What Is a Speakeasy? Definition, History & Modern Guide

Few things capture the mystique of the Roaring Twenties like a hidden bar tucked behind a bookcase. But the speakeasy is more than a Prohibition-era relic. Over the past century, it has evolved from an illegal drinking den into a deliberate cultural statement—one that relies as much on secrecy as on craft cocktails. Here’s what you need to know about the past and present of the speakeasy.

Prohibition Era: 1920–1933 ·
Origin of Term: 1889 ·
NYC Speakeasy Count (est.): Up to 30,000 ·
Speakeasy Revival: Early 2000s

Five key facts set the stage for understanding the speakeasy’s transformation from illegal operation to modern cultural icon.

What is a speakeasy in simple terms?

Definition of a speakeasy

A speakeasy is, at its simplest, an establishment that sells alcoholic beverages illegally. The term became widely used during the Prohibition era (1920–1933) in the United States, when the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating drinks (defined as anything containing 0.5% or more alcohol). To keep serving their customers, saloon owners moved underground—into basements, back rooms, and behind unmarked doors.

The Mob Museum notes that speakeasies ranged from fancy clubs with jazz bands and ballroom dance floors to dingy backrooms and apartments. What united them was secrecy: patrons spoke quietly and used passwords to gain entry.

Key characteristics

• Hidden from public view – often behind a bookcase, through a phone booth, or down an unmarked alley (Wikipedia (encyclopedic source))
• Required a password or inside knowledge to enter (Deep Plate Blog (industry publication by BauscherHepp))
• Operated during Prohibition, but the term predates the ban by decades (Wikipedia (encyclopedic source))

The implication: the speakeasy wasn’t merely a bar—it was a response to a specific legal prohibition. Without the ban, the concept would not have taken shape.

Why do they call it a speakeasy?

Etymology of the name

The name comes from the practice of patrons speaking quietly—or “easy”—to avoid alerting police or neighbors. Deep Plate Blog explains that customers would “speak easy” through a small opening in the door, often providing a password. This hushed behavior gave the establishments their enduring label. During Prohibition, alternative slang included “blind pig” and “gin joint” (The Mob Museum (official museum of organized crime)).

First recorded use

Wikipedia records the first known use of the word “speakeasy” in print as 1889—more than three decades before Prohibition began. The earliest American speakeasies emerged in the Pittsburgh area in the late 1880s, after the Brooks High-License Act of 1888 raised the annual liquor license fee from $50 to $500, driving most bars underground. By 1890, Pittsburgh had roughly 700 speakeasies but only 92 licensed liquor dealers (Wikipedia (encyclopedic source)).

What makes a bar a speakeasy?

Hidden entrances and passwords

Modern speakeasies almost always feature concealed doors. A common design is a bookshelf that swings open, a door disguised as a mirror, or an entrance through a refrigerated truck. Entry frequently requires a reservation or a password obtained via the bar’s website or word-of-mouth (Wikipedia (encyclopedic source)). This creates a sense of exclusivity and nostalgia for the Prohibition era.

Atmosphere and decor

Dim lighting, vintage furniture, and jazz or swing music are hallmarks of the speakeasy aesthetic. The Mob Museum describes how 1920s speakeasies often had dance floors and live bands; today’s versions replicate that ambiance to transport patrons to a different time. The goal is to create an intimate, slightly rebellious atmosphere.

Drink menu and service

Cocktails are typically craft-oriented and often feature Prohibition-era recipes such as the Bee’s Knees, Sidecar, or Old Fashioned. Bartenders emphasize quality ingredients and classic techniques. This focus on craftsmanship is a direct nod to the artisanal, bootleg drinks that defined the original speakeasies (Deep Plate Blog (industry publication by BauscherHepp)).

The pattern: modern speakeasies are theatrical experiences where the hidden entrance and vintage decor are as important as the drinks.

What is a modern day speakeasy?

How modern speakeasies differ from 1920s originals

The most significant difference is legality. Modern speakeasies operate with full liquor licenses; the secrecy is a deliberate theme rather than a necessity. Deep Plate Blog notes that contemporary speakeasies are “legal bars that mimic the secrecy of their historical counterparts.” The rebellion is aesthetic, not criminal. Other differences include:

• Original speakeasies were often rough and utilitarian; modern ones are meticulously designed.
• 1920s speakeasies served whatever bootleg liquor was available; today’s focus on craft cocktails is more refined.
• Historical speakeasies were hidden to avoid police; modern ones hide to create buzz and exclusivity.

Popular modern examples

Notable modern speakeasies include PDT (Please Don’t Tell) in New York, which is accessed through a phone booth inside a hot dog joint, and The Violet Hour in Chicago, known for its heavy velvet curtain and no-photos policy. Both require reservations and are widely cited as trendsetters (Wikipedia (encyclopedic source)).

What does a woman wear to a speakeasy?

1920s-inspired attire

Many patrons lean into the theme with flapper-style dresses, pearl necklaces, headbands, and feathered accessories. Men often wear suits, suspenders, and fedoras. The look evokes the Jazz Age and reinforces the immersive experience.

Modern dress code tips

While some speakeasies have a formal dress code, most simply require smart or upscale casual attire. Think dark jeans with a blazer, a little black dress, or a button-down shirt. Avoid overly casual items like shorts, flip-flops, or baseball caps. The vibe is “dressed-up but not stuffy” (Wikipedia (encyclopedic source)).

The catch: the dress code is part of the speakeasy’s appeal—it separates the experience from an ordinary night out. Patrons who embrace the theme often feel more invested in the evening.

Timeline of the Speakeasy

• 1889 – First recorded use of the word “speakeasy” in print (Wikipedia (encyclopedic source))
• 1919 – Volstead Act passed, setting the stage for Prohibition (Deep Plate Blog (industry publication by BauscherHepp))
• 1920–1933 – Prohibition era; speakeasies flourish across the US (The Mob Museum (official museum of organized crime))
• 1933 – Repeal of Prohibition; legal bars return (Wikipedia (encyclopedic source))
• Early 2000s – Modern speakeasy revival begins (Deep Plate Blog (industry publication by BauscherHepp))

Quotes on the Speakeasy

“A place where alcoholic beverages are illegally sold.”

— Merriam-Webster Dictionary (authoritative dictionary)

“Especially such establishments that existed in the United States during Prohibition.”

— Encyclopædia Britannica (academic encyclopedia)

“A very secret bar… only the people that know or are in the know know about it.”

— Ian Burrell, bartender (industry expert)

For anyone hoping to open a themed bar today, the lesson is clear: authenticity matters more than secrecy. Patrons can tell when a hidden door is a genuine homage versus a gimmick. The speakeasy’s enduring appeal lies in its promise of a shared secret—a promise that must feel earned, not just staged.

For a real-world example of how these hidden bars operate today, check out modern speakeasy bars like Mill Place Merchants in Melbourne.

Frequently asked questions