Volstead's Emporium

I enjoy Volstead's...a fun place to feel like you've gone somewhere far away but not leave town. Tale a friend, take your time, take your wallet...it's a bit pricey. We arrived on a Thursday early (6pm). Got in right away with a reservation. We sat in a booth...party of three. Service quick but not in your face. Flank Steak, Flat Bread thing, GnocchI, roast potatoes appetizer, and 5 cocktails...$180 ($220 with tip). We've been here before so the quirky stuff we're used to, but still fun. Bring people from out of town...they'll remember it.

GROSS. Like racism? Hit up Volstead's!Have been here multiple times before and have really enjoyed it. Never again. Tonight we encountered the new white bespectacled door man who looked us up and down and slammed the door. The mix of our party was different tonight and the door guys made that clear. 15 people out, only a couple particular white people in.

A unique dining experience. The food is very good with a cozy atmosphere. We have always had very good service. I'd recommend making reservations though so you're sure to get a spot without waiting too long.

This dude at the door had a tough guy attitude. Maybe that happens when you work right next to a dumpster. I love going into this joint. Once you get past this jerk at the door, the people are sweet. The food is top-notch. People say this neighborhood's gone downhill, but that only adds to the vibes. Maybe it's that bone head at the door, but when this place fills up, you don't wanna be here. What you Gotta do is pick a time when nobody's there. Bring somebody you're sweet on. Take em to one of those tables with the velvet curtain. Sharpen your wit before you go and impress somebody. Here's the thing: This is the kind of place you wear a hat, not a cap. If you're from out of town, but spend a lot of your free time in haberdasheries, this is your joint. Tip the waitress - she's pretty.

Wow. This speakeasy has all the vibes. Doorway in alley complete with sliding peephole to verify guests. The ambiance was excellent and we were sat next to a hidden room which you gained access through a bookshelf. Most important were the cocktails! We each had two and each one was perfectly balanced and expertly created. My naked and famous was the best version I've had. I had another pear forward drink from the menu and it was delicious. My husband went with dealers choice which was bourbon based. He loved it!

Gorgeous place with delicious drinks and SOLID service. Definitely worth making a reservation beforehand. They live up to the speakeasy vibe beautifully. The live music on the evening I went was a little loud for my taste, but I imagine it's different depending on the band that's in. I will still absolutely return again!

While a password isn't required for entry, Volsteads Emporium may be the best, most true to theme, "speakeasy" in the cities. From the back alley entry that leads you down into a basement of a 100 year old building, to the trap doors and passages taking you to hidden rooms, and the food and drink menu disguised in hard bound books - this place will have you taking a step back in time. The service was outstanding and made the entire experience in my opinion. The bartender took time to answer any questions I had about the cocktail menu and explained where some of his inspirations came from in building the menu. Beyond that, the manager took time to show my buddy and I around, giving us a little tour of the space and all the fun hidden areas. I had two different drinks and loved them both. Then my friend and I shared some mulled wine and that was also fantastic. We didn't eat on this visit but given the amount of passion I got from the bartender and manager I am guessing the food is also very good.

If any of you long for the brunch that Charles used to serve at the now destroyed Town Talk diner, you can find it here. Charles came over to temporally helm Volstead's menu! The Jonny cake, the Smoked Brisket Hash, and the classic rolled omelet! Took us right back to TTD times that we enjoyed so much.Can't wait to try out his dinner menu.

I was hoping to write a nice review, but the door man ruined that. Saturday night, the d-bag door man screamed at an older gentleman with a cane that was moving too slow up the stairs for his liking. Extremely disrespectful and distasteful. I run 29 buildings, and I would not hire that door man if he was free. I am not sure if the door man is trying to "act" or "play a part" because it is a speakeasy, but he is a total jackass.

Atmosphere definitely provides a fun experience - you have to go through an alley, knock on a door with a red light hanging above it, give your name, go down the stairs and into a nondescript entrance which opens into the 1920s with antique furniture and decor. However, the drinks are not worth the price (all $17-$20) and the waiters/bartenders don't seem to know much about their craft besides being able to make the stock drinks on the menu (a bit over sweetened and watery). They weren't able to make or recommend any basic alternatives to what was on the menu, which is a little disappointing for a pricey speakeasy. Still a nice place for a special occasion, but alcohol and cocktail enthusiasts who know what they're talking about should go elsewhere.