What Is a Speakeasy? | From Prohibition to Modern Speakeasies

There’s something irresistibly mysterious about knocking on a hidden door, the whisper of a secret password, and the thrill of uncovering a place that feels completely private. Born from the resourcefulness of Prohibition-era America, speakeasies have evolved into a timeless blend of history, creativity, and craft.

Whether you’re fascinated by their origins, interested in how they’ve shaped modern nightlife culture, or just want to know exactly what a speakeasy is, let’s take a look at what makes this unique bar concept so captivating.

Key takeaways

• Speakeasies originated during Prohibition as hidden establishments where people could enjoy alcohol despite a nationwide ban.

• Traditional speakeasies influenced bar culture with features like live entertainment and creative cocktails crafted to mask bootleg liquor.

• Modern speakeasies channel Prohibition-era charm with intimate atmospheres, vintage-inspired décor, and inventive craft cocktails.

What is a speakeasy?

Driven by necessity during Prohibition, speakeasies were hidden establishments where patrons could enjoy alcohol despite the nationwide ban. These secretive venues often operated behind disguised doors or required special passwords, adding an air of exclusivity.

Some of the standout features of traditional speakeasies included:

• Hidden entrances: Disguised doors like phone booths or bookcases kept speakeasies out of sight.

• Password or secret knock: Exclusive access ensured secrecy and trust among patrons.

• DIY décor: Repurposed furniture created a cozy, low-profile atmosphere.

• Live entertainment: Jazz, burlesque, and comedy added a lively, rebellious vibe.

• Bootleg cocktails: Creative mixes masked harsh bootleg liquor and inspired modern mixology.

Today, the term "speakeasy" represents a throwback to that clandestine culture, but with a modern twist. While they’re perfectly legal now, contemporary speakeasies are bars that lean into their roots with hidden entrances, intimate atmospheres, and a focus on craft cocktails.

How did speakeasies start?

From 1920 to 1933, the 18th Amendment banned the production, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages across the United States. While the goal was to curb alcohol consumption and its associated social problems, the reality was quite different. Demand for alcohol persisted, and underground establishments began popping up to meet it.

These secret bars, known as speakeasies, were often hidden in basements, behind unmarked doors, or disguised as other businesses. The term "speakeasy" comes from the practice of speaking quietly or "easily" about these places to avoid drawing attention. To keep out law enforcement, entry often required passwords, secret knocks, or insider knowledge, creating an exclusive allure that only fueled their popularity.

Speakeasies weren’t just about alcohol—they became cultural hubs, often featuring live jazz, dancing, and a spirit of rebellion that attracted people from all walks of life. Despite the risks, bartenders and patrons alike flocked to these establishments, helping to shape the cocktail culture we know today.

Speakeasies’ impact on American culture

By the time Prohibition ended in 1933, speakeasies had left a big mark on American nightlife, blending secrecy, creativity, and a sense of community. These underground establishments shaped the way bars operate and influenced the cultural significance of cocktails and social gatherings.

One of the most notable impacts was the elevation of cocktails as a key part of the drinking experience. During Prohibition, bartenders had to get creative with their recipes, often using mixers to mask the harsh taste of bootleg alcohol. This ingenuity gave rise to now-classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and the Sidecar, which remain bar staples today.

Speakeasies also helped redefine bars as social and cultural hubs. They became spaces where social boundaries blurred, with people of different classes, races, and genders mingling more freely than in mainstream society. These establishments were particularly important in the development of:

• Jazz music and dance culture.

• Cocktail culture and mixology.

• Women's social liberation.

• Urban nightlife.

• Organized crime networks.

Iconic speakeasies from history

The history of speakeasies is dotted with legendary establishments that have left their mark on bar culture. Here are three of the most iconic speakeasies from the 1920s:

21 Club (New York City)

Known for its ingenious engineering, the 21 Club in Manhattan featured a hidden wine cellar behind a two-ton brick wall that could only be accessed by a special key. This speakeasy attracted celebrities, politicians, and socialites, cementing its reputation as a glamorous destination. 

Even after Prohibition, it remained a New York institution until 2020, embodying the charm and sophistication of the speakeasy era for 90 years.

Green Mill Cocktail Lounge (Chicago)

Opened in 1907, Green Mill Cocktail Lounge in Chicago is steeped in Prohibition history, thanks in part to its ties to Al Capone’s gang. The bar was a favorite haunt for Capone’s associates, and its hidden tunnels provided quick escapes during police raids. 

Known for its Art Deco design and jazz performances, Green Mill has retained much of its original charm and remains a vibrant piece of Chicago’s nightlife today.

The Stork Club (New York City)

Founded by Sherman Billingsley, a former bootlegger, The Stork Club initially operated discreetly to evade law enforcement, providing patrons with an air of exclusivity and secrecy.

During Prohibition, it was tucked away in a hidden location, but its reputation for excellent service and top-tier clientele quickly grew. After Prohibition ended, the Stork Club transformed into a legitimate nightclub, catering to the elite of New York City, including celebrities, politicians, and socialites until its closure in 1965.

Modern speakeasies

Modern speakeasies are perfectly legal but channel the allure that made traditional speakeasies so captivating. They often incorporate design elements and operational quirks that pay homage to the past, such as:

• Hidden entrances: Like their Prohibition-era counterparts, modern speakeasies are frequently tucked away behind unmarked doors or in the back of another business, requiring patrons to uncover their “secret” locations.

• Intimate atmospheres: The atmosphere in modern speakeasies is deliberately different from other types of bars. They maintain limited seating capacity and lower noise levels, encouraging conversation and social interaction. Small, dimly lit spaces create a cozy, exclusive vibe.

• Craft cocktails: Attention to detail is key, with mixologists crafting unique, complex drinks that elevate the experience. Many menus also feature Prohibition-era classics like the Bee’s Knees or French 75.

• Interactive elements: Some speakeasies include playful elements, such as requiring a password for entry, themed dress codes, or immersive storytelling to enhance the overall experience.

• Curated entertainment: Live jazz, acoustic performances, or even silent films add layers of nostalgia and charm.

Remember, modern speakeasies aren’t just about drinks—they’re about creating a memorable experience. Patrons are drawn to the sense of discovery, the intimate ambiance, and the artistry behind the cocktails.

Contemporary speakeasies’ impact on modern culture

The revival of speakeasies has profoundly influenced modern hospitality, bringing a fresh perspective to the bar industry while paying homage to their historical roots. Let’s explore some of their key impacts on broader bar culture.

Cocktail culture and craftsmanship 

Contemporary speakeasies have set a high standard for cocktails, emphasizing high-quality ingredients, innovative techniques, and presentation. This "craft cocktail movement" has spread across the bar industry, inspiring bartenders to experiment and elevate their offerings.

Speakeasies have brought classic cocktails back into the spotlight, inspiring a resurgence of Prohibition-era drinks like the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan, while also fostering innovation in mixology. As Sneha Chakraborty writes for Paste Magazine:

Immersive experiences

Speakeasies have redefined bars as destinations for storytelling and escapism by creating curated, immersive experiences. From hidden entrances and secret menus to themed interiors and live entertainment, speakeasies offer a sense of discovery that sets them apart from traditional bars.

Today, 75% of restaurant-goers are willing to pay more for a unique experience, and 72% of diners express a desire for more experiential dining options. Speakeasies have proven that patrons value more than just drinks—they want memorable experiences that feel intentional.

By setting this expectation, these establishments have influenced bars worldwide to focus on creating personalized, theme-driven spaces that transport their guests and create lasting impressions.

Attention to design

The aesthetic appeal of speakeasies has influenced the interior design of bars, encouraging the use of vintage-inspired décor, moody lighting, and thematic elements to craft memorable spaces.

Many modern bars have adopted the small, intimate settings popularized by speakeasies. For example, Lausanne-based design studio Panter & Tourron turned a studio apartment in Milan into a speakeasy-style secret lounge. The design team told Dezeen: 

Diurno is an invitation to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Milan's design week, a speakeasy-style secret lounge where guests can relax in a setup that oscillates between nostalgia and science fiction…Looking at the decors from gathering spaces like entrance halls, lobbies, and lounge rooms, the pieces in the collection function like a reenactment element, questioning the evolution of these places today and our relationship to shared environments at large.

Influence on broader nightlife culture

Speakeasies have inspired not only the bar scene but also other facets of nightlife and entertainment. Their emphasis on secrecy, exclusivity, and immersive experiences has trickled into underground events, such as raves, pop-up clubs, and private dining experiences.

For example, underground raves in cities like Los Angeles echo the spirit of speakeasies, often requiring attendees to follow cryptic clues, secret invitations, or last-minute location reveals. These events embrace the same thrill of discovery that made speakeasies so alluring during Prohibition.

Similarly, modern supper clubs and pop-up dining experiences have adopted speakeasy-like elements, offering intimate, hidden settings with curated menus and exclusive access. This cross-pollination of ideas highlights how speakeasies have redefined what it means to create a unique and memorable night out. 

By breaking traditional molds and prioritizing atmosphere and intrigue, they’ve become a blueprint for innovative nightlife.

Popular modern speakeasies

The spirit of the Prohibition-era speakeasy lives on in contemporary bars that embrace secrecy, sophistication, and exceptional craftsmanship. These modern speakeasies pay tribute to their historic counterparts while offering unforgettable experiences.

PDT - Please Don't Tell (New York City)

PDT, short for Please Don’t Tell, helped spearhead the widespread revival of speakeasies when it opened in 2007. Nestled behind a vintage phone booth inside a hot dog shop, patrons enter by dialing the phone in the booth, revealing a hidden door that opens into an intimate, dimly lit bar. Defining what he thinks a speakeasy is, owner Jeff Bell told Time Out:

Ranstead Room (Philadelphia)

Hidden in plain sight down a discreet alley near Rittenhouse Square, the Ranstead Room captures the mystique of a modern speakeasy. With its unmarked entrance and sultry, dimly lit interior, stepping inside feels like uncovering a well-kept secret.

Renowned for its meticulously crafted cocktails, the Ranstead Room blends sophistication with a touch of intrigue. It’s a go-to destination for both locals and visitors seeking a one-of-a-kind drinking experience.

Bathtub Gin (New York City)

Located behind a quaint coffee shop façade in Chelsea, Bathtub Gin comes alive with vintage décor, plush seating, and a copper bathtub centerpiece—a playful nod to the homemade spirits of the 1920s.

Bathtub Gin is celebrated for its masterfully crafted cocktails, as well as featuring live music, burlesque performances, and other entertainment. With a lively yet sophisticated atmosphere, it’s a standout destination for modern speakeasy enthusiasts in New York City.

Bring the speakeasy spirit home and support local restaurants

Speakeasies have come a long way from their Prohibition-era roots, evolving into captivating spaces where history, creativity, and craftsmanship collide. Whether you’re intrigued by their hidden entrances, vintage décor, or expertly crafted cocktails, speakeasies offer an experience unlike any other.