815

This bar is so unique and definitely one of the coolest spots I’ve been to in New England. The atmosphere is swanky with a 1920s vibe. There was a vast drink menu with exceptional craft cocktails and the food was good. It’s a bit pricey but worth it if you’re looking for a change from the standard bar scene in Manchester. I currently live in SF and it is on par with the speakeasy’s you would find there. Highly recommend to all!

Traditional speakeasy! Whenever we have friends in from out of town or just want something a little different from our regular haunts we go to @815. It’s obvious a lot of thought and effort went into developing the concept of this bar.
Without giving too much away to keep to the theme of being a «secret» meeting spot I will say, the cocktails are exceptional and hand crafted, staff is knowledgeable and upbeat, intimate loungey atmosphere and local artwork are only a few of the many highlights this place boasts. Oh and the tacos are amazing!
Be sure to check the 815 social media accounts for the password.

815 (eight fifteen? Eight-​One-​Five?) is Manchester’s official Speakeasy!
Being a fan of cocktails and liquor in general i was excited to check this place out. Of course i almost always get in trouble by expecting too much, especially in Manchester. And this is another case of that happening.
815 is located in the old lounge above Piccola. There is no sign, just the address and a door. Walk up the stairs and go to the phone booth. press the button, give them the password and you’re in! What’s the password? well, that would be telling, needless to say, do some research online and you will find out what you need to know to get in.
The inside is great, though i get an «Unwined» sort of feel to it. It is nice and dark like a good bar should be. Lots of hard wood, leather chairs and comfortable places to hang out and drink. Which is what you want in a bar. Sort of like if you were hanging out in Vito Corleone’s office. The big plus for me is that there is NO TELEVISION (that i could see, anyway). A good bar should have NO TV! It’s a place to hang out and drink and to talk to other human beings, not watch sports or jerry springer, etc.
The drink menu is pretty good too, they have a menu that features old style cocktails as well as their own recipes. I’ve been 3 or 4 times and tried a variety of drinks, all pretty good.
The «bad»: Ok you’re a speakeasy. You NEED to have better music playing. The music flat out sucks. One night it was techno, another night it was Reggae. Seriously?! If you need help in this area, i am available as a consultant and would be happy to program your music. A little more Howlin’ Wolf and a little less (insert mainstream dreck here).
Also, i realize this IS Manchester, but have a little bit better of a selection of Bourbon. I didn’t realize you had Four Roses until my 2^nd or 3^rd visit. Also have a bourbon list for your customers. When i asked what bourbons were available the first 4 out of the waiters mouth started with «Jack.» Odds are, that if people are going out of their way to go to a speakeasy, they want something special, not the swill they get at (insert name of awful local Manchester bar).
Another minor quibble, and one that actually gets in the way of a good cocktail, is the water they give you. It is a cucumber infused water. While drinking you do really want to stay hydrated (you can drink more alcohol!), but this water effects the flavor of the drinks you are drinking! Cucumber infused water is great for a day spa, not a speakeasy…
We did not try the food, as we’ve been using 815 as a jumping off point before going to Republic or Campo Enoteca.
All in all i would really give 815 a 2.5, but that’s not really an option above.