Promise me you can keep a secret because I’m about to let you in on the best speakeasies around Philly.
The roaring ’20s have birthed timeless styles and themes. Out of this decade came art deco architecture, classy old Hollywood, and the cultural revival of the Harlem Renaissance. The last, but not least significant historical occurrence was the prohibition era. Alcoholic beverages were banned, but that didn’t stop patrons from bootlegging massive amounts of alcohol. The business of manufacturing, transporting, and selling liquor and other forbidden concoctions became a huge part of the American economy. Today, the impact of bootlegging and prohibitionist legislation is evident in aspects of modern-day drinking cultures. For instance, J.J. Bootleggers, a popular bar in Philadelphia, has a name reminiscent of times when customers would have to secretly acquire their booze. The allure of sneaking around to have a nice cocktail remains to this day, even though drinking has become far more permissible.
So how can one participate in this secretive, seductive culture? The answer is speakeasies! A speakeasy was an illegal bar, nightclub, or liquor store that sold alcohol during the prohibitionist era. From 1920 to 1933, these joints were all the rage among crowds still seeking drinks outside of legal means. Lucky for us, you don’t need a time machine to visit one of these swanky, vintage establishments. If you want a taste of what the city’s nightlife looked like a century ago, then head to one of Philadelphia’s many bars and restaurants that identify as speakeasies. Some of these bars, shrouded in secrecy, are to be found down alleyways, in the backs of popular restaurants, and generally around places that wouldn’t be stumbled upon by the general public. That means that you’ll get the historically accurate, discreet feel of a 1920s speakeasy without actually committing any crimes! So, dress up with your friends or partner and visit a couple of these stellar locations — but you didn’t hear about them from me…
1. The Ranstead Room
This joint is exactly where you want to go if you’re searching for a classy, but illicit feel to your evening. The room is connected to Steven Starr’s El Rey, a casual Mexican restaurant that alone is perfect for a girl’s night out. However, when you walk through the door into this speakeasy, you’ll be enveloped in a totally different type of vibe. Red leather, dim but warm lighting, and beautiful architecture perfectly capture the beauty of 1920s bar and club scenes. Sitting at the bar drinking an espresso martini will feel so sinfully sweet you might question if having this much fun really is legal!
To enter, either go towards the back of El Rey and enter through a back door, or enter through a nondescript door down an alleyway on Ranstead St. The door will have a red “RR” painted on it. Be warned, however, this speakeasy has a strict one-in, one-out policy- so when the city gets packed on a weekend night, be prepared for a wait.
2. Fermentary Form
This establishment is essentially the love child of a microbrewery and a speakeasy, featuring various unique fermented beers with flavors that will surprise and delight your taste buds. The cherry and blackberry jam brew will be sure to have any visitors coming back for more. Plan carefully, however, because Form closes seemingly at random with inconsistent hours and business days. Staying on top of their Instagram posts and planning your visits for Saturday afternoons will ensure you’re able to indulge in their scandalously delicious creations.
To find this bar, look down an alleyway on Palethorp St. There, you’ll find a door with a lamppost beside it. Check if the light is on, and if it’s shining then you’re welcome to enter!
3. Hop Sing Laundromat
The last two options were more of a modern take on the ambiance of a speakeasy but Hop Sing Laundromat is about as authentic as you can get. This bar is tucked away and has a strict set of rules for customers to abide by to keep the experience authentically prohibitionist. Some of these rules include paying generous gratuities to the staff and keeping phones off and away. Violators of this rule will not be welcomed back at the establishment, and they do keep a list of patrons that have been permanently banned here. So be smart, just as if you were living in an age where drinking booze was a crime. Finally, this bar only takes cash so make sure you don’t try paying with some newfangled credit card or something like that.
To get inside, find an unmarked black gate on Race St and ring a stainless-steel buzzer. From there, a host will check your ID to make sure you’re allowed in and then you’ll be briefed on the ground rules you need to follow. Just don’t forget, the number one rule of all these speakeasies is to enjoy yourself!
Unlike in the 1920s, there are hundreds of places in modern-day Philadelphia to legally get a drink. However, not all of them are as special, secretive, or naughty as the slew of speakeasies waiting to offer you a taste of prohibitionist America. So, try something new, visit the previously mentioned haunts, and feel like you’re an exclusive member or high-level socialite out on the town. It’s not every day that you get to soak up some classic cocktails while feeling like an outlaw, so make this weekend extra memorable. And don’t forget, at speakeasies, gatekeeping is encouraged.