
Welcome to the world of speakeasies
If you haven’t heard of speakeasies before, it’s because that was the original intention. What once started as a secret escape from prohibition era alcohol laws has turned into a trendy nightlife experience. A speakeasy may be hidden in an unlikely place, but it likely contains some of the most fun cocktails and vibes out there.
What is a speakeasy?
“Speakeasy” comes from 1820s British terminology. Smugglers’ homes were called the slang term “speak softly shops.” The phrase eventually evolved into “speakeasy shops” then “speakeasy.”
Speakeasies are hidden barrooms that mimic the prohibition era secrecy. They are usually in a hidden place, with a false door, and/or require a password. They are known for their fancy cocktails and cosmopolitan, grunge tavern ambiance.
They were once illegal, but today speakeasies can operate legally. Anyone over the age of 21 can enjoy the thrills of a speakeasy.
History of speakeasies
Speakeasies are different today than they were 100 years ago. During the prohibition era of the 1920s, alcohol was widely illegal in the United States. Illegal barrooms started popping up where people could secretly go and enjoy bootleg cocktails and good times.
The Temperance Movement, which aimed to limit alcohol consumption in the United States, began in the early 1800s. The term “speakeasy” first appeared in the U.S. in a newspaper in Pennsylvania. The paper described it as a place that sold alcohol without a license. From then on, speakeasy was a synonym for any place to get an illegal drink.
The National Prohibiton Act of 1919 banned alcohol in the U.S. Despite their illegality, speakeasies were quite common during this time. During the height of prohibition in the 1920s, there were approximately 32,000 speakeasies in New York City alone. Speakeasies were cultural hubs for jazz, women’s freedom, interracial interactions, and organized crime.
The legalization of alcohol in the U.S. made speakeasies technically unnecessary, but they continued to thrive. Today, speakeasies are still secretive nightlife spots that mimic the appeal of true prohibition era joints.
Speakeasy for date night
A speakeasy is a great creative idea for date night. If you can find a spot near you through word of mouth or social media, don’t be afraid to check it out. Secret entrances, well-crafted cocktails, and a posh ambience calls for a unique experience that you won’t forget.
My favorite speakeasy in San Diego
Coming from San Diego, I’ve been to several speakeasies in the area. But the one that stands out to me the most is Raised by Wolves in La Jolla. Their menu features eccentric specialty cocktails, and the atmosphere transports you to another place and time. The entrance—like many speakeasies—is unsuspecting but intriguing. What looks like two chairs surrounding a fireplace is actually a revolving platform that transports you from what looks like a fancy liquor showroom to a dim and intimate lounge. From the large water fountain display as the centerpiece, to the high dome-like ceilings and plush velvet seating, to the bookshelves lining the room—you’ll feel like you just entered a room in the Gatsby house. Whether you are looking to impress your date or just grab some drinks with friends, we highly recommend booking a reservation at this hot and trendy speakeasy. Raised By Wolves was elected 2019’s Cocktail Bar of the Year, which you can read more about here.
The bottom line
The secrecy is a part of the fun with speakeasies. It’s not the 1920s anymore, but we can still enjoy an off-the-beaten-path night life experience while following the law. Keep an eye out for a speakeasy near you to knock your next date night out of the park.
Article sources
- https://www.budgetandthebees.com/speakeasy/
- https://prohibition.themobmuseum.org/the-history/the-prohibition-underworld/the-speakeasies-of-the-1920s/
- https://home.binwise.com/blog/speakeasy-definition-history-and-influence.
- https://www.yelp.com/biz/raised-by-wolves-san-diego
- https://imbibemagazine.com/raised-by-wolves-san-diego/
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