New York: A Speakeasy State of Mind

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Sep 4, 2012 —  “What once was old is new again.” We’re not sure who originally said that – maybe producers pitching the 48^th installment to the Saw franchise – but truer words have never been spoken.

Almost everywhere you look, from fashion to automobiles to architecture, examples of modern takes on a bygone era can be found. Some of these takes are amazing (burlesque troupes, industrial lighting, Ural sidecar motorcycles) and some are ridiculous (we’re talking to you, Clairol “Touch of Yoghurt” Shampoo!), but all of them highlight the undeniable fact that sometimes it’s downright cool to be old.

That’s certainly evident when it comes to speakeasies, for these retro watering holes – seemingly plucked straight out of the 1920s – have witnessed a major resurgence in recent years, and nowhere is that more evident than across the New York speakeasy landscape.

The original speakeasies were by and large a classy bunch, designed to operate beneath the shadow of Prohibition that made the sale and distribution of alcohol illegal for thirteen long years. And even though that ban has long since come to pass, many bar-seekers still yearn for the same “secret” vibe and refined (but still often hopping) party atmosphere that long ago enabled savvy drinkers to let loose and give an uproarious middle finger to the law. 

That must explain why you can find NYC speakeasies all across town today, some of which are incredibly elegant and still employ secret passwords to gain entry, some of which are purposefully funky and friendly to the wallet, but all of which employ a dedication to classic cocktails and a time-honored aesthetic.

Here are some of our favorites: