Check out this feature on the country’s top speakeasy bars by Chowhound.
Speakeasies or gin joints are trendy cocktail spots with a not-so-secret, seedy past. Born out of the Prohibition Era, the period from January 1920 to December 1933 when the sale of alcohol was banned in the U.S., these cloaked social clubs were often referred to as blind pigs and, for better or worse, are etched into American history. No longer places to enjoy an illegal drink away from prying eyes, these liquor lounges across the globe lean heavily into eccentric themes, hand-crafted libations, and avant-garde food dishes. That said, no two speakeasies are alike, especially not in the U.S.
Ranging from hush-hush to trendy and downright infamous, these modern blind pigs offer a true experience you will likely never forget. Still, not every clandestine cocktail canteen has an air of mystery and excitement about it. Stateside, only a handful fall under the category of best speakeasy bars or fit the bill for authentic-style gin joints with equal parts shock and intrigue — being able to serve up some seriously tasty food and dazzling drinks while embodying a bygone era with flair is not an easy thing to do. However, a few places definitely seemed to have figured out the recipe — here are 13 U.S. speakeasy bars that actually feel scandalous and are very much on brand.
Room 901, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Another concealed cocktail gem can be found at the Hyatt Centric Las Olas, developed by The Kolter Group, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Room 901. Reservations are a must at Room 901, and the lucky patrons who are able to snag a table at this scandalous speakeasy must obtain an unmarked keycard and give the password to enter. Though Room 901 has garnered a lot of press, making it less of an underground hideaway and more of a trendy spot about town, this place stays true, in almost every other aspect, to the 1920s speakeasies.
With fanciful drinks, vintage vibes, decadent decor, and a robust food menu, Room 901 feels sensational and immersive. A genuinely intimate affair with only six patrons allowed in at any given time, you will definitely feel like you have stepped back in time and are up to no good. Drinks such as Stormy Passion, Late Check Out, and Penicillin are just a few libations to try while dining on Wagyu beef, lobster mac & cheese, and Kailua Caviar in this illicit establishment.
100 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
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