Savannah, Georgia

Well my dear friends, my trip to Savannah back in June can be summed up in the following: Peorian Men and Secret Bars.

Peorian men you ask?

To start from the beginning, D and I made the hour drive from Hilton Head to Savannah. After circling the blocks for 10 minutes we gritted our teeth and decided to just pay for parking. Parking was $2/hour. We unclenched our teeth remembering we no longer were in NYC.

As we wandered up and down the river, we made friends with 4 men from “Chicago.” It turns out they were at Hilton Head for an insurance convention. Here’s the creepy part, they were staying at our hotel and that morning D and I sat next to them as we lounged by the pool.

They bought us drinks. We invited them to dinner.

Mata Hari Menu

Next thing we know, we are with the two older insurance men, who were actually from Peoria, and we were in search of a secret speakeasy called “Mata Hari’s.”

I’ve expressed my love of speakeasies before, but this was a true delight because it was an exceptional challenge to find. First, one needs a key to get in. Second, it is not easily found on the internet.

I had the honor of knocking on the door, and then getting us in!

I had D and these two men searching the city for two hours. We asked cab drivers and hotel concierges. Everyone we could find. We wandered into a restaurant that forgot to lock its doors and had a few drinks while walking outdoors. When it seemed hopeless I decided to give it one more shot. I saw a police car. I sachet over to the car and asked the officer the location. He knew exactly where it was but had one concern, how would I get in?

D with the key! Look at what a little bit of NY charm can get.

It seems that people tend to underestimate New York charm, which is what I told him.

To make things short and sweet, we all enjoyed our drinks at Mata Hari’s while sharing some great laughs and ended the night with the gift of a key so now D and I can go whenever we’d like.

Oh, and let’s not forget- the two Peorian men? We ended up driving them back to the hotel.

What’s the password? BACK ROOM!

My absolute FAVORITE bar is the city is called “Back Room.” Yes, it is a speakeasy, and yes it is my favorite. It probably has something to do with the fact that it was a genuine speakeasy during prohibition!

The decor and entrance is phenomenal. I won’t give away how to enter- if you go Thursday- Saturday you’ll see a bouncer checking for 25+ ID’s. I recommend you go on a Monday. There is no bouncer before the secret passage way so you have to find it yourself.

The first time I tried finding Back Room, I was so scared while trying to find it, which is the absolute essence of finding a speakeasy for me.

I suggest a Monday or Tuesday for a cocktail…Cocktails are served in tea cups and beers served in mugs or put into a paper bag. Monday nights there is free live swing and jazz. BE SURE TO CHECK THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE PASSWORD. No password, no way of entering on Monday nights. If you’re more interested in talking on their huge, time era themed couches, I suggest Tuesdays.

One of my favorite spots in the city. Hope you can all enjoy!

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Silver Lining

Another Speakeasy!

My very trendy friend is known among my group to spot some great joints before they get too packed or popular. Granted, anything on a Sunday-Wednesday usually isn’t crowded, but I’ve never heard of this place as a speakeasy junkie.

I looked up the address and photo of the building. Even though I did this, the building had no sign saying “Silver Lining.” The only give away away was a bouncer sitting inside the buildings lobby, which led to a door, which led to a stairwell, which brought you to the bar.

Very nice spot! cozy but it was not crowded on this Wednesday. My friend and I both love champagne. While she prefers sweet cocktails, I enjoy more bitter ones. The waitress had the bartender make us both champagne cocktails tailored to our taste preferences. DELISH!!

The best part about this place? They have live jazz starting at 9 during the week. We left early and missed the music, but one day I’ll return to hear some smooth sax.

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Speak soft, and speakeasy

Tuesday night I unexpectedly met up with my fab friend. I’ve been dying to have a cocktail a Raines Law Room- a speakeasy located on W17th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue.

I have a love of speakeasies. Perhaps it is the transport back into time. A time where people dressed like ladies, spoke with wit, and acted coy and flirty. Or maybe it’s the divine cocktails made by bartendersMIXOLOGISTS. These guys and gals are the best in their fields. Many of them have won awards for their craft. Finally, it could be the environment. Speakeasies have a very laid back vibe while maintains order. They appeal to a crowd that enjoys conversation and intellect.

Although speakeasies can be strict on dress codes, and most require reservations, I appreciate the lack of pretentious bouncers. And at $12-$20 a cocktail, they better be nice to me!
But truthfully, Raines Law Room was great.

Having made no reservations, we arrived around 20:30 and left our name. The hostess iMessaged me. We wandered a few blocks to Flatiron Lounge (very chic and upcoming so not yet snobby) where we enjoyed a nice glass of wine and a cocktail. A half hour later I messages the hostess on availability.

We sat in the garden as the weather was beautiful for NYC. A great friend, great conversation, and great drinks. The evening was topped off with the delightful bathroom wallpaper.

Suggesting some extra bathroom activities?