Manhattan’s Speakeasy now officially is open inside Peaceful Grounds Coffee Company, offering guests a menu of handcrafted cocktails and tasty small plates.
Owners Holly and Brent Barajas, Cheryl and Paul Wellman, and Jonathan Tough greeted guests in their new speakeasy in dapper attire to fit the 1920s-styled bar’s Grand Opening Debut on July 31.
The bar, discreetly hidden inside the coffee shop, now is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 4 to 10 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Originally, the space was a banquet and meeting room rental inside Peaceful Grounds, but Wellman and Barajas felt there was more opportunity. After a brainstorming session about upcoming events brought to light a murder mystery event, Wellman knew precisely how to transform the space, and the speakeasy idea came to fruition.
–Photo by Stephanie Irvine.
It became even more apropos after they learned the Village of Manhattan was incorporated in 1886 because new saloon owners needed a liquor license, and it could only be provided within incorporated villages; thus, the town of Manhattan was born.
“We always welcome new ideas and want to keep business thriving,” Village of Manhattan Trustee Lucinda Neighbors said of the new addition, while enjoying the space with beau Jeff Dertz.
It’s a speakeasy that would make Al Capone proud. Quietly tucked away inside the coffee shop, plenty of first-time visitors weren’t sure where exactly Manhattan’s best-kept secret was located – that is, until one of the speakeasy’s friendly doormen snuck them in behind the curtain into a completely different world of the speakeasy.
“It’s so cool to come in with the curtains, almost like it’s forbidden. The music is relaxing, and it’s really enjoyable,” Bill Matjasich said.
His wife, Lisa, said she was excited for the new option in Manhattan.
“Instead of going out of town, it’s right here,” Lisa Matjasich added.
Behind the curtain, the vibes were very much upscale, classy, and moody in the low-lit room with twinkling lights, 1920s murals, and comfortable seating nooks spread throughout the space.
From glasses of wine and chardonnay to martinis and whiskey cocktails to the craft beers on tap, Yuengling and Leinenkugel, it’s clear this space is meant to be different from the other offerings in town.
“The beer is good,” Lonnie McCollum said, offering support to his wife, Kathy, who was behind the bar whipping up cocktails.
If they felt more comfortable, guests could step back from behind the curtains to enjoy the more spacious coffee shop space, which also is open during the bar’s hours. Guests still can get a caffeinated pick-me-up if they’d like, as its full menu is available, as well.
“It’s very enjoyable, and we really like the pianist,” Alyce and Ray Wertelka said, noting they learned about the event on Facebook. They’ve been in the coffee shop several times in the morning and enjoy sitting and chatting and said they were looking forward to the ribbon-cutting.
At the Grand Opening debut on the coffee shop side, Charlie Cruse of Windy City Dueling Pianos tickled the ivories and belted out a variety of classic hits from the decades, entertaining guests with plenty of toe-tapping and head-nodding, as they listened and enjoyed their spirits.
The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce filled the room with supporters from the business community at the opening debut, with Manhattan residents from the community coming to see what the buzz was about.
Though the event included a ribbon-cutting for the new space, it is not a separate entity from Peaceful Grounds Coffee Company. Having the liquor license for the business as a whole, instead of simply for special events, like Irish Fest, allowed them the flexibility to open the speakeasy.
Friends Elizabeth Papadakos and Christina Soto stopped in for some girl time.
“This is a great addition to Manhattan. It’s very cute,” Papadakos said.
“I can’t wait to come back and bring our husbands for a date night,” Soto added.
By and large, the grand opening debut was a success, with visitors sharing their excitement for the new space. The excitement is built to last, with plenty of recurring events like bingo, karaoke, and trivia nights planned.
Peaceful Grounds Coffee Company is at 25626 S. Gougar Road in Manhattan and offers a variety of coffees, espressos, refreshers, and more during the day. Coffee shop baristas are more than willing to give guests a peek behind the curtain when the speakeasy is closed.
For those looking for giggle water or boozes, the speakeasy will have them available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings or Sunday afternoons. Follow the Peaceful Grounds Facebook page for updates on special events and happenings inside the Manhattan Speakeasy.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.