Los Angeles: Speakeasy Bar Hopping Tour with Drink

Hollywood after dark has more personality behind unmarked doors. This 2.5-hour speakeasy tour takes you to three very different bars: a polished 1920s-style lounge, a circus-themed cocktail den, and a Havana-inspired club with Latin music and burlesque. I like the variety, and I like having a guide handle reservations and entry. The main catch is the $159 price, since only one starter cocktail is included and extra drinks cost more.

This is a good pick if you want a planned night out without spending your evening searching for worthwhile bars. Guide Harrison receives especially warm praise for his welcoming style, local insight, and storytelling. Still, you need to dress sharply, bring photo ID, and budget for parking, drinks, and your ride after the final stop if you decide to stay there.

Key points to know before booking

• Three very different bars: The route moves from old Hollywood glamour to carnival-style cocktails and then Latin music, dancing, and burlesque.
• One cocktail included: Your booking covers a starter drink, but additional cocktails must be paid for separately.
• A guide handles the tricky part: Reservations and admission are arranged, including entry through a separate entrance.
• Dress code is strict: Cocktail attire is expected. Gym clothes, shorts, hats, loose clothing, and baggy outfits are not allowed.
• The last stop can stretch late: You may stay at the final bar as long as you like, but you must arrange your own transportation afterward.
• Parking adds to the cost: Street parking is available near 1628 North El Centro Avenue, with Hollywood parking typically costing $20 to $25.

Three bars, three moods in one Hollywood night

The strength of this experience is its changing mood. You are not visiting three versions of the same cocktail lounge. Each stop has its own design, music, and reason for being there.

The first bar leans into 1920s Hollywood. Think polished surroundings, old-film glamour, and cocktails served in a setting designed to make you feel a little more dressed up than usual. It is the calmest part of the evening, giving you time to meet the guide, settle in, and enjoy the included starter cocktail.

The second stop changes the tone completely. This underground cocktail den includes circus and carnival touches, along with games you can play while having a drink. A tarot card reader may also be available if you want a playful look at your future. It is an unusual addition to a bar crawl, and it gives the middle of the tour a lighter, more theatrical feel.

The final bar brings Latin music, dancing, live performances, burlesque, and cocktails into the mix. Its Havana, Cuba theme makes it the most energetic stop, and the tour lets you remain there as long as you like. That flexibility matters. You can treat the final venue as the end of a short night or keep going if the music suits you.

Starting near LA Fitness on North El Centro Avenue

The meeting point is outside LA Fitness near 1628 North El Centro Avenue. This is a practical location for a Hollywood evening, but it is not a place where you should expect easy, free parking.

Street parking is available, though the stated cost in Hollywood is around $20 to $25. Add that amount to the tour price if you plan to drive. You should also arrive with your passport or ID card, since identification is required for the bar portion of the evening.

The guide meets you at the starting point and leads the group on foot between the bars. That means comfortable walking shoes are useful, but your clothing still needs to meet the upscale dress code. A pair of smart shoes will serve you better than gym trainers.

Because the bars have reservations and planned entry, you avoid the common problem of arriving at a popular Hollywood venue only to find a line or a full room. The separate entrance is another practical benefit. It does not remove every wait or delay from a night out, but it makes the route more organized than improvising your own bar crawl.

Stop one: old Hollywood style and the included cocktail

The opening venue sets the tone with a glamorous 1920s Hollywood design. This is where the evening feels most polished and traditional. You can order and enjoy the included starter cocktail while taking in a setting built around the image of classic Hollywood.

The first drink is important when judging the $159 price. It gives you a proper introduction to the experience, but it is not a full drinks package. If you want cocktails at all three bars, your final bill will rise quickly.

I would use the first stop to ask the guide for advice about the rest of the night. This is also a good time to check the evening’s pace, especially if you have another reservation or plan to meet friends later. The guide’s job is not only to lead you from door to door. A strong host can make the transitions feel easy and help you decide how much time to spend at each place.

Harrison is praised for being warm, attentive, and engaging. If he is your guide, expect a host who takes an active role in making the group feel welcome and who adds local stories to the stops. Guide quality matters here because the bars themselves are only part of the value. You are also paying for someone who knows how to shape the evening.

Stop two: carnival games and tarot in an underground den

The second venue is more playful and less formal. It is an underground cocktail den with a circus-style setting, carnival games, and unusual drinks. This is the point where the tour moves away from classic Hollywood polish and into something stranger.

You can play carnival games while sipping your drink, which gives the stop an activity beyond simply sitting at a bar. A tarot card reader is also available, so you can choose to add a bit of fortune-telling to the evening. The tarot option is not presented as a required part of the tour. It is better viewed as an optional extra for anyone who enjoys theatrical touches.

This stop will likely appeal most to people who want a night with entertainment built into it. If you prefer quiet cocktail bars and serious discussion about ingredients, the games and circus theme may feel less refined. That contrast is also what makes the route work. The evening does not ask you to take every venue seriously.

As at the first bar, additional drinks are not included. You can choose to drink or not drink during the experience, and the tour does not require you to consume alcohol. If you do order, carry cash or a credit card.

Stop three: Latin music, dancing, and burlesque

The final venue is the biggest change of pace. With Latin music, live performances, burlesque, dancing, and Havana-inspired decor, it is designed for a lively finish rather than a quiet nightcap.

You may find this stop more crowded or energetic than the earlier bars, though the supplied details do not promise a particular performance schedule. The key point is that entertainment is part of the setting. You are not just being shown a cocktail menu. You are being brought to a place where music and performance shape the night.

The final bar is also where the tour becomes flexible. You can stay as long as you like, which is useful if you want to dance or continue celebrating. You can also leave after the planned portion if the evening has been enough.

That flexibility creates a transport issue. The tour information says the activity ends back at the meeting point, but it also makes clear that transportation from the final bar to the original starting point or your hotel is not included if you stay on. Plan on arranging your own taxi or rideshare once you leave the last venue.

Ask the guide for suggestions about what to do next if you want to continue into the night. The guide can offer advice, but the tour does not include transport or admission to any later venue.

What the $159 price really covers

At $159 per person, this is not a cheap bar crawl. The price makes more sense if you value planning, guaranteed admission, reservations, a local host, and access to three distinctive venues in one evening.

Your booking includes:

• One starter cocktail
• Admission and reservations for the bars
• An English-speaking guide or host
• A 2.5-hour guided route

You pay extra for other cocktails, tarot if it carries a separate charge, parking, and transportation after the last bar. The cost can therefore be much higher than $159 if you order several drinks and drive to the meeting point.

The best value comes from convenience. You do not need to research three bars, work out how to get in, or decide which places are worth your time. You also get a planned sequence, moving from polished lounge to playful cocktail den to full entertainment venue.

The weaker value is for a person who already knows Hollywood nightlife or plans to have only one drink. That person may find it cheaper to choose one or two bars independently. You are paying a premium for access and hosting, not for a large number of included drinks.

Dress sharply or risk being turned away

The dress code is one of the most important practical details. This is an upscale night, and the instructions are firm.

Cocktail dresses and heels are suitable. Smart, polished clothing is the safest choice for everyone. Gym clothes, shorts, hats, loose clothing, and baggy outfits are not allowed.

Do not treat the dress code as a minor suggestion. A bar may refuse entry if your clothing does not fit the standard, and the tour cannot help much if you arrive dressed for a casual daytime outing. If you are packing for a Los Angeles trip, set aside one proper evening outfit before you leave home.

You should also bring a passport or ID card. Drinking is optional, but you still need identification for the bar experience.

Timing, walking, and the shape of the evening

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, with starting times varying by availability. Since the stops are in Hollywood and the group walks between them, you should be ready to move from one location to the next rather than spend the entire night in one room.

The route has a sensible rhythm. The first bar gives you an elegant opening. The second adds games and novelty. The last supplies music and dancing, then lets you stay longer if you wish.

The walking is part of the experience, but you should not assume it is effortless. Wear shoes that can handle city walking while still meeting the dress code. If you are traveling with someone who dislikes moving between venues, this may feel less comfortable than booking one cocktail bar for the evening.

The tour is conducted in English. An English-speaking host or greeter manages the group and the bar visits.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this experience to you if you want a social night with plenty of variety and a guide who takes care of the planning. It suits first-time visitors to Hollywood who want more than a standard restaurant and bar outing.

It is also a good fit for couples, friends celebrating a special occasion, and people who enjoy theatrical venues. The burlesque, Latin music, circus games, and old Hollywood setting give the evening a party feel without requiring you to plan every detail yourself.

You may want to skip it if you dislike loud music, dressing up, walking between venues, or paying separately for most drinks. It is also less attractive if your main goal is tasting a large number of cocktails at the lowest possible cost.

The drinking is optional, which makes the tour more flexible for people who want the atmosphere but do not want alcohol. Still, the venues are bars, and much of the evening’s character comes from their drinks and nightlife setting.

Booking, cancellation, and practical planning

You can reserve your place and pay later, which helps if your Los Angeles schedule is still changing. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour has limited practical coverage, so plan your extras in advance. Bring ID, a payment card or cash, and clothing that meets the dress code. If you drive, allow for $20 to $25 in parking. If you plan to remain at the final bar, arrange your ride home before the night gets busy.

The experience provider is Secret Fun Experiences, and the official information is available at secretfunthingstodo.com.

Should you book the Hollywood speakeasy tour?

Book it if you want a guided night with three sharply different settings, guaranteed entry, one included cocktail, and live entertainment. The strongest reasons to go are the variety and the hosting. Harrison’s warm, personal approach is a real plus when available, since a good guide can turn a string of bar visits into a well-paced evening.

Think twice if you expect the $159 price to cover most of your drinks or transport. It does not. You will get the best value if you enjoy dressing up, like theatrical nightlife, and would rather pay for a planned route than spend time finding bars on your own.

For a birthday, date night, or first Hollywood evening, I think the experience is worth considering. Just arrive dressed for the part, budget beyond the advertised price, and decide in advance how you will get home after the final bar.

FAQ

How long does the speakeasy tour last?

The guided portion lasts 2.5 hours. You can stay at the final bar as long as you like.

How many bars does the tour visit?

The tour visits three speakeasy-style bars in Hollywood.

Is a cocktail included?

Yes. One starter cocktail is included with the booking. Additional drinks are not included.

Can I choose not to drink alcohol?

Yes. Drinking is optional. If you decide to order drinks, bring cash or a credit card.

Where does the tour start?

Meet your guide outside LA Fitness near 1628 North El Centro Avenue in Hollywood.

Is parking available near the meeting point?

Street parking is available. Parking in Hollywood typically costs $20 to $25.

What should I wear?

The dress code is chic and upscale. Cocktail dresses and heels are suitable. Gym clothes, shorts, hats, loose clothing, and baggy clothing are not allowed.

Is transportation included after the final bar?

No. Transportation from the final bar to your hotel or the original meeting point is not included if you stay at the last venue.