There’s something sexy about speakeasies, these secret bars that are hidden from plain view. They are making an impression on the bar scene in big cities around the globe, alluring cocktail lovers with their air of mystery. Standard rules no longer apply, and there might even be new, very specific rules we need to follow. These clandestine places have an exclusive vibe to them, and let’s admit it, we’re into feeling special like that. In the US speakeasies are all the rage, and we have visited a few of them to see what the fuss is all about. And let’s not forget what’s on offer here in Barcelona, too!
Speakeasies aren’t a new phenomenon, even though it might seem like it. They became common in the Prohibition era in the United States in the beginning of the 20th century, when illegal establishments sold alcoholic beverages to those who still liked to enjoy a drink or two. Some of these bars still exist today, either as any commonplace bar out there or as speakeasies where you need to do a bit of research beforehand if you want to find them, and to get in. But there are plenty of new secret establishments too, with nothing to do with the Prohibition era. A little mystery goes a long way, although some bars go the extra mile to create a whole concept around their operation.
Many speakeasies take pride in crafting top-notch cocktails, which is appreciated in times when you can get poison-flavored mojitos for 3,50€
Many speakeasies take pride in crafting top-notch cocktails, which is appreciated in times when you can get poison-flavored mojitos for 3,50€. The fairly recently opened Pastrami Bar in Barcelona hides a full-blown cocktail bar inside called Paradiso, just open the fridge door and step inside to enjoy the elaborations of Mr. Giacomo Gianotti who’s won the title of best barman in Spain in 2015. The quality of the drinks make worthwhile the hype.
Now in September Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona hosts the famous speakeasy Please Don’t Tell from New York in the form of a cool pop-up, where gourmet hot dogs compete for attention with unforgettable cocktails. It’s strictly by reservation only, so make sure to book in advance!
Milk Room in Chicago takes cocktail quality to a whole new level. Hidden in the walls of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel this experience takes some planning ahead. It’s extremely popular and considering the fact that it takes only 8 guests for two hours at a time you need to book ahead. On their Twitter account they announce the upcoming rounds for reservations a few weeks in advance and you need to be fast to get a spot. The night of your visit you approach a man standing in front of a mystical wall, you tell him your name and he opens the doors to where the magic happens. Your barman greets you with a drink to start with, and explains the menu. It’s so dark you barely can read it, the walls are lit with candles and music from a vinyl player sets the tone in the background. I felt like we were having a secret meeting with the Pope in a sacristy, but in a good, intoxicated kind of way. The boisterous sounds from the noisy Game Room next door are far, far away from this secret escape.
I felt like we were having a secret meeting with the Pope in a sacristy, but in a good, intoxicated kind of way
What’s so interesting with Milk Room, apart from the secrecy, is what they stock in their bar. You can find rare and vintage spirits here from a long, long time ago, and you’ll of course pay the price for it. When you book you put down a 50$ advance payment per person, and depending on how expensive your taste is it might not take you very far when it comes to paying the final check when presented to you in the end of your experience. But it’s so worth it. Even if you’re not an expert in the field the bartender makes sure you get exactly what you want and is happy to surprise you too. There is a cocktail menu but if you prefer freestyling you can just tell the bartender what your preferences are and he’ll work his magic. If cocktails aren’t your thing but vintage spirits are there is a long, LONG list of them to choose from. Perhaps a rare Cuban rum from the 1940s is what you are looking for, or a Bourbon from when your dad was born.
For some speakeasies the intrigue is in the secret and surprising entrances. New York is a city with plenty of speakeasies, and one of them is The Garret, located in the West Village. Walk inside a Five Guys burger joint, pass the unassuming customers and head towards the kitchen in the back (feels a bit weird dodging fries on the floor when you’re all dressed up). There you find a flight of stairs that leads you to a cozy bar with chandeliers, velvet and tasty drinks. In Los Angeles you’ll find Adults Only, where you need to walk through an adult video store to reach the old Hollywood style bar (now that’s awkward!). Lock & Key, also in LA, makes it a bit more complicated for the guests: you go through an unassuming door and into a room painted black, filled with vintage door knobs and handles. You need to figure out yourself which is the magical one that will open the door, but if you get stuck the doorman will give you a hint. Should you find yourself in Buenos Aires, Argentina you can walk inside a florist and look for a refrigerator that takes you to a beautifully decorated basement bar called Floreria Atlantico. There are entrances hidden in hot-dog parlors, in souvenir shops and in telephone booths, all to make it a little bit more difficult to find but fun at the same time.
Someone not so versed in epicurean will be mighty dazzled when you walk through a magic door into a tremendously romantic place with killer cocktails and smooch-worthy music in the background
An obvious reason for visiting a speakeasy is if you want to impress your date. Someone not so versed in epicurean will be mighty dazzled when you walk through a magic door into a tremendously romantic place with killer cocktails and smooch-worthy music in the background. The Violet Hour in Chicago is exactly that kind of place. A graffiti-clad wall has only a light bulb as a sign that something intriguing is going on. Once inside, you enter through thick velvet curtains and into a room filled with nooks for couples looking for romance. The setting is perfect: your eyes have to adjust to the darkness and you need the candle on your table to be able to read the drink menu, there is incense in the air and soft, intriguing music in the background. The rules are pro-romance too: No cell phone use inside the lounge, no Budweiser, no baseball hats, no bringing anyone to the Violet Hour that you wouldn’t bring to your mother’s house for Sunday. Pretty much sets the tone, doesn’t it? They want to make sure that your romantic evening isn’t ruined by an a-hole next to you in a baseball cap, drunk out of his mind and screaming on the phone. Sounds pretty perfect to me, I’m all for romance after all and speakeasies provide the perfect setting. A well-crafted cocktail (or three) to boot and we’re all set..!
