PROHIBITION IN SF: THE SPEAKEASY TOUR

Date/Time
Date(s) - 06/05/2026 - 12/24/2027
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Our Prohibition in SF: the Speakeasy tour is a trip back in time to the 1920’s, when numerous speakeasies were hidden amongst the facades of shops and restaurants in San Francisco’s North Beach and Chinatown. You’ll learn about this fascinating era, while experiencing one of the most vibrant parts of he city and eating some great local food.

We start at the famous Transamerica Pyramid, an SF landmark. From there we had into North Beach, otherwise known as Little Italy. The neighborhood was full of speakeasies during Prohibition and several of them still operate today, so it’s the perfect place to experience this historical period today.

In the 1950’s the poets and writers of the Beat Generation also based themselves in North Beach, frequenting many of the same bars and cafes, which by then could serve alcohol in the open. We visit two of the most popular, Caffe Trieste and Vesuvio Cafe.

Nearby Chinatown, which is the oldest in the U.S. (dating back to the 1850’s), also had some hidden speakeasies in the 1920’s. Although by that time most of the brothels and opium dens of the Nineteenth Century were gone, if the police needed to show they were enforcing Prohibition they would usually raid the bars here. Now you don’t have to worry about that!

Over the course of the evening we share some fascinating San Francisco history, while you experience the real San Francisco and get some of the best sliced pizza and street dumplings you will ever have.

Our tours can sell out. If you can’t make a booking email [email protected], telling us when you want to go and how many guests are in your party. If we can squeeze you in we’ll let you know.

LOGISTICS & DETAILS

*Cost: $90 pp.

*Walking distance: 1 mile.

*Tour starts 6 pm Friday, Transamerica Pyramid, corner of Montgomery and Washington Streets (meeting point photo).

*Tour finishes 9 pm, Chinatown.

*We usually visit 3 bars, each for about 20 minutes.

*2-3 tapas style tasting dishes are included, for the equivalent of a 2 course meal.

*There’s a big range of food options and all types of diet can be accommodated (vegan, gluten-free etc). Please leave a note in the designated field when making a booking, if you have any dietary restrictions.

*We donate $1 for every guest to Climate Cents, a climate change organization.

DISCLAIMERS

This tour is in English. If your English isn’t fluent this may not be the best option for you. We do not offer this tour in any other language at this time.

This is a walking tour and we move at a reasonable pace. If you have mobility issues please book a private tour.

Drinks are not included.

You must be over 21 y.o. to do this tour.

We never cancel tours in advance due to the weather conditions. Be sure to wear warm clothing, nights are usually cool in SF.

Aim to get to the meeting point 10-15 minutes early. If you’re late you may miss the tour.

Contactless payment for gratuities available, please allow 15-20%.

Full refund or exchange available up to 48 hours before tour start time.

You must book in advance.

IMPORTANT NOTE

After making a booking you’ll receive an automatic confirmation email (separate from the receipt). If you don’t see the email in your inbox please check your junk mailbox.