Keeping The Speakeasy Legacy Alive at Arthur’s Tavern

January 25, 2024

Picture it. A smoky room, dimly lit. The sound of jazz in the air.

The history of the speakeasy in NYC is a fascinating one. Born out of necessity, these hideyhole bars have become a symbol of the Roaring Twenties, especially in the Big Apple. A century later, the mystique and glamor have made this a popular theme for bars and pubs across the city. For most, the speakeasy vibe is just a part of the theme. For Arthur’s Tavern, it’s a part of our history and who we are.

If you’re wondering what a speakeasy is, you’re not alone. Take a quick trip with us through the history of the speakeasy and its influence on the New York bar scene.

Prohibition & The Origin of the Speakeasy

Alcohol is often fingered as the root of all evil. In 1920s America, the government decided to test this theory by banning the brewing, sale, and transport of alcohol outright. People didn’t stop drinking, however; they just took the party underground, in secret bars and hidden clubs. The speakeasy was born. It got its name from the need to “speak easy,” or whisper, when talking about it.

Although they were often run by mobsters and raided by police, speakeasies endured in popularity and profitability. Bootleg liquor was the order of the day, often served in the form of a cocktail. For a truly authentic speakeasy experience, then, look no further than our specialty cocktails – you’re sure to find one to delight your senses.

Picture It: West Village, New York City, 1937

Arthur’s Tavern first opened its speakeasy doors in 1937. With the days of Prohibition not long in the rearview mirror, the original speakeasies had set the tone for what people expected in a bar, from decor to menu, giving the tavern its authentic speakeasy feel. When it was renovated in 2022, many of the old fixtures were restored to their former glory, heightening the real jazz club atmosphere.

Back in the day, it didn’t take long for Arthur’s Tavern to become the place to be, especially once live music became a fixture in the 1950s. It began to attract some of the hottest jazz talent of the age, becoming the sometime home base of the legendary saxophonist Charlie Parker. (It was even occasionally known as “the Home of the Bird,” Parker’s nickname.)

The bar became a mainstay of New York’s jazz scene, transcending its humble origins as a simple speakeasy in the West Village. To this day, there are outstanding live jazz, blues, and rhythm & blues music performances every night of the week.

From Crime to Trend: The Speakeasy of Today

In the early 2000s, bars began to pop up that emulated the secretive yet fun jazz-age splendor of the speakeasy, igniting an enduring trend. From bars hidden in unlikely places to Art Deco palaces, the speakeasy experienced a massive revival across America and around the world. The secrecy that had once been necessary to avoid the long arm of the law now became a part of the fun, an extra sprinkling of glamor.

The modern NYC speakeasy pays homage to the city’s rich history in its atmosphere, minus the threat of being arrested for being there. The lighting is often low to create a feeling of intimacy, and some level of effort has usually been made to make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a luxurious version of the past.

Arthur’s Tavern bypasses the pretentiousness or overdone feeling of many contemporary speakeasies simply by staying true to itself. It’s the real deal, a true icon in the greatest city on earth. There’s no cover charge, just great drinks and great music.

Take A Trip Back in Time at Arthur’s Tavern

Despite our long history, Arthur’s Tavern has always tapped into the modern zeitgeist, our menu shifting to reflect the time and tastes of our patrons. Today, our specialty cocktails are known across the West Village, not to mention our extensive curated selection of beers, wine, and spirits. The star of the show is, naturally, the live jazz performances, putting the cherry on top of the classic speakeasy adventure. We offer a modern, elevated pub experience in surroundings drawn straight from the days of Prohibition. This speakeasy in NYC transcends the trends: Arthur’s Tavern is the real deal. Booking your table in advance is always advisable, as they can fill up quickly. Don your favorite 20s outfit, or come as you are to experience the real speakeasy experience in New York at Arthur’s Tavern.