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I recognize that my coverage of all things beverage-related is lacking, so when the opportunity arises to feature a topic I’m interested in, I run with it. The notion of a speakeasy first came to be during the 1920s Prohibition era when it became illegal to sell alcohol. Being told not to do something only made the desire to imbibe stronger (insert “Footloose” analogy here), and many entrepreneurs began offering spirited sips behind unmarked doors. These undisclosed watering holes required lowered voices so the police wouldn’t bust them, thus explaining the term speakeasy.
Recently there’s been an uptick of these bars hidden in plain sight stretching from San Clemente to Huntington Beach. While most speakeasies are focused on pouring a proper drink, a few offer a modest menu of small plates. Some are better tucked away than others but all are spirited alternatives to your usual neighborhood spot where everybody knows your name. Also, be warned that the more custom the beverage requested, the longer it will probably take to prepare – like upwards of 15 minutes or more. Keep these speakeasies under lock and key while they are still unknown to the hoi polloi.
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