Sneak into these Speakeasies in Dayton

It’s been 90ish years since Prohibition came to an end, but in Dayton, you can still enjoy the thrill of slipping into a speakeasy for drinks and fun.

These bars aren’t run by the mob, have no reason to bribe the cops, and most don’t even require a password to get in, but there’s still something exciting about walking through a nondescript door into a dark, moody speakeasy 100 years after they came about.

Good Impressions

800 S Patterson Blvd, Dayton, Ohio

At night, MidDay Cafe, an unassuming coffee shop, transforms into Good Impressions, a cocktail bar you enter through the blacked out “Trash Only” door on the side of the building.

The cocktail menu features several very inventive drinks created by owner, Greg Innocent. Good Impressions’ menu also includes pages of traditional cocktails as well as a selection of wine. They offer mocktails and bites including tomato tartare, kettle chips, and avocado chili oil dip.

Whisperz Speakeasy

926 Watertower Ln, West Carrollton, Ohio

Whisperz Speakeasy is a glamorous cocktail bar where you’ll need a password – and meet the dress code – to get in and mingle. They also host ticketed events from time to time.

Van Buren Room

122 Van Buren St, Dayton, Ohio

Van Buren Room is the speakeasy attached to Belle of Dayton, a distillery inspired by vintage bottles discovered in a hidden speakeasy downtown.

The decor feels like stepping inside an original speakeasy with dark furniture, wall paper, and lighting.

Tender Mercy

607 E Third St, Lower Level, Dayton, Ohio

Located below Sueño, down a set of subway stairs off the sidewalk in the Webster Station area of downtown Dayton, Tender Mercy is a dark, moody space filled with unusual objects and fascinating decor everywhere your eyes land.

Cocktails are Tender Mercy’s speciality. They hire brilliant bartenders and let them shine by curating a menu of their creations. Take a look at the menu beforehand to have an idea of what to try. These cocktails are unique, complex, and strong.

Looking for more cocktails? Check out these Dayton bars for the perfect nightcap.