Discover the Hidden Gems: A Guide to South Africa's Speakeasy Bars
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작성자작성자 Kindra Whitlock 작성일날짜 24-02-14 01:26 조회110회본문
Introduction
South Africa is known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse bar scene. While there are plenty of traditional bars and clubs to choose from, there is also a hidden gem in the country's nightlife scene – speakeasy bars. These hidden gems offer a unique and intimate experience, taking you back in time to the prohibition era. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about South Africa's speakeasy bars, from their history to the best ones to visit.
What is a Speakeasy Bar?
Speakeasy bars originated in the United States during the prohibition era in the 1920s. During this time, the sale and consumption of alcohol were banned, leading to the rise of secret bars that illegally sold alcohol. These bars were called speakeasies, as patrons had to speak softly or "easy" to avoid attracting attention from law enforcement. The concept became popular and spread to other countries, including South Africa, where speakeasy bars can still be found today.
The Ambiance and Experience
One of the main draws of speakeasy bars is the unique ambiance and experience they offer. These bars are often hidden in plain sight, with a discreet entrance that may require a password or invitation to enter. Once inside, you are transported to a different time and place, with dim lighting, vintage decor, and classic jazz music playing in the background. Many speakeasy bars also have a strict dress code, adding to the overall experience and making it feel like a special occasion.
The Cocktails
Speakeasy bars are known for their expertly crafted cocktails, often using homemade or unique ingredients. These bars take pride in their mixology skills and offer a wide range of classic and signature cocktails. The bartenders are often knowledgeable and passionate about their craft, making recommendations based on your preferences. Some speakeasy bars also offer a rotating menu, ensuring that there is always something new and exciting to try.
Best Speakeasy Bars in South Africa
Now that you know what to expect from a speakeasy bar, let's take a look at some of the best ones in South Africa.
1. Outrage of Modesty, Cape Town
Outrage of Modesty is a hidden gem located in Cape Town's city center. The entrance is marked by a small sign and a single red light, making it easy to miss. Once inside, you will find yourself in a cozy and intimate space with a vintage aesthetic. The bar has an impressive selection of cocktails, including their signature "Smoke and Mirrors" – a smoky and refreshing concoction made with gin, grapefruit, weekend escape and rosemary.
2. Sin and Taxes, Johannesburg
Located in the trendy suburb of Braamfontein, Sin and Taxes is a speakeasy bar that pays homage to the prohibition era. The entrance is hidden behind a bookshelf, adding to the mystery and charm of the bar. The bartenders are known for their creative and experimental cocktails, such as their "Old Fashioned with a Twist" – a unique twist on the classic cocktail made with rum, bitters, and burnt orange.
3. The Thirsty Scarecrow, Durban
The Thirsty Scarecrow is a speakeasy bar located in the heart of Durban. To enter, you must first find the unmarked door and then climb a flight of stairs. The bar has a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, with a rotating menu of cocktails that changes weekly. Their "Hanky Panky" cocktail – a mix of gin, vermouth, and Fernet-Branca – is a must-try for any gin lover.
4. The Secret Gin Bar, Cape Town
As the name suggests, The Secret Gin Bar is a hidden speakeasy bar located in Cape Town. The entrance is disguised as a bookshelf, and upon entering, you are greeted by a charming and rustic space. The bar specializes in gin-based cocktails and has an impressive selection of over 100 gins from around the world. Their "Gin Fizz" – a refreshing mix of gin, lemon, sugar, and soda – is a popular choice among patrons.
5. The Art of Duplicity, Pretoria
The Art of Duplicity is a speakeasy bar located in Pretoria's bustling city center. The entrance is marked by a red light and a doorbell, and once inside, you will find yourself in a dark and moody space. The bar has an extensive menu of classic and signature cocktails, with a focus on rum-based drinks. Their "Hemingway Daiquiri" – a blend of rum, grapefruit, and lime – is a must-try for a taste of the Caribbean.
In conclusion, speakeasy bars offer a unique and memorable experience that is not to be missed when visiting South Africa. From their hidden entrances to their expertly crafted cocktails, these bars provide a one-of-a-kind glimpse into the prohibition era. So, the next time you're in South Africa, be sure to add one of these speakeasy bars to your itinerary for an unforgettable night out. Cheers!
South Africa is known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse bar scene. While there are plenty of traditional bars and clubs to choose from, there is also a hidden gem in the country's nightlife scene – speakeasy bars. These hidden gems offer a unique and intimate experience, taking you back in time to the prohibition era. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about South Africa's speakeasy bars, from their history to the best ones to visit.
What is a Speakeasy Bar?
Speakeasy bars originated in the United States during the prohibition era in the 1920s. During this time, the sale and consumption of alcohol were banned, leading to the rise of secret bars that illegally sold alcohol. These bars were called speakeasies, as patrons had to speak softly or "easy" to avoid attracting attention from law enforcement. The concept became popular and spread to other countries, including South Africa, where speakeasy bars can still be found today.
The Ambiance and Experience
One of the main draws of speakeasy bars is the unique ambiance and experience they offer. These bars are often hidden in plain sight, with a discreet entrance that may require a password or invitation to enter. Once inside, you are transported to a different time and place, with dim lighting, vintage decor, and classic jazz music playing in the background. Many speakeasy bars also have a strict dress code, adding to the overall experience and making it feel like a special occasion.
The Cocktails
Speakeasy bars are known for their expertly crafted cocktails, often using homemade or unique ingredients. These bars take pride in their mixology skills and offer a wide range of classic and signature cocktails. The bartenders are often knowledgeable and passionate about their craft, making recommendations based on your preferences. Some speakeasy bars also offer a rotating menu, ensuring that there is always something new and exciting to try.
Best Speakeasy Bars in South Africa
Now that you know what to expect from a speakeasy bar, let's take a look at some of the best ones in South Africa.
1. Outrage of Modesty, Cape Town
Outrage of Modesty is a hidden gem located in Cape Town's city center. The entrance is marked by a small sign and a single red light, making it easy to miss. Once inside, you will find yourself in a cozy and intimate space with a vintage aesthetic. The bar has an impressive selection of cocktails, including their signature "Smoke and Mirrors" – a smoky and refreshing concoction made with gin, grapefruit, weekend escape and rosemary.
2. Sin and Taxes, Johannesburg
Located in the trendy suburb of Braamfontein, Sin and Taxes is a speakeasy bar that pays homage to the prohibition era. The entrance is hidden behind a bookshelf, adding to the mystery and charm of the bar. The bartenders are known for their creative and experimental cocktails, such as their "Old Fashioned with a Twist" – a unique twist on the classic cocktail made with rum, bitters, and burnt orange.
3. The Thirsty Scarecrow, Durban
The Thirsty Scarecrow is a speakeasy bar located in the heart of Durban. To enter, you must first find the unmarked door and then climb a flight of stairs. The bar has a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, with a rotating menu of cocktails that changes weekly. Their "Hanky Panky" cocktail – a mix of gin, vermouth, and Fernet-Branca – is a must-try for any gin lover.
4. The Secret Gin Bar, Cape Town
As the name suggests, The Secret Gin Bar is a hidden speakeasy bar located in Cape Town. The entrance is disguised as a bookshelf, and upon entering, you are greeted by a charming and rustic space. The bar specializes in gin-based cocktails and has an impressive selection of over 100 gins from around the world. Their "Gin Fizz" – a refreshing mix of gin, lemon, sugar, and soda – is a popular choice among patrons.
5. The Art of Duplicity, Pretoria
The Art of Duplicity is a speakeasy bar located in Pretoria's bustling city center. The entrance is marked by a red light and a doorbell, and once inside, you will find yourself in a dark and moody space. The bar has an extensive menu of classic and signature cocktails, with a focus on rum-based drinks. Their "Hemingway Daiquiri" – a blend of rum, grapefruit, and lime – is a must-try for a taste of the Caribbean.
In conclusion, speakeasy bars offer a unique and memorable experience that is not to be missed when visiting South Africa. From their hidden entrances to their expertly crafted cocktails, these bars provide a one-of-a-kind glimpse into the prohibition era. So, the next time you're in South Africa, be sure to add one of these speakeasy bars to your itinerary for an unforgettable night out. Cheers!
