Entering new places is always an adventure, but even more so when there is a secret entrance or hidden doors, like pushing a bookshelf aside or using a secret password to enter. The entrance makes it feel like a whole other world. You always save a good story to tell. Unraveling the mystery is all part of the story in a speakeasy bar.
When compared to other commercial bars or clubs, speakeasy bars are a welcomed change. They take an unhurried approach to allow customers to converse and enjoy the drinks, making an unordinary night feel special.
What is a Speakeasy Bar?
The term speakeasy originates from the prohibition (1920-1933) in the US when drinking alcohol was illegal. Drinking establishments that sold alcohol were found behind false walls and in basements. In order to remain discreet, customers were asked to speak easy.
The speakeasy bar of today is reminiscent of the prohibition-era, keeping the secrecy, but with a more modern touch. You can expect an intimate and timeless feel to the ambiance, with unique vintage decor and soft lighting, all to complement the craft cocktails that are carefully made.
In the world we live in, where everything is available in real-time with a click of a button, the feeling of something hidden and secret is a unique selling point. Speakeasy bars offer an escape from the mundane for a more exciting experience.
People visit speakeasy bars because they offer:
A sense of exclusivity and privacy
A low-key, intimate ambiance
Cocktail craftsmanship, no shortcuts
Curation of music, not washed out
A focus beyond just drinking; the overall encounter
The Atmosphere of a Speakeasy Bar
The ambiance of a speakeasy bar is instantly transformative. The lighting is warm and soft. The music features jazz and blues or soulful classics, and the volume is just right. Because conversations can flow undistracted by the onslaught of hefty speakers, there’s no shouting.
The furnishings consist of antique accents and leatherette seating. The wooden bars are often accompanied by antique mirrors, and brass accentuates the decor. Each component feels purposeful and as if they’ve all sculpted the very silence, which, like all the details, is of conspicuous character.
The bar is low-key and unassuming, and yet ge radiates a level of confidence that is magnifent.
The Art of Cocktails in a Speakeasy Bar
Every speakeasy bar has to have a fundamental focus on cocktails. It’s the one area in which bartenders can become true craftsmen.
Overly sugary cocktails and poor craftsmanship do not qualify as cocktail craftsmanship. In a speakeasy, expect every cocktail to be crafted using:
- Freshly sourced ingredients
- Syrups and bitters that use house making
- Renowned recipes that incorporate creative modern elements
- Optimal flavor
Conversations with bartenders are not just young and chatty people are the centerpiece of the cocktail. Instead, the cocktail is the result of a conversation that features a collaborative effort.
Speakeasy Bar versus Regular Bar
What distinguishes a speakeasy bar, if anything at all?
A regular bar has its focus on speed and volume, whereas a speakeasy bar aims for depth and connection.
At a speakeasy bar:
You are actively encouraged to relax and take your time.
Drinks are fabricated and creative, as opposed to being cranked out at conjugate intervals.
The role of atmosphere is on par to that of alcohol.
The focus is on an overall experience as opposed to the alcohol consumption.
It is less about inebriation and more about the experience.
Who Patronizes a Speakeasy Bar
A speakeasy lounge draws in a wide array of potential patrons:
- Romantically engaged couples
- Friends seeking profound dialogue
- Cocktail aficionados with an appreciation for the artistry involved
- Tourists in need of an atypical experience in the community
A speakeasy bar is a unique and clandestine experience that is comforting to the senses and a great option for patrons when celebrating, or when routine has become stale.
The Aspect of Discovery and Other-Secrets
The most unique aspect of a speakeasy bar is the discovery of it in the first place, be it hidden behind an old door with no signage, an unmarked door at the on the street level of a hotel, or a back door to a restaurant’s bustling kitchen.
The combination of the two elements creates lasting memories and a unique experience.
It transforms a basic trip to a bar, to a true adventure all for the price of a couple drinks and the promise of a unique unlisted experience.
Contemporary Understandings of the Speakeasy Bar
Though historically based, the speakeasy bar of today is not historically bound.
Contemporary speakeasy bars create a fusion of history and modernity through:
- Imaginative decor and narrative construction
- Cocktail menus that change with the seasons
- Diverse culinary approaches and practices
Nights with live performances by jazz musicians or DJs who specialize in vinyl
On occasion, the bars will integrate different forms of dining, artistic expression, and performances, giving patrons a new experience with each visit.
The Social Connectivity of Speakeasy Bars
At speakeasy bars, guests tend to keep their phones tucked away, leading to more meaningful conversations and new friendships.
The design of the speakeasy bar itself fosters this social interaction. Excluding strobing lights and overbearing music gives people a space that encourages listening. It is simply a reminder that nightlife can be exhilarating without pandemonium.
Speakeasy Bar Etiquette
First time visiting a speakeasy bar? Consider the following:
- Dress a notch more formal than usual; smart casual works well
- Seek the bartender’s expertise when ordering
- Good cocktails can take a while to craft, so patience is a virtue
- Mind the decorum of others as well as the ambiance
The experience is entirely worth the effort.
The Speakeasy Bar
The worldwide, modern speakeasy bar is a consequence of people’s longing for authenticity and memorable experience. This trend is simply growing and adapting.In the future, né bars will want an even greater emphasis on storytelling, community, and craft. They will continue to be establishments where time stands still and the the night becomes etched in one’s memory.
Conclusion
A speakeasy is more than an establishment to enjoy a drink; it is a place to experience something unique. It is a fusion of the past within a creative, contemporary, and imaginative approach. It is where the art of cocktails is taken to another level, and it offers an escape from the realities of the outside world.
In this fast-paced and noisy world, speakeasy bars are the quiet confidence of a breath of fresh air. Once you have discovered a speakeasy, you will forever be searching for the next one.
