Brian’s Speakeasy

You can’t see in this bar, the bartender had to hold the bills under his only light to see if I had handed him the right change. I know it’s meant to be a kind of throw back to the old speakeasies but sadly the music is too loud to capture what they are trying to do. I feel it’s a slap in the face to the gay community to place the gay bar in the basement. It was a staple of the GLBTQ community for years and now Downtown Bar has turned into this lackluster of its former glory. The drinks are trying to appeal to a higher brow group, save your money take an über head to Boystown and check out Elixer if you’re looking for that caliber of drink. I’m disappointed at this turn of the events, first Gentry goes and now Downtown bar. At least we have Second Story right? You might ask why I’m bashing so hard on this place? One I didn’t know they changed their theme let along their name. Two I was looking toward to a staple that was the gay scene of downtown only to be ushered to the basement. Finally the prices are ridiculous. I hope good things comes to his place as for me I’ll stick to those places that aren’t ashamed to have me as their client.

Randomly discovered this bar when entering another bar… So the top floor is a jazz/​live music club and the basement is a sensual red speakeasy. You have to walk through the bar upstairs (The Joynt) and sneak down a back entrance. The staff was friendly and the drinks were solid. It wasn’t really all that busy when I went, but I assume it’s because it’s new? I would go back if I was in the downtown area. It’s nice having 2 different options of bars in one building.