So came down to San Diego to celebrate my brother birthday and we decided to take a whiskey class with our ladies. So we found that Prohibition offers a whiskey class where you can make drinks yourself. Met the owner Ryan who is the owner of Prohibition Whiskey and he told us the story about how he started the business and we connected because he was from Oakland. From that moment it was on and poppin. The vibes of the class was great and conversations along with the drinks were flowing. We ended the night by making an espresso martini made with whiskey and it was amazing. Plus it was dope that I got to make the drink myself. Can't wait to come back to San Diego to patron this establishment read more

Prohibition - Prohibition Whiskey Class - Welcome Drink - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

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I went to Prohibition when I was attending a conference at the Convention Center, so I think my experience is a little different. A sponsor had rented out the whole place and all drinks were comped with food being passed around. We had cuban sandwiches and empanadas, which I think were all from the Havana restaurant upstairs. Food was great! Drinks were good, but the menu was so confusing to me. I didn't really like how they categorized them. Sometimes I feel like just being straightforward is better. Too cute with trying to do the prohibition/speakeasy menu. It did take a while to get drinks when it was packed. Understandable. But I had a few that were good, the boats and hoes, and keffir lime tequila drink were great. I would say that the bathroom had a bit of a stink to it...not sure what it was but smelled just like coming up from the pipes. May just be a basement issue. Overall, good experience. It didn't feel super special but just like any other speakeasy. I like False Idol better in terms of overall vibe. read more

I am writing this review to bring a serious safety and security issue to management's attention. On May 18th. around 10pm, I was at this establishment and was unfortunately dealing with a male date who became erratic, weird, and made me feel unsafe. Multiple bystanders witnessed his behavior but failed to intervene, assuming it was just "relationship drama" After the man finally left, the venue's security completely misread the situation. Instead of checking on my well-being or ensuring the aggressor had left the premises, security targeted and chased me as if I were the problem. It is incredibly disappointing and dangerous for a business's security team to lack the basic situational awareness and training required to identify the actual victim in a situation. I felt entirely unprotected by the staff here. I hope management takes this as a serious sign that their security team needs immediate retraining on bystander intervention and de-escalation, rather than harassing women who are already in vulnerable situations. read more

The live band "Fiore" was SO GOOD, Sunday night. This bar is tiny but mighty. Accommodating to ~50-70 people and we brought all our customers during a conference. Everyone kept talking about how much fun we had with the live band playing some bangers and classics!! We came back the next day to super slow jazz jams (I'm aware it was a Monday) but we were hoping for the other band again HA! Great service by Kiana? Tiana? Bartender was lovely. Would come back and am saving this place! read more

It was a surprise for my bday. Real nice vibe. It was like a meet and greet for the creators of Prohibition Whiskey. They made us three drinks and we got to make one ourselves. Plus you get a bottle at the end of the event. The whiskey is so smooth!! Shout out to Ryan! He was great and plus he from Oakland! read more

Prohibition - Behind the bar making a drink - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

I had never been to an underground bar before. I expected more of a speakeasy vibe, but it didn't quite feel like one especially with a security guard right outside the entrance, which made it seem less hidden or exclusive. There's a cover charge, though I'm not exactly sure how much it is. Once inside, the performance stage is to the left, while the bar and restrooms are off to the right as you go down the stairs. Drinks are pricey--starting around $30, maybe even closer to $35. For just two drinks, we ended up paying $71, which was definitely surprising. Seating is pretty limited, so expect to be standing for most of your visit. I might come back again, but probably skip the drinks next time. read more

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I decided to try on a Friday night with my husband as we heard this was the place to check out. Stood in line & the bouncer was very nice. Once we got inside it took almost 15 minutes to get drinks & it was really hot!! Staff was nice once they waited on us. But limited seating & some of the patrons were jerks! I'd maybe go back again. read more

I wanted to like this place so much- and there were really good things about it. Bartenders were great. They don't have vodka-staying true to the prohibition era, or something like that. But the bartender made me a delicious drink for me! We waited outside for about 20 minutes to get in then were surprised at the bottom of the stairs by a gal collecting a cover charge. Shortly after we got in the musician ended her set -we heard half a song. She was good and I would have liked to hear more. For the next hour we watched band members "mozie" in and start setting up. After an hour we had to be somewhere else so we left without enjoying any music. We asked for our cover back, got lip from the gal collecting money and she told us to talk with the manager. The manager was very sweet and happily gave us our money back and apologized for the long delay between musicians. It was just a bummer to have to go through all of that. It's not worth the hype. A better bet would be to go to the Havana restaurant/bar next to it and just enjoy! Totally overrated -not worth it read more

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This is underground speakeasy that locals are raving you must go! So we did, it is in the basement and it is dark and dingy. If you like the overwhelming smell of mariujana this is your place. As I was walking down that is all you can smell. Drinks: overpriced for the vibe and drinks are horrible! The place opened and the band was still setting up and informed the audience it would be another hour. We left. read more

This is my first experience of the San Diego nightlife and I was extremely impressed! Stumbled upon this speakeasy/underground lounge in the Gaslamp Quarters. Great musicians. Cool, innovative cocktail menu. Mixed crowd. Mood lighting. I can see this being okay for date night as a lot of couples were present when I visited. Only setbacks were the lack of network availability and no Wifi. Also limited seating but a lot of standing room near the band set-up. read more

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As I approached the old law office, we found a line wrapped outside ensuring ID was confirmed prior to entry. Our group was surprised as is was 2115, it's been open for about an hour and a half and packed. As you enter this old law office down a staircase one would find the "speakeasy statutes/rules" to maintain the 1920s atmosphere-- we loved the setting, the people, the drinks, and of course the live music!! One would not be disappointed. The cocktail menu was on an old record, which I thought it was so clever. Back to the rules, seems pretty easy! They mention to keep an open mind with the drinks as they do not carry vodkas, redbull, Budweiser or bulls**t. Mentioned a dresscode, more so be classic and states be respectful and don't be a di*k. I couldn't agree more with the rules. I don't think there is good at this establishment, as our group just came from dinner I wasn't looking for food. Just spirits, live music and a good time. Highly recommend if you are looking for live music and uniquely crafted cocktails. read more

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It's a Saturday night and nestled between The Field and Havana 1920 is a door that reads "Law Office" with a decent line coming out of it (so much for hidden speakeasy). Allegedly, this place is a chic and immersive 1920s establishment with an encouraged dress code... all I'll say is the bouncer in the Hawaiian shirt told me everything I needed to know. Show up in anything but jeans and you'll stick out like a sore thumb in the sea of casual attire. And, yes, it was a sea. It's a very small, intimate place which means it can fill up pretty quickly, and it does! Be prepared for crowds, be prepared for heat and stuffiness, and last, but certainly not least, be prepared for the cash only $10 cover charge. The glow of an ATM at the bottom of the stairs will be sure to guide you if you forget that last part. The band that was scheduled to perform was a no-show, which meant that there was no live music until about 11 PM. Pretty disappointing considering live music is one of the big draws of this place. The back-up band played covers of hits old and new, tragically not very jazzy or blues-y, and took a break after about 30 minutes leaving us back right where we started. There's one redeeming quality about this place, the drinks are pretty tasty. There's a wide selection of interesting and unique cocktails and for a whopping $18 you can try one for yourself! I sipped on the Oren Ishii, a purple, lemon-y, Ube flavored drink that gave me a good buzz and wasn't too harsh on the tastebuds. I wanted to like this place so bad, in theory it's a great concept! But the vibe was off... and no amount of ornamental ceiling tiles or red light could soothe my soul. Disappointing :( read more

Prohibition - Oren Ishii Drink - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Wow, what a fine! Actually, I can't say I found it because I was brought here the first time, but I was able to find it again the next night, which made me look like a superstar. This is a fantastic speakeasy style cocktail bar with a super creative and extremely large menu, wonderfully personable bartenders, who, despite the very loud noise in the bar space can communicate somewhat effectively with customers across the bar and they're super knowledgeable about the menu and are able to guide you to a great choice. I really liked the record shaped menu and how it was organized by Bass spirit. By simply letting them know which spirit I prefer, they were able to guide me towards the section of the menu because admittedly it is a bit dark in the space and from there, I was able to ask certain questions about each cocktail which led me to find some excellent choices. The first night I went with an old-fashioned, but I called a PD scotch instead of the typical bourbon or rye that is used in it and it was a fantastic drink. The next night we had hoped to experiment with the Casazza side of the menu, but apparently they were out of that spirit and instead we're substituting a super cool earthy, mushroom infused rum, which I happen to have it at home, so I was excited to see it in the cocktails and voided it shine. The second night was a bit more low-key and less people so we were able to sit and enjoy the music and they had a great trio crooning to the crowd. The dim lighting wall cool is still a little bit difficult because it makes reading the menu hard and then the low ceilings and speakeasy vibe is also cool but again makes speaking and hearing a bit difficult when the bar is crowded so those are my only pieces of feedback to share. Otherwise a great space great staff great drinks and a great spot you should visit. read more

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I've never been so conflicted on a review. Very much pros and cons. Cool atmosphere, very chill place and I loved the vibes. However, Totally unexpected $20 cover charge for my wife and me after waiting to get in. Waited FOREVER to get a drink. That said the old fashioneds we got were incredible. Not much seating. Found a spot but some young 20 year old told my almost 50 year old me and wife we couldn't sit cause they're friends were coming (who didn't come until we were almost done and gone.) I understand this isn't the bars fault but it annoyed me big time. The music was good, the drinks were good, the vibes were good. But the drinks (and cover charge) were very expensive and then no place to sit after being on my feet all day sucked. Anyway I guess bottom line is if you're young you'll probably love it, if not, be warned of the negatives. read more

Great music every night! The Jazz Jam is fantastic! The musicians that play here have so much talent. Dancing. Singing. Great drinks. read more

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The outside looks like a law office. But there is a bouncer at the door. Once you head downstairs there is seating around the dance floor and a live band was playing. We just had a glass of wine but there were a lot of fun cocktails to choose from. Fun spot! read more

Stopped by for a cocktail during my trip to SD. I went on a Thursday night and they didn't have a wait so it was great! it wasnt too full so we found a nice seat to enjoy the band playing I got the Rosemary's Second Cousin and the Newark Sour. Drinks seemed a little pricey for the selection/quality but Im assuming youre also paying for the speakeasy experience :) read more

Prohibition - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Set up like a hidden underground speakeasy, this tiny little jazz bar featured a truly terrific jazz ensemble, super friendly and talented bar staff, a perfect low-light cozy ambience, and wildly creative cocktails (the menu is printed on old vinyl record albums), as well as top-shelf liquors and great beers on tap. While we were there, a watercolor artist created paintings of the band members, which was a neat creative touch. Be aware: the place is (deliberately) hard to find. There's simply a door with a red industrial light, and a man who lets you in, if you give him the nod. Which, to my mind, added to the ambience... The only drawback is how loud the music is in the tiny space -- bring earplugs to protect your hearing, and then kick back and enjoy! read more

This place is a great cocktail bar! I hadn't been to San Diego in years and was glad this place was recommended by a well-traveled friend. There was a cover the night I went, but it was completely worth it. The bartenders were very friendly and crafted a drink based on flavors you enjoy. The dim lighting was perfect for the live music they had. The woman performing was incredibly talented and taking requests. Between her and my scotch based drink, it was a really great time. If you're in the area, you should definitely swing by! read more

Love the vibe here, this time is was kinda like an open mic jazz night, the music was great. The service and the drinks not so much, we ordered old fashions, 7 of them and not one of us finished them. read more

Definitely gave that underground, hiding that we are drinking prohibition vibe. It's cute, live music every night. No vodka drinks are served to be authentic to the era. Bar tenders were great. There is even a fun option to pay a flat fee and have your drink be bartenders choice based on your taste preferences. Personally I would prefer to be able to sit at a table or at least a way to be able to hang out and chat with those around be rather than sit in a row watching the music read more

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Had awesome time. We'll go back soon. Food was superb. Definitely recommend this place.

A server at a very nice steakhouse recommended that we try the speakeasy Prohibition. It sounded fun. Prohibition is a small speakeasy with a small bar and small stage. Very intimate and quaint setting. I ordered a premium Old Fashioned. Bartender assured me that every component of the Old Fashioned was hand crafted. The cost for a top shelf, premium Old Fashioned was $45, and with tip, it came to an even $60. It was the most dismal Old Fashioned I've ever had. Every element was simply wrong- bitters were not bitter, simple syrup was overly sweet, and the bourbon was definitely not top shelf. If you like bourbon and know your drinks, steer clear of this overpriced slipshod speakeasy (or just order a soda). read more

Didn't care for the cover charge of 10$ per person. Floor in bar was very sticky and dirty The bar doesn't carry wine or beer. Only cocktails read more

I know this spot can get crowded and sometimes it's hard to get a drink, but doesn't that just go to show how good it is?! The vibe is awesome and the jazz singers really out on a show. It feels like a blast from the past and like a true speakeasy. The drinks are mostly whiskey based and are delicious. Be prepared to pay a cash cover charge and possibly wait in line outside. Try for a weekday if you want to avoid the crowds. read more

So loud we couldn't stay. The venue is small but the band thought they were playing to a stadium. Play to the space and you might get a crowd. Everybody was crowded in the farthest space from the music. Hello!! I thought it might be good but my ears were bleeding too much to tell. Won't be back. read more

What a cool place! Stopped here for after a work meeting and was rewarded with great food, music and atmosphere! Next to the Field, it's an unassuming door that leads to a descending stairway and a really cool underground space! Enjoyed a great cocktail and unexpected band playing fantastic music! Best part of this trip actually read more

Prohibition - Band playing - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Such a cool spot! Hidden behind a "closed lawyer's office" door, you'll find a traditional speakeasy complete with original musty scent, live music, and classic cocktails. The bartenders were super nice and the vibe was fun. At the risk of sounding old, the live music was super loud for such a small space. But if you want good tunes and a little space to dance, this is the hideaway for you! read more

Prohibition - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Secret Doors, Sazeracs, and Blues: Our Night at Prohibition Lounge, San Diego When planning Jorge's birthday in San Diego, I was on a mission: find a speakeasy with real speakeasy vibes. No neon "secret" sign pointing to the door. No velvet ropes. I wanted hidden. I wanted mysterious. I wanted to feel like I might be breaking a law or two (without actually doing that). Enter Prohibition Lounge. Tucked between two bars in the Gaslamp Quarter, there's a door that looks like the entrance to a law office. I'm not saying it isn't a law office. I'm just saying there's jazz coming from behind it and nobody inside is practicing law unless they're pouring it over ice. I'd read that they sometimes offer cocktail classes, so I rolled in right at opening, hoping to pull off a surprise for Jorge. He's a hobby mixologist and takes his cocktails seriously--especially the elusive New Orleans Sazerac, which he's been trying to perfect for months. I casually asked the staff if there was any chance someone could walk Jorge through it one-on-one. Leif, the bartender on duty, did not disappoint. He was super friendly and immediately got on board with the plan. Jorge got his surprise mini-lesson, made his dream cocktail, and grinned like a kid in a candy store (except the candy was rye whiskey and bitters). Now let's talk drinks. I'm a vodka girl. That's my spirit soulmate. But vodka is basically banned here, which I discovered after casually trying to order something that didn't taste like pine or regret. They've got all the other spirits--gin, whiskey, rum, mezcal--but not a single drop of vodka in sight. So, I took a leap and went with gin. It didn't hit the same. It was fine, just not my kind of fine. Drinks in hand, we snagged a cozy spot right in front of the stage. The vibe? Dark, moody, intimate. Think vintage leather chairs, dim lighting, and a touch of Gatsby energy. That night, a live blues band hit the stage, and they were fantastic--gritty, soulful, and tight. Unfortunately, a group of loud out-of-towners near us kept trying to turn the place into karaoke night, which mildly annoyed the band (and us), but the music was good enough to keep the vibe alive. Honestly, it gave us something to laugh about later. Nothing like live blues, handcrafted cocktails, and a little drama from the peanut gallery. Final thoughts: Prohibition Lounge nails the speakeasy atmosphere without trying too hard. The service was spot-on, the drinks were legit (even if you have to betray vodka), and the live music added just the right amount of magic. Perfect for a date night or if you're looking to feel cooler than you actually are. read more

Prohibition - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

4/5/2025 - Ah--the elusive gem hidden behind an unassuming law office door. We arrived dressed to the nines, expecting a Gatsby-esque affair. What we got instead was a bouncer in country attire. Yeah. I was confused. Once you made it past level one: the front door ..... it wasn't on the website but expect a $10 cover charge: cash only to pass level two. The cover would've been fine if the ATM inside wasn't auditioning for a role as a decorative plant. Nothing screams "Roaring Twenties" like whispering to your boyfriend, "Do you have twenty bucks?" The recommended attire? Allegedly "classy." In practice? Let's just say if this were 1920, some of these patrons would've been arrested. By the fashion police but arrested just the same. That said, since cashless is the trend we didn't have cash so didn't make it past the 2nd level. Would I go again? Maybe--but I'd bring cash and lower expectations. read more

Really cool vibes, cover was $10 per person on a Saturday night. It does get packed but they do a good job of crowd control. There is a live band/artist at night and it's not necessarily all jazz. I didn't get a drink that night but my sister and aunt got a cocktail and they absolutely loved it. They said it was very nicely made and tasty. There is a photography who walks around and they do take photos for you then print it for you to purchase it. My sister ended up buying the photo which I believe is $20? or $30? It comes with a picture frame as well. It is also pretty dark down there so if you are hard of seeing, put your glasses on. Overall, great experience. Speakeasy entrance was nothing too crazy special compared to other ones I have been to. read more

Went for a friend's birthday and had a great time. The drinks were good and the vibes were right. Lots of seating and good live music. It was a bit stuffy so dress accordingly or bring a little personal fan. The entrance is unassuming and easy to miss unless there's a line on the sidewalk. No reservations but we got in easy enough on a Saturday night. Would definitely love to go again! read more

This place is great, however, it is extremely tiny and narrow. If you get there early enough like we did 830 we watched the band set up and we're able to sit in front to enjoy with our cocktail .. this place gets very busy. Very packed very quick. It's fun for a speakeasy . it's located down one flight of stairs in what seems like a basement. read more

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This place is for the experience, not really a spot to check out twice. They charge a $10 cover fee at the door for couples and guys, girls are free. As soon as you enter you'll barely be able to see because it's so dark in there, but there's not many places to sit. Waiting in line for a drink was pretty quick & friendly so that way you're not as concerned about the $25 cocktails they're serving you. Afterwards, while you're forced to stand around waiting for the band to play, you'll begin to wonder why you actually came. I ordered a "mustard on the beat" which wasn't bad but not worth it for the price. I'd like to say I would return here, if they didn't actively pick and choose who they were going to charge a cover fee to, but it's probably not worth returning to because you're gonna end up spending more than you should. read more

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Amazing drinks. Amazing vibes with incredible live music. I came back after 10' years and was blown away as the first visit. The best place in San Diego full stop. read more

We were told about this place from the waitress at the Havana 1920 restaurant. She stated that they have live music and dancing at this location starting at 7pm. It is located next door to Havana 1920 underground. It is a speakeasy, the entry fee is $10. There is no food available, drinks only, and the cost is about $18 each. The drink menu is on a record album, and the ingredients are fun and activate those taste buds. The music was offered by local artists who come to play their works. The acoustics had a good sound and we all sat and watched the artist sing. It is not for dancing per say but for listening. read more

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Uber took us to 4th Street, so we were lost at first. Finally made it to the "Law Office" entrance on Fifth Street, made our way down the stairs and were transported to a whole 'nother world. Dim lighting, great decor and furnishings, a speakeasy feel, and best of all, awesome live music. The blues jam musicians performed beautifully this past weekend, created a lively atmosphere, and were extremely talented. As an added bonus, the friendly bartenders served up some tasty cocktails too, particularly the Breakfast in Barca and Boats and Hoes (both gin-based drinks). The small space had no seating available around 9pm on a Sunday, but space opened up an hour later, and by 11pm the crowd had thinned out. More fun for us! read more

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Ana and Anthony were awesome bartenders and helped my group with some good drink recommendations. The bartenders made this a great place to visit after work, we loved their energy and plan to stop by again- recommend this bar if youre passing by. read more

The food and ambiance was absolutely amazing and beautiful. Such a great vibe, love that they have live music and performances. The waiter Brandon was absolutely amazing and fabulous. The owner Marco came to the table and greeted us absolutely a pleasure to be in that atmosphere will 1000% return!! read more

Once you find this hidden gem (a little red door between 2 businesses and a bouncer outside) you will be transported into a whole different scene! You walk down a set of stairs, pay $10 entry fee and try to get a seat inside. The drinks are cute specialty drinks and have a kick. We went on Friday night and there was live music. Because they control the crown, it's not too packed. Would definitely recommend this place. read more