Hidden Beneath: Underground Tunnels of Los Angeles

The city of angels hides network of mysterious tunnels beneath it. Covered with street art and rusty piping, tunnels look like a scene straight out of a post-apocalyptic dystopian film.

These supposed hidden underground tunnels are very much real. These tunnels ran for about 11 miles and served as hidden bars and speakeasies, during the time of prohibition laws. While the above-ground parties of downtown LA came to a halt, it never stopped underground. One of the most notable bars, that has existed for decades is the King Eddy Saloon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xryoA-67y-A

Since the 1900’s, King Eddy has been running this establishment underground, with no issues. The underground saloon could be accessed via a piano store, that served as a front for the establishment.

Besides serving as a venue for nightlife and after-dinner drinks, the tunnel network served various purposes from practical to notorious. The police used them to transport prisoners, banks transported large amounts of cash, and mobsters used them to store bodies.

Today, much of the underground network is closed off and otherwise closed for public use. This hasn’t stopped them from being subtly utilized either way. In the modern age, these tunnels are being used as film sets and as a training track for runners on particularly rainy days.

Even though it’s officially closed to the public, you’ll still be able to access a portion of the tunnels at your own risk. Just search behind the Hall of Records on Temple Street for an old, easy-to-miss elevator. Take this down to the subterranean levels and check out the otherwise abandoned tunnels of yesteryear frozen in time. Take snapshots of unique street art decorating aged walls and abandoned, rusted machinery of the past. It’s truly an unexpected side of Los Angeles.