In 1919, the U.S. Congress, under the influence of Catholic conservatives and Puritans, enacted a 18th Amendment to the Constitution. From then on, the manufacture, sale and purchase of alcohol are prohibited in the United States. This measure is put in place in order to fight alcoholism and to moralize public life. The measure did not fully have the desired effect.
Instead of disappearing from the city, drinks were freely circulating on the black market. All the gangs turned to smuggling wine and hard liquor: the bootlegging. In New York speakeasy, illegal bars serving alcohol, are multiplying. People order their whisky in whispering, in dimly lit and hidden rooms. In all, there will be nearly 30,000 of them in 1927 ! This concept of speakeasy became known in France with the arrival of Americans fleeing prohibition.
If in Paris bars openly serve alcohol, finding oneself for an evening in the shoes of an American trafficker is a concept that is more and more seductive. The capital of France abounds with places inspired by the forbidden atmosphere of these American bars, playing on the excitation of clandestinity and secrecy.
In a pizzeria, a laundromat or through a small hidden door, the entrances are not always easy to find. But once the secret is out, you can enjoy tasty cocktails and homemade dishes, all in a subdued atmosphere in leather sofas ... or modern and lit, as you wish!
A secret address is good, but coming to enjoy delicious cocktails and homemade food is even better. I promise, the police shouldn't arrest you! Here are some addresses, but shhh, it's a secret!
LAVOMATIC
30 rue René Boulanger
75010 Paris
CARRY NATION
Mais vous n’aurez l’adresse que si vous vous enregistrez sur leur site… Et oui, c’est ça la clandestinité !
LE SPEAKEASY BAR
Mot de passe : Speakeasy
25 rue Jean Giraudoux
75016 Paris
Aphélie from Comme des Français
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To be tasted on the spot but to be discovered now:
Photos credits : Unsplash @ushakov_kyryll et @mossphotography