Unquestionably, there’s something exciting about discovering a speakeasy-style restaurant—places where the ambiance is secretly kept from the public, exuding mystery and a hint of glitz. I recently visited a few of these hidden gems in Florida, which combine fine dining, handcrafted cocktails, and a dash of retro charm.
The Vault in Tampa, a chic, modern place that captures the spirit of the Prohibition era, was one of my favorites. The entry is hidden behind a modest door in a historic building, and as soon as you enter, you’re met by soft velvet seating, low lighting, and an atmosphere that immediately transports you back in time. Although there is a remarkable selection of artisan cocktails on the menu, the small appetizers were the highlight. The charcuterie platter, which was exquisitely prepared with regional cheeses, meats, and unusual jams, felt like a piece of art, and the truffle fries went well with the Smoky Old Fashioned.
Every element of the location has been carefully planned to take you back in time, giving you the impression that you are a member of an exclusive club.
Ball & Chain in Little Havana, Miami, offers a Latin take on the speakeasy atmosphere. This location, which was formerly a popular jazz bar in the 1930s, is tucked away among the vibrant streets of this historic area. Today, it’s a bustling, colorful bar and restaurant with amazing cocktails and live music. Though dimly lighted, the atmosphere is electrifying and brimming with vitality. I paired a dish of their Cuban-style sliders with their famous mojito, which was quite refreshing. They have tender, tasty meat within, a perfectly crispy outside, and the ideal amount of sweetness from the mojito.
The entire event seemed to be the ideal combination of the past and contemporary style.
Next is St. Petersburg’s The Apothecary 330. You get the impression as soon as you walk in that you’ve just stumbled upon an ancient pharmacy that has been transformed into a cocktail lounge. The drinks are the main attraction, and the décor is eclectic with quirky accents and old medicinal jars. The cocktails are genuinely pieces of art, and the bartenders here meticulously create each one. The “Cucumber Smash” was my favorite; it was cool and slightly sweet, and it went well with their gourmet tiny snacks, such as spicy tuna tartare. The sophisticated mixology made every sip feel like a revelation, and the calm, private setting gave me the impression that I was at a covert meeting.