Latest news with #speakeasy
CBS News
2 days ago
- CBS News
New speakeasy bar to debut in Fort Worth's West 7th street, exclusive access for entry
A new hidden speakeasy concept bar is coming to the West 7th Entertainment District in Fort Worth. Located at 2811 Bledsoe St, No Vacancy, is described as an underground, invitation-only bar. To the common eye, this address will simply be a green dumpster in an alley. However, to those in the know, specifically with the right invitation and code, that green dumpster leads the way to a hidden speakeasy. Existing bars on West 7th The concept of a hidden bar is not new to the area, as the Bodega Speakeasy & Grocery is an existing "secret" bar in the district. Bodega exists behind a functioning grocery storefront, where patrons can purchase an item for a code on their receipt. Where a bar like Bodega and No Vacancy differ is the accessibility of entry. Invite-only access To gain access to this hidden bar, patrons must have one of the following invitations: a confirmed bottle service table reservation with the personal entry code, an invite from one the staff at any one of their sister concept bars, a platinum member card or a long-term patron pass. According to No Vacancy's website, once you've booked a reservation, walk up to the scanner with your invitation and scan it and the door will open. Once inside your ID and invitation will be verified. The exclusive bar is open from Friday to Sunday from the hours of 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., including Saturday night after hours from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. with an additional cover fee. Safety and security on West 7th Street Most bars located in the area of Fort Worth's West 7th Street close at 2 a.m., following the general cutoff time for bars in Texas to stop serving alcohol set by the TABC. Police presence in the West 7th area was increased a few years ago after the death of a TCU student in 2023 and the death of a 29-year-old in 2024. Alongside additional police, the installation of security cameras and a ban on open containers in the area was implemented in 2024. Since the new effort to keep West 7th safe, crimes against persons in the area have decreased by 15.3% according to the city's public safety report in April 2024.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ladies and Gentlemen is Pasadena's Sexiest Secret Bar
Who doesn't love the novelty of a speakeasy-style secret entrance? Discovering a decadent, hidden-away gem where you can let loose, partake in spirits and forget about the world outside will never lose its appeal, but it also means that the place itself has to live up to the mystery and and Gentlemen in Old Town Pasadena does just that and then some— from its titillating decor to its open-kitchen style bar, where master cocktail creators are on full display as they prepare whimsical concoctions both thematic and thirst-quenching. Owner Leo Temory's attention to detail and hospitality is unmatched. Not surprising, since the Torrance native and USC business grad grew up in the food and drink business. His family's beloved New York Deli (tagline: 'a slice of NY in LA') has been a staple in Torrance since 1985 and they added a second sandwich shop in Pasadena in 2010. Temory lived upstairs at the Pasadena location and around 2012, he decided to open the restaurant's bar for an after-dark concept called The Speakeasy. It was so popular it took over the entire space two years later. Then in 2017, he opened another speakeasy space with a wine-driven focus called The Cellar. Today, both bars are bona fide hot spots in Old Town. But Ladies and Gentlemen, tucked inside a basement under a popular pressed juice and craft ice cream food stall hall, is something even more special— a celebration of rare liquors and haute hooch, and the people who create it. 'I collected a lot of high end spirits, like expensive Japanese whiskey, and I said one day I'm gonna have the perfect atmosphere to sell it, with the right glassware, the right service, the right ice…' says Temory, who imports water from Japan for the latter. 'I came down here and it was kinda scary and dirty, but it reminded me of the catacombs in Paris. So I just made it sexier and brought my vision to life.'Erotic and BDSM art adorns the all black walls along with over 4000 golden skulls. It feels like a private club in a far away land thanks to Temory's exotic inspirations, which come via many travels around the world (he was on the reality competition The Amazing Race three times). The menu features a fun mix of elevated, ethnic bar food: from a heavenly Japanese milk bread served with sweet and savory butters to a salmon crispy rice appetizer, which provides a perfect pairing with L&G's refreshing libations. Temory doesn't like the term mixologist – he prefers to call his staff "drink designers" or 'chefs,' but whatever you call them they are good at what they do. Sippers like 'Mistress is Insane' (served with a mirror so you can watch yourself go crazy over the beverage) and 'The Burning Man,' (presented with a small wood art manikin set on fire at your table) are just a couple of the playful and potent menu items. 'We're taking cheffing to another level and offering worldly experiences, ' says the owner, who's often there to greet guests as they enter through a surprising portal we won't spoil here. 'Everything here has a story to tell.'59 East Colorado, Pasadena. Reservations recommended: 626-696-3612, A shorter version of this story appeared in Pasadena Magazine late last year.
Condé Nast Traveler
06-05-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
The Clubroom — Restaurant Review
What were your first impressions when you arrived? If you don't know what you're looking for, you won't find The Clubroom. This 1920s-eque, New York-style speakeasy is hidden behind a midnight blue door in a row of shophouses, with only the letter 'C' marked on it. What does 'C' stand for? Club, maybe, or C-suite, or creme de la creme—all point to the type of place this is, an inner sanctum of sorts for high flyers in the business world. What's the crowd like? Deal-making C-suite types, mostly male (as is reflected in the somewhat masculine interiors that include an indigo leather-wrapped curved ceiling), fill the plush banquettes on weekdays. On Sundays, when a special Italian-American menu inspired by Boston-born, chef-owner Travis Masiero's grandfather is served, the vibe is more relaxed. What should we be drinking? This doesn't look like a speakeasy for nothing—the meticulously made cocktails are a must-have. Take a seat at the swish Carrara marble bar and order the Signature Sidecar made with cognac, drambuie, cointreau, and fresh lemon, or the Old Time Bramble, a stiff concoction of navy-strength gin and housemade blackberry syrup. Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. The Clubroom is sibling to Luke's Oyster Bar & Chop House, which has been a C-suite crowd favorite for years, and it serves some of the same impeccably executed American and European classics, like Luke's Lobster Sliders and Luke's Famous Shrimp Cocktail. There are fresh additions, too—of note are the Pasta 'Juliette' (capellini with rock shrimp and zucchini in a moreish house-made pesto), and the indulgent Lobster Omelette with charred avocado and caviar beurre blanc. And how did the front-of-house folks treat you? Service isn't the warmest, but the staff are slick, smooth, and confident with recommendations. What's the real-real on why we're coming here? For well-done classics, yes, but also for that chance to potentially network with a neighboring diner who could power up your next major deal in Singapore.
