5 speakeasy bars to visit and enjoy in São Paulo

The speakeasy trend is already here in São Paulo! This type of establishment, which originated in the United States, offers an intriguing idea of enjoying drinks and snacks in a hidden space. Visitors who seek out this type of place will experience a unique and intimate experience, unlike anything you would expect in a conventional bar. The concept of "secret bars" is not something new. It was created in the 20th century, during the period when Prohibition was in force in the United States - that is, the consumption and production of alcoholic beverages was not allowed in the country. These places stand out for providing a space for visitors to consume and also for the production of spirits. Prohibition may not have lasted, but speakeasy bars continued to grow , not only in the US but all over the world, and in São Paulo this is no different. We have selected 5 speakeasy bars for you to visit in the capital of São Paulo, and we even visited one of them to tell you if this exclusive experience is a good idea. Check it out!

1- Frank Bar

Frank Bar is a speakeasy located in the lobby of Maksoud Plaza that offers an intimate experience combined with high-end cocktails, which has already earned it an award as the best place to drink drinks in Veja São Paulo's EAT & DRINK 2019/2020 guide. The space was created in 2015, and its name is a tribute to the great artist Frank Sinatra. In 2020, the bar underwent a renovation ( retrofit ) designed by architect Herbert Holdefer, which preserved the intimate atmosphere and the feeling of experiencing a bar from the 80s.

2- Sao Paulo Urban Distillery

The São Paulo Urban Distillery opened last year and has an innovative proposal: offering its customers the chance to try delicious gins inside a listed building – a mansion over 100 years old in the Historic Center of the capital of São Paulo. For this article, we visited this establishment and spoke to one of the partners, Nick Johnston. For him, "people feel special in such an exclusive and hidden environment, as well as freer and with more privacy."

Despite the small size of the space, the bar is quite cozy, with background music and an inspiring Art Deco atmosphere. The gin is produced on site, bringing back the history of speakeasies that had to produce spirits in secret. It is a complete experience for all audiences, especially for the curious who want to see how the fragrant and delicate gins are made. The project is headed by Plante Arquitetura, which worked with subtle elements in the decoration to rescue the history of the city of São Paulo. For partner Nick, "the mansion is an attempt to draw attention to the importance of valuing and preserving the history of São Paulo."

3- Arcos Bar

For those seeking sophistication, bohemianism and an exclusive and unique look, Bar dos Arcos is one of the most popular speakeasy bars in São Paulo. It is located in the basement of the Municipal Theater , in the Historic Center. The bar was founded by Facundo Guerra in 2016. The project, designed by MM18, features rustic architecture that really gives the impression that the bar is hidden away. Brick walls and stone arches are the elements responsible for bringing this different and innovative aspect to the establishment.

4- Bar Fel

Bar Fel is located inside Copan, one of the most emblematic buildings in São Paulo. Visitors can enjoy the best cocktails while enjoying a delicate and intimate atmosphere. The hidden bar is located on the ground floor of Copan and is small, with a maximum capacity of 15 guests comfortably, which makes the experience even more exclusive.

5- Locale Caffe

During the day, it’s a café, and at night, a bar! In one of São Paulo’s most sophisticated neighborhoods, Itaim Bibi, a speakeasy bar is hidden inside an elegant café: Locale Caffè . You can enjoy the best of both worlds: enjoy an espresso and then head inside and sample delicious drinks in a bar that serves classic cocktails.