Written by Colleen Coleman of CMC Design studio LLC
Photos by Mary Cummings
(Simply Saratoga FALL 2025)
That was the deal of the 20s and 30s during the Prohibition Period. A time in America’s past when the Temperance Movement pushed hard enough to ban the production, sale and use of alcohol; culminating in the Eighteenth Amendment. What a storied past that led to some of the most iconic Speakeasies in our nation. As part of a discovery venture to learn more about historical Speakeasy locations, I headed to Nashville Tennessee to gain a broader understanding of the times, the people and environments that are now beckoning to a modern crowd of club hoppers. Likewise, homeowners are asking for that Speakeasy flavor in private rooms and basement bars. So off I went!
While in Nashville, my husband (yes, we actually traveled together this time!) and I took a private tour with Dean Najarian of Local Tastes of Nashville & Speakeasy Nashville Tours. A fabulous historian of this era and he even donned a “Green Hat” similar to the one worn by George Cassiday…a bootlegger in the 20s & 30s who sold alcohol to lawmakers in the House and Senate office buildings. It wasn’t just Jimmy Hoffa, Skull Schumann, George Remus and the like who broke the law…But of those who could afford an escape from reality, Speakeasy locations became the resource.
Dean Najarian, Speakeasy tour guide from Nashville
Today, jazz and blues melodies are popular amid a myriad of generations and tends to be a focal point at restaurants and clubs, creating an upscale environment. Likewise, the idea of that moody, Speakeasy club seems to be emerging like the man cave of the 90s! The dim lights, the wood walls and low-lit bar areas with obscured mirror backdrops, bar stools that beckon you to sit and stay a while, dramatic wallcoverings, fabrics and light fixtures!
To give you a sense of what I mean, I spent some time visiting our own Saratoga local restaurants, pubs and clubs in search of that Speakeasy vibe…It was love at first sight when I walked into Kindred located at 84 Henry Street! I almost felt a rush back in time. It was bright and sunny outside, but the moment I stepped in, the ambiance changed! “We like to keep it a bit dark in here, sets an intimate vibe for eating and drinking.” States co-owner Ryan McFadden.
Loved the leather menus!
It was official, Chris Vallone Bushee and I booked a table for an evening with our husbands to take it all in personally. What a night - from the minute we sat down! The flames from the wood ovens created a mystique of intrigue into the bar area where that iconic wood and brick background beckons you to try one of their signature drinks! May I recommend the Toasted Coconut Martini or one of these other beautifully poured spirits? The black velvet “finger-backed” barstools add a touch of sophistication while the seating for the perimeter dining compliments in stunning velvet blue with tables topped by natural woven large-scale lanterns!
