What Is a Speakeasy Bar?
One of the hottest upscale trends in the food and beverage industry is the return of the speakeasy bar. Speakeasies are few and far between, so discovering one of these hidden gems can provide a fun, thrilling, and rewarding experience. It is easy to find a speakeasy in Boston hidden away inside Seamark Seafood & Cocktails, located inside the Encore Boston Harbor.
What Is a Speakeasy Bar?
A speakeasy bar is a special type of experience reserved for those who seek adventure while being in on a secret. These bars are hidden away from plain sight, often in a hidden room or other inconspicuous area. Access can require a special password or opening a special panel to reveal a secret door. Due to their exclusivity, the number of patrons allowed in is limited.
What Is the History of Speakeasy Bars?
Speakeasy bars were very popular during Prohibition. During this period of American history, alcohol was banned, and people caught drinking could face legal consequences. In order to avoid problems with the law, speakeasies began to spring up in cities across the nation, including Boston, New York, and Chicago.
Patrons needed to know someone who knew about the speakeasy and the secret password to gain access. Once inside, they could drink, enjoy entertainment, and experience a variety of cocktails without worry. Historic speakeasies also had strict rules to keep their location and inclusivity secret.
How Are Modern Speakeasies Different From Historic Ones?
Modern speakeasies are different from historic ones because they operate openly and legally. Historic speakeasies violated the 18th Amendment and were operated illegally. Modern speakeasies usually attempt to maintain exclusivity and secrecy as traditional ones with secret entrances.
Most modern speakeasies also attempt to recreate the ambiance and decor of historical ones with unique features, artwork, and other original designs. For example, the Old Wives Tale speakeasy bar in Boston has a historic nautical theme that treats guests to a voyage around the world, where they can visit various ports and sample unique cocktails from these different regions.
Many speakeasies also prohibit video recording and taking photographs to maintain the exclusivity of the experience. However, some speakeasies may allow pictures of the cocktails and food being served. Before taking pictures, it is important to ask your serving team what is and is not permitted. Otherwise, you could be ejected from the speakeasy.
Another unique feature of modern speakeasies is how the cocktails are served. They cannot just be mixed and poured into any old cocktail glass. Instead, the glassware used is often influenced by the theme of the speakeasy. The details on the glasswork are just as vital to creating a unique experience for patrons.
What Kind of Cocktails Are Served at Speakeasy Bars?
Speakeasy bars can serve cocktails from the Prohibition Era and also have their own unique curated menus that are not available anywhere else. The allure of only being able to sample original and unique cocktails in a speakeasy bar further adds to the appeal, luxuriousness, and secrecy these bars create.
At the Old Wives’ Tale, our cocktails are inspired by ports of call around the globe, including:
- Plymouth, England
- La Rochelle, France
- Barcelona, Spain
- Genova, Italy
- Kolkata, West Bengal
- Osaka, Japan
- Pisco, Peru
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Veracruz, Mexico
- Nassau, Bahamas
- Boston, USA
What Should You Expect When Visiting a Speakeasy?
Visiting a speakeasy is a unique experience. To ensure you have an enjoyable time, it is important to dress the part. Many speakeasy bars encourage patrons to dress in their finest clothing to maintain a sense of luxuriousness and exclusivity. You could also dress in historic outfits reminiscent of the Prohibition Era to fit the theme of the bar.
During your visit, you can expect:
- A hidden entrance with a unique entry
- An intimate and inviting environment
- Innovative curated high-quality cocktails
- Attentive and personalized service
- A limited number of guests
- Music or other entertainment that fits the speakeasy’s theme
- Vintage decor with unique elements, designs, and furniture
- Lower lighting levels
- A sense of secrecy
How Do I Gain Entry to Old Wives’ Tale?
There are a few different ways to gain entry to Old Wives’ Tale inside Seamark Seafood & Cocktails:
- Make a reservation: We accept a limited number of reservations each week.
- Notify your host or server when dining at Seamark: Upon arrival, inform your host or server you would like to enter our speakeasy. You will be placed on our first-come, first-served waiting list.
- Notify our host if you are not dining at Seamark: Upon arrival, you can notify our host to be placed on our waiting list. While you wait, you can enjoy one of our award-winning cocktails or appetizers at the Seamark Boston cocktail bar or explore the casino inside the Encore Boston Harbor.
- Host a private event: Another way to secure entry to Old Wives’ Tale is to host a private event inside the Boston speakeasy.
While we will attempt to honor walk-ins, we cannot guarantee entry due to the number of people on the waiting list. To ensure you can get in, it is highly recommended that you book a reservation.
Enjoy the Best Cocktails, Seafood, and Speakeasy in Boston
When you are looking for a fun and exciting evening out, make plans to visit Seamark Seafood & Cocktails for dinner with after-dinner drinks inside Old Wives’ Tale, our Boston speakeasy bar.
Old Wives’ Tale is open Tuesdays through Saturdays at 6 p.m. Our speakeasy stays open until 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Secure your spot on our unique voyage around the world by making your dinner and speakeasy reservations now.
Sources:
Encore Boston Harbor. (2024).
Hepp, B. (2024). A Brief History of the Speakeasy.