During the Prohibition Era of the 1920s, a drinking culture of secretive bars developed throughout the country; establishments that were only accessible to those in the know and willing to risk breaking the law to socialize and share a handcrafted spirit. Recently these speakeasies have enjoyed a welcome renaissance, paying homage to the period’s elaborate drinks and hidden locales.
This is the inspiration for Sam McNulty’s newest location, Speakeasy. Located underneath Bier Markt and Bar Cento, Speakeasy is not entirely hidden, nor is it openly advertised. Rather, when the glass chandelier at the back of Bier Markt is on, the Speakeasy is open and you can make your way downstairs into the bar’s dimly lit enclave.
Strictly a drinking destination, Speakeasy boasts 10 signature cocktails along with a handful of beers on tap and a gracious selection of top shelf liquor. The inventive cocktails though are the real draw and feature unique combinations of flavors and components. Our favorite is the Manhattan Pig, which mixes bacon-infused bourbon with vermouth and bitters served in a martini glass with a slice of bacon. Another memorable concoction was the Bee’s Knee, which featured honeycomb gin, cane syrup and fresh lemon. While the house drinks carry prices between $10-$12, these pack quite a punch.
Ambience is nearly as important at the Speakeasy as the drinks. Upon venturing into the underneath cavern, you are initially greeted by the bar’s house rules, which instructs gentleman to act like gentleman, and ladies to act ladylike. Candles and dim lights adorn the bar and seating areas as groups huddle around the 360 degree bar, at one of the booths or one of the table tops. The Speakeasy also tries to fully embrace its namesake with some dapper gangster paintings on one wall and a classic pinball game tucked into a corner. The speakers play a mix of music, including indie rock and electronic, but don’t overpower the space and permit for an appropriate level of conversation.
On the day we visited several groups of people dotted the bar, but the place was far from crowded and the entire Speakeasy allowed for comfortable enjoyment. It’s a welcome reprieve from the chaos that can ensue upstairs, and it definitely has the feel of an “in the know” secret. If you’re looking for food though, you are out of luck. Instead you’ll have to venture back to Bier Markt or Bar Cento and enjoy their menu. You are welcome, however, to go from room to room and can return to the Speakeasy at any time to experience its throwback vibe.
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