What Is a Speakeasy? Unveiling The Secret Bars’ History
In a recent survey of 500 people, 76% of respondents said the first thing they’d do after learning positive news is tell another person. It also found that the average person is keeping five to six pieces of good news to themselves at a time.
Having negative secrets can cause you to ruminate and feel worse. Positive secrets, on the other hand, can be energizing.
One of the best secrets is finding a new place to go out at night. In the Prohibition era, there was no recommendation more energizing than a great speakeasy.
What is a speakeasy? Read on to learn all about their history and how they’ve impacted modern bars.
What Is a Speakeasy?
A speakeasy is a hidden or secret bar that operated illegally during the Prohibition era of the United States. This was the period from 1920-1933 when the 18th Amendment banned the sale of alcohol.
Speakeasies popped up soon after the amendment was passed. There was an insatiable need for alcohol across America and a spirit of rebellion throughout the country.
Where Did the Name Come From?
The question of what is a speakeasy naturally leads to the question of where the term came from.
The word first appeared in America in Pittsburgh. It came after a saloon owner named Kate Hester allegedly told her patrons to “speak easy” at her unlicensed bar. The term appeared in an article published on March 21, 1889, for a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania newspaper. It appeared again in an article in the Pittsburg dispatch on June 30, 1889.
The hidden bars were also known by other names, including:
- Blind pig
- Blind tiger
The History of the Speakeasy
Speakeasies began out of necessity but became an important part of history. They helped create the most notable icons of the 1920’s.
Their special mystique helped them stay around beyond the point of necessity. They changed the idea of what the nightlife could be. It created a design philosophy for others to imitate in the future.
Why They Began
The history of the speakeasy begins with the Temperance movement. It was a religious movement that attempted to fix society’s problems by banning alcohol. Their protests drew crowds, but that didn’t mean everyone agreed with them.
Americans were heavy drinkers at the time, and there were reasons for it. There weren’t as many safe ways to purify water and make it safe to drink. Alcohol often seemed like a safer alternative.
Corn became a popular crop as Americans expanded West. Farmers had trouble making money by growing it for food. The best way to make a profit from it was to turn it into whiskey.
The 18th Amendment was officially passed in 1918. The Volstead Act was passed a year later. That allowed the ban on selling alcohol to be officially enforced.
How They Became Popular
Speakeasies started popping up almost immediately after the Amendment was passed. They could appear almost anywhere, including inside legal businesses or homes.
Speakeasies had a bigger impact than just providing Americans with alcohol. They became a key part of 1920’s nightlife. They also helped shape the idea of American nightlife forever.
Many speakiesies hid their doors behind seemingly innocent places such as bookshelves. Most required a password or an identification card before they would let anyone in.
How They Changed the World
A speakesy may have been a secret underground club, but each one was a hot spot for anyone who knew about them. They attracted flappers, women with short hair and even shorter dresses. Everyone was united in a spirit of rebellion. That lead to more mixed-race interactions.
Speakeasies offered entertainment in addition to alcohol such as burlesque shows. Many jazz musicians of the era got their start in one, such as:
- Ella Fitzgerald
- Louis Armstrong
- Duke Ellington
They were also a frequent place for mafia members and other criminals to meet. Famous criminals like Al Capone would use underground clubs. They’d massive amounts of money by watering down drinks and paying the police to look the other way.
After Prohibition
Speakeasies began to die out after the 21st Amendment ended prohibition in 1933. It was the only amendment ever passed to repeal another.
The presence of speakeasies began to lessen once it went into effect. There was no need for secret cocktail lounges anymore.
That didn’t mean that the world forgot the charm these establishments once had. Their impact is still felt today.
There’s a nostalgia for the Roaring ’20s that can be tapped into. Many modern restaurants attempt to replicate elements such as their:
- Secretive nature
- Exclusivity
- Classic design
- Entertainment
- Craft cocktails and other classic liquor
Modern Speakeasies
Speakeasies were everywhere for almost a decade during Prohibition. That popularity has turned them into a permanent and influential part of American culture. It’s no wonder that many modern establishments would want to try to emulate them.
There are several reasons to visit a modern speakeasy today. They maintain the secretive, exclusive allure of a traditional speakeasy. They also maintain many traditional design elements, such as:
- Low lighting
- Antique furniture
- Velvet drapes
- Brass fittings
- Jazz memorabilia
- Weathered mirrors
Finding a great one feels like being a member of an exclusive club. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled back into the 1920’s.
One major difference is that the quality of the drinks and food in modern speakeasies has improved over the years. Gone are the days of gross, watered-down drinks. You’ll get delicious quality and expert service along with a classic atmosphere.
Visit the Best Modern Speakeasy in Las Vegas
What is a speakeasy? These secretive bars dominated the world during the Prohibition era in the 20s and 30s when selling alcohol was illegal. They remain an intriguing cultural touchpoint and an inspiration for modern bars today.
1923 Prohibition Bar is a hidden gem in Las Vegas that will take you back in time. Sip our bourbon-centric drinks while you sit back and enjoy our entertainment options such as burlesque, magic shows, and music.
Step in any time for high-quality service in a retro atmosphere. Contact us today to schedule a private or corporate event.
