Fine little speakeasy in the gaslamp district. Look for the law office door next to Havana. When we went, there was a bouncer and velvet ropes outside, so not super discreet. Inside has the decor of a traditional speakeasy - dark, hidden in a basement, posters on the walls about 1920s prohibition. Not super unique. We got there at 8:50 and were let in free. Apparently at 9 they start charging a cover fee. Drinks were tasty with some unique flavors but pricey. The night we went had live music. I honestly thought the space was too small for live music. It was crowded and super loud for a tiny, closed-in bar. read more

Great music and ambiance. Loved the fact that there's no cell service. Small place, hard to get a seat, but with the music, you don't even want to! Long wait time for drinks, so maybe order double. read more

The singer Ash Easton was incredible. Was there 9pm to 1230am. Cocktails gets to be a bit expensive for a good reason. I definitely recommend this place for a intimate live music. read more

Prohibition - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Very cool little speakeasy. Can be hard to find since the entry way is just a small door next to a coffee shop. You'll easily walk right by and miss it. However, just look for the bouncer checking IDs - it'll be your best approach. Drinks were reasonably priced and the bartenders were great. Lots of mixed drinks to choose from with many I had never heard of before. Definitely a great opportunity to experiment. The inside of the establishment is small with low ceilings. It feels a bit like throwing a high school party in your parent's basement. However, they accommodate live bands, which I'm sure your parent's basement cannot so that's pretty cool. If you're in the area looking for a drink, it's worth stopping by rather than going to a sports bar. read more

An underground (literally - you have to navigate a pretty steep set of stairs) speakeasy disguised as a law office, Prohibition lives up to its name. From the nattily dressed bartenders hand-crafting each premium cocktail to the live musicians engaging with the crowd, every detail in this place furthers the intended vibe and mood. Ideal venue for channeling your inner Gatsby, but be warned- it can get uncomfortably crowded (pre-COVID, anyway) the later you go! read more

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It's been years since I have been here and it has changed. It doesn't feel like a speakeasy because of the line out the door. The whole point of a speakeasy is for it to be inconspicuous to people. They just should have a text program of timed entry to avoid the line outside the door. I remember this place has no cover, but now it's $10 per person. I am unsure if cover starts at a certain time, but I came about 10pm on a Saturday night. The stage used to be right when you entered the venue, but it is now a wall and the stage is further in side. The seating is against the wall instead of tables. The feel is very different from what I remember. The speakeasy feel is gone, but has become a hip hopping bar for different ages. It is a place I'd come back to again because it is one of those places that has live music which is rare in Gaslamp. read more

We hosted a networking event at Prohibition and it was a great success! The staff was fantastic, drinks were amazing and imaginative. All of our clients enjoyed themselves and commented that it was a great venue. Thank you Prohibition! read more

Everyone should visit this speakeasy bar!! Difficult to find words to describe how cool is this place!! Cocktail menu is amazing. Cozy atmosphere, like you are the guest in friend's home I love it, and want to came back again and again read more

Prohibition - Jazz band - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Stopped by during halloweekend. Lines everywhere else were long but the line for here seemed a lot shorter, we asked the bouncer how long it might take to get in and he said 45 min but it turned out to only be like 15 min. While waiting, we also asked the bouncer for any recs on other less busy bars to go next since all of gaslamp was packed and he had some great suggestions. We stayed at Prohibition for some time. $10 cash cover charge per person (they have a ATM) and a live band. Small place since it is a speakeasy but absolutely loved the vibe. The drinks were great! Strawberry bliss (?) I think was the name it was so nice and creamy! I asked if they'd be able to make a caipirinha and the bartender made it perfectly! She reached all the way to the back to grab the brand new bottle of Cachaça just for it (totally could've lied to me and said she couldn't make it given how busy they were but she didn't). Seating and standing room was definitely limited but we were able to sit on one of the couches and enjoyed our time. Would definitely come back again! read more

Very cool speakeasy in the middle of Gaslamp. It says Law Office on the door, but there is a bouncer usually in front if you can't find it. It can be easy to miss as the door is smack in the middle of 2 bars/restaurants. I'd recommend to come before 9pm. I came a little after 9 and we had to wait in line. They don't let people in unless people come out, so the line can move slow if no one's leaving... Also as a note, reception is bad as it's located in a basement. Just a heads up, especially if you're trying to meet up with friends. **If you eat at the restaurant to the right of the Law Office door, you can have their server walk you into Prohibition and skip the line and cover charge.** AMBIENCE: They had live music and they were awesome! Nostalgic songs and the singers/band were amazing! It can get really loud in there, especially if the band is playing and/or you're near the speakers. Not too many seats, so first come first serve. It's also not the biggest place, so I appreciate how they are aware of how many people are inside. BARTENDER: I never got the name of the bartender who helped us, but man he was good. He made a drink based on my boyfriend's cravings-refreshing, light, nothing spicy. I don't know what his drink was, but it had celery bitters and cucumber and it was bommbbb (I don't even love cucumbers in drinks haha). ---PINK CHEVY CONVERTIBLE: I got this and loved it! Super refreshing and would totally get this again! Comes with Havana Club Anejo rum, lime, mint, caramelized pineapple, R&D Smoke Bitters. Small pineapple slice was also sweet so that was a plus! PARKING: It can be terrible and can get expensive. Wishing you the best haha. Metered street parking (if you come late enough, it can be free), but hard to find. Lots are also available, where you park and pay (need your license plate too) at a kiosk to then put your receipt on your dash. That is paid per hour. (1-2 hours=$20, 2-3 hours=$25, up to $40). COVER CHARGE: On a Saturday night, cover charge was $10. They took cash and card. Would come back (: read more

Mind blowing how unprofessional this place is. It's like they took courses on how to be over the top rude and condescending and borderline abusive. A worker in a vest wouldn't let me make sure my girlfriend got out of the bathroom safe and even asked if my girlfriend was too irresponsible to get out of the bathroom safe alone. He was extremely condescending and made offensive insinuating remarks. Also the bouncer was kicking us out saying they were closed when it was still 10 minutes till closing and even put his hands on one of my female friends as we were walking out. Disgusting horrendous egregious behavior from people on a power trip. read more

What started as a great start to the night turned out to become one of the worst. Celebrating my friends birthday, she accidentally misplaced her phone whilst listening to the live band while sitting down on the couches. We went to a second location right down the road and quickly realized her phone was lost and traced back our steps. I visited the bathroom to look for her phone and when I got back out, police and the security guard where being hostile and physically aggressive with my friends by ushering them out and yelling to "get the f*ck out!" They ruined our whole entire experience out in San Diego and we will never return to this establishment, even having such a wonderful time PRIOR to this. The way in which this was handled was completely hostile, aggressive, irresponsible that it has become irreparable. Do not go here, it reeks of mold and distaste of character. The bouncers switched up so quickly and aggressively on my friends and i, including the bartender I'm sadly to report. I read a review from tonight from a gay couple saying they were judged and prejudiced from the SAME BOUNCERS. this establishment supports bigotry and harassment. read more

The live music is always great here. This place also has an elevator for those who are disabled. Great acoustics!!!

Love how this place is so true to the theme of Prohibition; the speakeasy wasn't the absolute easiest to find (although if you arrive a little later than opening time, just look for the line of people). However, aim to arrive as close to opening time as possible (earlier recommended) to ensure getting in in a timely manner. The space itself isn't made to accommodate too many people, but it makes for a nice, intimate experience. They also have live music depending on when you venture in, which is super cool. The bartenders are absolutely great! Highly personable and well-versed in their craft. I tried the East Village drink (love their concept of SD neighborhood-inspired drinks), and it was really good. It was pretty strong, but very coherent mix of ingredients that paired together quite well. Prices are also very fair. I think Prohibition just wasn't super stand-out, but it was still a great, classy and true speakeasy. Would definitely recommend stopping by for a solid drink and cool, dim vibes. read more

Came here on a Sunday night, at first it was pretty empty, but once the live jazz signer started around 9:30 pm, the place got busy. This place was a bit hard to find but just read all the signs on doors and seek legal advice if needed. Drinks were good, but the theming and music was great. Seating is limited so if you want to come for the live music come early and enjoy a drink before they start. read more

Had a blast at Prohibition in San Diego, all thanks to the amazing drinks whipped up by Chris. His cocktail expertise definitely made our night! read more

- Entrance is behind the law office door - really dark downstairs, and red - The live music was really fun on a Tuesday night - Drinks were delicious na strong - The bartenders are craftsman - Although theres only two bartenders, the line moves fquicky - The bartender gave a me a drink based on my mood, I love when they do that - The only negative is that's it's really loud read more

The first thing I need to get out there is how disappointed I was with the "strict dress code enforced" statement made on their website for a Saturday evening and how that didn't happen. When I see people wearing cheap sweatshirts and jeans in a place I expected a bit more of a theme you have just lost me. The "environment" that they talk about just wasn't there. The "no cell phone" statements were mostly true, and I did see a few people using their phones to take photos. We opted to not do that and keep the character. It's not like it's an enforced rule. That's just a small expectation. There was a bit of line when we arrived, and so we waited in line. It wasn't too long of a wait. A bit of advice would be as another review stated to arrive early closer to opening. If you don't? You'll be lucky to grab a seat along the long wall in front of the stage if it hasn't been camped out by someone who has been there for awhile. Expect to stand! The drinks were Grade A, top notch, and the live music was amazing, which is why the review is 3 stars and not 2. Not many places to dance and you'll potentially be shoulder to shoulder with others enjoying this fine cocktail bar as you stand in a corner. Overall, I would say the experience was nice. The lack of others "in costume" or dressed in evening attire rather spoiled the mood for us. We intended to come to this speakeasy and get a vibe that we didn't find. I might stop by for a cocktail once in the future. I just won't expect the speakeasy vibe that I originally came here to experience. read more

Prohibition - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Amazing spot! Went in with a few friends and we loved everything from beginning to end. Nicolle was so helpful and sweet. She suggested cocktails that I wouldn't have normally tried and they were FANTASTIC. We will definitely go back again soon. read more

Great place for life music and incredible drinks! Look for a bartender with purple hair, Nicollee! She is an alchemist! Come earlier if you would like to seat. It gets full. Will be back! read more

My new most favorite bar/speakeasy in San Diego. On Fridays and Saturdays make sure to dress up in roaring 20s fashion and head over to Prohibition. Live music will not leave you disappointed. Very cozy atmosphere with sitting area around the stage. I love that this speakeasy limits number of people inside and it is not super wild leaving enough space for each visitor. Yeah, it can get claustrophobic inside as you are literally inside the basement, but with crowd control it actually feels ok. Lastly, be prepared to pay for cover to get in read more

Came here for the first time in ages and wondering why I don't more often. There's some female bartender that I think is Nicalee(?) who made some killer cocktails for us and was just generally super rad. Need to be making this a regular destination again! read more

I'm not a local but I make it a point to stop by Prohibition every year while I'm in town for Comic-Con. It's a speakeasy, so no big billboard outside, just look for the doorman out front. You're probably going to be paying a cover (certainly during SDCC weekend) but it's worth the price of admission. Live music and a huge selection of great drinks. I've never ordered a drink I didn't like. read more

I have been on that speakeasy tip & have been eyeing this place! Small, unmarked entrance but the random bouncer gave it away. I read in other reviews that they change a $10 cover fee but when I went there was not, maybe only for weekends. Located downstairs. Very intimate. Live band & dancing. Friendly bartenders. Delicious, strong drinks. read more

Love this place ! Music on and cocktails are fire. Eila the bouncer is the man! Def rec as a top speakeasy. read more

My friends came here because it was supposed to be a pretty cool speakeasy. There was a $10 cover on the Friday we went, but that was for the live band, which I did enjoy! It added quite a nice ambiance to the whole place, and it was enjoyable. Be aware the crowd seems to skew a bit older, so there will be more lounging, but there were quite a few people dancing as well. The drink I got however was not that good. I guess I expected a better level quality of mixing and alcohol. I had one of the grapefruit flavored ones, and I kind of expected something a little more interesting, with more flavors to ponder and experience . It was strong, but that was kind of the only benefit, and if I only wanted strong I could just get something from a cheap bar or in a convenience store. My friend did get one that was supposed to be like strawberries and milk, and that one actually tasted pretty good and was a bit more interesting. My other friend got something that smelt heavily of cucumber, and though she didn't like I thought it was decent as well. Just be careful which drink you get I guess. read more

Prohibition - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

One of my all time favorite bars! My boyfriend and I stopped here to "start" our night and ended up staying the whole time! The band was sooo good and the drinks and ambiance were worth the money! read more

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Amazing speakeasy with great drinks in the heart of the gaslamp district. They always have amazing performers singing and the drinks are always read more

Great drinks really fun place to get away from the crowds. Nice place to relax and enjoy yourself

My husband and I went on a Saturday night in The hopes of enjoying some live music. It was still pretty early for a Saturday (10pm) so we didn't think it would be packed. This place is tiny. They made us pay a $10 cover each and there was NO SPACE to sit or even stand after we ordered our drinks. After observing the bartenders making "craft" cocktails I decided I'd get something more simple. We ordered a beer and a champagne. They ran out of champagne glasses so he poured it into a wine glass, which is fine, if it was clean. The live music act was on a break when we arrived and we figured after we get drinks and chill for a bit they would go back on. So basically after standing against the wall in a corner with my dirty cup of room temperature champagne and no live music for at least 30-40 minutes we decided to leave. And probably won't ever go back. read more

A fun, quaint, hidden gem in Gaslamp with amazing live music. I love when their bartender, Nicollee, makes me drinks. She is amazing, fun, energetic and makes incredibly tasty cocktails! Plus she always make me feel welcome. I highly recommend her. I'd give her 10 stars if I could. read more

This little hidden bar is The Gaslamp's best kept secret. Low lighting, great music, and even better drinks. Our beautiful bartender, Nicollee, gave us some great recommendations for bespoke cocktails-I had a Manhattan variation that was out of this world! My date had a less than adventurous gin and soda (needless to say this was the first and last date). 5 stars for service, creativity, and charm. read more

A few friends and I were having dinner at a nearby Thai restaurant and stopped by here after - and I'm so glad we did. This speakeasy has a cool and sneaky entrance, and the dimmed colored lights and decor made me feel like I was being blasted into the past. The cocktails were nice and strong, the live musicians were passionate and engaging, and the swing dancers were awesome to watch (and willing to teach and dance with us as well!) Overall, highly recommend this spot in Gaslamp for an exciting change to the typical bar/club scene. read more

Prohibition - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

This was a recommendation from our bartender Brianna at another restaurant. Such a great find! The drinks are on point (I highly recommend the Old Fashioned with Whisle Pig) and the vibe was great. Loved the live music. Will be back! read more

Great little underground bar to check out if you love quality spirits and live music. We were here on memorial weekend (Sunday 10pm) and managed to get great seats without waiting too long for drinks. We spent about $115 for 4 drinks (1 double) - seems a little steep but we did ask for better quality mezcal. The live music that night was also a great experience - it wasn't too loud so you can still have a conversation and the performers were fantastic. I noticed a lot of people came in and out after about 1 drink whereas we stuck around for 2 hours. Maybe those people didn't expect the prices of the drinks or how small it would be? Either way it worked out well for us since we were comfortably seated on the couches the whole time. read more

Prohibition - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

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Really glad I experienced this spot before leaving San Diego. I enjoyed the secret feel of of the speak easy. Drink menu was ent and I've with reasonable prices and talented bartenders. It's a very small with limited seating so you feel closed in and close to the next person which is the only negative. The band das awesome playing jazz, pop, r&b! Loved it. It's very dark inside but over the vibe! read more

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Spicy mezcal is amazing !!! Definitely recommended . Leif(bar tender) is great at his craft. Amazing Cocktails. Great music and crown ;)

Went here last night for the first time and it was such a cool vibe. They have very dimmed lighting making the atmosphere feel like you're in a different era. I will say it's a very small bar and it felt like we were all packed like sardines. The drinks were great (pricey) and the servers were magnificent. Live music was playing with a variety of genres. Great first experience! read more

Literally the best cocktail I've ever had. The bartenders were fun and knowledgeable and the jazz jam session couldn't be beat.

Great drinks and prices. It's a fun place with friendly bartenders and a good atmosphere.