Shh! Speak Easy...in NYC and SF
Speakeasy bars
were high-end, unlicensed barrooms during the Prohibition (~1920-1933). I had thought these bars were forever confined to the pages of my high school U.S. History textbook until
I discovered "modern" versions in New York City!
These modern (legal) bars recreate the intimate and exclusive environment.
They usually involve shady alleyways/streets where you wouldn't expect a bar to be located, unmarked/disguised doors and the most delicious drinks
(fresh squeezed juice, ice made of mineral water, well balanced spirits). It's definitely my preferred alternative to grungy/loud bars when you just want to hang out/talk/drink with your friends. Some of my favorites in New York include
(now members only),
and
. I also really want to try
still.
is another popular one, but I have given them 2 chances and their drinks are always awful =X Here is a
list of speakeasies in NYC from the Examiner
.
Last weekend when I was visiting friends in San Francisco, my friend Judy found a speakeasy bar in SF.
is a modern speakeasy bar in the Tenderloin district of SF. It's in the same spot of a real speakeasy that was there during the Prohibition.
Despite its location in a very sketchy part of town and the difficulty in giving friends directions to the unmarked bar, it was a great experience!
After figuring out which unmarked door is the entrance to the bar (don't want to ring any random doorbells in this neighborhood...), you are greeted by a host dressed in 1920's attire.
If you
make a table reservation online
, you get a unique password that you tell the host
. After following the hostess through a series of bookshelves that turn into doors, you are shown your own booth and very extensive drink menu. My girlfriends and I tried all the champagne cocktails, which were delicious! A couple of my guy friends were adventurous and tried the absinthe drinks. I can't really judge how good those were though since I hate licorice flavors...
For those without reservations, there is also a "Library Room".
It has a separate door and the password to get into that room is "books". It's basically just a bar with standing space if you want to just drop by and not sit down at a table.
Anyway, the speakeasy bars in NYC and Bourbon and Branch are great places to check out when you don't feel like clubbing or getting all sweaty with other bar goers! Let me know if you end up trying these places out and what you think!
Bourbon and Branch's "House Rules"
Judy and I violating their rule of no photos
