Hanky Panky

Opened in 2016, Hanky Panky is widely recognized as Mexico City’s first true speakeasy, renowned for its hidden entrance, inventive cocktails, and top-tier service. Found beneath an unmarked Oaxacan street‑food façade in Colonia Juárez, guests must book ahead to unlock detailed entry instructions—typically entering through a faux storage closet or fridge door that conceals a secret stairway into the bar. Inside, the ambiance is low-lit and intimate, with plush velvet booths, moody red neon signs (bearing the playful “WE ARE HANKY PANKY”), and vintage decor that exudes a cinematic Prohibition‑era aesthetic . The menu reads like a travel passport, with cocktails inspired by global bartenders and original creations. The signature Fernet‑gin‑vermouth Hanky Panky cocktail nods to early 1900s Savoy lore, while mezcal‑focused riffs—such as Mezcal Negroni or Oaxaca Old Fashioned—offer a modern local twist. Hanky Panky is celebrated internationally: ranked among The World’s 50 Best Bars (most recently No. 35 in North America) and recipient of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award in 2022. The bar leads the scene with rotating guest bartenders, personalized cocktails, and creative plating snacks like elevated patatas bravas. Reservations are essential—not just for entry, but to receive the cryptic directions that make visiting part of the fun. Guests are guided through the taco stall into a secret passage and greeted with top-tier hospitality in a stylish, cocoa‑toned space that feels like a members‑only club . While drinks average around US $15, the experience and quality justify the premium. Reviews highlight excellent service, creative cocktails, and memorable atmosphere as standouts .