Gather 'round, old sport, and listen close. I've got the scoop on the bee's knees of Rhode Island nightlife, a swanky speakeasy crawl that'll transport you back to the roaring twenties. So, slip on your glad rags, and let's paint the town red!
First Stop: The Eddy
Our first stop is The Eddy, a cozy spot in Providence’s trendy West End that nails the speakeasy vibe without any of the fuss. This swish speakeasy serves up craft cocktails with a side of sophistication. Order the "Bee's Knees" (gin, honey, and lemon) and soak up the joint's vintage vibes. Just a tip this is an elegant spot, so keep it sharp and stylish. Scope out the décor, maybe you'll catch a glimpse of a secret passage. And don’t show up too late, or you’ll be left outside cooling your heels.
The Classic Walnut Room
Slip out of The Eddy and into the night, old bean. Our next stop is The Walnut Room, a ritzy little number in Providence’s Federal Hill neighborhood. This speakeasy is the cat’s meow, with its posh decor and side-splittingly good drinks. Try the “French 75” (gin, lemon, sugar, and champagne). It’s the berries! Flash a smile at the bar and take in the glamorous crowd. Maybe you’ll spot a flapper or two. Just remember, this place has style, so keep your voice down and enjoy the ambiance.
New Stop: Needle & Thread
We're adding a new stop to the crawl, old sport Needle & Thread, another swanky speakeasy in Providence. This joint is hidden behind a secret door, so keep your peepers peeled. Once you're in, order a "Paper Plane" (bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon) and soak up the swish atmosphere. Take in the unique details and see if you notice any clever little hiding spots. Keep things smooth and don’t poke around too much, after all, subtlety is key here.
Newport’ Glamorous Copper Club
Tucked away in the heart of lower Thames, above the humble hot dog joint Wally's Wieners, lies Newport's best-kept secret: The Copper Club. This chic speakeasy is a throwback to the golden age of cocktail lounges, where elegance and refinement reign supreme.
As you ascend the stairs, the copper-tiled walls glimmer, setting the tone for the sophisticated experience that awaits. Sink into plush red velvet banquettes, surrounded by gilded black and gold wallpaper that transports you to an era of opulence. The Copper Club is more than a bar it's an immersive journey through time.
The true stars of the show are the expertly crafted cocktails, each one a tribute to the bootleggers of yesteryear. Sip on a timeless classic or a modern creation, all made with the finest ingredients and a dash of flair. The Copper Club is a masterclass in mixology.
Warwick has one too: Jefferson Speakeasy
Warwick's got a secret too: Jefferson Speakeasy. We're adding this classy spot to the crawl, so get ready for a little adventure. The entrance is hidden behind a secret door, so you'll want to keep your eyes peeled. You'll have to find the door to get inside, but once you do, order a "Liberty & Pursuit of Happiness" (that's gin, lemon, and honey) and settle into the polished atmosphere. See if you can spot any patriotic hints woven into the décor.
New Stop: Hide Speakeasy
For our grand finale, we wrap up at Hide Speakeasy in Providence. There's another secret entrance here, so pay attention as you arrive. Inside, ask for a "Paper Plane" (bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon) and soak in the stylish surroundings. Take a closer look at the décor and see if you can spot any hidden surprises. And remember, old sport, what happens in Providence stays in Providence. Loose lips might land you in hot water with the coppers.
The Mystique of Courtland Club
Your first visit to Courtland Club is an experience unlike any other. This enigmatic destination is easy to miss, with no signage to speak of and a discreet keypad guarding the entrance. It's not uncommon for curious travelers to wonder: what secrets lie beyond the unmarked door, and how do I gain access to this exclusive world?
The answer is simple: turn the knob, and a new level of luxury awaits. Inside, the Courtland Club team is ready to envelop you in comfort and hospitality. Sink into a plush seat, feel your travel worries melt away with a warm, steaming towel, and refresh your senses with a cooling drink and savory snacks. At Courtland Club, the mystique of the exterior gives way to an oasis of indulgence and relaxation. Will you uncover its secrets?.
The Lowdown
A night spent crawling through Rhode Island’s speakeasies is truly the cat’s pajamas. From secret doors to crafty cocktails, you'll shake your tail feathers, share laughs, and make memories that linger long after the last sip. As the evening winds down and the speakeasy doors close behind the final guests, the stories and good times hang in the air, waiting for the next adventure. So until we do it all again, keep it classy, Rhode Island. Cheers!
For a full list of speakeasies click here.
