What is a speakeasy (today)?

[MetroStyles]

I don't understand why the term speakeasy is used to describe some NY bars today when clearly alcohol is not prohibited. Any thoughts?

 

[Johnny Amiga]

I assume the term nowadays is used to describe places that don't advertise themselves (no signs outside etc), so one has to know about them through word-of-mouth. Or atleast that's what I've heard.

 

[itsstillmatt]

A place with douchey guys and a password

.

 

[kwilkinson]

A speakeasy is West24's mother.

 

[Huntsman]

Originally Posted by Johnny Amiga

I assume the term nowadays is used to describe places that don't advertise themselves (no signs outside etc), so one has to know about them through word-of-mouth. Or atleast that's what I've heard.
Pretty much. There's a spectrum, but the term describes a feel that an establishment is trying to create. Usually it tries to define the ambiance of the establishment, the style of cocktails they try to create, etc. I use the term to describe my favorite bar, but that said, it does not share some of the negative attitude traits of some of the NYC places that use it. They serve classic, old-school, hardcore cocktails made extremely well, with exceptional ingredients, in an elegant, but not ostentatios atmosphere. That's truly a pre-speakeasy 'American' bar, as real speakeasies would serve whatever they had, good and bad. Were there decidedly upscale speakeasies? I don't know. ~ Huntsman

 

[Kas]

I would assume underground bars in which taxes are not paid. Probably bootleg liquor to circumvent those taxes as well.

 

[fredfred]

Some NYCers use the term to describe places that used by to "real" speakeasys. Chumley's (RIP?) is probably the most famous.

 

[whodini]

LA has a pretty famous speakeasy. How it's famous and hasn't been broken up by cops is beyond me. It's located downtown and disguises itself as an art gallery. I guess like most speakeasys it used to be much more controlled when it opened a year or two ago; nowadays I've heard that the password is just a random name you say you're in a party with and that person made the reservation. Still, when it originally opened it was a decent bohemian free-for-all.

 

[argoth]

Originally Posted by Huntsman

I use the term to describe my favorite bar, but that said, it does not share some of the negative attitude traits of some of the NYC places that use it. They serve classic, old-school, hardcore cocktails made extremely well, with exceptional ingredients, in an elegant, but not ostentatios atmosphere.

Sounds like an excellent establishment. Care to share?

Arg

 

[LabelKing]

Tacky places with fake '20s decor and a supposed "atmosphere."

 

[Matt]

Sounds like an excellent establishment. Care to share?

post em in my watering holes thread dammit

 

[rdawson808]

Originally Posted by iammatt

A place with douchey guys and a password

.

Originally Posted by LabelKing

Tacky places with fake '20s decor and a supposed "atmosphere."

+1 on both. Why not just have a nice bar with a genuine air of that era? Because it wouldn't be cool to have the riff-raff knowing about it.

Here in DC I guess drinking clubs are becoming more popular. A recent article really made me think they were nothing more than a place for people to get together with their friends and drink without having the nobodies around. Why not just have drinks at a friend's house?

b

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by Kas

I would assume underground bars in which taxes are not paid. Probably bootleg liquor to circumvent those taxes as well.

They do this in Groningen?

 

[Kas]

double post, woops.

 

[Kas]

Originally Posted by fritzl

They do this in Groningen?

Not that I know of, but if you've got some money to spare we could set something up.