Speakeasy(s) in Boston? (New Bedford, Bedford: amusement park, houses, vs.)

[bjimmy24]

Originally Posted by redplum33

Again, understood. A regular bar with a speakeasy theme.

There are plenty of illegal establishments that sell alcohol in the modern day. They typically open when regular bars close, have no signage, and are only known by word-of-mouth.

Right. In years past in this city, I had a friend who owned a restaurant who would open up a bar in the basement after the restaurant closed. But if you didn't know him, you'd never know about it at all. It only lasts so long. And if I ever encounter that type of situation again, I would certainly never share it with CityData folk. No offense.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by redplum33

Again, understood. A regular bar with a speakeasy theme.

There are plenty of illegal establishments that sell alcohol in the modern day. They typically open when regular bars close, have no signage, and are only known by word-of-mouth.

Yes, we know this. But that wasn't what he was asking for. Just because a place illegally sells alcohol doesn't make it a speakeasy.


Speakeasy is a prohibition era place. Speakeasies today are done in that theme. It does NOT mean a place selling liquor illegally now. And a person wouldn't ask for that on a public forum, unless they are really really ignorant and clueless. We knew what the OP was looking for, we answered. Next.

[redplum33]

Originally Posted by timberline742

Just because a place illegally sells alcohol doesn't make it a speakeasy.

Actually, that's the definition of speakeasy.

Originally Posted by timberline742

Speakeasy is a prohibition era place.

Not necessarily. In fact, the term speakeasy originated in the late 1880s (30+ years before prohibition) and was derived from the idea of speaking ‘easily’ or quietly when ordering or partaking in illegal drink.

Originally Posted by timberline742

It does NOT mean a place selling liquor illegally now. And a person wouldn't ask for that on a public forum

The OP asked about a "real Speakeasy" while adding "I get that the point of them is that they're hard to find, which is why I thought I'd ask here."

Backbar shows up on the first page of Google search results for "speakeasy Boston".

Justine's shows up on the first page of Google search results for "speakeasy Providence".

That's not hard to find, and neither is a real speakeasy. They are legal establishments that use a prohibition era speakeasy theme.

[Gabriella Geramia]

Originally Posted by redplum33

Actually, that's the definition of speakeasy.



Not necessarily. In fact, the term speakeasy originated in the late 1880s (30+ years before prohibition) and was derived from the idea of speaking ‘easily’ or quietly when ordering or partaking in illegal drink.



The OP asked about a "real Speakeasy" while adding "I get that the point of them is that they're hard to find, which is why I thought I'd ask here."

Backbar shows up on the first page of Google search results for "speakeasy Boston".

Justine's shows up on the first page of Google search results for "speakeasy Providence".

That's not hard to find, and neither is a real speakeasy. They are legal establishments that use a prohibition era speakeasy theme.

I'm not interested in partaking in illegal activity.. and if I was, I wouldn't be asking on a public forum . The only reason I said "real Speakeasy" was because when I googled "Boston speakeasy" all I got were bars with a 1920s theme. I was looking for a legal establishment with a hard to find entrance, like Backbar.

[turf3]

So someone who actually knows something about American history and the vocabulary surrounding Prohibition, is now a

Originally Posted by timberline742

[Child] who get their information from google instead of real life and try to post like they know what they're talking about are the god damn worse things about help forums this world has ever seen. Jesus Christ.

Ohhh Kayyy.

Look, we old farts use the term "speakeasy" to mean an illegal bar, especially during American Prohibition.

When we are done with the word, we'll let you know and then you can decide to make it mean whatever you want it to mean.

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by turf3

When we are done with the word, we'll let you know and then you can decide to make it mean whatever you want it to mean.

Would it have been easier for the nitpickers in this thread if the OP said "speakeasy themed bars?"

Nobody cares how you apply the word, nor do you own it. Just about every poster in this thread knew exactly what the OP meant and were able to offer the suggestion since it's a pretty common theme for a bar/lounge these days. Maybe it's those of you who have difficulty following the OP's original request should try to adapt a little instead of trying to beat everyone over the head with the historic definition or modern literal application (we know!) since you're in the minority of people who couldn't grasp what was a fairly simple request.

[495neighbor]

The Cantab on Mass Ave has something of a speakeasy vibe with that lower, lower level for only the courageous.

[Cliff Clavin]

For what it's worth, I also assumed the OP was looking for illegal / after-hours bars.

[johngolf]

Anyone remember the Cotton Club in West Roxbury? An after hours club with great music, late 60's.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by lrfox

Would it have been easier for the nitpickers in this thread if the OP said "speakeasy themed bars?"

Nobody cares how you apply the word, nor do you own it. Just about every poster in this thread knew exactly what the OP meant and were able to offer the suggestion since it's a pretty common theme for a bar/lounge these days. Maybe it's those of you who have difficulty following the OP's original request should try to adapt a little instead of trying to beat everyone over the head with the historic definition or modern literal application (we know!) since you're in the minority of people who couldn't grasp what was a fairly simple request.

Seriously.


Common sense people. No one has a time machine to go back to prohibition. No one with a clue is going to ask about illegal venues (or give out info on them) on a public forum.


Just people need to THINK before they post. The world would be a better place if they do.