I really, really, really wanted to love this place but I couldn't get past how expensive the cocktails are. The cocktails were good don't get me wrong, but for $25 (starting price) a cocktail, I was expecting to be blown away. The ambiance fortunately, is pretty cool and I like how small and intimate it is. They did a fantastic job with decor and the staff was very knowledgeable and courteous. What I did not care for is that they take your phones away before you enter. Sorry, no. I'm not 12, I'm an adult and if asked/required, I will keep my phone in my purse on silent and not use it during my time in your establishment. I understand having a no phone policy, but I'm not handing my $1,100.00 iPhone over to a stranger. Fortunately, I knew about this policy beforehand and left my phone at home. Oh the irony of a speakeasy having such hard rules, but I digress. read more

Likely the worst experience I have had at a bar in years. For $25/cocktail, I think you should be able to expect your server to check on you in the span of an hour, especially when your party has four empty drinks for over half an hour. I would also expect an A+ version of a cocktail for $25, and we all got solid B versions. I also expect significantly more creative cocktails at a place that markets themselves as such a premium establishment and at this price point. By the standards of speakeasies I have enjoyed--Noble Experiment and False Idol in San Diego, Midnight Cowboy in Austin, the space was bland and uninteresting. If you want a flight of rare liquors, I could perhaps see the appeal, but be prepared to pay $150-300 for a typical 3 oz tequila flight. read more

Pablo, who's in charge of reservations and escorting guests into the speakeasy, has an off-putting personality. He doesn't belong in hospitality, and managed to leave a bad taste in our mouths before we were even in the door. He was extremely uptight the entire time he dealt with our party, and demonstrated that he's the type of guy who always needs to be right, and *always* needs to have the last word. Very odd choice to be the face of an establishment like this. Once in, you realize the space lacks any real originality, or fun energy. They have an impressive selection of alcohol, but there are a million cooler places to patronize -- don't bother with this one. read more

Came here with a girl and it's sad to say it disappointed after all the hype I read. What really turned me off was the decor. There's classic decor and then there's just plain old and outdated decor. Unfortunately, it wasn't classic. It reminded me of my friends home made bar in Burbank built in the 1940s without any renovations. Drink prices are pretty steep considering the poor ambience. The bar is literally smaller than my living room. Ramos fizz was a hit, but my girl's julep was literally 90% ice. They charge 20 and up for a drink. Let's just say it's not my cup of tea. To me, ambience means everything... which this place completely lacked. Service staff was nice and friendly, I just think the bar was a poor concept especially for demanding that kind price points for drinks read more

Very Attentive Bartenders. Took my out of my comfort zone but it was well worth it. If you have a chance, please visit, you wont be disappointed read more

Amazing bar with the best selection of rare whiskey and bourbon bottles. Make sure you tip well at the bar, because Gus will go above and beyond to make your drink and give you the best presentation. read more

What an experience! Gus was AWESOME and taught us so much about the flights we ordered. The drinks were all so good and the selection was mind blowing. 10/10 experience and would highly recommend! read more

Egg white drinks yessss!!! Server amber was a star and only complaint music a bit loud but we are not twentysomethings:) I'd love to come back hungrier.Tiki inspired cocktails were tasty and whimsical. We will be back! read more

Love a good speak easy ! Great place to have a quiet drink or work meeting . Close to our place to in Venice so it's perfect

Okay, where do I start. Yes, you absolutely need a reservation. Yes, they take away your phone to keep the secrecy/exclusivity intact. Yes, the drinks are really worth every penny! If you're celebrating something or have friends in town or just want an amazing cocktail - this is your spot! It's beautiful inside and feels like you've been transported to Miami. The decorator hired did an amazing job of putting you into the vacay mindset. While this place is small, they do a good job of ensuring everyone has a seat or dedicated area. I'd recommend making a reservation as late as you can. There's a magical thing that happens when it empties out. You get a chance to talk to the bartenders and really take in the venue. read more

Killer Spot! What a hidden gem! I recommend customizing a flight of your favorite spirit or spirits.

i found out about old lightning through a friend at work who was looking for a small and more exclusive place to host client drinks. i decided to make a 9p reservation for my bf and i to do some "research" since i'd never heard of this speakeasy. you check in at scopa, though this is an entirely separate entity. the room itself only holds about 25 people at a time. the drinks range in price from about $18-25 each and are absolutely delicious. the only thing both my bf and i disliked was the hostess's attitude. it was more of a "haughty arrogance" and we were both turned off. the bartender/mixologist, on the other hand, was fantastic. read more

I had a great time at this place. Our server, Kaitlyn, and our host Ben were amazing. Kaitlyn helped get us into the speakeasy and Ben ensured we had a great time. The drinks were amazing and unique. They only allow a limited amount of guests at a time so it's a great place to sit with friends and have drinks and actually be able to have a conversation. Two thumbs up for this place. Will definitely come back! read more

A bar with amazing selection of spirits for flight tastings, and cocktails that are very balanced and well crafted. The best part might be that they take your cell phones so no photos, no selfies, no posting to social media! You actually have to have a conversation with the people you are with and enjoy your drinks!! Love it! Can't wait to go back!! read more

Such a hidden gem of a speakeasy. Really fun and tropical inside with a nice touch of class. Drinks arethough the variety of cocktails are a little overwhelming. No phones allowed! It may be hard to get rsvps though we came on a Wednesday night and it wasn't crowded at all. read more

A really cool spot, but definitely a little fancy! I really like the cocktails I got (all egg white inspired) - they were great twists on classic cocktails and were really good. Unfortunately my boyfriend felt his cocktails (the tiki inspired ones) were sort of basic for the price we were paying. Still good, just maybe not worth the hype. We were also with someone who prefers beer and they have zero beer or wine which we didn't realize, so just keep in mind based on the crowd you are going with. Still a really cool vibe and cool experience so I am glad we tried it! read more

Maybe one of the most unique speakeasy bars I've encountered. We were lucky enough to gain entry from the tall Frenchman at the host station after a fabulous early dinner on a Wednesday evening. It lives up to the hype with a no cellphone policy, trade in your phone for a playing card. I couldn't imagine gaining access on a prime time without a reservation or special connection. A wonderful breadth and depth of libations offered in this throwback setting with some of the best selections of rum, tequila and whiskey dating from early 1900's to recent releases. Good luck and if you make it in, it surely won't disappoint! read more

One of my favorite bars in the city. It's reservation only and when you go in, you get why. Small and intimate, with beautiful decor and an amazing list of drinks. Also no cell phones. Pure relaxation when you're in there. read more

One of the only true speakeasies on the westside. With over a thousand spirits to choose from, you will nothing short of impressed by the knowledge and craftsmanship of these seasoned bartenders concocting and selecting the perfect flavor for your mood and taste. I highly recommend coming here for a classy gathering or just a small group who really appreciates an old fashioned style adult beverage from a time when things were elegant and simple. read more

Great spot. Hard to find but well worth it. Gus is the most knowledgeable kind human I've come across in a minute. French Bart prettty nice as well. Do yourself a favor and check it out. Unmatched selection and great service. read more

Love love love this place!! Such a cute and chill place with friendly bartenders and staff! I loved the fact that they take away your phone before you even go in, nice to see people having real conversations! The drinks are yummy and kinda pricey about $18-$24 each. I would definitely recommend this place! read more

Waited a while for our food but when we got it... delicious. Will be back. Great service. Great atmosphere. Friendly staff. Good place to grab a quick drink as well read more

There's definitely a coolness factor here because it's hidden and pretty unknown. My friend had a connection so we got a reservation easily which was awesome. They take your phone before getting inside ( sorry no pics!) and it's a quiet, classy bar. It feels cozy and the people who work there are super personal. The vibe is hollywood regency, with Palm Springs-y tropical drinks on the menu and mid century decor to the max. The drinks are great. The ones we ordered were served in retro tiki vessels with a little bowl of snacks. Fun! Recommend! read more

What can I say. The local hidden gem. I like the no phone policy. I had to update my status in the restaurant abOve. Great drinks a little pricey. But finest liquor in all of Venice. If you don't love this place your probably from the Valley read more

I took my boyfriend here for his birthday and he was floored!! Great date spot...I looked very cool for picking it. The drink menu is a full on book so there is a drink for everyone and the bartenders are super knowledgeable...the had the bourbon gun club which I've had on multiple visits now because I can't get enough read more

Super cool venue with wonderful bartenders. If you're looking for a place that knows how to make a drink and love Mixology, this place is for you. read more

The first rule of Old Lightning is... don't talk about Old Lightning. The second rule... d'oh!

So thankful for a friend reminding me of this place that I've had on my list since it opened. No cell phone policy means no photos to share. If you love cocktails, you'll love this place. Decor is mad men meets chic bachelor pad living room. They boast 89 (If I recall correctly) cocktails. And I was obsessed with all the Yamazaki whiskeys they had. I asked for a spicy cocktail with whiskey and I got a concoction that was wonderful. You need to make a reservation and be escorted to the door on the side of Scopa. It's not a cheezy scene and yet it's trendy and comfortable. Will definitely be back. read more

Pretty cool. Enter through the all black wall and fork over your phone for a playing card. I was hoping for the ace of spades but just got an old faded one. We sat at the bar and were handed a book with over 90+ cocktails. Good mints in the bathroom, but the small room wasn't that interesting or dark enough for my kind of speak easy. read more

Great cocktails properly made with love in a great little spot. Hundreds of spirits to try and a wide variety of drinks. I love a spot that's really well thought out but still laid back. read more

Cool spot for a pre or post-dinner drink. Nice selection of bourbons, whiskeys and other potent potables. Small and intimate space with knowledgeable bartenders. Dont come here if you think your going to look at your phone all night...they confiscate them at the door. read more

The place you want to be. Intimate, fun, a place where you can look someone in the eye and they aren't looking over your shoulder to see who just came in, or down to their pocket to see who just texted. It's an incredible place. Now don't go ruining it, yelpers. read more

Don't go here. I wish this site would let me leave zero stars. I made a reservation to take friends I had in town after our dinner at Scopa. I had the reservation response in writing via email, as instructed to on the website. When it was time to take us downstairs we were told to go to the hostess stand. Then the woman told us she knew nothing about our reservation. I showed her my confirmation, which she had. She said no one put it in. They didn't accommodate us or even apologize. We had to ask for a free drink at the Scopa bar. This was after we spent $500 on dinner. I emailed back the next day and never heard a response. I loved Scopa and would go for special occasions. This experience left me embarrassed when hosting friends and sickened by the customer service. I will never go to either place or recommend either again. read more

I had a wonderful, relaxed time here with my boyfriend. We made reservations the night before for 9:00. At 8:53, we were let in. They do check your phones at the door, which really added to the atmosphere. There was no bright blue light anywhere inside---just all warm lighting. It was cozy. The service was really good despite the fact that I reserved for a table until 11:00, and we initially were seated at the bar. I asked the hostess about a table, and she apologized and cleared one for us. At about 10:30, we were notified that there was a mixup, and people were to be seated at our table soon. When I (somewhat buzzed) asked, "But we have the table until 11, right?" The bar back said, "Yes, that's right. Sorry about the mixup. I'm going to leave your check here for when you're ready." Overall, it was a great experience. If you like hard drinks, try to let that go while you're here. You're paying for the experience, not for extra boozy drinks. read more

I visited this lovely place for a work xmas party before our dinner next door at Scopa. I LOVED it here.... It's kind of a Mad Men-era time warp with no clocks and no cell phones allowed. The drinks are divine, complete with vintage drinking vessels of all kinds and very, very talented mixologists. Drinks are a bit pricey ($18+), but so worth it! Cannot wait to return. I've been raving about Old Lightning to EVERYONE! :) read more

Loved the hidden speakeasy vibe and insanely curated drink menu. One of the best bar experiences I've had. And...they have a $1,400 glass (yes, a GLASS) of whiskey. read more

Great small bar. Intimate with a great no cell phone policy! Amazing selection of whisky and bourbon. Bartenders were great.

What an experience! They were very welcoming in helping us surprise my husband. This place has higher price cocktails but they are on the higher end of the type of liquor they serve. We had an amazing time. The look, the feel, the staff... Great job! They do take your phone right when you walk in but, I love that. I know it's so you can't snap a pic but it really makes people have to talk and connect. read more

Wow!!! I have never felt compelled to write a review for a restaurant or bar good or bad but this is the exception. First, I have never seen such a selection fine of alcohol in one bar. It is truly a sight to behold. Every single bottle seems to be a vintage!!! Second, the cocktails are fantastic. I recommend letting the bartender know what you are in the mood for and let them pick something for you. You will be in for a treat. Lastly, try and sit at the bar so you can ask questions because there knowledge seems to be second to none. This is really the best cocktail bar I have ever been in! read more

Great drinks. They seemed very particular about where you sat if you don't see a host. You can stand but only sit on one side of the bar. You have to order dinner from the menu if you want to sit on that side of the bar. No "drinks only" bar seating. read more