6 Secret Chicago Speakeasy One Must Explore
Speakeasies were popular in the US during the Prohibition era, i.e., 1920-1933. This was the time when the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol was illegal throughout the country. There was a time when the gangsters of the US ran Chicago and opened a secret speakeasy through this city. However, the speakeasy is still famous in the US, especially Chicago Speakeasy.
While in Chicago, you can go to an underground bar, grab your favorite drink, and enjoy your time alone or with a bunch of people. The newest speakeasy will still give you the same old vibe you might have had in the Prohibition Era. So, without any further ado, let us look at some of the speakeasies in Chicago.
Pick the Finest Chicago Speakeasy for Yourself
Here is a list of some amazing speakeasies in Chicago that you must definitely visit:
Nine Bar
Chinatown in Chicago is renowned for eateries, especially chilli chicken and dumplings. However, the place didn’t have a good place to pair these dishes with good craft cocktails. But now, you can enjoy your favorite meal with craft cocktails in Chinatown. Earlier this year, Chicago’s first Nine Bar was inaugurated behind Moon Palace Express.
This speakeasy bar will not only serve you the best craft cocktails, but you will enjoy everything they have on their food menu. One of their unique cocktails is a bold-flavored Old Fashioned made with Chinese five-spice. You can also have some snacks for their menu with the cocktails, including zesty mapo fries, a pork cutlet sandwich with tonkatsu sauce, and crispy cauliflower in Chinese orange sauce.
Nine Bar doesn’t have a pre-reservation system. So, you need to arrive early (pre-7:00 pm) to book a seat for yourself.
Location: 216 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
Contact Number: 312-225-4081
Website: https://www.ninebarchicago.com/
Pigtail
Pigtail is a Chicago speakeasy-style bar located on the lower level of Jaleo Chicago. The bar features Iberico pork and bespoke cocktails, and its food menu highlights Spanish ingredients with a wide range of small bites.
This place is best suited for pork-friendly diners, as they have a variety of food, including Tostada de Jamon con Tomate and Orejas Y Morros Fritos ( fried pig ears and snouts, rey silo cheese foam). Pigtail is one such speakeasy that offers multi-course food and cocktail pairings.
You can reserve a table in Pigtail via Tock.
Location: 500 N Clark St #465, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
Contact Number: 312-820-7771
Website: https://www.pigtailcocktail.com/
Room 13
Room 13 is the most’ secret’ bar in Chicago and has an alleyway entrance from the left of the old Chicago Inn. The only way to get into this speakeasy is to either apply for the membership for a yearly fee or earn an invite by staying at the hotel.
This place serves its guests a mixology drink from the 1920s. However, they will ask you to have a decent dress code when you visit Room 13. You can choose to add “Cocktail Flight” to your stay and get four samples of different cocktails on their menu.
To reserve a table, you can visit: https://room13.club/reservation/
Location: Old Chicago Inn 3222 N. Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Contact Number: 773-472-2278
Website: https://www.oldchicagoinn.com/room13
You might also wish to explore Carmine’s Chicago, along with food, drinks, and inside views.
Golden Teardrops
This bar is one of the darkest Chicago speakeasy bars ever where you can chill if you are fond of dark places. However, be prepared to take an experience of how a haunted house looks from the inside but without any ghosts. The only difference between Golden Teardrops and a haunted house is you’ll get to see ghosts, zombies, and killer clowns in a haunted house, whereas here, you will only see hipsters and tinder dates.
The little light you’ll see inside will be from the ‘weddings & funerals’ sign that glows behind the bar. Also, do keep in mind you can pre-reserve a table in this bar. The only way to find a place and enjoy the vibe is to visit the speakeasy on Wednesdays or Thursdays.
Location: 2101 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
Contact Number: 773-770-3414
Website: goldenteardrops.com
Soif Wine Lounge
Soif Wine Lounge is quite like a Chicago speakeasy but not entirely like an authentic speakeasy. As the name suggests, it is a wine lounge that is more likely to be a perfect date venue. The lounge is somewhat similar to other typical speakeasies but not entirely like them as it is much more colorful than the dark ones.
As mentioned above, it is a date venue, so it has a romantic ambiance with pink neon lights. The only drawback of this place is it can only accommodate 26 people at a time. So, if you want a smooth outing with your partner or friends, visit this place. Also, don’t forget to try their wine collection that focuses on French gems.
If you wish to reserve a table in Soif Wine Lounge, you can do that via Resy.
Location: 2456 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States
Contact Number: 773-895-6558
Website: https://www.soifchicago.com/
Three Dots and a Dash/ The Bamboo Room
Just when the Three Dots and a Dash was opened in 2013, it became one of the quintessential bars in the US. As you enter this speakeasy, you’ll be taken through the secret alley door that will lead you into a world of Polynesian mixology.
To make this place stand out from the other speakeasies in the town, Three Dots and a Dash added another subdued space- The Bamboo Room. It is a speakeasy-within-a-speakeasy where you can make a reservation via Tock. Another exciting thing about this place is that they create a custom event based on their customers’ needs.
Location: 435 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654
Contact Number: 312-610-4220
To Wind Up
If you are in Chicago and don’t visit any Chicago speakeasy, that would be unfair to you as well as to these speakeasies. This city in the US is home to around 3000 speakeasies, but we have covered only the top 6.
So, enjoy your evening in any of these and do tell us how you like the place you visit. Moreover, if you are a cocktail lover, you can also check out the amazing cocktail bars in Chicago.