Imagine finding out tomorrow that the government has banned alcohol. There’s no denying this would be a massive change to America’s social culture, especially on a college campus. Nowadays, we might consider prohibition to be an outlandish idea, but back in 1920, that’s exactly what happened.
“It would be the equivalent of the government shutting down any sort of other trade right now,” Josh Heide, the beverage manager for the Urban Restaurant Group and owner of the 86 Speakeasy, said. “You’d have hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people out of work.” He explained that for many American families, brewing and selling alcohol was how they made a living, and the Prohibition forced a dramatic change in American life.
The U.S. government cracked down hard with Prohibition, and the rules were strict, but many steadfast Americans continued to gather and drink socially in secret. The Prohibition era gave rise to secret lounges and bars, or “speakeasies,” and though the need for them is long gone, one can still be found right here in Eugene.
The 86 Speakeasy is hidden in The Gordon Hotel in downtown Eugene. In the hotel’s lobby, there’s a janitor’s closet door with a window and vents that appear real, but reveal themselves to be painted on upon further inspection. If you approach this door and flip a small switch to the left, someone will open the metal slide covering the peephole and ask for a password.
“You couldn’t just walk up into a bar back then. You had to know someone who knew someone who knew someone,” Heide said.
Speak the magic word (by making a reservation beforehand), and you’ll be welcomed into the 86 Speakeasy. This hidden bar reflects Prohibition history with its secret door, password and Prohibition-inspired menu. Once seated, patrons can choose from a variety of Prohibition-inspired house cocktails and a selection of small plates while they relax against the backdrop of the classic lounge.
When I visited the 86 Speakeasy, I tried the chicken sliders and the bread and cheese board. The sliders came with a small piece of fried chicken on a bun with a spicy sauce and pickles. I only had two, but I could have had seven. The bread and cheese board came with a selection of cured meats and cheeses, some pickled foods and crackers. It was the perfect thing to snack on while enjoying a drink.
On the topic of drinks, their Prohibition-inspired cocktails stand out with their unique compositions. Heide said that during Prohibition, bartenders didn’t have a whole lot to work with in terms of ingredients and had to be creative with ways to make the lower-quality alcohol of the time taste good.
I tried their gin-based Aviation cocktail, a concoction of gin, lemon juice, creme de violette and luxardo maraschino. The sharp herbal flavors of the gin were balanced nicely by the sweetness of the maraschino, making for a delicious cocktail.
Their mezcal cocktail, El Garibaldi, was tasty as well. Mezcal, amoro ciociaro, blueberry syrup, lime and chocolate bitters made for a smoky and sweet drink with a nice berry finish.
The decoration inside is reminiscent of the era as well. Studded leather chairs, red velvet-backed booths and oil lamps induce a moody atmosphere that makes it seem like the room should smell of fancy cigars.
Getting into a bar behind a secret door with a password is just cool, and there’s no way around that. So for those looking for a bit of American history, or who just want a good drink, the 86 is the place to go.
