Top six real-life speakeasy bars
Prohibition may have ended more than 80 years ago in the United States, but these real-life speakeasy bars continue to thrive.
There has been an influx of Prohibition-style bars across the world, but these are real-life former speakeasies still in operationWhile a number of modern bars aim to imitate clandestine drinking experience with speakeasy-style décor and drinks, some authentic bars from the Jazz Age continue to operate to this day.
Hidden from law enforcement with exterior disguises and underground locations between 1920 and 1933, these bars are some of the oldest continually operating drinking dens in the US.
Such establishments boast a colourful history and were often operated by organised crime circuits and members of the mafia.
Many have now closed shop doors for good, but a select few continue to operate and remain true to their speakeasy origins – this time without needing to elude law enforcement.
Click through the following pages to view the top six real-life speakeasy bars in the US. If you think we have missed any essential inclusions out, let us know by leaving a comment below.
Townhouse & The Del Monte Speakeasy – Los Angeles
Based in Venice, Los Angeles, Townhouse was first established in 1915 under the name Menotti’s and its live entertainment basement bar The Del Monte continued to illicitly operate during Prohibition. Described as a “cultural and nightlife hub” during the dry period, illegal shipments of whiskey and rum were shipped through LA’s underground bootlegging network and into The Del Monte – thought to be one of the oldest continually operating bars in the city. Today, the bar stays true to its speakeasy roots, serving an array of drinks from the “Golden Era” of cocktail culture using classic bartending techniques.
Chumley’s, New York
Former New York speakeasy, Chumley’s, is a well known Prohibition-era drinking hub which became a popular watering hole for influential writers, poets, playwrights and journalists in the 20th century. It still has the authentic trap doors and secret staircases used in days gone by, as well as its historic entrance on 86 Bedford Street – ‘86’ became a code word in the establishment to hurry customers out of the hidden entrance during Prohibition police raids. The bar has been closed since 2007, after the chimney in its dining room collapsed, though there is talk about reopening the venue – although progress has been slow.
Bourbon and Branch, San Francisco
With strong connections to bootleggers from Vancouver, owner J. Russell was able to illegally operate San Francisco’s hidden haunt Bourbon and Branch from 1921 until 1933. History shows that from 1921 to 1923, the venue was listed in the San Francisco Telephone Directory as The Ipswitch – A Beverage Parlor, before being acquired by Russell and listed as JJ Russell’s Cigar Shop. But of course, cigars were not the key nature of the business. Fast forward to the 21st century and Bourbon and Branch has worked to maintain the same ambience from the 1920s. In true speakeasy style patrons are expected to abide by house rules, including to “please speak-easy” in hushed tones as they would have been required to back in the day. Plus, much as the name suggests visitors can expect whisky-based concoctions from Canadian and Bourbon to Scotch, as well as a smattering of other dark spirits including Tequila and rum.
The Landmark Tavern – New York
First opened in 1868, The Landmark Tavern in New York has managed to retain its old time charm. The Irish Waterfron Saloon, based on the shores of the Hudson River, was opened by Mr and Mrs Carley and continued to operate after Prohibition was nationally declared across the US, turning its third floor into a clandestine bar.
King Eddy Saloon, Los Angeles
The King Eddy Saloon’s history is a prominent piece of LA’s speakeasy scene. Officially open since 1933, it housed bootlegging empires in the basement long before that, operating as a piano store during Prohibition with the secret speakeasy tucked away in the basement. Famous poet Charles Bukowski is known to have frequented the bar, which was heralded as a place where “a famous person can come in and have a drink and the old crowd wouldn’t even give a damn who they were or know who they were”. Still serving today, it’s the last bar of it’s kind on the notorious Skid Row.
Flûte Bar and Lounge, New York
Once known as the inconspicuous Club Intime, Flûte Bar and Lounge was born in midtown Manhattan in 1997. Hidden down a short flight of stairs, the venue used to be owned by Texas Guinan, notorious for her disregard of Prohibition legislation and “army of scantily clad showgirls”. Today, the story is somewhat different from its historic past. Emulating a French art de vivre theme combined with New York City nightlife, the establishment aims to bring a VIP Champagne setting to a more comfortable level and offers imbibers an array of speciality sparkling Champagne cocktails. Plus, visit on the last Saturday of the month and be transported back to the roaring 20s with live jazz-filled evening.
