Prohibition After Dark: A Speakeasy Walking Tour
For thirteen years, New York was officially dry. It was also the wettest it's ever been.
I'm Cec, and this is a walking history tour of Prohibition in the West Village. We'll cover how a law meant to end drinking ended up creating thousands of hidden bars, how owners got tipped off before raids, why cops and politicians looked the other way, and how writers like Hemingway and Fitzgerald ended up drinking in the same few blocks we'll be walking.
You'll stand at the door of Chumley's, the famous speakeasy where "86" is said to have gotten its meaning. We'll stop inside Julius', which ran as a speakeasy during Prohibition and still has the old wooden bar. Our bar stops are where the conversation keeps going. Grab a drink if you want one, ask questions, and swap theories about whether Prohibition was ever going to work. We wrap up around 8 at The Spaniard, where you can stay and keep talking over drinks or head home.
It's a small group and the conversation is the best part. If you love history, just moved to the city, or want a night out that's actually interesting, this is for you.
Where to meet: across the street from the Stonewall Inn, at the gate of Christopher Park.
A few things to know:
Launch pricing for our first tours. Only 11 spots.
21 and over, bring your ID.
Your ticket covers the tour. Drinks are optional and on you.
Wear comfortable shoes. We go rain or shine unless the weather is bad enough to call it, and then you get your money back.
Running late or can't find us? Text me at 617-675-2004
See you Saturday.