Speakeasies offer a sense of mystery and exclusivity that many people find irresistible. Hidden bars often feature password entrances, dim lighting, and classic jazz music.
Many speakeasy-style bars also serve food, giving customers a complete experience. Learn more about why these hidden bars are making a comeback today. They can be found across the country, from New York to Seattle.
Why Are Speakeasies Making a Comeback?
Speakeasies were born out of necessity when Prohibition began in 1920 and alcohol was made illegal to drink for thirteen years. These illicit bars were a culture incubator that influenced many different social movements. Today, speakeasies are resurfacing around the world. They are attracting a generation of cocktail enthusiasts with their dark, secretive vibes and cocktails that taste like they aren’t allowed to exist.
During Prohibition, American forces were deployed to World War I and needed large amounts of grain. The Temperance Movement decided that allowing the grain to be used to make alcohol was not patriotic and enacted the 18th Amendment, banning the sale of alcohol in America. As a result, thousands of saloons and bars shut down overnight. Those looking to drink could buy alcohol from licensed druggists for medicinal purposes, clergymen for religious reasons or through bootleggers who sold liquor illegally. Some establishments, like the swanky 21 Club in New York City, were designed with multiple secret entrances, hidden rooms and elaborate systems to destroy any incriminating evidence in case of a raid.
Because of the nature of their operation, these places often operated with corruption and a sense of secrecy. It was common practice for speakeasy owners to bribe police and government officials in order to avoid raids. Some also developed safety precautions, such as secret knocks or passwords for admittance that prevented incriminating voices from being overheard by law enforcement.
In addition to the societal and political movements they fueled, speakeasies offered a fun place for people of all walks of life to meet. They were filled with jazz singers, tap dancers and renowned actors, authors, politicians and sports figures. These infamous venues were ahead of their time and helped desegregate society by encouraging women to go out and interact with men other than their husbands or fathers.
Modern speakeasies are bringing back the nostalgia of this time and tapping into the same sense of exclusivity that spokeeasy patrons once felt. Many modern speakeasies are hard to find and only open their doors to those who know the secret handshake, knock or password that allows them in. Others are even tucked away in hidden locations that require a minute-long hunt to find them. The secretive aspect is what makes speakeasies so popular and helps give them the feeling of exclusivity that they offer.
They’re a Great Way to Spice Up Your Cycle of Bars and Clubs
The Prohibition era, a tumultuous time in American history that lasted from 1920 to 1933, gave birth to the speakeasy. These hidden bars offered a place for people to drink alcohol without being seen by law enforcement officials or Temperance movement do-gooders. Today, these secretive establishments are making a comeback. If you’re tired of the same old bar or club, consider trying out a speakeasy for a night of fun and excitement.
While many modern speakeasy bars rely on Instagram and social media to spread the word, they still have a sense of mystery that draws patrons in. These places often require a password or secret code to gain entry, adding to the sense of intrigue and exclusivity. This also helps to create a loyal customer base, which can be an effective marketing strategy.
During the Prohibition era, speakeasy owners went to great lengths to hide their boozy establishments from law enforcement officials and the Temperance movement do-gooders. For example, some establishments had camouflaged doors that looked like bookshelves or telephone booths, while others had secret stairways and wine cellars hidden behind sliding walls. These creative measures were intended to make it more difficult for federal agents and police officers to raid the bars and confiscate their booze.
While the idea of a speakeasy has morphed over the years, it’s a trend that’s showing no signs of slowing down. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion or just enjoy a night out with friends, a speakeasy can be a fun and memorable experience. Plus, you can always use the excuse that it’s against the law to tell anyone about your visit.
Speakeasy bars are popping up all over the country, even in cities and countries that never experienced Prohibition. You can find them in everything from a walk-in cooler at a pizza shop to a former janitor’s door in a Detroit barbershop. Some even have strict rules against taking photos or sharing their locations on social media, adding to the sense of secrecy and intrigue.
In addition to their hidden entrances and unique drinks, speakeasy bars offer an upscale experience that’s perfect for those looking to escape the ordinary. The ambiance, sophisticated drinks, and delicious food, much like the food in Backbarrow, make for an unforgettable evening. So what are you waiting for?
They’re a Great Place to Meet New People
If you’re looking for a place to meet new people, a speakeasy might be the perfect spot. They’re a great way to connect with other people who share your love for cocktails, and they also offer a fun and intimate atmosphere. Many speakeasy bars have rules about taking pictures or sharing their location online, which adds to the sense of exclusivity. They’re also a good way to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend some time with friends.
Prohibition was in full swing when speakeasies first emerged, and they quickly became hubs for nightlife and rebellion. The dark rooms, serious drinks, and handlebar mustaches of these speakeasies set the tone for cocktail culture as we know it today.
In the years since, speakeasies have become a fixture in our city’s bars. The hidden entrances of these bars are a surefire draw, and their dark and mysterious vibes have captivated us. It’s no wonder that modern speakeasies have been popping up all over the country.
Speakeasies aren’t just a trend — they’re a part of our culture and will likely be around for a long time to come. However, just like a floppy-brimmed hat or a disposable camera, they’re a part of the cycle of trends that comes and goes. They may not always make a big splash, but they’re a great way to spice up your bar rotation and have a little bit of fun.
For the uninitiated, a speakeasy is a bar that serves alcohol in secret and usually requires a password or a special knock to get in. These bars were a popular staple during Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933. Although speakeasies aren’t as prevalent as they once were, they’re making a comeback in cities across the country.
In the spirit of Prohibition, Speakeasy Bar NYC is bringing back a classic drink recipe from the 1920s and 30s. The drink is a take on a Manhattan and features gin, vermouth, and angostura bitters. The cocktail has a rich and complex flavor that will leave you wanting more. The drink is easy to prepare and is a perfect way to kick off your night out on the town.
They’re a Great Place to Drink
The speakeasy is a staple of American nightlife culture. This hidden bar was popular during Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, because it allowed patrons to indulge in their vices without fear of persecution. Although the prohibition ended, modern-day speakeasy bars are regaining popularity because they still offer the same experience of being in on a secret. These bars usually have a themed interior and serve a variety of cocktails. They may also feature live entertainment or have a curated playlist to create the right atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or just want to try something new, a speakeasy is the perfect spot.
Many speakeasies had a code word or password to get in, which added to the sense of secrecy and mystery. They were often located in obscure places, such as a broken washing machine in Fort Worth, a walk-in cooler at a pizza shop in Columbus, or a janitor’s door in a Miami meat locker. But in today’s era, it’s much easier to find a speakeasy. You can even find them on Instagram and Google Maps! While this does not diminish their appeal, it does change the dynamic of the experience.
In addition to being a great place to drink, speakeasies are also a fun way to socialize with friends and meet new people. They typically have strict rules against taking photos or sharing their location, which adds to the sense of exclusivity and encourages guests to keep the secret. This type of marketing is essential to a successful speakeasy and can help you build a following of loyal customers who will return time and again.
Speakeasies have become a part of American culture and are here to stay. But they must continue to evolve and innovate in order to survive. They must continue to appeal to new customers and maintain their reputation as a hidden gem, but they also need to provide an excellent customer experience. This requires a team of highly skilled bartenders and staff who can deliver top-quality drinks and a unique atmosphere. It also means incorporating features that keep cocktail culture top-of-mind, such as using glasses as decor or offering creative concoctions on the menu.