A basement bar is a type of bar that is located in the basement of a building. Basement bars go by many different names, but some of the most common include speakeasy, underground bar, cellar bar, and basement tavern. The term speakeasy originally referred to illegal bars during the Prohibition era in the 1920s and 1930s when alcohol was banned in the United States. Speakeasies were hidden bars that served alcohol secretly. Today, speakeasy is often used to describe any bar with a secret, hidden, or exclusive atmosphere. Other names like underground bar, cellar bar, and basement tavern literally refer to the subterranean location of this type of drinking establishment. But beyond the name, what truly defines a basement bar is its intimate atmosphere and unique environment.
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What Makes a Basement Bar Different?
Basement bars have several distinctive qualities that set them apart from regular bars located above ground:
The Underground Setting
The underground setting helps create an intimate and unique environment. Basement bars often have low ceilings, exposed brick and piping, and dim lighting that contributes to a dark, moody vibe. The below-ground location makes these bars feel secretive and separated from the outside world. Patrons descend a flight of stairs to enter the basement space, which can make it feel like an exciting hidden gem.
Exclusivity
Many basement bars aim for an exclusive ambiance with invite-only policies, unmarked entrances, and undisclosed addresses that customers need to research to find. The exclusivity enhances the intimate atmosphere and makes customers feel like part of an inner circle when they gain access. High-end cocktails at premium prices also contribute to the VIP aura.
Privacy
Tucked away underground, basement bars offer more privacy than typical bars. Their concealed locations provide anonymity while their confined spaces Foster close social interactions. Patrons can enjoy intimate conversations and connect with friends without interruption from passersby or noise from the street.
Prohibition-Era Motifs
Some basement bars model themselves after 1920s speakeasies. They lean into the vintage Prohibition-era style with furnishings like velvet sofas, low lamp lighting, and other early 20th century décor. Some have passwords, buzzer systems, or phone booth entrances that lend a throwback speakeasy vibe. Classic cocktails like Manhattans, Negronis, and Martinis are menu staples.
Live Entertainment
From jazz trios to burlesque dancers, basement bars often feature live music, DJs, comedy, or cabaret. Their underground rooms make ideal intimate venues for acts that wouldn’t work as well in cavernous clubs. Patrons can experience entertainment up close.
Popular Basement Bar Design Elements
While every basement bar has its own distinct personality and design, some common features give them their signature atmosphere:
Minimal Natural Lighting
With no windows underground, basement bars use lamps, sconces, candles, and Edison bulbs to create mood lighting. Reliance on artificial lighting gives designers creative license to craft a unique ambiance.
Brick and Stone Walls
Exposed brick, stone, and masonry walls add vintage appeal while unfinished walls and pipes emphasize the underground location.
Leather Furniture and Tufted Fabric
Tufted leather sofas, ottomans, and wingback chairs provide plush, elegant seating perfect for sampling high-end cocktails. Velvet upholstery on benches and bar stools also fits the vibe.
Wood Paneling and Floors
Dark wood floors and paneled walls call to mind old libraries, gentlemen’s clubs, and early 20th century bars. Wood adds warmth that balances the hardscape.
Absolute Soundproofing
Thick walls, ceilings, and doors entirely absorb sound so guest DJ sets don’t disturb upstairs businesses or residences.
Vaulted Ceilings
Soaring arched ceilings make basements feel grand rather than confining. Vaulted designs open up the space.
Hidden or Unmarked Entrances
Discreet unmarked doors in alleyways or business lobbies speak to the speakeasy mystique. Heavy doors also provide soundproofing.
Secret Bookshelves and Doorways
Concealed entrances behind bookcases, coat checks, or phone booths add drama for customers in the know. Hidden doors cater to the exclusive vibe.
Famous Basement Bars Around the World
From New York to Seattle to Cape Town, basement bars around the world have perfected the craft of the underground drinking den. Here are a few legendary examples:
PDT (Please Don’t Tell), New York City
This famous East Village speakeasy entered through a phone booth in Crif Dogs was the vanguard of the neo-speakeasy trend. Dark wood, tin ceilings, and inventive cocktails evoke the 1920s. Reservations are essential.
Bourbon and Branch, San Francisco
An unmarked red door in a residential alley leads to this dimly lit lounge where historically-inspired cocktails are served in teacups to enhance the Prohibition-era vibe. A password is required for entry.
H.R. Giger Bar, Chur, Switzerland
Themed after the work of the avant-garde artist who designed the Alien movie creature, this bizarre Gothic basement bar features skeletal arches, biomechanical furniture, and eerily erotic wall art.
Tales & Spirits, Amsterdam
Book stacks swing open to reveal this hidden lounge which mixes literature with classic cocktails like Negronis and Sazeracs. Plush velvet chairs encourage lingering.
An amber glow emanates from a small cellar door leading down to this 12-seat Tokyo whiskey bar known for its staggering selection of rare Japanese whiskeys.
Advantages of a Basement Bar
Beyond the novel atmosphere, basement bars provide practical advantages for owners and customers:
Low Start-Up Costs
Opening a basement bar typically costs much less than street-level build-outs. Owners can often lease below-market subterranean spaces ideal for small bars.
Soundproofing
Basements naturally muffle bands, DJs, and loud crowds so as not to disturb upstairs tenants or neighbors. Owners avoid noise complaints.
Flexible Hours
Freed from concerns about disturbing residential buildings, basement bars can more easily operate till 4am without special permits required by street bars.
Personalized Décor
Already windowless and enclosed, basements provide blank-slate spaces for owners to customize with a signature style.
Intimate Performances
Entertainment acts thrive in the close basement quarters where patrons can connect to the music.
Cool Temperatures
Subterranean spaces stay cooled without extensive air conditioning, an energy-saving advantage.
Anonymity
Celebrities and high-profile guests appreciate the privacy a basement provides over a street-level hot spot swarming with paparazzi.
Challenges of Running a Basement Bar
Despite the advantages, basement bars also come with unique difficulties:
Restricted Ventilation
Enclosed basements often require costly ventilation upgrades to keep the air fresh, especially where smoking is allowed.
Moisture Management
Musty odors, leaks, and flooding can plague underground spaces. Owners invest in dehumidifiers, drains, and waterproofing.
Accessibility Issues
Stairs or narrow doorways make it difficult to accommodate patrons in wheelchairs. Older buildings may lack proper fire exits.
Capacity Limits
Fire codes and space constraints cap legal occupancy. Expanding beyond 100 people is often unfeasible.
Hidden Location
Obscured entrances and minimal signage, while adding speakeasy appeal, keep newcomers and walk-ins away. Marketing is tougher.
Claustrophobic Feel
Some patrons may find confined basements too dark and cramped, especially taller customers in crowded rooms with low ceilings.
Conclusion
The basement bar offers a novel nightlife experience unlike any other drinking venue. Often called speakeasies, underground bars, or cellar bars, these subterranean spaces excel at crafting an intimate, exclusive atmosphere. Though basement bars face difficulties like accessibility and moisture, their advantages such as soundproofing and cool temperatures have made them icons of nightlife culture around the world, from Prohibition-style haunts to avante-garde lounges. For customers seeking new adventures or owners dreaming up a drinking den, the basement bar promises an underground setting like no other.