Super cool speakeasy!! Great drinks! Lighting is low. Must try the old fashioned! If you eat up the food is amazing. read more

Prohibition - Crew - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

I used to LOVE this place. Still do but I miss the escalated ambiance. My husband and I used to get really dressed up to go here years ago but now it's more of a quick visit type bar. Love the bartenders, we always see the same guy and he makes the best Bee's knees. 20's style speakeasies are my favorite. read more

See all

You will find this place behind a steel law office door. It will be marked by some velvet ropes, so that makes it easier to find. You could easily still pass it by. Once they let you in you go through the door and down some stairs and into a dimly lit basement. Parking here is relatively easy. You have a few options. You can park at one of the nearby metered street parking spaces or park at one of the commercial garages or lots in the area. The garages/lots are the much more pricey option though. They have a couple of tables with chairs and some sturdy couches with chaises. There is no seating at the bar and there is music playing through the place. They have a book with a bunch of their fun signature cocktails. There are a bunch to choose from. You will find some bars rules in front of the book that include, no flash pictures, and no phone usage at the bar. The no phone usage is pretty easy, as I did not have a phone signal down there. I will admit, the drinks are a bit pricey at $16, but they are very good. I got a Boats and Hoes and Chinese Democracy Sucked. I highly recommend those two drinks. The staff there was friendly and helpful. They have live music later in the evening there too. The vibe in this place is awesome. It is very low key and chill. You really feel like you are in a prohibition era speak easy. The place is not very big and the space fills up pretty quick. I did really enjoy my visit here. It is a pretty neat place. Most people, including myself, did not spend a lot of time here, about an hour or so. It is also portably not a type of bar that has regulars. This is a one in a while type of place. It should definitely be a place to visit while in the Gaslamp Quarter. It is a unique experience that you will enjoy. read more

Awesome speakeasy bar in the middle of downtown San Diego. Pros - phenomenal drinks! They are refreshed every month and each are well prepared with a complexity or flavor. The main entrance is an unassuming law office door which one would not even notice in the daytime. This adds to the uniqueness of the establishment. However, At night, the long line usually gives it away and it loses the "speakeasy" factor. Cons - long line and does require a $10 cash entry fee. Not much sitting space A must experience place if you are out for a fun night in SD. read more

Lee Rainy group absolute fun!! It was a great experience Prohibition. We got there early had a lot of mingle time but was happy because we had seating. When we left the line to get in was down the street! read more

Great vibe for live jazz - such lively energy. Definitely on the smaller side and can be hard to find a place to sit. Has more of a dive vibe to it, but loved the energy. Fun for smaller groups! read more

Fun from entrance to exit. Once through the unassuming entrance and down the rickety stairs, I was transported to a world where people once had to sneak to enjoy great music and forbidden alcohol. Lounging on couches in the dusky atmosphere, I enjoyed a mocktail crafted by an expert mixologist while my date indulged in spirits. We will be back again. read more

Prohibition - Stage - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

We were so excited to come in but we were asked for a $10 cover charge fee. Not disclosed on the website or even when they checked IDs. When we went down the stairs and they said that the cover charge was cash only, we already had a line behind us. When using the ATM we tried three cards and none of them were letting us withdraw money. We were already stressed and we just got there. Other people started to complain about the cover fee and once they saw the ATM wasn't working (they had to unplug and plug it back it) they just let us in. Music was ok but the drink were good. Also there was a lady taking pictures of each group/table and the flash was SO bright. The room is already so dark and my eyes were adjusted to it so seeing the flash every time she was taking a picture, it would light up the whole room. It was really distracting and annoying and it took away from the already poopie experience. read more

Pretty cool speakeasy live jazz music. Entrance looks like you are going to see a lawyer. The vinyl records show a drink menu. Super cool. The cocktails are about 18 dollars a piece. They were not bad but not the best either. Really nice spot to go for the music. read more

Prohibition - Al Capone in the house - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

We had reservations at another spot that was closed when we arrived. Uhm, what to do? We decided to look for another speakeasy type of place and the first two were a bust. We than came here and felt it was fortuitous by the end of the night. We had a wonderful time, great cocktails, and entertainment. What was really nice is we were able to get seating and the crowd started flowing about 15 minutes after we arrived. read more

See all

We went to Prohibition for the first time last night. The ambiance is incredible. Drinks were really well crafted. The live music featuring Cliff and his band was what put it over the top. Rashad the drummer was in his bag. The bass player, Raul, was down right nasty. Lou the guitarist was so smooth and sensual when he played. Cliff the leader and saxophonist brought up some vocalist throughout the night that were amazing. It was an amazing night! If you have a Tuesday free go to Prohibition and check out Cliff and his merry band of bad ass musicians. read more

Omg when in Gaslamp you have to check this place out ! So we were walking around Gaslamp and this location was on my list . There will be no sign whatsoever, but there will be a door and someone standing near it getting your ID before entering. There was no cover charge when I went . After that u go into a basement feel speakeasy very intimate. There is a bar on your right side as well as the restrooms. This place could get pretty packed. You gotta keep an eye out for a seat. I like this place so much that I came twice on my visit to San Diego. What I really enjoyed was the live music. They have some talented artist the both nights I went the live music was amazing. !! They did not serve food just drinks . The menu for the drinks is pretty cool it's on a vinyl record . We had such amazing time the both nights we were here. I highly recommend coming checking this place out . I would definitely be back. read more

See all

My bf and I were in SD last weekend and Friday night, we were in downtown walking around and walk through the Gaslamp district. I've been here so many times and already seen and been to the popular night life here and was looking for something different. I was Yelping and hoping and thanks to Yelp, I found Prohibition! I love speakeasies, they are just different and was so glad there was one in the area. We came in around 845pm, they open at 8pm. It's a skinny tiny door and there is a doorman out. He was super nice. Cover that Friday night was $10 cash each, and they have an ATM machine right next to the cover fee lady. Inside, is very small, with a full power bar! They had about 3 working bartenders and two more staff I believe, and their drinks are amazing!!! Pretty strong and so good! Band came around 930PM, it was Jenny and the Tramps and they killed it! Jenny was sooo good and she was so funny! There are pretty much limited seatings, if you don't come early you won't get a seat. People will start crowding and dancing and the vibe was good. My bf and I enjoyed it so much! Wish we would've stayed for the whole night but we left around 11pm because we needed to take the Trolley back to Old Town. I would definitely come here again whenever I'm staying in the area! we Loved it! read more

Overall a cool spot. I would have given them four stars but the drinks were not great and the price per drink did not match the flavor. I guess if you subtract no cover charge you can justify a pricey cocktail. But I would have expected a better cocktail at a speakeasy-especially the "house" old fashion. read more

See all

Gas lamp is the San Diego version of Bourbon street. This is a speakeasy style bar with a live band. I like that it's busy, full, but not crazy packed full. The bartenders are very professional. One of the best drinks is their espresso bourbon martini. It's actually made with cold brew. While the menu does not list any milk or cream in the drink, it's amazingly creamy! I don't know how else to describe it. But it's amazing! The downside is the hoipolloi wait in a very long line. I highly recommend Prohibition. read more

Prohibition - Espresso martini - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Great entertainment and an amazing, friendly, staff. The ambiance is nice as well. Worth visiting for sure.

Fun little place. Great drinks and very friendly staff. They have live music. Fun crowd. read more

See all

We were here on active Sunday night and there was a blues jam band. The band had some serious talent while their friends sat in for a few songs. There is a cool office vibe and sweet drinks. The sitting situation is a bit odd since the place is shaped in a thin rectangle. The street is shut down for cars so Uber got a kind of confused and dropped us off a block away. read more

If you're looking for a fun spot to surprise out of town guests or enjoy a night on the town, look no further than prohibition. The bartenders are all wonderful and when someone in our group couldn't find a drink on the menu, they asked what he liked and made a drink for him that he absolutely loved. They had a small band the night we were there which made it a little more crowded but it was worth it. There is a cover charge as well as drinks that are standard San Diego prices, but the drinks are high quality and delicious and the ambiance is worth the low cover. read more

One of the best little secret spots in downtown San Diego. The entrance is very subtle and drops you into a prohibition era juke joint with fantastic energy. Great drinks, great music and highly memorable. read more

Prohibition - Incredible live jazz - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Didn't know what to expect, but had a great time after getting through the 'secret' law office door. There was a $10 cover and drinks are on the high end, but what isn't these days. Bartenders were very friendly and energetic, music was awesome! Clickenbone Slim Blues band and a solo perf from Elizabeth Bowerox made the night. We got there right after 8 so we had a great spot to watch the music. Otherwise would be standing cuz the place got really crowded as the night went on. Will def be back again! read more

My husband and I came a few weeks ago. I'll be honest, I didn't love it. It was entirely too crowded in such a small place. It was a Friday and there was a $10/pp cover charge. The drinks were ok. As the band got ready to start it was like an influx of more people in an already tight space. I'll pass. read more

I am a huge fan of SpeakEasys. Whenever I can find one, I try to check it out. I came across Prohibition. There is always something to decode to enter a SpeakEasy. This ine was fairly simple. As the doors open to the basement, the live music set the tempo for what I was about to experience. As i reached the bottom of the stairs, the hostess welcomed me and offered a shot on the house. It was a decent shot. Of course, I had to follow that up with the house old fashion, which I believe was made with Elijah Craig. It was sweet and smooth. The live band had the crowd pumped. It was a very nice place to have drinks and listen to music. If you love your spirits and live music, this is the place to be. read more

Prohibition - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Great experience, drinks were wonderful. Definitely a cool experience from the doorman to the bartenders. Band was great too. read more

See all

So Fun!!!!! Great drinks and Great music. It's small and cozy. Teddy the door man was so nice and funny. Trent our bartender was so patient with all our questions. Drinks were Delicious read more

See all

Great little speakeasy! We found this place by accident. After finishing our dinner outside at the nearby 'El Chingon', we needed to use the restroom. Rather than go inside the packed restaurant/club we were eating at, the waiter took us through a odd door, down some stairs into this speakeasy. It was a Friday night and a live band was playing covers from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. They were awesome. The lighting really set the mood. You really feel like you're in a secret speakeasy from back in the day. The staff was also friendly too. I would recommend stopping in to check this place out. Keep in mind, it's known to have large lines to get in as well, due to the limited space. read more

See all

I swung by Prohibition with my wife after reading about it online and had some mixed feelings. While the entrance promised an exciting experience, it didn't quite deliver. However, once we got to the bar, the vibe definitely improved--great music and a lively atmosphere. The drinks were a bit pricier than I expected, but that's typical for the Gaslamp District. They were decent, and the bartender was super friendly, which made a difference. I'd say it has the feel of a local dive bar, perfect for a chill night out if you're looking for a more mature crowd. Overall, it's worth a visit if you want a laid-back spot to unwind! As much as I want to give it a 4 star review I'm somewhat forced to leave it at a SOLID 3. read more

My hubby has always wanted to go to a speakeasy. LFG! The entrance is a random door between two restaurants. We arrived at 8pm when they were setting out the carpet, so we didn't have to flick the lightswitch to enter. You walk down a dark stairwell to the hostess who collects $10 per person. After that, head on over to the bar, order your cocktail then grab a seat. They go quickly. Ryan, your Eastside Ricky was delicious. So delicious I lost count. Apparently my husband also lost count of how many Black Manhattans he had. I remember him ordering a double, then escorting him out not too long after. Hahaha! What a great time we had! We made some new friends. Tried some new cocktails. Danced until I had to carry someone out. Not an easy feat considering he out weighs me by 100 lbs and the exit is upstairs...did I mention I was wearing heels? Stilettos, to be precise. Captain Morgan-Lee (Lead singer) was quite a character! Quick witted, great voice and not a bad dancer! Luckily our carriage didn't turn into a pumpkin at midnight. It was my very first time ordering an Uber and I got us back to the hotel! I can't wait to visit again! Maybe next time my hubby can carry me out...only because he owes me... read more

See all

This little speakeasy has live jazz music every night, and is located in DT San Diego. The drinks are amazing, with some unique items on the menu. The service is great and the music is always banging. The only downside is that it's hard to find seats. Other than that, very chill place to hang out. read more

Cool tucked away spot in gas lamp! Sometimes places that brand themselves as a "speakeasy" miss the mark and fall more closely into the category of pretentious bar with a fancy entrance. That's not the case here. This place is truly a speakeasy! They have live jazz and a variety of other music! Excellent service as well from bartenders Trent and AJ. Drinks were great quality - we got the old fashioned and the espresso martini (with bourbon). Solid selection of bourbon drinks! There's no vodka in sight so don't come here looking for a vodka cran. read more

Prohibition - Espresso martini - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Great vibe overall and experienced mixology happening here! Good bourbon selection if you're a bourbon drinker. Enjoyed the live music. Definitely recommend if you're in the area! read more

Been here twice. Came recently when my friend was in town. It was a Saturday night and cover was $10. Space is kinda tight and gets a little warm inside but a cute little vibe. They performers are pretty good depending when you go. Drinks are pricey but that's downtown for you. Still a good spot if you're looking for a speak easy. Staff is friendly too! read more

Prohibition - Bar - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Found my new favorite speakeasy! I went to check out Prohibition since it was right next to our hotel in Gaslamp. Make sure you check out Yelp to see what the entrance looks like as it's easy to miss. Walked in on a Monday night at 9PM and had no problems getting in. Most of the seats were already taken but I was able to get the last open area. I would recommend coming in earlier to guarantee a seat since the place only fits around 25 people. The live jazz band was amazing and the Not Too Sweet Not Too Sour drink hit the spot! Will definitely be back the next time I'm in SD! read more

Prohibition - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

This was my first time coming to the location and enjoyed the whole experience. The bar tenders were great and made some really good drinks. The band was also very good and enjoyed their music. read more

Amazing bartenders, friendly and informative. Sadly disappointed to see the music manager lose his cool with a musician who had signed up to play. He was unprofessional, and even shoved a musician who had signed up to play. Chickenpox demanded to play along on THEIR set, refusing to be outclassed. Sad part was that his music was amateur and far beneath any of the guests. He wasn't classy enough to take his battle behind doors and instead put his anger on display. I certainly won't be back if he is MC. Many left during the altercation, including my group. All said, however, cool venue. The new blues musician Yates McKendree is absolutely amazing, eclipsing Joe bonamassa and with the stage presence of Angus Young. read more

This was my first visit to a speakeasy lounge. I think this is exactly what I was expecting. The lounge is dimly lit in red. The cocktails are creative and delicious. The bartenders have a swagger. On the night we visited, there was a jazz band playing. Damn, I felt cool. read more

Prohibition - Lounge area and band. - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

It's a true speakeasy! It's small, and tight. I loved the atmosphere but I thought the drinks were really sweet. Overall, it was nice that they managed to how many people were inside so even though it was packed you could still move around. read more

Hotel Nacional drink was a masterful cocktail creation made by a talented and kind bartender. Live blues on a Sunday evening was loveleeeeeeeee! Small & intimate. Be prepared to stand. Fun to have it hidden in a "lawyers office". read more

Such a cool place to hang out. Had a great vibe while listening to jazzy/blusy music. We danced, drank, sang along, and had a blast! read more

See all

I was here many years ago and enjoyed the experience so while on a trip this weekend I wanted to share that with the group I was with. I popped into line with the 2 girls I was with and the two guys in our group realized they still had their Cutwater cans so they stepped out of line to the sidewalk to finish those off before going in. The security guard comes up to them and informs us he won't be letting us in because "you're standing in front of my building drinking other drinks" and also that one of the girls I was with was too drunk. Fast forward an hour we dropped off the girl that had already had enough to drink and the rest of us headed back and the guard remembered us and said we couldn't go in and we explained we left the one he said was too drunk and he brought up the two gentleman drinking on the sidewalk again. That seems uncalled for and I'm not sure why that upset him as much as it did, individuals in the Gaslamp are frequently walking around with drinks and the sidewalk is typically considered a neutral place. Had we been trying to get inside with other drinks or something along those lines I would understand but that wasn't the case. The spot is always busy so I doubt they care about one rant but I just needed to express my frustration at the security guard who was overly harsh with no provocation. read more