It's been 80 years since Utah swung the three quarters majority and prohibition laws were repealed in the US. On that day it became every American's right to get good and drunk whenever they saw fit. In celebration of this year's anniversary, here's your guide to the best historic speakeasies that kept the whiskey flowing through the country's longest dry spell.
1. Green Mill Jazz Club
The Mill was one of Al Capone's favorite hangouts during his heyday as criminal mastermind. You can even grab a drink in what used to be his favorite booth, a perfect location for keeping an eye on either door in case you need a quick get-away.
2. Rookwood Speakeasy
In 2004, the Rookwood Speakeasy was found under the sidewalk of the Rookwood Hotel in mint condition. Today, you can visit for a drink and ogle the beautiful terrazzo tile, mythical griffins, and stained glass windows at a bar so secret, everyone forgot it existed.
3. Mt. Adams Bar & Grill
This Cincinnati speakeasy was once owned by infamous gangster George Remus, and in its day was a jumping dive packed to the brim with booze fueled dancers.
4. Townhouse & the Del Monte Speakeasy
In its day, the Del Monte Speakeasy would lower you on a dumbwaiter into the basement bar where you could party and drink the night away on sweet, sweet illegal booze. Owned by Cesar Menotti, it had some of the best rum and whiskey in town, and when prohibition hit, he just kept the liquid flowing.
5. Museum of The American Gangster
Not only was the Museum of The American Gangster a speakeasy, it was also a secret hiding spot for dirty mob money. In the 60's, the owner unearthed two massive safes that contained over 2 million bucks of mobster cash. Today, you can visit the awesome museum filled with original mobster artifacts.
If you ever needed five reasons to get lit in the name of patriotism, now you've got them. Bottoms up!