“Speaky-what? A speakeasy is a type of American bar often considered clandestine, as it was particularly widespread during Prohibition (the American period during which the sale of alcohol was banned in the USA). Long after the ban (and at a time when some people are counting their benders by the hundreds – no, we’re not judging you), many bars in the same style and inspired by 1920s-30s decor have opened in Lyon.
1. La Baignoire: a plunge into the 1930s at La Guillotière
Secretly located at number 11 rue des Trois Rois, La Baignoire invites you to take a trip somewhere between Peaky Blinders and Boardwalk Empire. Themed cocktails, steamy ambience, Art Deco decor, Las Vegas-style counter: the place is bewitching, and we tell you more about it here.
🍸 Reservations required on barlabaignoire.fr
⏲ Wednesday-Sunday : 6pm-1am
📍 11 Rue des Trois Rois
🚇 Guillotière
2. Le Fantôme de l’Opéra: the Roaring Twenties at the foot of the Croix-Rousse
Back to the Roaring Twenties with Le Fantôme de l’Opéra, reminiscent of the work of Gaston Leroux. The foggy, atmospheric decor features an old phonograph, leather armchairs, a Chesterfield sofa, soft lighting and jazz music… special attention is paid to the cocktail glasses: skulls, unicorns, popcorn boxes; so Instagrammable!
⏲ Tuesday-Saturday: 6pm-1am
📍 19 Rue Royale
🚇 Croix-Paquet
3. Soda Bar: soul and spirits 70’s style near the quays of Saône
“Soul’n’Spirits” is the credo of the Soda Bar, as stated on its website. In this intimate speakeasy, populated by banquettes and retro posters, you’ll feel like you’ve travelled back to the 70s thanks to a selection of themed cocktails (fifteen with alcohol and four without – no mean feat!) with amusing names and served by a friendly team.
⏲ Tue-Wed 7pm-1am / Thu-Sat 7pm-3am
📍 7 Rue de la Martinière (inside Baroudeur Cycles)
🚇 Hôtel de Ville
4. L’Antiquaire: vintage and cocktails a stone’s throw from Saint-Paul
Often considered one of Lyon’s best cocktail bars, L’Antiquaire is a true benchmark for those seeking a cosy, subdued speakeasy in a decor that fully respects the jazzy ambience of New York bars from the 50s and 60s. An incomparable journey into the muffled past for enthusiasts and the more curious alike.
⏲ Daily 6pm-1am (3am Fri-Sat)
📍 20 Rue Hippolyte Flandrin
🚇 Hôtel de Ville
5. Le Passage: velvet lounges and a patinated bar near Les Terreaux
Are we backstage at the Oscars, in an incredible old-fashioned Las Vegas restaurant or on a luxurious Art Deco train bound for nostalgia? The incredible décor of Le Passage restaurant is sure to enchant visitors curious to sample its hushed ambience and signature cocktails.
⏲ Every day 18h-3h
📍 8 Rue du Plâtre
🚇 Hôtel de Ville