The vision of a speakeasy bar involves soft whispers, shadowy light, crystal goblets with soft glowing candles, and a smooth taste of a hidden “forbidden” drink behind a door. Now, a speakeasy bar focuses less on the law and more on the general feeling, the artistry, and the intrigue. In this essay, we define what a speakeasy bar is and trace its history, its modern- day characteristics, and explore the reasons behind its universal appeal.

What Is A Speakeasy Bar?

In the US between 1920 and 1933 the Speakeasy was an illegal bar that sold and served alcohol. These underground bars thrived in basements, concealed behind false walls, or within plain sight behind unmarked doors. The patrons were often whisperers and had to pay a special price to obtain a drink.

With the end of the Prohibition the illegal Speakeasy has nearly vanished. However, the curiosity endured. The blueprint of a modern Speakeasy bar has a license to operate and is polished, but attempts to mimic the original, covering elegance and secrecy. They remain concealed and intended to remain hidden.

Speaking of The History and Origins

Unquestionably, the story of the Speakeasy bar is tied directly to the Prohibition laws of the USA. The moment the Eighteenth Amendment alongside the Volstead Act was passed, there was an order to have no sales, manufacture, or transportation of alcohol. So, compared to now, hidden bars were far more common. Jazz music, unique yet simple cocktails, and creative liquor addition were to mask the cheap liquor.

With the rise of the Speakeasy the era changed a lot of social norms. The very first bars that had an image of prohibition for women and a certain class of people became more of an open. The contribution of Speakeasy bars aided in modern nightlife culture along with the combination of cocktails.

Distinguishing Features of Contemporary Secret Bars

While today’s secret bars are no longer illegal, they are still shrouded in secrecy. Here are some characteristics of secret bars that set them apart from other bars.

Entrance is Concealed

Often entrances are hidden behind a bookshelf, a phone booth, or down some steps that are not marked. In some cases, the entrance is hidden behind a curtain in a typical storefront. It is designed to not reveal itself too obviously so that the person’s entrance feels like a triumph.

Cozy, Antique, Ambient Interior

Expect dim lighting, old keyboards, leather or velour plush booths, wood, old mirrors, and framed art designed to set the atmosphere. Jazz or blues may be softly playing in the background. The goal is to set the person in a period of time that may not be their own.

Unique Cocktails & Professional Quality Drink

Most secret bars have a specialized menu that has a set of unique craft cocktails that are either historically inspired or creatively made. Bartenders try to use the combination of high quality, house — made syrups, bitters, and liquors. The drink is part of the entire experience.

Lack of Freedom & Confidentiality

A lot of secret bars try to create a type of pseudo reality that is not available to the public. Some are accessible only by those who have a passcode, while others do not have any public advertisements. The very secretive nature becomes a part of the appeal.

Focused Attention to Larger Picture of The Theme

Every aspect of the experience is coherent and immersive; for example, the cocktails are served in uniquely styled glassware and garnished in creative ways, the music and the service have a distinct style, and even the smell in the air is managed.

Why the Speakeasy Bar is Back in Fashion

A number of factors have contributed to the renewed interest in speakeasy bars:

The Desire for Unique Experiences: Having saturation of bars and pubs, people seek out the places that designed thoughtfully, and off the beaten path.

Breaking the Routine: Speakeasy bars provide a welcome relief from blaring, social nightlife bars that are filled to the brim. They provide a welcome retreat; a much needed calm in a sea of noise and social activity.

The Rise of Specialty Drinks: There is a growing appreciation for craft cocktails. People are more concerned about the ingredients of their drinks, the manner in which it is prepared and the style in which it is served.

Social Media and Word-of-Mouth: Interestingly, the more a place is hidden from view, the more people want to know. The phrase, “I found out about this secret bar,” is very powerful.

How to Prepare for a Visit to a Speakeasy Bar

You may want to consider the following suggestions when you go to your first speakeasy bar:

Dress Code: Speakeasy bars are one of the few places which welcome both formal and informal attire. The most popular is semi formal which tend to elevate the already exquisite atmosphere to something even higher.

Plan Ahead: Espeically important is the reservation system, as sitting in speakeasies is extremely limited. You should also be mindful of the fact that some venues perish as time goes on and remain open on limited days/times.

Mind the Rules: Try to keep in mind that the very basic idea of a speakeasy is surrounded with some mystery, and thus some might speak against and even ban photography, loud discussions and require a limited people entry. Following these rules indicates a level of understanding of the nature of the activity in question.

Savour the Drinks: Ask the bartenders what drinks they recommend and do not hesitate to order shooters as well. To add especially to sharing galvanization, a few minimalist plates might be brought out to tailor the beverage you plan on consuming.

The Cultural Impact & Legacy

An example of a speakeasy bar goes beyond the construction of the building and the drinks served, as even the very important historical elements should be included. Its heritage consist of painting a new image in the public world for the very recognized jazz and blues music.

These lifted the social curtains and boundaries, allowing people of different social statuses such as ladies and gentlemen to communicate.

An idea taken from the jazz and blues recorded these days, was the advanced thinking on modern mixology.

However, these days are also inspiration for the ever-welcomed hidden-door domestic restaurants, theme-wise, as well as bars and immersive nightlife.

Conclusion

A hidden bar kept behind a wall with a curtain or a whole shelve remains one of the most romantic and entracing thoughts created in nightlife, especially while serving a reinterpretation of a Prohibition cocktail or a new one. The experience that is brought is above the mere drinks served. The speakeasy bar promises a construction of mystery, as well as the craftsmanship and intimacy of a master.

Next time, whenever you're looking for something beyond just a drink, try to find a speakeasy bar instead. Pay attention to the unique way of entry. Give a trance-like gesture as if you're looking for the illuminations of something fantastic. Give the world, for a couple of hours, a hint of pure enchantment.