New York City, the concrete jungle where dreams are made, has always had a rebellious streak. During the Prohibition era of the 1920s and early ’30s, this defiant spirit manifested in the form of speakeasies – clandestine bars operating under the nose of the law. While the days of bathtub gin and secret passwords are long gone, the allure of these hidden haunts lives on. Today, we’re taking you on a journey through time and tipples as we explore five historic speakeasies that have weathered the storms of time and are still serving up liquid nostalgia in the Big Apple.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill themed bars trying to cash in on the speakeasy trend. No, these are the real McCoy – establishments that have seen it all, from raids and rum-runners to the repeal of Prohibition and beyond. Each of these spots is a living, breathing piece of New York history, offering more than just a stiff drink. They’re portals to a bygone era, where the cocktails come with a side of intrigue and the walls practically whisper secrets of the past.
1. The 21 Club Speakeasy
Our first stop on this boozy trip down memory lane is none other than the legendary 21 Club. Nestled in Midtown Manhattan, this swanky spot has been a favorite of presidents, movie stars, and literary giants since it opened its doors in 1930. During Prohibition, the 21 Club was the epitome of an upscale speakeasy, complete with a complex system of levers and chutes to dispose of the evidence in case of a raid.
Today, the 21 Club still exudes an air of exclusivity and old-world charm. While you no longer need to know the secret knock to get in, the iconic row of jockey statues outside and the vast wine cellar (once a convenient hideaway for illicit hooch) serve as reminders of its colorful past. Sip on their signature “Southside” cocktail – a refreshing blend of gin, mint, and lemon – and imagine rubbing elbows with the likes of Ernest Hemingway or Humphrey Bogart.
2. Chumley’s: The Literary Speakeasy
From high society to bohemian rhapsody, our next stop is Chumley’s in the heart of Greenwich Village. This former blacksmith’s shop turned speakeasy was a favorite haunt of literary giants like F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Steinbeck, and E.E. Cummings. Legend has it that the term “86” (meaning to refuse service or kick someone out) originated here, as the address was 86 Bedford Street, and patrons would be warned to “86 it” when cops were on their way.
Stepping Into the Past: Ambiance and Authenticity
Chumley’s reopened in 2016 after a decade-long hiatus, but it hasn’t lost an ounce of its charm. The walls are still adorned with book jackets and author portraits, a nod to its illustrious clientele. While the menu has been updated for modern palates, you can still order a “Jack Rose” – the cocktail of choice for many a writer looking for liquid inspiration. As you sip your drink, take in the atmosphere and imagine the heated debates and whispered conspiracies that once filled the air.
3. The Back Room Speakeasy
Our journey continues to the Lower East Side, where The Back Room stands as one of only two speakeasies in New York City that operated during Prohibition and is still in its original location. The entrance, hidden behind a toy store, leads to a dimly lit space that feels frozen in time. Here, cocktails are served in teacups – a nod to the Prohibition-era practice of disguising alcoholic beverages – and beer bottles come wrapped in paper bags.
But the real treat lies behind a trick bookcase, which leads to a secret room known as “The Back Room’s Back Room.” This VIP area, accessible only to those in the know, offers an even more exclusive experience. As you sip your “Bee’s Knees” from a dainty teacup, keep an eye out for the trapdoor that once served as an escape route during raids.
4. Bill’s Gay Nineties (now Bill’s Townhouse)
Our fourth stop takes us to Bill’s Townhouse, formerly known as Bill’s Gay Nineties. This Midtown institution has been serving up drinks and entertainment since 1924. During Prohibition, it operated as a speakeasy, with patrons using stuffed animals as code words to gain entry. The ground floor was a legitimate restaurant, while the real action happened upstairs.
Today, Bill’s Townhouse retains much of its original charm, from the antique cash register to the vintage memorabilia adorning the walls. The piano bar on the second floor still hosts nightly performances, carrying on a tradition that dates back to the speakeasy days. Order an “Old Fashioned” and let the tinkling of the ivories transport you to a time when every sip came with a thrill of defiance.
5. Pete’s Tavern: The Oldest of Them All
We conclude our tour at Pete’s Tavern, which claims the title of the oldest continuously operating restaurant and bar in New York City. Established in 1864, Pete’s became a speakeasy during Prohibition, disguising itself as a flower shop. The story goes that patrons would enter through the side door, asking to “pick up flowers for their wives,” which was code for grabbing a quick drink.
Today, Pete’s Tavern looks much as it did a century ago, with its original rosewood bar and tin ceilings. It’s said that O. Henry wrote “The Gift of the Magi” in one of the booths here. As you enjoy their house ale, take a moment to appreciate the resilience of this establishment and others like it – survivors of a turbulent time that have become living museums of New York’s indomitable spirit.
Raise Your Glass
As we raise our glasses (or teacups) to these five historic speakeasies, we’re not just celebrating the cocktails – though they are undoubtedly worth celebrating. We’re toasting to the preservation of New York City’s rich cultural tapestry. These establishments are more than just bars; they’re time capsules, guardians of stories, and living testaments to the city’s enduring love affair with nightlife and rebellion.
In a city that’s constantly reinventing itself, these speakeasies offer a rare glimpse into the past while remaining vibrant parts of New York’s present. They remind us that behind every nondescript door or hidden staircase, there might be a world of history and mystery waiting to be discovered. So the next time you’re looking for a night out in the Big Apple, why not step back in time and experience a taste of Prohibition-era New York? Just remember – you didn’t hear it from us. Cheers!
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