What exactly is a speakeasy? The following frequently asked questions are answered in the following sections.
Speakeasies have changed from their 1990s incarnations. One of the biggest trends in the nightlife industry has developed from what was once an illegal, somewhat rebellious nightclub where people sold alcohol illegally. Although they are no longer as exclusive as they once were, speakeasies still exude an air of originality that you won’t find in other bars. Speakeasies used to be the talk of the town, but only in whispers.
What is a Speakeasy?
In its strictest sense, a speakeasy is a location where alcoholic beverages are forcibly sold, especially during the Prohibition era. Alcohol production, distribution, and transportation were all prohibited at this time in the United States. and speakeasies served as underground, secret establishments where Americans who still desire alcohol may indulge.
A modern speakeasy, on the other hand, refers to a bar that retains the “hidden” quality but is typically hidden behind a door in a restaurant or hotel.
What Speakeasies Used to Be
In the 1920s, the United States had a prohibition law that forbade the consumption of alcohol, but this didn’t stop Milk & Honey, one of the country’s first speakeasies, and other speakeasy owners from selling their liquor to a select few behind closed doors. The main characteristics of a speakeasy back then were the formal environment, enormous ice cubes, cocktails, enormous hidden door, and rules of invitation for entry. Speakeasies’ main objective was to revive cocktail culture in America by demonstrating to the public that cocktail-making was an art form and that alcohol was more than just a means of intoxication. Modern speakeasies continue to embrace the 90s, mystery, closed doors, and fine alcohol. The only distinction is that they are no longer forbidden.
How to Find a Speakeasy-Themed Bar
Speakeasies have kept their mystery, if there is anything, alive. Speakeasies will use anything to hide the activities taking place inside their bars, including phone booths and museums. Modern speakeasies are still somewhat off the radar, but not so much that you can’t find them. Today, the majority of speakeasies can be found through a quick google search or word of mouth. Before you go out, be sure you know what to look for and say when you arrive at your chosen location because many of them still have secret passwords, codes, and obscure locations.
Why Were Speakeasies Popular?
The speakeasy provided Americans with a covert means of obtaining alcohol and engaging in the associated nightlife during the Prohibition era. Out-in-the-open bars were replaced by these subdued pubs after the 18th amendment, which effectively outlawed alcohol in the United States.
A speakeasy’s function has changed over time. With plenty of other bars to choose from, the speakeasy experience is more about the atmosphere than the desire to remain hidden.
Where Did the Name Come From?
In the early 1820s, the British used the phrase “speak softly shop” to describe the home of a smuggler. This phrase eventually changed to, “speakeasy shop.” Instances where alcohol was unlawfully sold to the general public were referred to using this terminology. Since these places did not want to attract attention – especially that of local law enforcement officers – the idea was that customers needed to keep the noise down, or “speakeasy.”
In time, the phrase was shorted to “speakeasy” and was used in the The term “saloons” was first used in the United States in the late 1800s. The phrase was frequently used to describe illegal bars during the Prohibition era.
What to Wear to a Speakeasy Bar?
In order to maintain the culture, you must dress to impress if you plan to spend the evening at a speakeasy. You should wear your best vintage clothing, accessorized with sparkling jewelry, and the best dancing shoes you can find. Although most contemporary speakeasies don’t have a dress code, keep in mind that if getting dressed up just to get a drink isn’t your thing. You can always dress casually if you still want to enjoy your cocktail and the speakeasy experience.
Why is It Called a Speakeasy?
The History Channel reports that specific etymology of the word ‘speakeasy’ is hazy, but some say it was born out of the fact that bar-goers had to whisper or “speak easy” through a tiny opening in a door in order to gain access to the secret taverns.
What is a Modern-day Speakeasy?
Bars where customers can buy illicit alcoholic beverages are no longer necessary since Prohibition was repealed nearly a century ago. Anyone who is over 21 years old can enter any bar today and order a variety of mouthwatering concoctions.
But the speakeasy’s allure has persisted. Despite being highly illegal, it was very well-liked. Because illicit alcohol was frequently produced and transported by shady characters, many people associated speakeasies with organized crime. Nevertheless, it managed to bring people together in a variety of unexpected ways.
Speakeasies served as meeting places for people of all ages, genders, social classes, and races. Enjoying a little harmless lawlessness has remained alluring for many years.
Modern speakeasies are currently opening up in major cities all over the country. The Barbershop is one place that aims to create this ambiance. Like a modest janitor door, they conceal themselves behind ominous and elusive entrances. When you enter, a unique establishment with influences from the 1920s is presented to you.
Many speakeasies in the past were concealed behind fake fronts. From the outside, they might have appeared to be one company. On the inside, however, they were serving narcotic drinks. If you go to The Barbershop, you’ll enter a real barbershop from the 1920s, not just a facade. At this modern take on the classic speakeasy, you actually can enjoy a straight razor shave and a cut from a leading barber while sipping on your favorite beverage.
What is a Modern Day Speakeasy?
Today’s speakeasy, which is becoming more and more popular, is really just a bar that’s meant to be kept quiet. Since it is no longer illegal to consume alcohol, these businesses rely on the perception of discretion. They are frequently concealed inside of other eateries or public places and have a prohibition-era feel, with some having dim lighting.
The success of the modern speakeasy depends on striking the right balance between the social media era and customers’ desire to yelp their every move, as Thrillist reported in 2017. Although promotion is essential, the speakeasy concept itself is in direct opposition to it.
What Are Some Classic Cocktails?
Almost any alcoholic beverage is available to you when you visit a modern speakeasy. Whatever you’re craving—craft beer, whiskey, or a decadently sweet cocktail—it’s probably available. However, if you want to fully experience a speakeasy, you must try a few traditional cocktails.
Alcohol wasn’t always of the best quality during Prohibition. Absconding from authorities took precedence over taste because distillers had to produce it covertly. But by mixing it with a variety of mixers, bartenders covered up the taste.
A Brandy Alexander is a well-known cocktail from the Prohibition era, and you’ve probably had one before. Cognac, crème de cacao, cream, and nutmeg are all ingredients in this beverage. Cream and nutmeg smooth out the liquor’s sharp flavor. These drinks now use fine liquors. It makes them much more enjoyable than the ones your great-grandparents may have drunk
What Was the Most Famous Speakeasy?
Of course, the answer to this question depends on the individual. But the 21 Club in New York, unlike other speakeasies, was particularly well-known during the Prohibition era because it was a complex combination of bars, a dance floor, and a restaurant rather than a dusty tavern.
Even after prohibition was abolished, New York City’s 21 Club remained a popular hangout, serving customers for more than 80 years before closing its doors during the pandemic.
How Do You Find a Modern Speakeasy?
During Prohibition, if you wanted to visit a speakeasy, you had to know someone who would be willing to give you the address. However, they are now much simpler to find thanks to the internet. Search Google first if you want to find a speakeasy in your city. A quick search will probably return a number of results. If you’re fortunate, you’ll learn exactly where to look for the hidden entrance to get inside.
However, you might still need to rely on word of mouth if you want to go to a truly secret location. Make friends with the locals and ask them where the best secret spots are. You might find yourself squeezing into a vintage bar to take a brief break from the modern world after ducking down an alley.
Final Words
Future speakeasies might forever maintain the feel of Prohibition or they might drastically change. However, it doesn’t matter how they appear on the inside; what matters is how they appear from the outside. The secret entrance perfectly captures the excitement of discovery. Mark likens the experience of entering a speakeasy to attending a Broadway performance. You can read reviews and hear friends talk about their experiences, but nothing beats actually experiencing something for yourself. The show must go on so that people can experience it for themselves, despite a world full of critics, spoilers, and bad movie adaptations. Speakeasies will continue to exist despite negative Yelp reviews and influential Instagram users.
