Password required? Yes, some require passwords, some are hidden underneath other restaurants, and some require an official membership to join. Feel a little bit rebellious the next time you enjoy a cocktail in the city by becoming a member of Dot Dot Dot or keeping up with Backstage Lounge’s weekly password update. Read on to check out our six favorite and most exclusive speakeasies in Charlotte.
1. Dot Dot Dot
This upscale cocktail lounge is a private, members only lounge with expertly crated cocktails and small eats. With your membership, you have to adhere to a strict dress code and follow some of their house rules, like waiting for drinks to be slowly and lovingly made to perfection, keeping an inside voice, and they recommend you make reservations in advance.
đź“Ť 4237 Park Rd B, Charlotte, NC 28209
2. Backstage Lounge
Backstage Lounge describes themselves as a modern take on the traditional speakeasy. Their interior plays up a bit of that vintage feel with their plush, red leather chairs and wooden bar. There’s a bit of a trick to getting inside. It’s around the back of Southend and down the hall of Modern Classics Grooming Lounge.
Once inside, there is a mural-lined hallway leading to an enclosed phone booth, which you will then use to provide the secret entry word of the week posted on social media. Check out their website to book a table.
đź“Ť 2433 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
3. The Cellar at Duckworth
This underground space was built in 1912, which automatically adds to the unspoken Prohibition-style as much as the decor does. The walls are in their original brick style and exposed ceiling. This speakeasy does some gastropub food like their hand cut truffle fries, specialty and rare beers like their German Pilsner from the brewery, Resident Culture, and handcrafted cocktails like their Asian Pear with flavors of ginger and pear. Give them 3 adjectives and their bartenders will whip something up for you.
đź“Ť 330 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
4. The Jailhouse
The Jailhouse’s unique charm comes from its name. This cigar and cocktail lounge is located inside the cells of Downtown Belmont, NC’s former jail. There is a bit of a catch with this speakeasy in that it’s members only. If you’re a fan of whisky and cigars then you’ll love probably find the membership fee well worth it.
They’ve got whisky specials like The Jailhouse Hattan, which is their signature drink, a classic manhattan made with Basil Hayden’s bourbon VYA small batch sweet vermouth, Amarena cherries and angostura aromatic bitters. They’ve even got an adjacent sister restaurant called the Old Stone Steakhouse if you want a pre-drinks meal.
đź“Ť 23 S Main St unit b, Belmont, NC 28012
5. Supperland Speakeasy
Reservations are a must to visit Supperland Speakeasy. Located in the basement, Supperland might seem like your typical speakeasy but it’s not. The team has designed the “Spirit Experience” for an exclusive time spent at 1212 The Plaza Charlotte. Featuring four courses of cocktails and small bites in the ten-seater bar, the experience is about two hours and is brought together by Executive Chef, Chris Rogienski, and Colleen Hughes, the Head Mixologist, and Rhea Buck, the Bar Manager.
đź“Ť 1212 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
6. The Cotton Room
The Cotton Room’s welcoming blend of rustic woods and exposed brick provides an ideal setting for laid-back speakeasy vibes. The original design features of the space such as the floors and exposed rafters remain as an homage to the city of Charlotte. Enjoy a signature cocktail or join The Brevard Whisky Club on the last Wednesday of every month.
đź“Ť 144 Brevard Court Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28202