Interactive Theater-Bar The Speakeasy Is Back With Classic Cocktails and Furtive Vibes

You may remember The Speakeasy, Boxcar Theatre's immersive theatrical experience that first made its San Francisco debut in 2014 in the Tenderloin with a completely sold out 75-show run. The premise was attending an evening at an elaborately staged nightclub from 1923, interacting with bartenders, servers, and performers who are actually actors, each playing their own pre-set role in the story. At the time, SF Weekly said it "made a strong case for being the best bar in San Francisco," as the booze served during the show was very real.

Well, now the show is back — this time in Chinatown/North Beach at 644 Broadway — following a $2 million renovation of the 9,050-square-foot space that includes a two-story cabaret with disguised entrances and secret passageways, and two full bars for the up to 250 audience members a night.

It’s best to experience the show for yourself, but do know going in that there will be craft cocktails to lubricate you throughout. A lot of cocktails, actually, as on average 22 liters of bourbon, 18 liters of gin, and 8 liters of rye are consumed per performance. Bar manager Geof Libby created the cocktail program, focusing on “contemporary interpretations of Prohibition-era cocktails.” There are also a couple small savory and sweet bites to stave off hunger. The full menu is below (note that prices are in dollars, not cents).

The Speakeasy is now open Thursday through Saturday (and occasional Sunday matinees) at 8 p.m., with shows lasting approximately three-and-a-half hours; tickets can be purchased here.

• Interactive Theater-Bar The Speakeasy to Permanently Return in North Beach Space [ESF]
• The Speakeasy [Official Site]