What is a speakeasy?
Originally bars hidden from authorities during US Prohibition (1920-1933). Modern speakeasies recreate the experience: hidden entrances, no street signage, by-reservation entry, intimate capacity, custom cocktails. In Mexico City, the format took off post-2010 and now defines the upper tier of the bar scene.
1.6 · Iconic
#1 World's 50 Best Bars 2024. Hidden behind a taquería in Juárez. Molecular cocktail program: edible foams, smoked ingredients, clarified milk drinks, ice carved in-house. Reservation essential — release tables on the 1st of the month for the following month at 9 AM Mexico City time. ~$320-$380 MXN per cocktail. Smart casual dress code. Visit Handshake.
2.5 · Iconic
The pioneer of speakeasies in Latin America. Walter Meyenberg trained much of the Mexican bartending scene here. No menu — bartender designs your drink based on conversation about your mood and preferences. Capacity ~30 people, very intimate. Reservation 2-3 weeks in advance. ~$280-$340 MXN per cocktail. Visit Hanky Panky.
3.3 · Trend Top
Speakeasy + after-hours hybrid. Operates as cocktail bar from 8 PM, transitions to techno/house club after midnight, runs until 5-6 AM. The reference for techno culture in CDMX. Cover $200-$400 MXN. Visit Departamento.
4.0 · Trend Top
Live jazz speakeasy in a Roma townhouse. Most romantic speakeasy in CDMX. Intimate, candle-lit, conversational — music doesn't overwhelm. Reservation recommended weekends. ~$220-$300 MXN per cocktail. Visit Casa Franca.
5.7 · Editorial Pick
Pool hall + speakeasy hybrid. Vintage atmosphere with vinyl music + serious cocktails + actual pool tables. Walk-in possible mid-week. ~$200-$280 MXN per cocktail.
6.6 · Editorial Pick
Mezcalería-speakeasy hybrid. Most serious mezcal selection in Condesa. Intimate space, mezcal sommelier guides selection. ~$180-$280 MXN per copa.
Speakeasy etiquette in Mexico City
- Dress code: smart casual minimum. No shorts, no athletic shoes, no ripped jeans. Polanco speakeasies stricter, Roma more relaxed.
- Reservation: essential at top venues (Handshake, Hanky Panky). Walk-ins typically rejected weekends.
- Phone use: generally discouraged. Take 1-2 photos, then enjoy. Some venues (Hanky Panky) actively discourage flash photography.
- Order: trust the bartender. At Hanky Panky and Handshake, asking for a "Margarita" is missing the point. Describe your mood/preferences and let them design.
- Tip: 15-20% in cash. Bartenders depend on tips for income.
Comparisons
- Limantour vs Hanky Panky (Spanish) — speakeasy vs visible bar.
- Speakeasy vs Rooftop (Spanish) — which experience to choose.
How do I find Hanky Panky's entrance?
You enter through a taquería in Juárez. The exact location isn't publicly disclosed — finding it is part of the experience. Once you reserve, the venue sends instructions. If you need clear English instructions, message Trend México and we coordinate.
Can I get into Handshake without a reservation?
Almost never. Handshake releases tables on the 1st of each month for the following month at 9 AM Mexico City time. They sell out within hours. No walk-ins accepted.
What's the difference between Hanky Panky and Handshake?
Both world-class. Handshake (#1 World's 50 Best 2024) is more molecular/avant-garde — drinks involve edible foams, smoke, clarified milk. Hanky Panky (#33 World's 50 Best 2024) is more classic — bartender designs drink based on your mood, no menu. Hanky Panky is the pioneer; Handshake is the current peak.
Are speakeasies expensive in Mexico City?
Top tier (Handshake, Hanky Panky): $300-$400 MXN per cocktail (~USD $17-$22). Mid-tier (Departamento, Casa Franca, Salón Malafama, Bar Xinco): $200-$280 MXN per cocktail (~USD $11-$15). Less expensive than NY/London speakeasies.
Are speakeasies safe for solo travelers?
Yes, especially Hanky Panky and Casa Franca where bar conversation is part of the experience. Reservation establishments check IDs and have controlled environments. Take Uber/Cabify to and from venues — don't walk after midnight in Mexico City.
Can I book a private event at a speakeasy?
Yes. Departamento Studio Bar and Casa Franca offer full-venue privatization. Hanky Panky is too small for events (just 30 capacity). Handshake doesn't typically privatize. Trend México coordinates private events at speakeasies + other venues.