A little over 100 years ago, the 19th Amendment—better known to most Americans as Prohibition—banned the manufacture, sale, or transportation of “intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes.” The Volstead Act, passed nine months later, allowed for the enforcement of the newly minted law—America was officially a dry nation.
Or that’s what was supposed to happen, at least.
Illicit establishments serving alcohol started popping up all over the country. To help keep them from getting shut down by law enforcement, most locations were known by word of mouth—would-be patrons had to know someone to get in, and they often had to come prepared with a password; this is how the term “speakeasy” was born.
Although Prohibition ended in 1933, the speakeasy became an important piece of Americana. Decades later, some businesses are keeping the tradition of imbibing in secret alive with unique, hidden cocktail bars.
Here are some top options in the PDX area to relive the roaring ’20s.
Voysey: Like any good speakeasy, finding Voysey will take a little bit of effort. The entrance is hidden inside Loyal Legion towards the back down a stairwell glowing with red neon. It serves a variety of carefully crafted, unique cocktails and a snack menu. Designed with nods to its namesake architect and influences of some ’20s-style art deco, this chic cocktail bar is an intimate setting that only holds up to 50 people, so reservations are recommended.
Flora: Voysey’s sister speakeasy, Flora, is located at the Loyal Legion in Beaverton. Also tucked away out of sight, its décor comes with a touch of whimsy. This location also has its own menu full of unique cocktail recipes (including creative zero-proof options), so each is worth its own visit. Although walk-ins are welcome based on availability, reservations are recommended.
de Fuego - The Underground: This Clackamas hidden gem referred to as “The Underground.” is hidden under de Fuego Grille—a South American/Texas grill—it comes with an eclectic flair, live music, and an immaculate aesthetic. Guests can preview the nightly jazz schedule online and make reservations to ensure seating. This speakeasy also offers a full menu of appetizers and entrees to pair with its extensive craft cocktails and wine selection. - Reservations.
2NW5: A 4-star hotel, The Hoxton in Portland has a secret—its classy speakeasy 2NW5 is hidden in the basement. Would-be patrons can follow the hidden signs on the sidewalk leading around the building to the hidden door, where they have to knock for entry. Once they’re granted access, they’ll find a cozy, sophisticated space full of classic and house specialty cocktails. It also offers a zero-proof menu and other spirits and bites.
Grandma’s Secret: A unique Vietnamese speakeasy hidden below a nondescript house, Grandma’s Secret can be accessed down some steps, around the side, and into a side entrance lit with blue neon. It’s been noted to be a little tricky to find, but it’s hard to find anything else that compares to its unique niche. Once guests follow the steps into the basement, they’re treated to Asian fusion, early 20th-century décor, and food and cocktails drawing on Vietnamese and South Asian flavor profiles. Hint: The staff at Lela's Bistro on NW 23rd can help you find this speakeasy.
The Hardware Store: The Hardware Store is a recent addition to the Oregon City food and drink scene. With no signage to guide them, guests rely solely on word-of-mouth to discover this hidden gem. Its entrance is discreetly located down a staircase at the back of Hive Social. Once guests get to the bottom, they will find an old, wall-mounted telephone near a large painting. The old telephone has a keypad on it, and if guests look carefully in the vicinity, they’ll be able to find the passcode to gain entry. Once they get in, they’ll find a classy, modern take on the speakeasy. Its cocktail menu is unique and seasonally driven, and its zero-proof section is crafted to match.
With varying levels of difficulty to locate, speakeasies make it easy to relive the roaring ’20s in Rose City. They are a perfect excuse to dress up and have a fun night with friends while adding a bit of mystery and adventure to the evening. While it’s been almost a hundred years since Prohibition ended, there are plenty of hole-in-the-wall locations balancing quirky uniqueness and sophisticated class in the PDX area—all without the risk of breaking the 19th Amendment.