Chicago: The Roaring Twenties Live On

Our first stop is the Windy City, where the echoes of Prohibition still reverberate through its historic streets and iconic speakeasies. Chicago was ground zero for some of Prohibition’s most infamous figures, like Al Capone. Today, you can experience this history first-hand by visiting bars such as The Green Mill, a jazz club that was once a favourite haunt of Capone. As you sip a classic cocktail, imagine the whispered conversations and clandestine deals that once took place here. Chicago offers a taste of the past with a modern twist, making it a must-visit for those intrigued by the city’s colourful history.

Credit. Malcolm Brown/NYC Tourism + Conventions

New York City: The Big Apple’s Secret Past

New York City was a hub of clandestine activity during Prohibition, with speakeasies hidden behind every corner. Today, the city pays homage to its Prohibition past with themed bars and tours that transport you back to the 1920s. Sip on a handcrafted cocktail at PDT (Please Don’t Tell), a speakeasy accessible through a phone booth in a hot dog joint. Or take a Prohibition-themed walking tour and discover the hidden side of Manhattan. NYC’s vibrant nightlife owes much to its speakeasy past, and exploring these historic venues is like unwrapping a boozy time capsule.

Omni Williams Penn Hotel

Pittsburgh: Steel City Spirits

Pittsburgh, known for its steel industry, also forged a strong connection to Prohibition. The city's industrious nature extended to its underground speakeasy scene, where locals cleverly circumvented the ban on booze. Today, Pittsburgh pays tribute to its spirited history with bars like The Speakeasy in the Omni William Penn Hotel, hidden away like a well-kept secret. Here, you can enjoy classic cocktails in a setting that harks back to the Roaring Twenties. As you clink glasses, imagine the steely resolve of those who defied the Prohibition laws, adding a touch of rebellion to the city's robust character.

Liquor Store in California 06 December 1933

San Francisco: Spirits by the Bay

San Francisco’s Prohibition history is as colourful as its iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Known for its progressive attitudes even during the 1920s, the city was home to countless speakeasies and booze-laden parties. Today, you can relive that era by visiting Bourbon & Branch, a bar that honours its speakeasy roots with a secretive entrance and a password for entry. The city’s rich history and penchant for good times make it a perfect stop on our Prohibition pilgrimage. Enjoy a drink with a view and raise a glass to the past in this vibrant city by the bay.

Contraband Moonshine from Terrebonne Disttillers Credit. Explore Louisiana

New Orleans: Jazz and Juleps

While New Orleans’ laissez-faire attitude meant that Prohibition was more of a suggestion than a rule, the city still had its fair share of speakeasies. The vibrant jazz scene provided the perfect soundtrack for those who dared to defy the ban. Today, New Orleans embraces its spirited past with bars like Arnaud’s French 75, where you can sip on a Sazerac and imagine the heyday of jazz and flappers. This city knows how to throw a party, and its Prohibition-era history is just another reason to indulge in the vibrant culture and lively atmosphere.

Cliff Bell's

Detroit: From Auto to Alco

Detroit may be known as the Motor City, but during Prohibition, it was also a hotbed of bootlegging activity. Its proximity to Canada made it a prime location for smuggling alcohol across the border. Today, the city celebrates this spirited past with bars like The Sugar House and Cliff Bell's, which offer classic cocktails in a setting reminiscent of the 1920s. Detroit’s industrial roots and rebellious spirit make it a fascinating place to explore the end of Prohibition, with a side of history that’s as robust as a Detroit-built engine.

Cyclops

Seattle: Rain, Coffee, and Cocktails

Seattle’s rainy weather didn’t dampen its spirits during Prohibition. The city was home to numerous speakeasies, and its residents were known for their resourcefulness in acquiring alcohol. Today, Seattle’s cocktail scene is as refreshing as its famous coffee, with bars like Bathtub Gin & Co. and Cyclops offering a cosy, Prohibition-inspired atmosphere. As you enjoy a cocktail crafted with the precision of a Seattle barista, take a moment to appreciate the city’s creative spirit and its storied past.

Conclusion

The end of Prohibition marked the beginning of a new era for American cities, each with its own unique story of rebellion and resilience. From Chicago’s infamous gangster past to Seattle’s creative cocktail culture, these cities continue to celebrate their spirited histories. So, whether you’re a history buff, a cocktail connoisseur, or just someone looking for a good time, these cities offer a taste of the past with a modern twist. Cheers to the end of Prohibition and the vibrant cities that kept the party going!