9 hidden speakeasies in Delaware & Philly worth exploring
There's a world hidden in plain sight in and around Delaware where folks can escape into secret backrooms full of cocktails and friendly company.
This includes a swanky lounge that looks like a rich place James Bond would hang out and a popular pub with an Oval Office theme.
We found nine cool speakeasies in the First State and Philadelphia where you can have fun exploring.
Andra Hem, Philadelphia
This Esquire-approved bar is none other than Andra Hem in the City of Brotherly Love. This Scandinavian-inspired cocktail lounge looks like a posh hideout where James Bond would kill some time. The menu is full of old classic cocktails that include the Bee's Knees. The cocktail program is designed by Patrick Jennings. There also are food options including potato pancakes, charcuterie and cake.
218 S. 16th St., Philadelphia; open Wednesday through Saturday, 4 p.m. to midnight. Visit andrahem.com or (215) 545-0823.
Blind Barber, Philadelphia
Have you ever been to a speakeasy where you can get a haircut? That's what the Blind Barber is all about.
This business, which has locations across the country, welcomes patrons in Philadelphia to a three-chair barbershop that serves as the storefront and entrance. Once you're inside, you'll find black and chrome Belmont chairs at barber stations.
From there, you'll enter through an unmarked door that'll take you into a '70s-inspired cocktail lounge where you'll meet new friends and hear nice tunes. But you can seriously get your haircut at Blind Barber, too.
Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper is a part-owner in the business and created a game for the Blind Barber app.
1325 Sansom St., Philadelphia; Barbershop is Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Backroom is Open Monday to Saturday, 5 p.m. to late. Visit blindbarber.com or (215) 528-9485.
Libation Room, Rehoboth Beach
Welcome to the Libation Room, a sleek lounge tucked away in the back of the Summer House Rehoboth.
Lots of seafood options are on the menu, plus non-seafood nibbles like pizza, wild boar and pistachio meatballs. Patrons have a variety of libations to choose from — everything from cocktails (including a secret craft cocktail) to wine, sparkling, and beer.
The Libation Room is by reservation only; the number below is for text messages only.
228 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; open Thursday to Monday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Hours change starting May 9. Visit summerhouserehoboth.com/libation-room or (302) 827-3096.
Dead Presidents Pub & Restaurant, Wilmington
Many people carry dead presidents in their pocket. But one popular speakeasy in Delaware goes a step further, showcasing portraits of these political leaders all over their walls.
Dead Presidents Pub & Restaurant has been recognized multiple times by Esquire for having one of the best bars in the country. This Oval Office-themed establishment has a menu that includes starters, burgers, entrées and beer.
618 N. Union St., Wilmington; open daily. Visit deadpresidentspub.com or call (302) 652-7737.
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The Cured Plate, Milford
This hidden gem in Milford officially opened its doors in February. The atmosphere inside of The Cured Plate is a bit dark and moody, but not in a creepy or unsettling way. This business gives off proper Prohibition vibes.
In February, The Cured Plate unveiled its winter menu on Facebook, featuring dishes like chicken and waffles, roasted stuffed dates, and pepper poppers. But absent from the menu were libations, inspired by drinks from the early 1900s, and desserts. This deliberate omission was an homage to the nature of old-school speakeasies, keeping the beverage and dessert offerings a secret.
27 S. Walnut St., Unit 103, Milford; open Wednesday and Thursday (4-9 p.m.) and Friday and Saturday (4-11 p.m.). Visit The Cured Plate on Facebook or call (302) 242-0487.
Hummingbird to Mars, Trolley Square
One of Delaware's best-kept secrets is Hummingbird to Mars, located above the beloved Catherine Rooney's Irish pub.
Guests are invited to find the black door with the gold hummingbird and ring the bell to enter — Prohibition-style. The menu includes pizza, shareables like street tacos and cheesesteak egg rolls, entrees, classic cocktails and more.
The unusual name Hummingbird to Mars, per the speakeasy's website, is a nod to Texas senator Morris Sheppard who, in 1930, famously said, “There is as much chance of repealing the 18th amendment as there is for a hummingbird to fly to the planet Mars with the Washington Monument tied to its tail.”
Trolley Square, 1616 Delaware Ave., Wilmington; open Thursday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Visit catherinerooneys.com/hummingbird-to-mars or call (302) 407-5971.
Torbert Street Social, Wilmington
Step back in time and hide out from your troubles at this Wilmington speakeasy. Torbert Street Social's food menu offers everything from house-made popcorn and toffee cake to short rib bourguignon. The crown jewels of this speakeasy are their cocktails, including whiskey drinks like Manhattan (Marker's Mark, Cocchi Vermouth, bitters) and Old Fashioned (Knob Creek rye, bitters, orange peel). Draught beer is an option, too.
305 Torbert St., Wilmington; Visit torbertsocial.com or call (302) 407-6627.
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Simmer Down, Wilmington
When Joe Biden dined at The Quoin, a luxury boutique hotel with restaurant, he made sure to also check out the speakeasy named Simmer Down.
As Delaware Online/The News Journal journalist Ryan Cormier previously reported in early 2023, Simmer Down is an underground bar in every sense. It's in the hotel basement.
Cormier said to enter Simmer Down, he and interested patrons were instructed to first go to the host stand at The Quoin's restaurant and ask to visit the speakeasy.
"Once downstairs, open the Simmer Down door and you'll find a whole new luxurious world with exposed brick walls and ceiling, ultra-comfortable couches and chairs and even a fireplace, all surrounding a single bar with an extensive specialty cocktail list. (If you want to eat, you have to go upstairs.)," Cormier reported.
He also said if you've been to Wilmington's other speakeasies, Torbert Street Social and Hummingbird to Mars, the vibe at Simmer Down will be familiar: a high-end spot for drinks in an ultra-plush setting with understated lighting. But Simmer Down is an elegant standout from that competition, he added.
519 N. Market St., Wilmington; open Wednesday and Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m. to midnight. Visit simmerdownbar.com.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Fun speakeasies in Delaware & Philadelphia that are worth visiting
