They’re accessed only by a particular elevator in an office building or tucked behind a hidden door camouflaged in the wall of a high-end restaurant. But speakeasies are anything but a secret in the Valley.
PHOENIX – Even though they might only be accessed by a particular elevator in an office building or tucked behind a hidden door camouflaged in the wall of a high-end restaurant, speakeasies are anything but a secret in the Valley.
Originating during the Prohibition era when alcohol was outlawed nationwide from 1920 to 1933, speakeasies often required secret passwords to enter. These unmarked, illegal bars provided a space for patrons to drink and listen to live music in an ambience heightened by mystery.
Sometimes referred to as “blind tigers” or “blind pigs” because of their clandestine nature, the establishments encouraged revelers to “speak easy” in order to avoid detection by law enforcement.
These days, the bars can book out months ahead during the high season. They often charge more than $20 for a single drink, yet people still want a taste of the hand-crafted cocktails and immersive space.
“The main thing is exclusivity,” said Ashley Cibor, beverage director for Tell Your Friends, an underground lounge in Scottsdale that offers live jazz. “People want to feel that they’re in the know, and even if it doesn’t require a password, it’s just a place that they’re like, ‘Oh, I have to show you this place I went to.’”
Every speakeasy shares a common feature – a secret entrance.
Tell Your Friends, for instance, is accessed through a hidden door in the back corner of a restaurant called The Americano or an unmarked side entrance.
After entering, each space is distinctive. From live music to a seafood bar, speakeasies offer a variety of food and their own twist on cocktails.
“There’s a greater appreciation for craft cocktail culture right now,” said Sal Scibona, director of beverage and hospitality for Rough Rider, a Victorian era cocktail lounge in downtown Phoenix. “People don’t just want a vodka and tonic. I think they appreciate the creativity and work that goes into making these drinks, and they want to be front row for that experience.”
There are more than 20 speakeasies spread across the Valley, each offering something new to the growing population. Just make sure to ask if there is a password before entering.
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