A Place to Wet Your Whistle: Speakeasy Style!
While the prohibition era is long gone,
many drinking establishments in New York City channel the speakeasy style. As a fan of golden eras, old New York, and the good ol' days, I have made it a mission to find the best speakeasy style bars in town.
Photo Credit: Photofest via NYTimes,
available at
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/06/02/dining/20090603-speakeasy-slideshow_3.html
For those who love history... the prohibition era grew out of an anti-alcohol movement from the 1830s-1840s. Abolitionists fighting slavery frequently criticized alcohol as a similar evil worthy of destruction. After the Civil War, several organizations began to lobby against alcohol, including, the Women's Christian Temperance Union and the Anti-Saloon League. In fact, the Anti-Saloon League became one of the most successful single issue lobbying groups in America. After Congress ratified the income tax amendment in 1913, the government no longer depended on liquor taxes as a source of revenue. Eventually, under the pressure Anti-Saloon League's highly successful lobbying campaign, both houses of Congress ratified the 18th amendment. It became effective on January 17, 1920. For more information on the rise of Prohibition, check out PBS's film by the same name
The result of prohibition... hidden bars supplied by bootleggers, frequently known as speakeasies. Common features of these places included, no signs, unmarked doors, dark spaces, and hushed voices. Despite prohibitions relatively swift demise, these hidden gems still remain popular places to grab a drink. While I'm no expert, below is a list of my favorite speakeasy style spots:
5. Little Branch.
This was the first speakeasy I ever visited in New York. I was such a beginner, that I had literally walked by the door multiple times and never noticed the place. To this day, I still use that as a factor in determining my favorite places. What I love ... ambiance and drinks! Once downstairs, the space really takes you back in time. The bartenders dress up and people are speaking in hushed tones around candlelit tables. Furthermore, the drinks here still remain some of the most creative drinks available in the West Village. I am excited to try another location owned by the same group called Middle Branch.
4.
Amor y Amargo.
For those of you who have been turned away from Death & Co. due to the long wait, Amor y Amargo is a hidden treasure worth stopping by. It's just two minutes from D&C, but after one drink you may almost forget about its popular neighbor. The space is beyond small, but the drinks are worth it. The bartenders use a variety of bitters to give their own spin on traditional favorites like gin & tonic, the manhattan, and the cosmopolitan. However, my drink of choice is the Francois Four-Play (no longer on the menu - but they will still make it for you).
3. Death & Co.
D&C earned the third spot on my list due to its awesome decor and extensive drink list. The space is dimly lit but somewhat spacious (as far as speakeasies go). The servers are dressed in 1940s style clothing and very friendly. The last time I came here I ordered a champagne cocktail and something with calvados (apple brandy) - both excellent. The one downside - its nearly impossible to get in here due to the long wait list. But if you are in the area, it is a must see.
2. Pouring Ribbons.
New location, but experienced bartenders. I almost wanted to exclude PR from the list just to keep it a secret from the masses - but it is that good, I had to share. PR has a simple entrance, located on Avenue B, but its actually on the second floor. Once upstairs, you will notice the decor is simple yet classic and very spacious. I sat at the bar when I last visited - which is great because you can watch the drink making process and chat with the bartender. My group probably tasted half the drinks on the menu that night, and each was better than the last. What kept PR from the #1 spot you may ask? -- lack of comfy couches.
1. Raines Law Room.
RLR is my favorite speakeasy style bar in NYC for one key reason -- decor. From beginning to end, my experience at RLR exudes speakeasy style. From the gentleman who answers the door, to the overstuffed couches, to the interesting wallpaper (look closely next time) - everything is romantic, classic and cool. And the drinks, they are the perfect blend of technique and creativity. I have not had a drink there that I did not like.
Please let me know if there is a speakeasy style location you think I missed. I will happily visit it and let you know!
Cheers!