A Michigan speakeasy is a place that harkens back to an earlier time, often using bootlegged alcohol. During Prohibition, bootleggers distributed large amounts of alcohol to merchants across the country. These bars were known to have secret entrances, and often required a code to enter. The style and decor of these places can vary, and some have been restored to their glory. However, even though many of them are now closed, they still provide a nostalgic and unique experience.
Several locations in Michigan offer visitors a chance to experience a speakeasy. There are a few places in Detroit, for example, where you can visit a bar that was once a secret. Another is in Ann Arbor, where you can find The Last Word, a hidden bar. In fact, it was voted the best secret bar in the state by Livability.
Other speakeasies can be found throughout the state. They include Johnny’s in Royal Oak, a reservation only bar that offers 600 different spirits. It also features an extensive cocktail menu, including a signature dessert drink named after a character from the movie The Big Lebowski.
You can also find a speakeasy in Traverse City. This bar is located in a historic building that was constructed in the early 1800s. It has a large tunnel underneath it. During Prohibition, the tunnel was used to funnel alcohol. Today, the tunnel is bricked up at the end of the staircase.
Another speakeasy that you can visit is in Grand Rapids. This Michigan speakeasy bar is not fancy. It is also not a place where you can sit and relax, but it is a great place to watch a game or party. On a weekend, you can enjoy a wide variety of beers and alcoholic beverages on tap. If you’re looking for a drink that’s a little bit special, try the Blood Ritual, a mezcal-based cocktail that features cinnamon and ancho reyes chili liqueur.
Two Way Inn is a historic tavern that was once a Stroh’s sponsored bar. During the 1920s, the bar had a speakeasy that was accessible by an underground stairway. While this bar has been around for a long time, it was recently reopened after being vacant for twenty years.
Similarly, you can check out Bab’s Lounge, a whiskey bar that’s located in the University of Michigan. The bar serves a wide range of alcoholic beverages, and you can also try a variety of cocktails that have been inspired by the Roaring Twenties.
Finally, there is the Blind Pig 906 located in the Upper Peninsula. This bar has been operating since the 1920s, and its owner didn’t think she’d be running her own business. Even though the speakeasy isn’t a true historical one, it’s still a bar that pays tribute to the prohibition era.
Whether you’re looking for a place to get your groove on or you’re just in the mood for a classic cocktail, there are a number of speakeasy options to choose from in Michigan.