Los Angeles: Speakeasy Bar Hopping Tour with Drink

Hollywood’s speakeasy scene is more fun when you don’t have to guess which unmarked door to try. This 2.5-hour tour takes you to three bars with sharply different moods: old-school Hollywood, underground circus, and Havana-inspired Latin music. I like the variety, and I like that reservations and entry are handled for you.

The trade-off is the price: $159 per person includes only one starter cocktail, so extra drinks add up quickly. There is also a practical wrinkle at the end: the tour details give conflicting information about whether you return to the meeting point or finish at the last bar. Confirm the plan before you go.

What to Know Before You Go

• Three contrasting bars: Expect a 1920s-style cocktail room, a circus-themed underground den, and a Latin music venue with live entertainment.
• One drink is included: Your first cocktail is covered. Other drinks are optional and must be paid for separately.
• Entry is arranged: Reservations and guaranteed admission are included, with a separate entrance to skip the line.
• The final stop can stretch the night: You may stay at the last bar as long as you like, but transport afterward is not included.
• Dress up: The stated dress code is chic and upscale. Gym clothes, shorts, hats, and baggy clothing are not allowed.
• Check the finish details: The meeting information says the activity ends back at the starting point, while the bar details say transport back is not included.

Three Bars, Three Different Hollywood Nights

The appeal here is the change of scene. Rather than spending the evening in three similar cocktail lounges, you move from a polished room recalling 1920s Hollywood to a playful underground bar, then finish with Latin music and dancing. Two of the bars are described as appearing among the world’s 25 best speakeasies, though the tour details do not identify which two.

That mix matters if you are visiting Hollywood for the first time. The bars are the main event, but the guide gives the evening a thread: you can follow a planned route, get into reserved venues, and hear local stories instead of losing time choosing a place from a long list. A five-star account singles out Harrison for his warm welcome, personal attention, and stories about the local bar scene. Guides can vary, so don’t assume he will lead your date, but the praise points to the kind of hosting that can make a small-group night feel less like a series of door entries.

The tour suits you best if you enjoy nightlife and want a ready-made plan. It is less suited to a quiet evening, a low-cost night out, or anyone who wants to choose every stop and drink independently.

First Stop: Old Hollywood in a Cocktail Glass

The opening bar sets a polished tone. Its 1920s Hollywood styling and sophisticated cocktails are meant to evoke the era of movie stars and classic glamour. Your included starter cocktail is served here, giving you a chance to settle in and take in the room before moving on.

I like this as a first stop because it gives the night a clear beginning. You are not dropped straight into a loud dance floor; instead, the first bar offers a more composed setting for a drink and conversation. The guide can also help make the transition from meeting a group to spending an evening out feel natural.

One point to keep in mind: the included drink is a starter, not an open bar. If you want a second cocktail here, or something at either of the next two venues, bring a credit card or cash. Drinking is optional, so you can join the tour for the rooms and entertainment without ordering alcohol beyond the included drink.

Second Stop: Circus Games Below Street Level

The second venue shifts from sleek to strange. It is described as an underground cocktail den with circus and carnival touches, where you can play games while sipping a drink. A tarot card reader may also be available if you want a bit of fortune-telling with your night.

This is the stop most likely to feel unlike a standard bar crawl. The games give you something to do besides order another round, and the tarot option adds a playful extra. You do not need to take either seriously; think of them as part of the room’s theatrical character.

The possible drawback is simple: the bar’s appeal depends on whether you enjoy its theme. If you prefer a quiet, minimalist cocktail lounge, the carnival setting may be more novelty than charm. The good news is that it is only one of three stops, and the route moves on to a very different final venue.

Final Stop: Latin Music, Dancing, and Live Shows

The last bar turns the evening toward music and performance. The venue is described as Havana-inspired, with Latin dancing, live music, spectacular cocktails, and burlesque shows. If you like a night that builds in energy, this is the natural finale.

You can stay at the final bar as long as you like. That flexibility is useful if you are enjoying the music and want to keep the night going, but it also means you should plan your ride before you arrive. Transport from the last bar to your hotel or the original meeting point is not included.

There is an inconsistency in the stated end arrangements. One section says the activity ends back at the meeting point, while another says you can remain at the last bar and that transport back is not included. Ask the operator to clarify whether the group returns together or finishes at the final venue. That one question will help you plan your evening and avoid an awkward late-night scramble.

What $159 Gets You, and What It Doesn’t

At $159 per person, this is a premium night out. The price covers the guide, one starter cocktail, reservations, guaranteed admission, and a separate entrance to skip the line. You are paying for a structured route through three venues, not for a bundle of drinks.

That distinction is important in Hollywood, where an evening can grow expensive one cocktail at a time. If you are likely to order several drinks at each stop, budget for those separately. If you mainly want to see the rooms, hear the music, and enjoy the company, the included cocktail and optional drinking make the tour more flexible.

The strongest value is convenience. A guide has picked the venues and arranged entry, so you avoid spending part of the evening searching for a good bar or wondering whether you can get in. The reservation benefit is especially useful for a night built around busy, distinctive venues. Still, if you are comfortable planning your own night and booking bars yourself, you may prefer to spend the $159 directly on drinks and entertainment.

A small pool of early ratings gives a limited picture, so I would put more weight on the details that matter to your own plans: three different venues, a guide, reserved entry, and a single included drink. A five-star account specifically praises Harrison’s communication and attentive hosting, along with his stories about the local bar scene. Another highlights good communication and service. Those are encouraging signs, but the tour’s core value still comes from the route and arrangements rather than a promise of a particular guide.

Meeting Point, Dress, and Getting Home

The meeting point is outside LA Fitness. The supplied parking address is 1628 North El Centro Avenue, and parking in Hollywood is estimated at $20 to $25. Treat parking as an extra cost, and consider how you will get home if you plan to drink.

Bring a passport or ID card. The dress code is unusually firm: chic, upscale clothing is required. Cocktail dresses and heels are suggested, while gym clothes, shorts, hats, and loose or baggy clothing are specifically ruled out. If you are unsure whether an outfit fits, dress a notch smarter rather than risking a problem at the door.

The experience lasts about 2.5 hours, with starting times that vary by date. It is offered in English. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. These flexible terms help if your plans are still shifting, but check the available start times before building the rest of your evening around the tour.

Is This Hollywood Bar Tour Right for You?

I would consider booking if you want a guided night out with a clear route, a mix of settings, and the ease of arranged entry. It is particularly appealing for a first Hollywood visit, a celebration, or a night when you would rather follow a local guide than spend an hour researching bars.

I would pause if you are watching your budget, dislike dress codes, or want a quiet evening. The $159 price does not include a full night of drinks, and the final venue may be loud and performance-focused. Before paying, ask the operator to settle the return-to-meeting-point question. If the timing, dress rules, and extra drink costs work for you, this offers a lively and well-planned way to sample several sides of Hollywood nightlife in one evening.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 2.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

How many bars does the tour visit?

The route includes three speakeasies in Hollywood.

What kinds of bars are included?

The stops include a 1920s Hollywood-style bar, an underground circus-themed cocktail den, and a Latin music venue with live performances and burlesque shows.

Is a drink included in the price?

Yes. The tour includes one starter cocktail. Additional drinks are not included.

Do I have to drink alcohol?

No. Drinking is optional. If you choose to order additional drinks, bring a credit card or cash.

What should I wear?

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

Where is the meeting point?

Meet your guide outside LA Fitness. The supplied parking address is 1628 North El Centro Avenue.

Is transportation included after the final bar?

No transportation from the last bar to your hotel or the original meeting point is included. The details also say the activity ends back at the meeting point, so confirm the return plan with the operator.

Are reservations and entry included?

Yes. Reservations and guaranteed admission are included, along with a separate entrance to skip the line.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can reserve and pay later. You may cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.