5 Hidden Airport Speakeasies for a Pre-Flight Cocktail

What happens when a speakeasy is hiding in plain sight? That seems to be the case with The Gate Clock, Dublin’s hidden airport bar. Located in Pier B – Departures and away from the hustle and bustle of the airport, finding your way to The Gate Clock will take you through twists and turns that may make you want to leave breadcrumbs down–or at least consult your Google Maps when finding your way back to the gate. An old-style Irish pub in décor, The Gate Clock serves up traditional Irish fare and a good pint of Guinness. It’s the best place to have your last Irish meal–and a bit of quiet–before hopping your plane home.

While it may not be a speakeasy, it will do you one better; it’s a whole restaurant! That’s right, United Airlines is hiding an entire eatery right under our noses. Classified is an invite-only restaurant in which an exact location is never disclosed, even if you’re invited. But the vibe and the runway views are second to none.

If you are able to secure yourself an invite, the pickup point is in Saison in Terminal C. One cool perk: Once you have been invited to Classified, you can return on future visits. Order an EC Chicken sandwich, one of the exclusive restaurant offerings, with a glass of French Champagne from the extensive list. It will pair nicely with the welcome bubbly.

Hidden behind a door in the American Express Centurian Lounge is a sleek, intimate speakeasy serving up perfect pre-flight tipples. Located in Terminal 4, walk to the far left after passing through security and find the entrance to the Centurian lounge.

Since this speakeasy is in the Centurian Lounge, you will need a qualifying American Express card for access. The speakeasy itself, dubbed the “1850” Speakeasy Bar, can be found behind a copper-paneled wall within the lounge (hint: Look for the bar!). The bar is known for its classic cocktails, like a boulevardier or an espresso martini. However, one can never go wrong with a glass of wine for a pre-flight treat, expertly sourced from local producers.  

Also at John F. Kennedy International Airport is Connie. You may have heard of the TWA Hotel, directly across from the JetBlue Terminal, and may even have carved out some time to grab a sip at its bar, The Sunken Lounge. But there is a place to get a tipple that is a secret there too–Connie. The hotel has turned its Lockheed Constellation “Connie” airplane into a cocktail lounge that serves drinks and light bites. There is even a fresh take on a vodka martini on the menu: Vodka Is My Co-Pilot. Reservations not accepted, so you better hope no one else knows about it either.