back at the meeting point.

Is it worth it? For me, it usually comes down to two questions:

1. Do you want the secret-bar convenience that saves you hours of “Are we in the right place?”?
2. Do you want a guide to connect the dots between venues, so each stop feels like part of a story instead of random nightlife?

If you’re coming with friends who can commit to a night out, the cost makes more sense because you’re getting a structured experience you can’t easily replicate without research and luck. Also, the reviews highlight VIP treatment in some bars, which can help explain why the price doesn’t feel totally random once you’re in the flow.

One note: since drinking is optional, your experience value isn’t tied only to what you order. Atmosphere, music, and how the group moves through the night still matter.

Meeting point at 8:00 pm: how to show up prepared

The tour starts at 8:00 pm at LA Fitness, 1628 N El Centro Ave (Los Angeles). Being close to public transportation is a genuine plus in LA, where driving can add stress. You’re also near a “real world” meeting spot, which is handy when you’re trying to meet up with a group before your night gets loud.

Dress code is a big deal here. The experience specifies nightclub attire and a valid ID. That tells you the venues likely have a no-gym-shoes vibe. So I’d plan like you’re going out for dinner-then-drinks, not like you’re popping into a casual bar.

Moderate physical fitness is also mentioned. Translation: expect walking and standing between locations. It’s not a hike, but you won’t want to wear shoes you regret after an hour on concrete.

Also, it uses a mobile ticket. Make sure your phone is charged and your ticket is accessible before you arrive.

Stop one: Old Hollywood elegance and art-deco style rooms

The first stop sets the tone. You’re stepping into a speakeasy world with an atmosphere that can feel like 1920s Old Hollywood, plus lounge-style sophistication. This is where the “secret” factor usually matters most: unassuming facades, doorways that don’t look like much from the outside, and an interior that feels like you’ve suddenly moved into another era.

This is the part of the night that’s great for people who want:

• a calm moment to settle in,
• cocktails with intention (even if you just do one),
• and a vibe where conversation actually happens.

A practical tip: this is where you should start paying attention to how the room works. Notice the lighting, where people cluster, and how the music levels shift. If the night later turns more energetic, you’ll already feel oriented.

The possible drawback at this stage is also pretty typical: lounge-first nights can mean you arrive when the room is still finding its rhythm. If you’re the type who likes instant party energy, you may want to treat this stop as the warm-up, not the main event.

Stop two: circus-themed energy and a DJ-spinning bar

Then the tour turns louder and more physical. The highlight mentions a circus-themed DJ-spinning bar, and that’s exactly the kind of contrast that makes this crawl fun instead of repetitive.

This stop is for the people who want their nightlife to have a pulse. Expect a room where the soundtrack matters, and where you’re more likely to move with the crowd. It’s also a good fit for groups celebrating something, because this is the point where photos and shared reactions happen naturally.

What I like about this middle stop is how it balances the first lounge vibe. Instead of going from one cocktail room to another cocktail room, you get a change in energy. That makes the third venue feel like a finale rather than a repeat.

One consideration: if you’re not into louder music, you’ll still be able to enjoy the vibe, but you may want to plan for the reality that this isn’t a sit-and-sip-only environment. Think of it as the “let your hair down” stop.

Final stop: a Havana, Cuba-inspired Latin bar where you can linger

The last stop is described as a Latino bar with a Havana, Cuba vibe. This is a smart choice for a finale because it gives the night a warm, social atmosphere. The structure also says you can stay at the last location until you’re ready to head home, which is a key detail.

That time flexibility matters more than it sounds. A lot of bar tours feel like a schedule treadmill. Here, the final stop gives you a chance to slow down. If you’re having a good conversation or the music hits right, you can stay a bit longer without feeling like you’re being rushed out at every turn.

I’d treat this stop like your chance to decide how your night ends. If you want another drink, it’s there. If you want to switch to non-alcoholic options, you still get the music and atmosphere. And if you’re done, you can wrap up when you’re ready.

The drawback: because it’s the final stop with a “linger” element, some people might lose track of time if they’re chatting too long. Keep an eye on your group so you’re not surprised when it’s time to return.

Guides make the difference: Victoria and Avissh energy

A good nightlife guide does two jobs. First, they help you get into places you’d likely struggle to find alone. Second, they add context so you’re not just walking into rooms, ordering drinks, and leaving.

The reviews emphasize that guides like Victoria can be attentive and make sure the whole group is having fun, with something special to say about each place. Another review mentions Avissh delivering a night that exceeded expectations. Even without knowing every behind-the-scenes detail, you can feel what this means in practice: the guide role here isn’t just route management. It’s keeping the social energy moving and helping you appreciate what you’re seeing.

You’ll also likely experience a more welcoming vibe than you’d get if you wandered in cold. The reviews specifically mention VIP treatment in some bars, which fits the overall theme of feeling like you’ve got a shortcut to the city’s nightlife layer.

Who this is best for (and who might not love it)

This tour is built for people who want a planned, fun night without researching hidden entrances for weeks. It’s a solid fit for:

• date nights (one plan, three atmospheres, and no awkward deciding where to go),
• birthdays and anniversaries (a ready-made structure for celebrating),
• bachelorette-style groups (social flow and a guide to keep it easy),
• corporate teams (a shared itinerary that’s still social).

It’s also explicitly welcoming to non-drinkers, which makes it a good choice if your group includes mixed preferences. If someone wants mocktails or just the music and vibe, they won’t be the odd one out.

Who might hesitate: if you hate crowds, dislike loud music, or want total control over every decision, a guided crawl may feel like less freedom. Also, if you don’t have the right ID or you refuse nightclub attire, you could run into entry friction.

Small group size: why 20 people matters more than you think

Maximum group size is listed at 20 travelers. That number isn’t just a trivia fact. It affects your night in real ways:

• You can actually hear the guide.
• You’re less likely to get separated.
• The pace stays consistent.
• People have time to feel included rather than just tagged along.

This tour is around three hours, so you don’t want long waits. A small group makes it more likely the timeline feels like a smooth night out instead of “meet, walk, wait, repeat.”

Timing and weather: why an 8:00 pm plan needs backup

It starts at 8:00 pm, and the experience notes it requires good weather. LA can still be unpredictable, and nightlife plans are easier when travel between bars is comfortable. If weather gets bad, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

So before you commit, ask yourself one simple question: do you have enough flexibility to adjust if the tour needs to move? If yes, you’ll likely enjoy the experience a lot more because you won’t feel annoyed if the sky changes plans.

The bottom line: should you book LA Hidden Bars and Speakeasy Experience?

If you want an easy way to experience LA’s secret bar scene with a clear plan, this is a strong pick. The value comes from the combination of three distinct speakeasy-style stops, a small group, and a guide-led flow that helps you feel like you belong once you’re inside.

Book it if:

• you want a fun, social night with built-in variety,
• you like cocktails but don’t want to stress about finding the right places,
• you’re celebrating something and want the night to feel special from start to finish.

Skip it if:

• you want a totally self-guided night with zero structure,
• you’re not comfortable with nightclub attire and ID checks,
• loud music and standing are deal-breakers for you.

FAQ

How long is the LA Hidden Bars and Speakeasy Experience?

It lasts about 3 hours.

How many speakeasies will we visit?

You’ll visit three speakeasies.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 pm.

Where do we meet, and do we return there?

You meet at LA Fitness, 1628 N El Centro Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?

Yes. Non-drinkers are welcome, and the tour is designed so drinking is optional.

What should I wear, and do I need ID?

Nightclub attire and a valid ID are required.

Is it a small group tour?

Yes. The experience has a maximum of 20 people.

What ticket method is used?

It uses a mobile ticket.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, it won’t be refunded.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

The Beverly Hills Segway TourLos Angeles #1: Luxury Boat Cruise-Wine, Cheese & Sea LionsCalifornia Beach Towns and Celebrity Homes Private Flexible TourDiscover LA in a Classic Cadillac Eldorado