Colorado Springs Speakeasies and Hidden Bars

Colorado Springs has a long and tumultuous history related to the consumption of alcohol, and its current bar scene is reminiscent of its prohibition era past.

Down the rabbit hole, into an alley, through a haberdashery — these are just a few of the ways into the Colorado Springs speakeasies and hidden bar scene.

It’s no coincidence that Colorado Springs is ripe with speakeasies and “hidden” bars. The city was once a forerunner in the prohibition of alcohol, with its founder, William J. Palmer, leading the charge. There were temperance rallies, bartenders sentenced to jail time, and liquor-lined trap doors filling the walls of downtown estates.

Today, more than 100 years later, Colorado Springs is a hub of craft brewing and distilling, along with a whole lot of bars—some of which seem to be knocking on the door of our city’s past.

Here’s our list of our favorite Colorado Springs speakeasies and hidden bars around the city:

1. The Rabbit Hole

101 North Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Walk down Kiowa Street in Downtown Colorado Springs and you might mistake the entrance to this bar for an old underground subway stop. The Rabbit Hole is a longtime local favorite, describing itself as a “New American haunt crafting creative bites and cocktails in a sleek, subterranean space.” Some even claim that this space was the original Colorado Springs City morgue! Their menu is just as unique as their location — serving things like Bacon Wrapped Rabbit Meatloaf, Rabbit “Hare” Pie, and Chorizo Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Prawns. Be sure to check out their cozy environment and delicious menu offerings.

2. Upstairs Wine Bar

2417 West Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Upstairs Wine Bar sits just above La Baguette, the sweetest little French bakery in Old Colorado City. To get there, you’ll follow a narrow stairway that leads into a small, inviting room—one that feels like a cozy European loft, complete with a comfy couch and a glowing fireplace.

Once inside, the space immediately feels more like a family’s private living room than a traditional bar. However, the menu tells a different story. It features some of the classiest libations in the Springs, including over 70 fine wines by the glass, a selection of absinthe (yes, absinthe!), gourmet shareable plates, and rich, melty cheese fondue.

All in all, it’s no wonder they call themselves “the secret living room you’ve always wanted.”

3. The Archives

15 South Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Tucked away underground with no sign to give it away, The Archives is one of Downtown Colorado Springs’ best-kept secrets. Not only does this hidden cocktail bar fly under the radar, but it also stays open seven days a week, serving until midnight or 2:00am—which makes it a go-to spot for late-night craft cocktails and indulgent bites.

Once you step inside, you’ll quickly see why it’s a local favorite. To start, the menu features shareable dishes like Burrata and Garlic, Beef Sliders, and Loaded Tots piled high with Pork Bomb, Cheese Curds, and Jalapeños (yes, they’re as good as they sound).

Beyond the food and drinks, The Archives leans into the city’s history to craft one of the most authentic speakeasy experiences in town. With its stealthy entrance and prohibition-era cocktail list, you might just believe you’ve stepped back in time to when General Palmer ran the show in Colorado Springs.

4. Axe and the Oak

1604 South Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80905

Walk through what looks like a typical elementary school hallway to the lower level of the old Ivywild School, and you’ll find Axe and the Oak, a moody, candlelit bar serving some of the best whiskey in town. Order a signature flight of whiskey or one of their craft cocktails (like the Tobacco Old-Fashioned), and sip to the tune of a local musician and the chatter of the busy bar.

5. Motif Jazz Cafe (now closed)

182 East Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Spring’s Mag named Motif the top spot for a romantic date in Colorado Springs—and it’s easy to see why. From the outside, this jazz bar looks unassuming, tucked inside a small shopping center on the south side of town. But step through the door, and you’re instantly transported to another time and place.

Motif opens only on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and each night features live jazz that quickly draws a crowd. Spend any time at the bar, and you’ll likely experience the mixology magic firsthand. The bartenders each craft five new cocktails every month, creating a constantly evolving menu that keeps guests coming back for more.

6. Shame & Regret

15 East Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Shame & Regret is located in an art-inspired alley in downtown Colorado Springs. The bar is meant to mimic a Catholic confessional, fit with tinted windows, leather seats, and dark-stained wood. Its menu is filled with cocktails and bites, all with names that feel like a taunting nod to our city’s pious founder and its prohibition past.

7. Allusion Bar

323 North Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

We bet you’ve never been to a Game of Thrones themed bar! Allusion Bar sits in the back of Rooster’s House of Ramen, inconspicuously hidden behind a faux brick wall. This small, 20-person speakeasy changes its theme every few months — each concept inspired by a different trend in pop culture. The changing theme is meant to keep things exciting and fresh, potentially drawing an entirely new crowd of patrons with each concept.

8. The Fifty-Niner

2409 West Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Are you sure it’s just a game store… or is there more than meets the eye? Step behind Dice Guys Game Store in Old Colorado City and you’ll find The Fifty-Niner, a speakeasy that pays tribute to the prospectors of the 1859 Gold Rush. Owner Adam Stephan embraced the chance to draw on the area’s rich history—especially with the bar sitting directly across from the original cabin that once served as the capital of the Territory of Colorado.

The Fifty-Niner serves up a lineup of prohibition-style cocktails and tasty bites, including the ever-popular charcuterie board and delicious paninis. With its hidden entrance and historic charm, this spot has all the right ingredients for a fun night out.

Need help finding all of the great cocktails Colorado Springs has to offer? We’ve got you! Book our Spring’s Signature Cocktail Tour for your next night out!

Here’s to Colorado Springs’ past and our very cocktail-filled future!

Cheers, Your Rocky Mountain Food Tours Team

(So, what’s a food tour, anyway…?)

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