Disappear on Wright Square into the newest speakeasy in Savannah — The Apparition

It is almost impossible to think that Savannah was once the first city to institute prohibition and ban the sale of alcohol and alcoholic beverages. Although the ban ended in 1933 nationwide, speakeasies are still popular places today.

Do Savannah spoke with Mary Noelia Githens, who owner of the bar Mint to Be Mojito as well as Latin Chicks. The young entrepreneur, who has enough energy to power a small city and is filled with great and innovative ideas, decided to create a speakeasy.

The new speakeasy, called The Apparition, sits within the walls of the already popular Mint to be Mojito.

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"The best thing about the bar is that not many know it exists. They enter the Mint to be Mojito (and) they see groups of people who enter the bathroom, but then disappear. Until a few brave and curious people ask the bartender: 'Hey, where do they all disappear to?' And so "The Apparition" was born," Githens said.

Mint to be Mojito is located on E. State St., next to the popular Wright Square. Historians tells us that underneath all the beauty of the oak trees is the blood of many that have been shed there since Savannah's founding in 1733.

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Wright Square was one of the original four squares that were placed in Savannah's historic district. In the southwest corner of the plaza, which extends beneath some of the buildings, is where the bodies of the first buried in Savannah. A common theme you'll find in all of Savannah's apparitions is that buildings and roads were often built over cemeteries and so a few ghosts are said to roam in that area.

As to not disturb the already obvious mysterious history of our city, Githens has created a clandestine bar with a fantastic vibe. The Apparition appears for the brave and is one of the few places where locals can escape tourists in the downtown area. Just by asking for the secret code for the private bathroom, your bartender will give you the secret code gain entrance into the speakeasy.

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"Here at Mint to be Mojito, we specialize in drinks of Latin origin with fresh fruits and juices to create the best cocktail you can drink," Githens said. "From the Puerto Rican coquito to Peruvian pisco and the best Cuban mojitos in many different flavors. We are a specialized bar and when someone in the city craves a good mojito our bar is the one that comes to mind."

Since both bars happen to be in the same location, they will maintain a symbiotic energy and customers will be able to move between both premises and experience a different atmosphere since they both maintain their own energy.

The Apparition maintains its prohibition era spirit of a clandestine bar from its entrance to the decoration. The place has enough space to relax and even dance. Mint to be Mojito on the other hand has a more casual energy that reminds me a lot of Miami. The space and the sidewalk tables on front which are perfect to sit and sip on a mojito while watching the city and people move about.

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One thing that both establishments are going to share is an amazing menu starting in February.

"At the moment, we offer snacks and small bites to snack on (such as ) empanadillas and Cuban sandwiches but starting in February, our menu will expand greatly," Githens said.

"Since it is going to incorporate a chef who will create dishes and a more complex menu to be able to offer more substantial dishes during dinner hours. Our chef is currently traveling to Peru and other Latin American countries, which will bring new recipes and decadent dishes."

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It is a new year and I hope you dare to share and enjoy one of the new and most delicious cocktails in our area. Visit “Mint to be Mojito” and don't forget to ask for the secret code. Who knows what The Apparition might bring you?

The Apparition and Mint to be Mojito are located at 12 W. State St. and found online at minttobemojitobar.com/home.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: The Apparition is the newest speakeasy bar in Savannah GA