A ROARIN’ 1920s IMMERSIVE THEATER EXPERIENCE
CLOSED… FOR NOW!
THE PALACE THEATER IS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE RENTALS.
San Francisco’s #1 Immersive Experience is back for a limited run! Step back in time and visit a secretive prohibition nightclub. Within these hidden speakeasy walls, more than twenty characters beckon you into their underground world, each with their own tale to tell. Navigate through an interweaving maze of stories and side-quests, as over a dozen unique storylines unfold around you. Your choices shape your experience in this immersive 1920s playground.
- Hidden Rooms & Secret Passages
- 15 Interweaving Storylines
- 1,000+ Pages of Script
- 20 Interactive Characters
- 50+ Side-Quests
- Handcrafted Prohibition-era Cocktails
- Casino Games, Tarot Card Readings, “Man in the Moon” Photo Booth, Cabaret Shows
Over 75,000 Tickets Sold!
5.0
4.8
4.5
Plan Your Visit
SELECT TICKETS
A. SELECT TICKETS
- Choose Premium or General Entry
- Premium includes earlier admittance, complimentary welcome ‘short pour’ cocktail and other extra goodies!
B. CHOOSE ENTRY TIME
- This helps with check in flow.
C. RESERVE CABARET SEATING
- Recommended to guarantee a spot!
SELECT ADD-ONS
Choose additional experiences to enhance your visit!
- Casino Chips
- Souvenir Photo
- Tarot Card Reading
GET THE SECRET PASSWORD
Shortly before your scheduled visit
you’ll receive another electronic telegram with instructions on where to meet our associate.
You’ll provide a secret password to gain entry.
Tickets
Wednesday
$65
Thursday
$75
Friday
$105
Saturday
Dress code enforced; no cell phones (or other technical doodads) allowed
$129
Sunday
$65
*Prices listed are dynamic and will go up!
Wednesday
$95
Thursday
$105
Friday
$145
Saturday
Dress code enforced; no cell phones (or other technical doodads) allowed
$199
Sunday
$95
*Prices listed are dynamic and will go up!
What's Included - Premium
Premium access to all the interactive fun activities, including casino games, “Man in the Moon Photo Booth,” tarot card readings, and Cabaret Shows as well as immersive characters and stories.
What's Included - VIP
1-hour earlier admittance and greeted with a complimentary welcome ‘short pour’ cocktail. Includes a private jazz band set and Vaudeville Revue in the Main Bar, and enjoy a short comedic playlet introducing the characters and storylines of the show. Perfect for theatre lovers and those wanting a deeper immersive experience!
SWIPE THROUGH OR CLICK
THE CALENDAR ICON TO SEE
ALL AVAILABLE DATES
"THE ABSOLUTE BEST INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER BEEN TO."
- Melynda H.
"A CLASSY, SPELLBINDING SHOW."
- Toronto Sun
"TRULY SOMETHING SPECIAL. DO NOT MISS IT!"
- Doretta B.
"IT COULD BE EASY FOR A MOMENT TO MIGHT THINK YOU'RE STEPPING INTO AN OLD MOVIE."
- ABC News
"An extraordinary night out, The Speakeasy is both a time warp and a head trip."
- Frommer’s
"The Speakeasy’ is everything I love about San Francisco."
- The Bold Italic
"The Speakeasy is a cross between a bar, interactive theatre, and a time machine."
- Whiskey Advocate
"The Speakeasy makes a strong case for being the best bar in San Francisco."
- SF Weekly
EXPLORE THE CLUB
The entire speakeasy is your playground – secret passages and all – there are many rooms to discover throughout the night!
ATTENDEES
Within these hidden Speakeasy walls, more than twenty characters beckon you into their underground world, each with their own story to tell.
Cliff
A nitwit bootlegger who blew up his own still operation. Lost in life, maybe he’ll find what he’s looking for at this watering hole.
Vinnie
A disgraced ex-boxer turned dutiful doorman. A gentle giant with more than one secret he’s protecting.
Dorothy
School teacher by day and roarin’ flapper by night. This spinster comes to the tavern to hunt for a husband… or a good time.
Eloise
The owner of this blind pig. A former Ziegfeld Follies dancer, she’s charismatic and elegant, but tonight she’ll need to get her hands dirty.
Velma
The resident chanteuse of The Palace Theater. Haunted by her past, drama follows this diva on and off stage.
Eugene
A well-dressed ‘dandy’ representing a prominent Chicago outfit. Sent to deliver an intimidating message, he just might get more than what he bargained for.
Lois
A gossip columnist and nightlife journalist. She sticks her nose in all the right places and brings guests along for the ride.
Violet
With a heart of gold, she only dances to help work off her brother’s gambling debt. She may prefer a library, but tonight she’ll discover she can’t judge every book by its cover.
Tom
A down on his luck soap salesman sitting at the edge of the bar. Spouting story after story, listen carefully though, as he just might offer words of wisdom.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Speakeasy at San Francisco’s Palace Theater is an enthralling step back in time to the Roaring 1920s, offering an immersive and interactive prohibition-era experience.
Immersive theater is a dynamic form of live performance where traditional boundaries between performer and audience are blurred, creating an environment where spectators are actively involved in the story.
Unlike conventional theater, immersive productions occur in unique settings and invite the audience to explore and interact with the narrative and environment, creating a deeply personal and memorable experience.
We like to keep our gin joint a secret. Meeting location and detailed instructions are sent via email 24 hours before the day of your visit.
However, be prepared to travel to a discreet location where North Beach and Chinatown coalesce.
There is no age requirement to attend The Speakeasy. However, due to adult themes and the consumption of alcohol, we recommend a minimum viewing age of 16. Our ‘trigger warnings’ are listed elsewhere on this FAQ.
Our dress code is strictly enforced ONLY on Saturday nights. Cocktail attire is acceptable; 1920s apparel is preferred. Cocktail attire includes a long sleeved button down collared shirt and tie with slacks and dress shoes; or cocktail style dresses and dress shoes. Tennis shoes, yoga pants, T-shirts, denim, or other casual clothes are NOT considered acceptable.
VIP Entry receives a 1-hour earlier admittance. Guests are greeted with a complimentary welcome ‘short pour’ cocktail, enjoy a private jazz band set and Vaudeville Revue in the Main Bar, followed by a 30-minute comedic playlet introducing the characters and storylines of the show. VIP Entry is perfect for immersive theatre aficionados and those wanting a deeper immersive experience!
Premium Entry ticket holders arrive later and will still have access to all the interactive fun activities and Cabaret Shows.
There are two unique Cabaret Shows. While you do not need reservations to see the Cabaret Shows, we encourage reservations to guarantee you a spot! Choose between a VIP Booth (which seat 4-5 guests) or a Reserved Seat, which will be at a table or our premium rail.
The Gaslamp Lounge is a secret bar within The Palace Theater accessible to anyone during the show. It allows patrons an escape from the action of the play. It is also available to rent for private pre-show and post-show receptions.
Wednesday through Saturday performances will end at approximately 10:50p. Sunday performances will end at approximately 7:50p.
Discounts are offered only on Wednesday and Sunday performances for groups of 8 or more. Use discount code “WINGDINGS” to save 10%. For larger groups, we encourage you to explore different rooms and compare notes. Narrow passageways and intimate rooms are best experienced with smaller groups or as an individual. You may also contact our box office by calling 415.226.9680 or emailing boxoffice@thespeakeasysf.com to hear about our group options including private pre-show receptions.
The Palace Theater is the venue The Speakeasy is performed in. It is nearly 10k sq ft and can accommodate over 300 guests. It is also available for private bookings. Contact us by email at events@thespeakeasysf.com.
North Beach Garage is nearby and open late. Street parking is limited. We encourage imbibing guests to take taxis or ride share.
Yes, the venue is fully ADA compliant. When booking your reservation, you may add an “Order Note” or let us know by calling 415.226.9680 or emailing boxoffice@thespeakeasysf.com and we can help arrange accessible entry.
The safety of our performers and guests are of the utmost importance. This immersive theatre production combines moments of audience interaction & improv with scripted scenes and characters. The following safety measures have been implemented:
- After receiving the “House Rules” audiences are given the choice to opt out of interactive moments. Those who do will be given an emblem to wear signifying their desire to opt out.
- All employees have undergone sensitivity training and attended immersive theater performance training.
- An Intimacy Director & Fight Director oversee all intimate and physical moments.
- Scenes requiring support have additional security & front of house staff present.
- Alert buttons are installed in various rooms throughout the venue accessible by any member of the cast, crew, and front-of-house staff.
- Emergency drills and evacuation plans are reviewed periodically with cast, crew and staff.
The Speakeasy is a reflection of the 1920s. In previous versions, storylines of misogyny, gender, politics, racism, post traumatic stress have been explored. The script has been updated to reflect a more jovial and party-like atmosphere.
This production contains scenes depicting alcohol & drug abuse, domestic conflict, simulated sex, and staged violence. Fog and strobe lights are used during the production.
Boxcar Theatre celebrates inclusion and is committed to workplace diversity. As a matter of policy, we do not discriminate against race, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, or any other articles of identity in our hiring practices.
We actively encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and the desire to build an ensemble reflecting the diversity of San Francisco.
