History of Speakeasy's

History has a tendency to repeat itself, reappearing in new and modern ways—and none is more welcome then speakeasies. These establishments came into popularity during the Prohibition, when the sale, manufacture and transportation of alcoholic drinks were made illegal. Thankfully, those days are over, and there’s nothing these current establishments have to hide. But that doesn’t stop nostalgic organizers from recreating this piece of history, giving new life to the glamor and exclusivity to the trend. This sophisticated strain of nightlife can be pinpointed to Milk and Honey, the original faux speakeasy, which opened in New York City in 2000. This fresh idea quickly caught on and underground or "secret" bars have become one of the hottest fads in large cities all over the world—including San Diego, which houses Noble Experiment and Prohibition. The owners of these speakeasy lounges take all the necessary measures to make them exclusive and hard to find.

Noble Experiment & Neighborhood 

Downtown’s Noble Experiment was created by like-minded men Nate Stanton and Arsalun Tafazoli—co-owner of El Dorado Cocktail Lounge and Neighborhood respectively. Together, they constructed this unique bar, where the cocktails are the star and guests can be assured they are in for a new era of bar culture. But finding—as well as getting into—Noble Experiment is somewhat unconventional.

With a maximum capacity of 35 people, it is always busy and you have to make a reservation in advance. However, you can only make a reservation by sending a text message to a special phone number listed on the bar’s website—practically the only thing listed on their site. Then, if they approve your reservation, you are faced with the new challenge of finding the literal hidden gem, tucked in the back of the Neighborhood restaurant, camouflaged by a wall of old beer kegs.

What’s on the opposite side of this mysterious gateway is worlds away from Neighborhood’s burgers, beers and casual atmosphere. Instead, the dark venue is evocative of 19th-century gothic furnishings, with framed Rembrandt-style ceiling paintings and morphing digital art—which includes a digital image of a deer that winks at you. With its skinny dimensions, extended ceilings and black-and-white checkerboard marble floor, the architecture gives the vibe of a psychedelic opium den.

Falling through the rabbit hole seems to take you into a seductive alternative reality, where 2,000 gold skull sculptures line the wall, elegantly balanced out by crystal chandeliers that glisten against the mirrored and sculptured bar back, plush ivory leather seating, mahogany paneled-walls and a black pillared bar—all of which is covered in a backlit amber glow. The contrast of these traditional details and modern design trends work wonderfully well, as they effortlessly reproduce Noble Experiment’s modern ambiance, yet nuance a unique historical perspective, creating an atmosphere that feels organic rather than manufactured.

However, the intriguing and surprising decorations of the 800 square-foot den can’t compete with the menu of handcrafted spirits. These drinks are inspired and taught by Sam Ross of New York’s Milk & Honey, an expert of innovative drinks with fresh ingredients. He teaches the knowledgeable people behind the bar—who are more mixologists than bartenders—how to make classics with a twist, as well as use house-made, slow-melt ice blocks that are shaped by hand. These original concoctions built on contemporary alcohol are identifiably immersed in tradition. Creative, refreshing and incredibly delicious, guests definitely won’t be disappointed, as Noble Experiment lives up to its noble ambitions.

Prohibition Bar

Similarly, things are not always as they seem at the Prohibition Liquor Bar, located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. This hideaway has also found a way to transport its customers back to the daring and glamorous time of secret speakeasies—a time that channels the inner Al Capone or flapper fashionista.

In the past, to get into this discreet spot, you had to reserve your spot online. Now though, getting in is on a first-come, first-served basis. Either way, crowds will be faced with the problem of finding this elusive speakeasy—especially when comparing it to its clearly-lit neighbors with lines, hostesses and bouncers out front, Prohibition is concealed away, not to be easily discernible to the general passerby. Instead, the covert lounge is located underground with only one incognito street-entrance door, marked as a law firm office, and hidden impeccably among the bright and busy contrast of downtown’s nightlife.

Following Prohibition’s strictly enforced dress code is the real key to getting in the door. When the door bell is rung outside, the surveillance-system equipped door allows Prohibition’s host to determine on whether the prospective guest’s dress is up to standard, or whether they will ignore the bell altogether. For the ladies, dress in a mixture of sass and class—blending fun and flirty garb with elegant and sophisticated attire like pearls, feathers, beads, lace and French veiling. For the guys, think machismo and mobster, and dress in something like a slim-fitting sports coat with a silk tie, and possibly a bowler hat.

Upon entering this old-fashioned drinking refuge, you are greeted by the host himself. You then enter down a long and narrow red carpeted staircase, following the red glow that is cast down by overhead steel-caged lighting, as the host escorts both new friends and regulars to their booths or tables, either acquainting them to the lounge or immediately starting them off with their usual drink.

The layout of Prohibition adds to the realism of the design. The room spreads long across, providing just enough space for plush black leather booth seating, mingling around the bar, and belly bar standing. The red lighting extends all the way through the lounge with antique lamps fixed on the dark wood paneling – giving the room the edge of risqué that lingers throughout. Hung on the walls are autographed pictures of iconic giants of the 1920s.

What really separates Prohibition though, is the musical experience that accurately mirrors the time. Opposed to other San Diego nightlife, where blaring music rules any need for conversation, the live performances by local musicians sets the atmosphere for the underground lounge, encouraging conversation among guests just slightly below the music. "The musicians that play downstairs are so talented and engaging that we have blurred the lines between being a concert venue and craft cocktail bar. Our goal is to offer the best soul, blues, and jazz you can find in San Diego," said Tyler French, the bar manager.

Nevertheless, like at Noble Experiment, Prohibition is also all about rediscovering and recreating top quality hand-made cocktails. Both of these bars drink menus pride themselves on their assortments of out-of-the-ordinary and adventurous drinks which are not likely to be seen in other venues, made only with the freshest seasonal fruits. This means they seasonally change menus, but one thing never changes: each bar’s variations on "The Dealer’s Choice," where guests tell mixologists their moods or preferences, and then let them make a drink that is catered to taste. Or, if the bar is busy and you don’t feel like waiting, Prohibition recently opened up a separate bar space built into their back wall that they call "The Scotch Counter." Here, guests can work their way through an extensive selection of single malts from every region of Scotland.

These underground havens are the kinds of places one goes for intimacy, fine drinks and fine music. Both Noble Experiment and Prohibition exude luxury, sophistication and mystery—so much so that it’s easy to forget your location in time. Offering perfect atmosphere for a small group, or for setting the scene of a romantic date, the unusual experiences offered are definitely worth a visit.