Know the Password to These Underground Bars and Speakeasies Around Phoenix
Between 1920-1933, Prohibition in the United States led to the influx of establishments selling alcoholic beverages clandestinely. The term “speakeasy” came from the practice of speaking “easy” about the locations so not to tip off naysayers or authorities. Once Prohibition ended these spots ceased to be relevant, but the nostalgia and allure of these secret bars has been carried forward into retro-style bars today.
Today, speakeasies are commonly found across the U.S. with New York’s 21 Club among the most famous. Downtown Gilbert recently joined the list by adding the speakeasy basement bar The White Rabbit, per AZ Central.
Set to open in this fall, The White Rabbit will serve up handcrafted cocktails and whiskeys to those who say the password to get through the hidden entrance. Patrons will be able to check the bar’s website nightly for the changing password. One of the bar’s creators, Nick Medina, said in a press release the historic building and ambiance will make guests “feel like they are stepping into a true speakeasy experience.”
It turns out Phoenix has an impressive selection of speakeasy bars that have popped up over the last few years. Neighborhoods.com put together a list of the most adventurous and tempting throwback Prohibition bars in the Valley.
The Mystery Room at the Arizona Biltmore - Camelback East Village
The Mystery Room delivers on its promise, offering up a speakeasy experience that’s a recreation of the resort’s actual secret bar during Prohibition. The Camelback East Village bar features a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture, gold-leaf ceilings, staff in period attire, and throwback Prohibition cocktails. Open only from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays with limited space, you’ll need the password to enter. To find out what it is, search #speakeasy on Twitter. The resort tweets a clue every week from @ArizonaBiltmore.
Honor Amongst Thieves - Alhambra
The second story location of Honor Amongst Thieves near Montebello Gardens in The Colony features a secret back-alley entrance. Guests are given a complimentary pour of Amaro, which was customary of the original speakeasies. Plushy seats and dim lighting make for a relaxing atmosphere in this Alhambra club. The menu devotes an entire page to martini selections.
Melinda’s Alley - Downtown Phoenix
In order to enter Melinda’s Alley, patrons line up nightly in the dark alley behind the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel near The Orpheum Lofts in Downtown Phoenix. With the outdoor red light indicating the bar’s hours — a nod to the seedier times of the neighborhood’s past — their libations change weekly. By only giving guests a drink name and its base liquor, the intention is to encourage conversation, according to Phoenix New Times.
Rokerij - Camelback East Village
Down a questionable set of dungeon-esque stairs, this underground bar and eatery features a copper-topped bar, dim lighting, and private nooks for conversation. Rokerij, which translates to “smokehouse,” doesn’t feature secret passwords but maintains the ambiance and setting of an original speakeasy all the same. A must-visit for happy hour, the bar also offers memorable snacks like bacon-wrapped jalapenos and carne adovada sliders.
The Ostrich - Chandler
You don’t have to stick to Phoenix for some speakeasy fun. Head south to the suburb of Chandler where you’ll find The Ostrich, a speakeasy-inspired bar beneath Crust in the San Marcos Hotel. Inside the historic building’s basement — which dates back to 1912 and once stored ostrich feathers for flapper dresses — leather couches line the walls under black and white mugshot photos. Here, you can sip on classic drinks such as the Vesper Martini, Singapore Sling, and Mai Tai.