Ep 5. Speakeasies

In season 2 episode 5 of Best Bars in America, the hosts explore the world of speakeasies. These illicit drinking establishments originated during the Prohibition era in the 1920s when the sale and consumption of alcohol was illegal in the United States. Despite the illegality, speakeasies thrived and became a cornerstone of American culture.

The episode begins in New York City, where the hosts visit a modern-day speakeasy called Please Don't Tell. Despite its unassuming entrance through a phone booth in a hot dog shop, Please Don't Tell is one of the most popular bars in the city. The hosts sample some of the bar's signature cocktails and speak with the owner about the history of speakeasies.

Next, the hosts head to Chicago to visit The Green Mill, a jazz club that was a popular speakeasy during Prohibition. The Green Mill still retains much of its original decor, including a secret door that was used to smuggle alcohol in during the 1920s. The hosts enjoy a jazz performance while sipping on classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan.

In San Francisco, the hosts visit Bourbon and Branch, a speakeasy that was founded in 2006 but feels like it has been around for decades. To enter the bar, customers must give a password that changes daily. Inside, the bar is decorated with vintage furniture and prohibition-era memorabilia. The hosts sample some of the bar's signature drinks while learning about the art of mixology.

The final stop on the episode is New Orleans, where the hosts visit a speakeasy called Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop. This historic bar is located in a building that dates back to the 1700s and is believed to have been a meeting place for pirates in the 1800s. During Prohibition, the bar operated as a speakeasy and has retained much of its original character. The hosts sample some of New Orleans' famous cocktails like the Hurricane and the Sazerac while taking in the bar's unique atmosphere.

Throughout the episode, the hosts provide historical context for the speakeasy phenomenon and speak with bartenders and historians about the enduring appeal of these hidden drinking establishments. They also sample a variety of cocktails and spirits that are unique to each of the bars they visit.

Overall, season 2 episode 5 of Best Bars in America offers a fascinating look into the world of speakeasies and their enduring legacy. With its mix of historical context and modern-day bar hopping, the episode is sure to entertain and educate viewers who are interested in the history and culture of American drinking habits.