Beneath bustling city streets lies a hidden world of dining and drinking spots steeped in genuine history. From converted bank vaults to ancient wine cellars, these underground establishments offer more than just meals—they serve authentic experiences wrapped in centuries of stories. Each space tells a true tale of urban evolution, where necessity or circumstance created spaces that now welcome guests seeking unique culinary adventures.
Are you ready to discover some real hidden gems? Let’s explore these underground treasures, where history and hospitality meet beneath the streets.
The Edison Underground, Los Angeles
This former power plant’s generator room, located deep beneath downtown, now hosts one of LA’s most atmospheric bars. The massive generators and boilers remain in place, restored to their 1920s glory alongside Art Deco furnishings and industrial lighting.
The original marble walls and tile floors tell stories of the city’s first private power plant, while craft cocktails are served among preserved artifacts. The space retains its industrial cathedral feel, with 40-foot ceilings and original copper electrical panels creating a unique backdrop.
Gordon’s Wine Bar, London
Hidden beneath London’s streets near the Embankment, this historic wine bar occupies genuine Victorian-era cellars dating to 1890. The candlelit cave-like atmosphere remains unchanged since its opening, making it London’s oldest working wine bar.
Original wooden wine barrels line the walls while visitors enjoy an extensive selection of wines by candlelight. The underground position kept the cellar naturally cool for wine storage, a feature that still benefits patrons today.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Cafe Stoertebeker, Hamburg
Built within Hamburg’s historic 400-year-old warehouse district cellars, this restaurant preserves genuine maritime history. Original brick arches from the Hanseatic trading era frame dining areas where merchants once stored valuable spices and coffee.
The restaurant takes its name from a legendary German pirate, serving traditional Northern German cuisine in rooms that once housed contraband. The harbor’s high water marks from various floods remain visible on the ancient walls.
The Catacombs Restaurant, Indianapolis
Located in the actual 1890s basement of the Canterbury Hotel, this restaurant maintains its historic elegance. The genuine barrel-vaulted ceiling and limestone walls created natural wine cellars for the hotel’s original guests.
Period photographs line the walls, documenting the space’s transformation from a storage area to a fine dining establishment. The original service elevator, though no longer in use, remains as decoration.
B.A.N.K. Underground, Minneapolis
This restaurant preserves authentic financial history. It is set in a real 1930s bank vault beneath the historic Farmers & Mechanics Bank building. The massive round vault door remains operational, though it now welcomes diners rather than protects deposits.
Original safety deposit boxes line the walls, some still bearing the names of their former owners. The marble floors and brass fixtures maintain their art deco splendor.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
The Cave Bar, Dubrovnik
Carved into natural caves beneath Hotel More, this bar occupies genuine geological formations. Natural stalactites hang from the ceiling, while built-in rock shelves hold premium spirits.
Sea water once filled these caves, leaving distinct erosion patterns visible on the walls. The cave’s natural acoustics create an intimate atmosphere for evening cocktails.
The Caves, Edinburgh
These authentic 18th-century vaults beneath South Bridge once housed whisky storage and illicit taverns. Each cave maintains its original rough-hewn stone walls, telling stories of Edinburgh’s underground drinking history.
The space served as real storage vaults for merchants selling goods in the bridge-level shops above. Private dining rooms occupy genuine storage alcoves where contraband was once hidden.
Cricova Winery Underground, Moldova
This working underground wine city spans 75 miles of genuine limestone tunnels beneath Moldova’s capital. The streets within are actually named ‘Cabernet Street’ and ‘Sauvignon Street,’ leading to vast wine collections.
Underground tasting rooms occupy former mining chambers where limestone was extracted. The natural temperature remains perfect for wine storage year-round, just as it has for centuries.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
The Underground Cafe, Seattle
Situated in the authentic remains of the city’s original street level, this cafe preserves genuine pioneer history. Purple glass blocks in the sidewalk above still provide natural light, just as they did in the 1890s.
The space features original tile work and fixtures from when this level was Seattle’s main street. Historic photographs show the gradual raising of the street level that created these underground spaces.
Wieliczka Salt Mine Restaurant, Poland
Set 407 feet below ground in a real 13th-century salt mine, this restaurant offers dining within historic chambers. The walls, floor, and ceiling are carved entirely from salt, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Ancient mining equipment decorates the space, telling stories of centuries of salt extraction. The restaurant sits near genuine underground salt lakes, preserved from the mining era.
The Munster Vaults, Basel
These authentic 15th-century cathedral vaults now serve as one of Switzerland’s most unique dining venues. Original Gothic architecture frames intimate dining spaces where church treasures were once stored.
Medieval stone carvings remain visible on the walls, preserved through centuries of use. The vaults maintain their solemn atmosphere while serving traditional Swiss cuisine.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
The Beer Cellar, Prague
Located in genuine 14th-century monastery cellars, this beer hall continues Czech brewing traditions. The original stone walls once stored beer brewed by monks, but they now serve modern Czech craft beers.
Authentic copper brewing kettles from the 1800s decorate the space, highlighting its brewing heritage. The cellar’s natural cooling properties still benefit beer storage today.
The Roman Baths Restaurant, Bath
This restaurant is set beside the actual Roman bath complex, which occupies genuine Georgian vaults. Original torch holders still line the walls, though they are now fitted with atmospheric lighting.
The space offers views of the Roman drainage system, which has been functioning for 2,000 years. Diners enjoy modern British cuisine while surrounded by authentic Roman and Georgian architecture.
The Spice Cellar, Sydney
Built within the heritage-listed basement of a 19th-century spice warehouse, this venue preserves commercial history. Original sandstone walls show marks from barrel storage, telling stories of Sydney’s spice trade.
The space features authentic colonial-era architectural details maintained through careful restoration. Natural ventilation shafts still function, providing fresh air just as they did centuries ago.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
The Old Pharmacy, Brussels
This restaurant occupies the genuine cellar of a 17th-century pharmacy, complete with original storage niches. Ancient medicine bottles and implements remain on display, creating a unique dining atmosphere.
The space retains its original tile floor, worn smooth by centuries of use. Authentic preparation tables now serve as dining surfaces.
The Market Cellars, Porto
Set beneath Porto’s historic market, these cellars once stored port wine awaiting shipping. Original granite walls show traces of wine stains from centuries of storage.
The space features authentic port wine measuring marks carved into stone pillars. Traditional Portuguese cuisine is served where merchants once conducted wine tastings.
The Library Bar, Miami
Located in a genuine 1920s hotel basement, this bar memorializes Miami’s prohibition era. Original bookshelves line the walls, once hiding the entrance to a real speakeasy.
The space features authentic Art Deco details preserved from the hotel’s early days. Hidden doors that once provided quick escapes still function, though now mainly for show.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
The Foundry, Detroit
This underground bar occupies a real 19th-century iron foundry basement. Original casting molds serve as unique decorations, telling stories of Detroit’s industrial past.
The massive furnace remains in place, now converted into a dramatic backdrop for the bar. Industrial equipment from the foundry’s operating days creates an authentic atmosphere.
The Customs House, Shanghai
This restaurant, set in the genuine basement of Shanghai’s historic customs house, preserves colonial history. The original vault doors, which once secured Shanghai’s tax revenues, now lead to private dining rooms.
The space features authentic British colonial architecture from the 1840s. River watermarks on the walls record Shanghai’s historic floods.
The Wine Caves, Bordeaux
These authentic medieval wine caves beneath the city streets maintain centuries of wine-making history. Original stone walls show wine-makers’ marks dating back to the 1600s.
The caves feature genuine temperature control systems developed by medieval vintners. Ancient wine presses remain in place, a testament to Bordeaux’s wine-making heritage.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Preserving History Underground
These establishments do more than serve food and drinks – they maintain authentic connections to our urban past. Each represents a genuine piece of history, carefully preserved while adapting to modern use.
Their continued operation ensures these historic spaces remain alive and accessible, allowing visitors to experience real underground history firsthand. In these authentic venues, every meal becomes a journey through time, proving that the best preservation often happens when history finds a new purpose.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Towns Built for One Purpose That Were Later Abandoned
- 15 Hidden Spots in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Most Visitors Miss
- 15 Most Scenic Walks Anywhere in The World
- 15 Canyons in the U.S. That Are Just as Stunning as the Grand Canyon
- 10 Under-the-Radar Mountain Towns That Are Both Affordable and Beautiful
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.