We wondered how to exactly approach this topic due to the nature of speakeasies themselves.
To those who don’t know, a speakeasy is an establishment that serves alcohol, but usually doesn’t promote itself, so people usually find it by word of mouth. The reason for that is because speakeasies became a thing during the Prohibition (1920-1933), which is why they had to remain hidden to the general public, and of course, the police.
The term speakeasy might come from the fact that patrons had to whisper a password to get in. Some speakeasies still require that.
Nowadays, old speakeasies (those that operated during the Prohibition Era) and new speakeasies still try to recreate the experience of doing something “naughty” and of belonging to an exclusive club. Some of them do it better than others. This article is for them and for all of you who want to feel like a flapper girl or a rich gangster.
We will give our recommendations about the best speakeasies in the country that are not only faithful to the idea, but which also make some of the best alcoholic beverages.
The Real Deal
In this section, we will recommend you a few speakeasies that existed during the Prohibition Era and are still open today.
King Eddy, Los Angeles, CA
Formally, King Eddy was established in 1933, the year Prohibition was repealed, but its floor plan suggests otherwise.
In fact, you can find a tunnel underneath the establishment and if you uncover the whole system of tunnels, you’ll see that they connected various speakeasies in the City of Angels. The original speakeasy was underground, while a piano store served as cover over the ground.
Address: 131 E 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
The Owl Bar, Baltimore, MD
This intricately decorated bar has a long and proud history. It was founded in 1903 as part of The Belvedere Hotel (visited by movie stars, presidents, and royalty) and it never stopped serving alcohol, even when the 19th Amendment knocked on its doors. Patrons could find out whether the bar was serving alcohol that night by looking at the way the decorative owl was placed.
You can find stained glass behind the owl saying “A wise old owl sat on an oak /the more he saw the less he spoke. /The less he spoke the more he heard/why can’t we all be like/ that wise old bird.” If that’s not the most speakeasy thing you’ve heard, we don’t know what is!
Address: One East Chase Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
The Green Mill, Chicago, IL
We decided to save the best for last. The Green Mill is considered to be the oldest jazz club in the country and it was in the midst of the illegal alcohol trade during Prohibition. Not only that but it was often frequented by none other, but the most famous American gangster – Al Capone.
Apparently, the bar boasts of secret tunnels and trap doors, but unfortunately you cannot see them as per their FAQ’s. The bar is almost untouched and it’s still famous for its musical performances. Keep in mind that they don’t take reservations, so be there early.
Address: 4802 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
The Neo-Speakeasies
This section will discuss the speakeasy-inspired venues and how well they maintain the spirit of the original.
PDT, New York City, NY
PDT or “Please Don’t Tell” is the hottest speakeasy in the Big Apple. We’re not sure if that’s good for a business trying to maintain the illusion that is secretive, but we’re sure of one thing – they make some of the best cocktails in town.
Let us cut them some slack though, the bar is very well hidden from the public. PTD is right behind a simple phonebooth and to go inside, you need to dial 1 and wait for the secret door to open. It sounds fun, because it is fun.
Address: 113 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
Midnight Cowboy, Austin, TX
If you’re feeling extra yeehaw today and you’d like some of the most exquisite cocktails, then go ahead and find the Midnight Cowboy. This neo-speakeasy is located inside a former brothel. Once there, look for a sign saying “Midnight Cowboy Modeling Oriental Massage”.
Then, click the buzzer and say the codeword “Harry Craddock”. There are so many layers of secrecy that we’re not even sure the bar exists. Make sure you have a reservation, because this speakeasy is usually at full capacity.
Address: 313 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
La Descarga, Los Angeles, CA
Dive in and experience a high-end Cuban-inspired speakeasy in the face of La Descarga. Although the bar is modern, you’d hardly realize that by the intricate design and luxurious vintage furniture. There’s also a dedicated cigar room, keeping up with the theme.
In order to get there, you need to make a reservation on their website. Then, you need to look for the bar, which is conspicuously hidden in an apartment building. Enter it and go upstairs to find the hostess that is going to take you inside this hidden gem in the heart of Hollywood. La Descarga has a strict dress code that can be found on their website.
Address: 1159 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038