![]() The Mandarin Oriental epitomizes grace and elegance–and also plays host to its lesser known speakeasy, The Office NYC. Here, the very best speakeasies in New York. Whether it’s a subterranean parlor in Brooklyn, a kosher den above a deli, or a handsome lounge high above Central Park, these holes-in-the-wall hold drinking to a high standard and have solidified their positions as the best of the best. Inventive cocktails, rich decor and a respectful nod to the past elevate these drinking institutions to an almost cult status. The city's rich history and constant evolution is most palpable in its speakeasies, some of which have operated (on and off) since Prohibition. Much of that inspiration comes from the city’s innovative drinking establishments, which feel simultaneously part of the city's past and the present. New Yorkers' (and transplants alike) have a deep love for their hometown, and it stems from its undeniable energy, pulse and beauty. Here, his picks for the most exclusive and in-the-know places to imbibe in New York City. Marchant's finger on the pulse of travel trends and the world's best in hotels, restaurants, destinations and honeymoons is unique and incomparable–and he's sharing his expertise and curated lists of where to visit, stay, eat and more with. Don’t even think about visiting the Laundry Room in Las Vegas without calling first.Tom Marchant is the co-founder of luxury travel company and trip planner, Black Tomato, which delivers luxe experiences around the world via inspiring itineraries and access to the globe's up-and-coming, remote destinations. In the modern-day speakeasy, passwords are still used frequently as well as advanced reservations. Phrases like “Joe sent me” or “open sesame” were also popular. Sometimes a speakeasy password was the answer to the question: What’s the good word? The answer is “the bird is the word”. ![]() Likewise in order to gain entrance to Austin’s Red Headed Step Child, we had to find the 4-digit code, (that changes frequently). On our visit to Bookcase and Barber in Durango, we had to knock and tell the hostess “We were there to see a man about a horse”. Passwords are part of the fun when visiting speakeasy bars. Responding with the wrong answer might leave you outside the party. Lucky for us a relative had the key and we were in.Ī doorman may ask you “Where can I get a sandwich” and the patron will reply “ I heard the deli down the street is good”. Without the key, a visitor will have to ask around town to get the secret password. In keeping the tradition, Mata Hari’ in Savannah provides a special key to their regulars. One famous speakeasy password used was “Have you got a rabbit? In order to gain entrance, the visitor had to produce a rabbit’s foot. Once you knew where to go, most of the time, you needed a password, a secret handshake, or a special key to gain entrance. In other words, you would “speak easy” so others would not hear.īeing illegal, word of mouth was the way to find out the speakeasy locations. So not to call attention and risk being raided, patrons would whisper when discussing these backroom bars. Owners would offer a free drink and close-up look at an exotic animal like a “blind tiger” for a small price. While some speakeasy bars would have entertainment like lounge singers, big bands, and dancing, others were a little more sketchy. Where did the name Speakeasy originate?Ī speakeasy was also called blind tiger, blind pig, or jazz club. Since they were illegal, the only advertisement for these locations was word of mouth, and typically, you needed a password to gain entrance. Speakeasies were often filled with music, cigarette smoke, and the upper echelon of society. Most times, owners hid their clubs in the backrooms of an existing store, or even in the basement of a house. Similar to present-day entrepreneurs, creative individuals found ways to solve the challenge facing a society that wanted to consume alcoholic beverages.ĭeveloping secret places to sell alcohol and inviting those who wanted to drink to these establishments gave rise to the speakeasy. Despite the Prohibition Laws, Americans continued to drink, party, and make money from the bootleg alcohol industry.
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