2nd Street Speakeasy

Does not allow people with style consodering flip flops… i thought this was Florida. Gues the rest of my 200 $ outfit doesn’t matter. Ill spend my money else where.

Take this one with a grain of salt, Gainesville, because I’m certain a few fellow Unilocalers will eyeball me for the star count. 2^nd Street Speakeasy is a unique opportunity in Gainesville and certainly the kind of spot I say try for yourself, rather than trusting written word. One thing is certain: cocktails are worthwhile but even the best product needs packaging…
The Venue
A brief walk west from the center of downtown, 2^nd Street Speakeasy (Speakeasy) is a cozy slice amongst several «night out» spots. Walk up, flash the ID to whoever is standing out front, and enter into a very dim, yet warm room with a few couches, bits of art, and of course the ‘keeps corner. For the crowd that came in on my Friday night visit there was plenty of standing room, but snagging the chairs/​stools isn’t something I’d say you can expect. Bathrooms are at the very back of the place and DO lock, which I know most ladies appreciate.
The Vibe
I love the dimness, I love the quirks, and I’m cool with that slight air of «cool kids only». That said, there were just too many things I can’t shake off for what some regard as the «best cocktail joint in town».
1) The heat was next to unbearable. They had about 3 of those high-​speed blowers going to try and create some kind of comfort, as well as a small window unit installed above the door, but at the bar you could hardly notice the effort. I felt rushed to finish the cocktail simply because I was losing speed quick for my weekend of debauchery.
2) Huge puddle of water was leaking all over the floor, which appeared to be sourced from the restroom. Not that I want to stand in water by the bar regardless, but the thought of it being from el baño is the wrong signal to send
3) Service was weak. My girlfriend and I arrived slightly before a few friends, and one of them legitimately had to lean forward with card in hand after standing for about 10 minutes waiting on someone’s attention. They weren’t that busy even (probably just dizzy from the sauna they’ve been mixing in)
The Bar
End on a high note, and most certainly I can do that here: Speakeasy makes a mean cocktail: both with quality of craft and in terms of creativity. Checking over the specials, which rotate biweekly, I found a nice diversity of options that even someone not typically into cocktails could find enticing. They do have craft beer bottles and wines, but when in Rome… so I nabbed the «Baewatch». Refreshing and flavorful sips totally balancing the booze from start to finish. I also got to try out a special containing absinthe, which was an intriguing first. Even for someone not big on licorice I would’ve been happy having a full glass of «Plead the 5^th». Prices are fair from what I know of this genre of drinks and the beer prices will satisfy anyone with you that isn’t into liquor.
Final Thought
I’ve been one other time before and left really wanting to return. My memories of the place were positive, and I thought it a great option for catching up in an intimate nook or just getting a break from the loud crowds. Not sure if I came on the wrong weekend or what, but the atmosphere and service crushed my fond recollections with an uncomfortable experience I’m not eager to repeat anytime soon.

The Speakeasy has been our favorite place for many years. While celebrating the arrival of our daughter, my husband was of course handing out cigars. A beautiful, young blonde remarks «How wonderful, a baby girl! I see you named her Arturo Fuente. Is that a family name?» Best. Laugh. Ever.
Danny is a great guy who always has a smile. He and his staff create concoctions that introduce patrons to delectable drinks and various liquors.
Groove to eclectic DJ spinning and sexy burlesque!
Gainesville and you couldn’t ask for better.
See you there!

Was here last weekend along with few friends. We went here very late, almost towards closing. My friends had a vodka based cocktail and they seemed to like it. Will go there next time I visit Gainesville.

This is a small bar which hardly looks like one from outside. We went in pretty late, very close to closing time, so we couldn’t spend too much time. We had the thomas foolery which was pretty good.

When you do one thing, you better do it right. Fortunately, 2^nd Street Speakeasy does. No food is served here, but their drinks are fantastic.
The bar staff really and truly knows how to make a good drink.
Dimly lit, intimate and inviting, it’s a lovely not-​too-​big and not-​too-​small space that hearkens back to speakeasies.
I only wish they had a little something to eat. Maybe five or so appetizers, but I guess that they don’t have a kitchen.

Stopped in last week for the first time and the bartenders truly know their stuff. Got an old fashioned and it was hands down the best one I’ve had. While speakeasy’s don’t play music I get the name and don’t knock them at all for having a DJ. Small place that is great for a crafted cocktail and worth checking out.

Small dark, hipster bar in downtown Gainesville. Besides the DJ playing modern techno beats, it really does feel like a speakeasy. The cocktails are really cool too and definitely worth checking out.

At first, I was afraid to make the journey over here because of the three dollar signs on Unilocal ($$$), but then I realized that it was three Gainesville dollars, so it turned out to be ok.
Cocktails are $ 9 dollars each, to be exact. They had just changed their menu that night – good to see that it rotates! I had a cranberry drink, then I tried the rootbeer float one. The rootbeer float was interesting – it had a bit of a minty aftertaste. We tried to order their hot chocolate drink (the most popular drink of the night), but it was continuously out.
It’s a pretty chill crowd that hangs out here – I’m glad that we found a place in Gainesville that is a bit removed from the college bars or clubs. Once again, Unilocal does no wrong. I hope to come back next year!

There’s a reason why the imagery of the Great Gatsby era never gets old.
It might be some historical fantasy, but I’m the first to admit that it works. Speakeasy is a fine, fine bar with interesting scenery.
You walk in a tiny hole in the wall, only to find a classy, inviting den. The ambiance is dark and artisanal, scattered with chandeliers emitting red light. Photos of pinup girls and classic movie couples (re: Scarlett and Rhett) line the walls. There is ample space for seating, and I chose to sit at the beautifully stocked bar.
My boyfriend ordered an Old Fashioned, and I requested a mojito, extra minty. Both of our drinks were visually and palatably fabulous.
Great place for an intimate, fancy drink.

Most welcoming lounge I’ve been to. Super classy and the DJ absolutely set the right mood with her great set. The drinks were fantastic and the bartenders were great. Overall, the best place I went to during my stay in Gainesville!

Loved the vibe here — hip hop DJ playing as I enjoyed my hot drink (Ed o’neill?) which was a delicious cinnamon toast crunch infused bourbon with something apple-​y and I don’t know, you’ll have to ask the bartender or look at the menu. Total hand-​crafted cocktail experience, with enough of a beer selection to satisfy your buddies.