There is something peculiar about places that are so easy to overlook, and that is because there are interesting places hiding behind unmarked doors, under creaky, old staircases, and behind old, unassuming, and overgrown bookshelves that are frozen in time. Amazing speakeasy bars embody this magic. They are places where history tells themselves through the craftsmanship and recipes, and time itself stands still, whisking all patrons back to the distant past.

I unexpectantly came across my first speakeasy when I walked down the street on an uneventful Friday night, looking old storefront windows and attempting to tune out the over-stimulating audio landscape created by the Friday night crowd.

My First Speakeasy Encounter: Entering the Secret.

I was drawn to the old tailor storefront. vintage display, and yes, even the mannequin was something right out of the 1920s. But, something odd caught my attention: there was a buzzer, but it was unlabeled.

I was too intrigued to turn away.

I stepped up and pushed the unlabeled button wondering what would happen. To my surprise, without any beeping, the old wooden door clicked and opened squeaking just slightly. To my surprise there was a large, dim room and a fully stocked bar that looked as though it fell right out of the 1920s.

It was warm and intimate inside, wrapped around a glowing, mysterious warmth. Low jazz music floated lazily in the air, the warm, soft glow of warmth from the Edison bulbs illuminating the warmth of the citrus and smoky whiskey that wafted through the air. I relished the warm, smoky environment. It was my first real taste of a speakeasy bar, and I knew that tonight was one of the oldest in the books and the furthest from the ordinary.

Why Speakeasy Bars Feel So Magical

Unlike regular bars, where the noise and commotion spills across the street from the doors, a speakeasy bar entices you in and welcomes you to a world of exclusivity and charm. They blend secrecy with style, setting the perfect environment for an adventure.

The Hidden Entrance

A speakeasy bar never reveals the location, and it is more than a warm, smoky environment. Sometimes they are found hidden behind a bookshelf, inside a phone booth, behind a curtain, or down a narrow alley. Sometimes they feel like you’ve unlocked a designed treasure chest.

The Vintage Atmosphere

Most speakeasy bars like to pay a nostalgic tribute to the prohibition era. Velvet seating, dim candle-light, old dark wooden tables and other vintage décor make you feel like you just stepped into a scene from a noir film.

The Masterful Cocktails

These bars are not just places to kill time. These bars are not about speed—they're about the craft of the drink. Bartenders treat themselves to making cocktail-like performance art. Every drink is crafted slowly, thoughtfully, and with a sense of pride that speaks volumes of the bar itself.

The Intimacy

Speakeasies are intimate venues that facilitate genuine connections. There’s no need to shout to hear each other. Instead, enjoy the ambience and vibe.

A World of Cocktails: Crafted With Precision and Passion

One aspect of speakeasy bars that patrons enjoy is the uniqueness of the cocktails they offer. These bars do not serve the typical cocktails that are found on every menu in the city; these cocktails are made with care and attention, with 1920’s inspired presentations.

One drink I recall was called “Silent Whisper” and was served in a glass dome that was filled with smoke. When the dome was lifted, the smoke escaped and revealed a beautiful drink that was made with bourbon and lavender. The drink was not just a cocktail; it was an experience that showcased the craft of the bartender worth every dollar.

Many speakeasy bars have cocktails that include the following ingredients:

House-made bitters

Fresh herbs

Infused syrups

Charred citrus

Rare spirits

Edible flowers

The history of every ingredient is the history of the drink. The history of every drink is the history of the bar. The history of the bar is delicious.

The Employees Who Make the Speakeasy Bar Unique

Everyone knows that the most vital aspect of any business is the employees; the heart of the business. Speakeasy bars are no different. Preparation begins long before they take a barstool and order a classic cocktail. With the introduction of the bar and seating, the quiet confidence begins. The employees are not only masters of their trade; they are also historians. They are able to describe the countless spirits, the many flavors that are crafted, and the history of the cocktails. 

Small talk is fine, but what many patrons appreciate most is a good history lesson, especially one that complements the cocktails perfectly. This is especially true when the history lesson being taught is not one that one learns in the classroom. These bartenders are masters of their craft, engaging in conversation and history that revolves around the Prohibition Era—a time of underground, secretive bars and the thriving art of mixology. The craft of every cocktail is made to order—personal, sentimental, and engaging in the history of the beverage that has been especially crafted for the patron. 

Speakeasy Bar Is More Than Just a Night Out: It is an Escape

Unlike some of the underground nightclubs in the vicinity, Speakeasy bars are a breath of fresh air. Countless underground clubs and crowded restaurants offer night life that is incredibly busy; fast-paced and filled to the brim. Many people are drawn to the hidden cocktail lounge for lots of different reasons, however, the top reasons are: 

Discretion

Unlike the crowded restaurants and busy nightclubs, the hidden lounge is not filled to the brim. You can enjoy a conversation without being overheard, and noise pollution is quite low.

Warmth

Customers can appreciate the nostalgic atmosphere that has been created. It is a place where patrons can feel welcomed and wrapped in the warmth of the alcove.

Exclusivity

The hidden entrance to the bar provides a sense of accomplishment to the patrons, especially if they are provided with an opportunity to solve a mystery.

Completeness

Everything from the cocktails to the decor is consistent and draws together a theme.A single night at a speakeasy lounge gives you much more than just a memory–it gives you stories to tell.

Who Are Speakeasy Bars Perfect For?

• Couples

Romantic ambiance, secluded areas, and specialty potion-like drinks make it ideal for a perfect date.

• Friends

If you enjoy discovering little known, tucked away treasures, a speakeasy is your next adventure.

• Solo Guests

It's a perfect place to relax, meditate, enjoy a book, or sip a drink at your own pace.

• Fans of Mixology

If you enjoy exotic cocktails, this will be your own personal paradise.

A Personal Reflection: What I Took With Me

As I finally left that first speakeasy, I noticed the outside world felt quite different–it was bright and loud. I realized that while it felt as though time was standing still on the inside, the outside world had been speeding along. I had made a valuable discovery: on some occasions, you don't just want entertaining–you want a place with a special aura to it, perhaps shrouded in mystery, and where the outside world feels calming.

The speakeasy experience was a great reminder that little known places often hold a great deal of magic, and that entering a place will often set the tone for the rest of your evening.

Final Thoughts: The Timeless Allure of a Speakeasy Bar

A speakeasy bar is an intriguing old time adventure. Whether you are looking for a story to tell, a quiet place to relax, a place to unwind, or a professionally crafted drink, a speakeasy bar is a perfect option. They are a unique fusion of artistry, romance and secrecy. It's an experience that modern nightlife hardly ever offers.