Unveiling the Secrets: Hidden Speakeasies Take You Back to Prohibition-era Drinking

Hidden Speakeasies: Exploring the Secrets of Prohibition-era Drinking

The Roaring Twenties was a time of rebellion, glamour, and most notably, the era of speakeasies. During Prohibition, when alcohol was banned in the United States from 1920 to 1933, these secret underground bars became havens for those seeking a good time and a forbidden drink. Today, hidden speakeasies have made a comeback as popular destinations for urban explorers looking to experience a taste of history. In this article, we will delve into the world of hidden speakeasies and uncover some fascinating locations that you can still visit today.

One such hidden gem is PDT (Please Don’t Tell) located in New York City’s East Village. Disguised as an old phone booth inside Crif Dogs hot dog joint, this speakeasy takes visitors on an adventure back in time. Once you step into the phone booth and dial a secret number provided by the hostess, the back wall opens up to reveal an intimate cocktail lounge with dim lighting and classic jazz playing softly in the background. The mixologists at PDT are renowned for their creative concoctions that pay homage to Prohibition-era cocktails while adding their own modern twists.

Moving westward to Los Angeles, The Varnish is another must-visit spot for speakeasy enthusiasts. Tucked behind Cole’s French Dip sandwich shop in Downtown LA’s historic core lies this hidden gem that captures the essence of 1920s drinking establishments perfectly. With its dark wood paneling, vintage decor, and expertly crafted cocktails served by knowledgeable bartenders wearing suspenders and bowties – stepping into The Varnish feels like taking a leap through time.

In Chicago’s River North neighborhood stands one of its best-kept secrets – The Drifter. Accessible only through Green Door Tavern’s unmarked entrance down an alleyway, this speakeasy offers an immersive experience that transports visitors straight into the Prohibition era. The dimly lit space, complete with burlesque shows and live jazz performances, immerses guests in a bygone era of clandestine revelry.

Lastly, we journey to London, where hidden speakeasies have also become popular destinations for those seeking a taste of the past. Evans & Peel Detective Agency is one such establishment, disguised as a detective agency’s office in Earl’s Court. Upon arrival, visitors are met by “detectives” who will question their motives before discreetly escorting them through a bookcase and into the secret bar behind it. The vintage decor and expertly crafted cocktails transport patrons back to the days when indulging in alcohol was an act of rebellion.

Hidden speakeasies offer urban explorers a unique opportunity to step back in time and immerse themselves in the mystique of Prohibition-era drinking culture. From New York City to Los Angeles and beyond, these secret venues provide not only exceptional cocktails but also an authentic glimpse into the underground world of Jazz Age nightlife. So next time you find yourself craving adventure or longing for a taste of history, seek out one of these hidden gems and let yourself be transported to an era long gone but still alive within these walls.