For the ultimate hidden experience, speakeasies are the best way to get to know any city.
What started during the ‘Prohibition Era’ has gone on to become a modern-day refined concept today, that has now gained popularity in different parts of the world.
After taking over basements, warehouses and other hidden spaces in the 1920s in New York, speakeasy bars became a hallmark for niche cocktails and delectable delights. What first needed a password to enter is now open to the public, however, it’s only if you know you know.
The speakeasy concept originated in the United States during Prohibition (1920–1933), a time when the sale, production, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were banned under the 18th Amendment. The term “speakeasy” refers to an illicit bar or nightclub where alcohol was sold and consumed in secret.
The name “speakeasy” itself likely comes from the practice of telling patrons to “speak easy” or quietly when ordering drinks to avoid attracting attention from law enforcement. These hidden speakeasies were often located behind unmarked doors, in basements, or behind fronts like soda shops or cafes, and required passwords or secret codes to enter.
After Prohibition ended in 1933 with the passage of the 21st Amendment, speakeasies disappeared as legal drinking establishments returned. However, in the 21st century, there has been a resurgence of speakeasy-style bars, now celebrated for their secretive entrances, vintage decor, and craft cocktails, evoking the glamour and mystique of the original era.
To champion this undying spirit, Dubai has opened a plethora of speakeasies that add a hint of mystery from the moment you enter.
Dubai’s newest day-to-night destination, GABA Bar, blends heritage and hedonism in one sleek setting—an intimate tearoom by day and a vintage-glam speakeasy by night. By daylight, it offers rare Asian teas and GABA-infused blends served in ceremonial style, while after dark it transforms into an opulent hideaway serving a variety of exquisite drinks. Expect moody lighting, statement pop-art, curated sounds, and a cocktail menu rooted in simplicity and premium spirits, alongside exclusive events, live music, and rotating art collaborations—making GABA Bar one of Dubai’s most unique nightlife experiences.
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LITT Bar Club is where the spirit of the night ignites, transporting guests to a realm where nature’s mystique meets the pulse of the evening. A high-energy destination at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, LITT fuses nightlife and luxury in an immersive escape. Tucked within KIRA, it boasts its own exclusive entrance while also being seamlessly connected to its sister venue. Inspired by the ethereal glow of moonlight, LITT’s design blends intricate forest-inspired patterns, a striking bar, and ambient lighting, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. With a strong music identity, expertly crafted cocktails, and a bold, vibrant crowd, LITT sets the stage for a new nightlife destination where every detail is designed to ignite the senses.
With more than just a private dining area, the bar has a host of signature celestial-inspired cocktails that are handcrafted especially for all those who visit. By transporting guests to Greece, this luxe concept encapsulates the same feeling when guests start at the Aegean Sea at night-time. With shimmering stars and an organic design process, this intimate space has been designed into a magical experience for guests to experience. Located at Avli by Tashas, this bar was born to provide visitors with a stellar journey.
For more information visit galaxy-bar.com
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For an opulent dining experience, Alma Bar has made its way to Dubai’s DIFC at Sucre. Located within Sucre, a Michelin-guide-featured restaurant, Alma Bar is an enchanting venue celebrating the harmonious union of art, creativity, and culture. The venue is an exquisite fusion of cultures and eras from around the globe, paying tribute to both the past and the present. With signature cocktails presented by expert mixologists, who ensure each beverage is a masterpiece of liquid art. Executive chef Carlos De Los Mozos has created a delicious menu featuring signature dishes such as Burrata and Veal Prosciutto Pizzetta topped with smoked scamorza, pistachio, chimichurri and more. Open from Monday to Thursday 6pm to 2am and Friday to Saturday 6pm to 3am, it’s located at the Podium Level at Gate Village 05 in DIFC.
For more information visit sucrerestaurant.com
La Cantine du Faubourg, located in Emirates Towers, is one of the staple restaurants in Dubai. It has been on the emirate’s dining scene for over a decade. But, did you know it’s now got a secret venue hidden within its walls? Enter Gohan, the Japanese restaurant concept by the team at La Cantine. This intimate space can seat 30 diners at a time with the DJ spinning to some of the most eclectic tunes all night. “The main guideline when it comes to Gohan was to get as close as the authentic Japanese food with a twist of modernity and street food”, Chef Gilles Bosquet told Emirates Woman in an interview. It’s open from Monday to Friday 12pm to 4pm and for dinner from 7pm to 2am daily.
This glass-encased speakeasy pulses with cinematic energy. Hidden near Geisha, this ultra-exclusive space invites guests into a world of deep house beats, hypnotic visuals, and avant-garde mixology. With themed nights, artistic performances, and a crowd that lives for after-dark magic, Opal Room isn’t just where the night ends – it’s where it becomes something else entirely. As anticipation builds for the May opening, Geisha and Opal Room are set to become one of DIFC’s most sought-after destinations – a place where dining, music, and mystique intertwine.
For more information visit @opalroomdubai
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