Have you ever imagined what it was like to live during the infamous Roaring Twenties? An era when jazz music was all the rage, women redefined their place in society, the artistic world peaked, and Prohibition was in full force? Well, get your flapper dress ready because The Omni William Penn Hotel wants to take you back in time.
After decades as a storage area tucked away beneath the William Penn’s main lobby, the luxury hotel’s underground is returning to its true form. In the 1920’s, this space was used as a speakeasy—an establishment that illegally sold alcoholic beverages during the Prohibition. You won’t need a password to get into the not-so-secret cocktail lounge these days. It has been restored and resembles a hotspot straight out of The Great Gatsby. The dark, intimate space is home to luxurious red seating and velvet-detailed wall coverings. The vintage-style menus and tin ceiling make this getaway classic bar’s interior design even more nostalgic.
What’s a speakeasy without alcohol, right? The bartenders wear ensembles that resemble the time period and even the drinks pay homage to the era. Classic cocktails like the Blind Tiger, Western PA Sour, and 18 Liberty will be found on the drink menu, among many others. The Speakeasy not only stays true to its time but also to the city’s local culture and businesses. Pittsburgh’s own distilleries Wigle Whiskey and Boyd & Blair provide hometown flair to cocktails, and local beers like Iron City, Penn Brewery, and East End Brewing Co. can be found behind the bar as well.
The Omni William Penn celebrated the grand reopening of Speakeasy on December 6, 2012, marking the 79th anniversary of the end of prohibition. Tucked away from the rest of the city, this posh spot is the ultimate getaway and already a hit among Pittsburghers. Speakeasy is open to patrons every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.
