Temecula has gone all-in on the speakeasy scene. There’s a new Tokyo nightclub-inspired bar hidden inside a sushi joint, a prohibition era-themed gem stashed away behind a bookshelf in wine country, a gold rush-era back room that prides itself on custom cocktails, a wine country lounge that turns into a cocktail bar in the evenings, and a few other noteworthy spots when you’re looking for a unique evening out.
Kagé
Where to find it: Hidden behind the entrance at It’s Tabu Sushi on the south end of Old Town Temecula.
Newly opened in June 2026, Kagé (kah-geh), meaning shadow in Japanese, is a western speakeasy with a Japanese influence. The intimate bar glows with neon signs, colorful Japanese lanterns, and mirrored walls, creating a simultaneously dark yet vibrant atmosphere. Colors bounce off reflective surfaces, creating a city nightclub vibe, even in this tiny bar. For those familiar with the closed Old Town speakeasy Apparition Room, Kagé has opened in it the former space with the same bartending team.
The bartenders are serious about their craft, dreaming up well-balanced cocktails with a mix of Japanese and pop culture and inspired names. There are twists on popular cocktails, like the Sanjuro, an Old Fashioned with Aztec chocolate and single malt Japanese whisky, or an original take on a Pina Colada with coconut fat washed run, coconut cream, coke syrup, yuzu, and pineapple. Kagé has plans to have a small bites menu available, but right now it’s drinks only.
Open Tuesday – Sunday, starting at 4pm. Walk-ins only.
Kagé on Instagram (no website)
📍28693 Old Town Front St Suite 104, Temecula, CA 92520
Thompson & Twain Prospecting Co.
Where to find it: Hidden inside Crush and Brew in Old Town Temecula
Thompson & Twain drips with old frontier nostalgia, evoking a time when gold-rush ruffians would take a break from their mining and stop into the nearest watering hole. Old time memorabilia hangs off walls and hangs from the ceiling. It’s all a little fun and kitsch, but the cocktails are seriously good leaning “heavily towards time appropriate spirits – Rye and Bourbon Whiskey along with Gin.” There’s no food at this old west joint, so grab a bite at Crush and Brew before you ask for entry. Know that you may encounter a line after 8 pm on Friday and Saturday nights.
Open daily at 5 pm. Sunday at 3 pm. Walk-ins only.
📍28544 Old Town Front Street, Temecula, CA 92590
The Cilurzo Speakeasy
Where to find it: Hidden inside Bella Vista Winery
The Cilurzo is an intimate Prohibition-era space, with velvet chairs, cozy banquet, tin and wood-beam ceiling, all tucked behind a secret entrance in the lobby of the winery. They’re serving up crafted wine cocktails (no hard liquor), small bites, live music, and vintage vibes with a baby grand taking over one corner. The Cilurzo is named after Vincent Cilurzo who planted the first premium grapes in Temecula (and was an award-winning Hollywood lighting designer!) and opened one of our first wineries where Bella Vista sits today. See more of the inside on Instagram.
Open Friday and Saturday evenings 5 to 8 pm.
They don’t have much of an online presence. Call 951-676-5250 for reservations.
📍41220 Calle Contento, Temecula, California 92592
The Cellar Bar
Where to find it: Below Ponte Vineyard Inn. Take the staircase behind the wooden door on your left as soon as you enter the inn.
The Cellar Bar has been a popular wine country hangout for over a decade, and boasts a full bar, rotating tap of beers, and wines from Ponte and Bottaia Wineries. The cocktail list leans toward fruity drinks, but also includes at least one delicious Old Fashioned with peanut butter bitters. (Trust me. It’s great.) The big draw here is the (often loud) live music, small dance floor, and crowd-pleasing list of food items. Plus, it’s the only place in wine country that stays open until midnight.
Monday – Thursday 5 to 9 pm
Friday – Saturday 5 pm to midnight
Sunday 3 to 9 pm
Walk-ins only
📍35001 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591
The Pig Pen Lounge
Where to find it: Hiding in plain sight at the top of the driveway at Truffle Pig Winery
By day, The Pig Pen Lounge serves as Truffle Pig Winery’s member-only hangout, but Thursday through Sunday evenings, the curtains are drawn and the stylish setting transforms into a cocktail lounge with a full bar. Oversized club-chairs and tufted leather sofas surround a fireplace flanked by giant, gold pigs. Brass lighting fixtures hang from the ceiling, and candle-like scones dress the walls. A perk at The Pig Pen is that there’s also a back patio that overlooks the winery’s lovely pond, where you can take your drink if you and your date want to watch the summer sun go down.
Thursday to Sunday, 6 to 10 pm. Walk-ins only.
📍334567 Rancho California Rd.Temecula, CA 92591
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There’s also a distillery at Oak Mountain Winery, that crafts custom cocktails, has live music on weekends, and serves a full food menu. Find out more about Oak Mountain Distillery »
