The Best Speakeasies and Underground Bars in Medellin

TLDR? Z Bar is one of the best speakeasies in Medellin to visit, whether you want live music or just a great drink! 

After a week full of work and stress, we all like to clear our minds, recharge our batteries, and let loose a little bit.  That’s why it’s so important to have a go-to place to sip on cocktails, beer, or wine. 

Now, me personally? I love settling down at a nice speakeasy. 

They’re not too loud, they’re not too intimate, and they usually have great lo-fi music going in the background. 

If you love winding down the week at a speakeasy, I’ve got your back. Here are the best speakeasies around the city of Medellin that you should check out. 

Z Bar

Whether you’re staying at the Marquee Hotel or you’re just hanging out in Medellin for a day or two, Z Bar is a place you can’t miss.

Z Bar is located in the basement of the Marquee, floor Z, hence its name and is a low-lit speakeasy type bar where locals and internationals alike love to hang out.

The bar is open from Thursday to Saturday, with live music just about every night. It’s a jazz bar, so the music is quite ambient, whether you’re there to listen to the show or to sip on a few cocktails.

Speaking of the cocktails, they’re absolutely to die for. If you’ve already tried the ones on the Abbiocco menu upstairs then you know that they’ll be good. And if you haven’t, well, suffice to say that they won’t disappoint.

My personal favorite was their French 75, a classic gin cocktail mixed with champagne. You can also venture out and try some of the bar snacks if you get the munchies.

Regardless of what you order, the place is great and it’s an awesome area to spend an evening on the quieter side.

Address:  Cra. 38 #9A – 13, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia

Siete Pulgadas Small Bar

If you’re walking down one of barrio Manila’s unassuming side streets, you might come across a painted doorway. 

When you start to peer closely at the graffiti covering the doors, you’ll quickly notice that no, this isn’t a derelict home.

It’s actually a hidden bar, and behind that dingy door is a super unique place!

Siete Pulgadas is a low-lit bar that features all kinds of vintage decor. The indie lo-fi music playing in the background is the perfect ambient music for a relaxing night with friends. 

Even though the bar is small, they’ve got a second floor with a small rooftop patio. The cocktail menu is small too, but they feature a unique Argentinian liquor called Fernet that’s fun to try if you haven’t already.   

Address: Carrera 43C #10 – 60, Medellín, Antioquia

La Oculta

La Oculta is a petite (and when I say petite, I mean petite) club nestled in the heart of Provenza. It’s a place where the wealthy come to play, thanks to the high prices and hidden interior. 

This place is actually a three-story building that features not one but two bars, Belisario and La Guardia.

But where does the speakeasy part of this come in? Well, the entrance to La Oculta is actually concealed by a bookshelf that’s actually a hidden door! 

As soon as you step inside, you’ll be welcomed into a teeny-tiny bar that makes you feel you stepped right into the swinging 20s. It’s a truly incredible experience, and one you won’t want to miss. 

Address: Cra. 35 #7-114, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia

Tibiri

Poblado (and especially Provenza) tends to get all the attention when it comes to cozy bars and hidden nooks. 

However, despite being famous for La 70, Laureles has its fair share of hidden bars, too. 

Barely visible from the street, with no sign, the front door takes you into a basement where it’s about 40 degrees Celcius and where the best dancers in town go on weekends.

The dance style is super fast, a little different, a little off the beaten track, and even if you can’t dance salsa, it’s a joy to watch others move their hips. 

At Tibiri, you’ll discover salsa caleña. Even though it’s said to have originated in Colombia’s southern city, Cali, salsa caleña is your typical Colombian style of salsa. 

If you’re ready to shake your hips and move your body, this is the place for you. You’ll see that even the ceilings and walls sweat here!

Address: Cl. 44B #70-03, Medellín, Laureles, Medellín, Antioquia

Berlin Bar 1930

Berlin Bar 1930 might not have the hidden exterior we typically think of when we think speakeasies. But, that’s not to say that it’s not a cool place to hang out with friends!

The bar actually has a super European vibe, and tons of vintage accents. It really does make you feel like you’re sitting in a dimly lit London pub during the early 20th century. 

There are tons of great photo ops in the bar, such as a traditional red phone box and an old typewriter. 

Plus, you can get some great English stouts and Irish beers.

Address: Cl 10 #41-65, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia

Bar El Blue

A graffiti ridden building on a busy street, Bar El Blue doesn’t look like much from the outside. 

Inside, however, there’s a super hip atmosphere that comes to life on Friday, Saturday, and yes, even Sunday nights. 

Bar El Blue has become popular with the international residents as well as locals of the city. As a result, it can be a great place to meet someone on your trip to Medellin!

If you’ll be in the city on your birthday, Bar El Blue is a nice place to celebrate. Let them know you’re having a birthday and you’ll get a free cake and cocktail!

Address: Cl 10 #40-20, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia

The Lemmon Song Bar

If you like classic rock, beers, and an 80s atmosphere, this place is definitely for you.

The Lemmon Song Bar has a grungy vibe and regular live bands that make for a fun time on a lonely weekend. The place is low-lit and will have you thinking you’re at a live ACDC show with the ambiance. 

The service here is really unbeatable, and if your stomach is growling,  there are fabulous places to eat something. 

Most people find this bar quite affordable, too. Even if you’ve been in Medellin for a while and have got the hang of the Colombian peso, this is a cheap place to check out. 

Address: Calle 49 Ayacucho # 28-32 Barrio Buenos Aires, Medellin

SicosiS Bar

One of the things I love about Medellin is that there’s something for everyone. 

Wanting lo-fi vibes behind a hidden door? There’s a bar for that. 

Looking for a heavy metal lover’s dream? Head over to SicosiS bar. 

The bar is very grungy and has a definitely edgy vibe to it. But, because of the rather niche music they play, it never gets too crowded. 

They’ve got great cocktails and if you’re into metal music, you definitely want to check out this gem of Medellin nightlife. 

Address: Cl. 65 #5513, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

La Octava Bar

La Octava Bar has two different zones, so to speak, which is why it’s quickly become one of my favorite spots in El Poblado. 

The first floor is for those who prefer rock music. You can enjoy sitting at the high top and sipping on a whiskey sour while you liston to classic jams from the 80s and 90s. 

The real speakeasy vibe comes in when you head down to the basement, however. 

There you’ll find a much bigger mix of music as well as some great cocktails. There’s also a pool table which is fun to play with new friends and old!

Address: Cl. 8 ##37a-49, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellin

La Cruda Medellin

When you first pass by La Cruda, all you’ll see is a rustic, dirty, wooden door. 

Don’t let that fool you, however. Once you step inside this place’s doors you’ll be greeted by a super hip and happening place. 

They’ve got colored lights and plants hanging from the ceilings, which make it a really organic place to check out. 

Plus, the clientele is from all walks of life. You’ll see some of the best fashion of Medellin, making it a great place to people watch. 

At La Cruda, the cocktails are many and the drinks are cheap, too. It’s definitely a place worth spending some time with friends after a long week! 

Address: Cra. 35 ##8a-125, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia

ERRE Bar

If you’re tired of the typical loud crowd at hardy bars then you might want to check out ERRE Bar. This spot is located in El Poblado Park, which means that it’s pretty centrally located. 

Now, despite the fact that this bar has an outdoor patio, it’s still got a cool speakeasy vibe indoors. 

The underground atmosphere and indie music will have you nodding your head and feeling like you’re in a secret room in no time!

In terms of what to try, this place has got great rum. Considering the authentic Cuban vibe, it all makes sense. 

Try a shot or two and enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean!

Address: Calle 9 #43b36, Medellín, Antioquia

Check Out the Best Speakeasies in Medellin

When you want to let go of the weight of the week and just chat with your friends over drinks in a cozy space, a speakeasy is the place to go. 

And, with these speakeasies, you should have no problem finding a venue you love! Of course, you can always explore a bit and find something of your own. We promise we won’t give your secret bars away!

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