Rooted in the 1920s Prohibition era, speakeasies served as clandestine hangouts where folks could secretly gather for a beverage or two. Although imbibing is once again legal, modern speakeasies still offer a fun throwback vibe and tasty drinks.
With old-fashioned tin ceilings, a 90-year-old antique horseshoe-shaped bar relocated from a Chicago tavern, live piano music nightly, and a nostalgic Seeburg jukebox to brag about, the Indiana Dunes–based Speakeasy at the Spa mixes up classic cocktails in a loungey retro atmosphere.
Photo Credit: Speakeasy at the Spa
In South Bend, The Hideaway at the LaSalle on the first floor of the LaSalle Apartments next to the Morris Performing Arts Center proposes an under-the-radar spot in a landmark building to enjoy bourbon, rye, and other whiskeybased sippers, often with an Irish bent. Not surprisingly, the place is hopping on St. Patrick’s Day.
Photo Credit: The Hideaway at the LaSalle
Slip into the Oak & Alley Public House in Warsaw to wash down an outstanding selection of burgers (we like The Republic with bacon, cheese, barbecue sauce, caramelized onions, and avocado on a pretzel bun) and orders of spicy cheese curds with a frosty pint of craft beer or a smooth and smoky old fashioned.
Photo Credit: Oak & Alley
Sitting pretty on the banks of the Wabash River at the local trailhead, the bar portion of 950 Speakeasy Bistro in Lagro commands the lower level of the waterfront building it calls home with a rustic ambiance and signature cocktails. Wind your way down the stairs for a nightcap after a pizza at the family-friendly restaurant up top.
Operating in conjunction with Scout’s Pizzeria and popular with the Indiana State University crowd, The Verve in Terre Haute hosts live music, DJs, karaoke, and billiard games while shaking up a selection of classic, seasonal, and specialty cocktails with whimsical names like Off the Hook and Honey I’m Home.
Photo Credit: The Verve
Rumor has it some pretty famous gangsters used to hang out at The Vault Indy in the historic Bates-Hendricks neighborhood back in the day. You’ll need a passcode to get in the door (check @thevault.indy on Instagram for clues). Once inside, the space opens into a series of intimate seating areas and a back deck for cigar smoking.
Photo Credit: The Vault
Underneath the well-known Farm Bloomington restaurant in the town square, the Root Cellar Lounge shows off chef-owner Daniel Orr’s personal collection of beer cans and family wine bottles, along with a wall mural designed by artist Gretchen Sigmund. A dazzling disco ball spins to the DJ’s dance tunes on weekends.
Photo Credit: FARMbloomington
Proudly women-owned, Hush on Main in Evansville brings the Roaring ’20s back to life with an intimate ambiance, exposed brick walls, live music, a baby grand piano, and a drink menu of handcrafted vintage cocktails (heavy on the bourbon) complemented by small plates and desserts.
Photo Credit: Hush on Main
