Speakeasy bars emerged in the United States during the Prohibition era from 1920 to 1933. The term "speakeasy" was first mentioned in an 1837 Sydney Herald article.
Discover some of the most renowned speakeasies, including The Cotton Club in Harlem and The Stork Club in New York City.
Explore how modern-day speakeasies have transformed into legal establishments providing a glimpse into the Prohibition era.
- A speakeasy, also known as a blind pig or blind tiger, was an underground venue that sold alcoholic beverages during the Prohibition era.
- Password or Secret Knock:
To enter a speakeasy, patrons often needed to provide a password, specific handshake, or secret knock. - Alternative Terms:
Speakeasies were also referred to as "blind pigs" or "blind tigers." - Gang Violence and Fear:
Bootlegging-related gang violence instilled fear among many Americans during Prohibition. - Repeal of Prohibition:
The repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment in 1933 allowed speakeasies to operate legally. - Creative Disguises:
Speakeasies disguised themselves in various creative ways to avoid detection. - Origins of the Term:
The term "speakeasy" can be traced back to slang terms used in 19th-century publications.