VAMONDE Savannah

Who said traveling in time happens just in movies? Savannah has a fun list of speakeasies 
 that will transport you to the past. Get ready for an adventure while you explore these great options!

Cover Photo Credit: Q.U.I on Unsplash

Best Hidden Speakeasies in Savannah

Are you curious about what hides behind this door? Explore Mata Hari to find out!

Located in downtown Savannah, Mata Hari is a hidden bar that requires a “secret code” to get in. 

Yes, I know it sounds fictional but it is actually the truth. 

Like on a scavenger hunt, your mission will be to find the password or the key to access the bar. 

Once you pass the door, get ready to experience a whole new world.

You will be transported back in time to the 1920s. Yes, time travel is real and this bar is the way to experience history in the present.

The whole ambiance - from poker tables to velvet chairs and couches, will set up the historical, classic tone for the night. The music show is fascinating and should not be missed. A singer dressed in a tuxedo and a top hat with a couple of feathers performs on stage while the staff walks around dressed up in traditional 1920s outfits. Talk about an exciting experience!

The drinks menu is definitely what makes this bar an experience that should not be missed. One of the most popular options is the Absinthe Cocktail that is served with a flaming sugar cube on top. It has an anise flavor, like black licorice. You can't get this at many other places!

Cover photo courtesy of Muukii on via Unsplash.

Mata Hari

Ready to learn how to be a bartender for the night? Make sure to sign up for a class!

When life becomes hectic, people look for places to relax and have fun.

Well, this speakeasy is the perfect opportunity to have an unforgettable time and unwind with family and friends. From beginning to end, the authenticity of the place will surprise you. Vintage glasses, collectible drink-ware and a wide list of craft cocktails will make you feel that you are in a world where drinking is treated like art. 

The best part is that no matter what your profession is, you can become a bartender for the night. By signing up for their classes, you will learn not only the history behind popular drinks but also how to create classic cocktails that will surely impress everyone around you. 

Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday (5:30pm - 10pm), Thursday (5:30pm - 11pm), Friday & Saturday (5:30pm - 1am).

Cover photo courtesy of Helena Lopes via Pexels.

Congress Street Up

With a unique concept, The Alley Cat Lounge is a great speakeasy to visit.

Visiting a new city and finding hidden spots that few know about is definitely exciting. That’s how everyone feels when they walk in for the first time into this wonderful speakeasy. 

As soon as you sit down, you are part of a unique experience. A newspaper is given to you right away.  If you were wondering whether you need to be well-informed on the news to order drinks at this bar, the answer is no. They are actually giving you the menu with appetizers and drinks. It is a small list but very well-selected that includes options for you to enjoy all night.

Don't fear: even though its a small list: you have access to all the classic cocktails you've come to love. Do they have an Old Fashioned? Yes. A Manhattan? Of course. What about a Tom Collins? Yeah, they do! 

Open Monday through Saturday, this speakeasy is definitely worth to visit if you are ready to have an adventure!

It's also great for a date night or a chill night out for drinks.

Cover photo courtesy of Patrick Tomasso via Unsplash.

Alley Cat Lounge

Don’t forget to check out romantic Planters Tavern for a date night!

Walking up and down Abercorn Street can be a fun experience, especially when you stumble upon Georgian-style mansion that is ready to welcome you in. At first glance, you can tell that the building has a rich history behind it. Few steps from the entrance, you will find the Olde Pink House, a unique restaurant with an extensive menu of regional cuisine that hides a wonderful basement downstairs. 

This restaurant is attached to the Planters Inn, a historic hotel that has served many visitors to Savannah over the years. 

By being curious enough, you will be transported to one of the most romantic places in the city of Savannah. Lighted by candles and decorated with stone fireplaces, this speakeasy offers an intimate atmosphere. From time to time, a piano player and a singer will set up the mood with beautiful melodies while you enjoy the fresh and delicious food offered on the menu. 

Curious to see how this place looks like?

Cover photo courtesy of Toa Heftiba via Unsplash.

Planters Tavern

If you are looking for live music and a fun night, El-Rocko Lounge is the answer!

With a vibrant nightlife, Savannah has a wide variety of places to go on a night out. 

Tourists and locals may debate frequently over which of the unlimited options is best but this speakeasy is always the answer for a wonderful and late-night.

This is because they open from Monday to Saturday until 3 am. Designed with yellow and brown walls, gold glitter countertops and decorated with rocking toy horses and a jukebox, the atmosphere is definitely unique. 

Find out what are the activities that this speakeasy offers. 

When you look around, you are definitely part of a different world. The best part about this bar is to join the large dance floor and socialize with everybody while there is live music on in the background. Whenever you come to this space, you will definitely want to try out the photo booth that is set up in this speakeasy to record your memories of a fun night.

And make sure, you are also ready for trivia night, which the bar hosts every week!

Cover photo courtesy of Shangyou Shi via Unsplash.

El-Rocko Lounge

Check out the beer selection at The Distillery and try as many options as you like.

Going to the same bar and trying the same drinks over and over can get boring sometimes.  What would you think of a place that constantly rotates their beer selection? Intrigued...that's what I thought. 

With a family history of true love for brewing, The Distillery came to life as an entertaining place ready to satisfy everyone. The 23 rotating craft beers’ menu changes every day, giving people the chance to try different options before sticking to just one drink. 

Aside from it, this speakeasy has a wonderful selection of other drinks like wine and cocktails, as well as tasty food ranging from sandwiches to burgers and salads. If you are ready for a unique and adventurous experience, make sure to visit the Distillery. The Happy Hours are Monday to Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm: $1off draft beer and $3 off house liquors. This is a deal you shouldn't pass up!

Check out the opportunity to become a member of the club and get some specials!

Cover Photo courtesy of Amie Johnson via Unsplash

The Distillery

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Plan your spring break family fun in Chicago! Check it out on the Choose Chicago channel on Vamonde.

Plan a family getaway the kids won't soon forget!

Spring Break Family Fun

Explore some of the locations of the Chicago blues scene of the 1960s with this VAMONDE adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues."

Chicago History Museum

Explore some of the locations of the Chicago blues scene of the 1960s with this VAMONDE adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues." Southern black migrants brought the blues to Chicago, where the music helped them forge connections and transform an unfamiliar, often inhospitable city into a new home. The music was also transformed—electrified and amplified to compete with urban noise. The photography of Raeburn Flerlage captures the streets, clubs, homes, and studios where a community of musicians defined the Chicago blues sound.

AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues

From a 20th century resurgence that rivaled the Harlem Renaissance, to spectacular displays of Victorian Era architecture, this South Side neighborhood is responsible for tremendous cultural and social advances that are not to be missed.

The heart and soul of Chicago lies in its 77 vibrant neighborhoods, and going beyond the loop (Chicago’s downtown business district) will give you a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the skyscraper district. As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to explore the local hotspots in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. Discover why Bronzeville is more than just an artsy pocket on the South Side.

Bronzeville and Beyond

"How can I possibly be expected to handle school on a day like this?" We've all been there, even if we're not Ferris Bueller. After your mornings stretch, you look outside at the shining sun, soft breeze, and then wonder, "How can anyone expect me to handle work on a day like this?" So take the day off! While you're at it, follow in Ferris Bueller's footsteps too as Choose Chicago takes you through the film locations that made Ferris Bueller's Day Off such a wonderful adventure (but make sure Ed Rooney isn't on your tail).

It’s Ferris Bueller's Day Off! Take a day to explore the city, but don't get caught by the incredulous Principal Rooney! Kick it like a couple of wise-cracking high school kids at The Art Institute of Chicago and peer down from over 100 stories in the air with the Skydeck at Willis Tower. (Cover photo from @thiswashollywood via Instagram)

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Chicago’s legendary Second City comedy troupe and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to create the quintessential Old Town experience. Join us as we explore the historic neighborhood and discover its many claims to fame.

As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to create the quintessential Old Town experience. Discover why this neighborhood has been home to immigrant families, gays, hippies and young professionals alike over the years.

Quintessential Old Town

The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company team up with Choose Chicago to how you why even 120 years after the Columbian Exposition, Hyde Park is still a profound point of historical and social importance in Chicago.

The heart and soul of Chicago lies in its 77 vibrant neighborhoods, and going beyond the loop (Chicago’s downtown business district) will give you a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the skyscraper district. As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to explore the local hotspots in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. Join us as we show you why even 120 years after the Columbian Exposition, Hyde Park is still a profound point of historical and social importance in Chicago.

Hyde Park: Obama's Neighborhood

The Budget Savvy Travelers

Temperatures are rising and the days are getting longer. This is a sure sign that schools will soon be out for summer vacation. Families looking for fun, affordable ways to keep kids busy during hot days will appreciate this guide that shares some great ways to cool off around Chicago—most are even free.

Best Places to Cool Off in Chicago

Craving a getaway, but short on vacation time or extra travel funds? Why not consider embarking on a culinary adventure? Chicago is a great city to experience the world through food! There are over 100 different neighborhoods in the city, each with its own unique flavors and traditions to share. Chicago has always celebrated a diverse array of people, cultures, and cuisines. Therefore, it's not surprising that Chicago consistently ranks high in top foodie destinations in the United States. For those of us that can’t book a plane ticket to satisfy our travel “craving,” taking a culinary adventure is truly the next best thing. Chicago offers a great opportunity to be carried away to a dreamy, distant place–if only through our palates alone.

Traveling the World Through Food | Chicago

Haley Guidry

Only have a short time to visit Chicago? No problem! With this guide, you can fit it all in - in just a weekend!

Spending a Weekend in Chicago

Looking for some free activities to explore in Chicago? You'll be surprised to learn that there are many things to do around the city that are absolutely free of charge!

6 Chicago Hidden Gems to Explore For Free

Wrigley Field holds the very identity of the Chicago Cubs. But Wrigley isn’t the only spot that embodies the spirit of the Cubbies. Lakeview is home to so many rich businesses that are full of North side pride!

Lakeview Chamber of Commerce

Wrigleyville isn’t the only haven for fans of the Chicago Cubs. Take an adventure “Beyond Wrigley” into West Lakeview to explore some of the neighborhood icons and local businesses that are full of Cubbies pride!

Beyond Wrigley

Glessner House

Glessner House -

An architectural treasure in Chicago

Glessner House - An architectural treasure in Chicago

Welcome to the Chicago Cultural Center, a landmark home of the arts.

The People's Palace

Chicago Architecture Center

Chicago has long been a laboratory for architectural innovation and experimentation. Let the Chicago Architecture Center lead you through the stories behind some of the city’s most significant skyscrapers. Come on an adventure to unlock the secrets of ten iconic Chicago Buildings.

Cover photo courtesy of Jessica Cabe

10 Iconic Chicago Buildings

Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

An Adventure through all the Best Spots in the City

Must Visit Attractions in Chicago

Chicago has one of the most iconic skylines in the world. This insider guide shows you the best vantage points to capture a memorable photo of the skyline of Chicago. Best of all? These are all places that you can visit that are all free of charge.

Where to Find Chicago's Best Skyline Views for Free

Start on Chicago's South Side and travel back in time as you explore visit the homes of some of the most influential LGBTQ+ people in the city's vibrant history. Make your way through Washington Park and Woodlawn moving north towards Rogers Park.

Learn about Chicago's vibrant LGBTQ+ history on this cultural excursion through various parts of the City. This tour covers the historic markers and residences of some of Chicago's top LGBTQ+ luminaries. Find out how they left their marks from Washington Park and Woodlawn all the way up north to Rogers Park.

Explore Gay Chicago History: LGBTQ+ Landmarks Tour

Around every corner of The Magnificent Mile lie surprising pieces that make up the rich history of downtown Chicago.

The Magnificent Mile

Around every corner of The Magnificent Mile lie surprising pieces that make up the rich history of downtown Chicago. Unexpected turn-of-the-century ballrooms, lavish chandeliers, stained glass fit for royalty, atlases of the Renaissance, former mansions of America's elite, eclectic bars, iconic burger joints, classic cocktails, and unbeatable views make up our guide to the top hidden gems around the district.

The Magnificent Mile's Hidden Gems

Chicago is a city built of neighborhoods and cultures and Chinatown is the prime example. Just south of Chicago's Loop, Chinatown is bustling with people, traditional cuisine, and of course culture.

Chicago is a city built of neighborhoods and cultures and Chinatown is the prime example. Just south of Chicago's Loop, Chinatown is bustling with people, traditional cuisine, and of course culture. Hop on the Red Line, a bus, or even a water taxi and discover one of Chicago's most unique neighborhoods.

Chicago's Chinatown

This adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "Remembering Dr. King: 1929–1968," invites you to explore some of the locations Dr. King frequented in Chicago.

A Baptist minister and champion of nonviolent activism, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential figures of the civil rights movement. He spent considerable time in Chicago protesting racial discrimination, particularly in housing and education.
This VAMONDE adventure is based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "Remembering Dr. King: 1929-1968," and invites you to explore in person some of the locations King frequented in the city and to consider how Dr. King’s work remains relevant today, fifty years after his assassination.

Martin Luther King Jr. in Chicago

Join Julia Bachrach, former Chicago Park District historian, on a journey through Humboldt Park to learn more about the role the 150-year-old park served as key experimental grounds for Jens Jensen's Prairie style of landscape architecture.

Julia Bachrach

Established 150 years ago, Humboldt Park can be thought of as a living landmark with layers of history that reflect contributions by important landscape designers, architects, and artists. The most noteworthy, Danish immigrant Jens Jensen (1860 – 1951), revered the indigenous scenery of the Midwest and created the Prairie style of landscape architecture. Humboldt Park provided important grounds for his process of experimentation. Jensen went on to design estates for prominent businessmen such as Julius Rosenwald, Harold Florsheim, and Henry Ford. Join Julia Bachrach, former Chicago Park District historian and author of "The City in a Garden: A History of Chicago’s Parks," on a journey to learn more about how Humboldt Park served as Jens Jensen’s Experimental Grounds.

Humboldt Park: Jens Jensen’s Experimental Grounds

The Art Institute of Chicago is no stranger to "best museums” list, but beyond Michigan Avenue there are many amazing galleries displaying works from heavy hitters like Keith Haring and Hebru Brantley. Get inspired by these galleries and their collections

Chicago Scene

Chicago is home to countless world renowned cultural institutions. The Art Institute of Chicago is no stranger to "best museums” list, but beyond Michigan Avenue there are many amazing galleries displaying works from heavy hitters like Keith Haring and Hebru Brantley. There’s something for everyone at these galleries, whether you’re simply an appreciator of art or a seasoned collector.

Art Galleries: Beyond The Museum Campus

Not your everyday Chicago adventure, these unique outings go inside, behind-the-scenes, and even underground to show off a different side of the city.

From the lair of a notorious Chicago gangster to the infectious groove of a legendary blues club, this adventure will have you socializing, singing, and exploring the city all day (and night!) long. Personally curated by the Vamonde team (a group of foodies, architecture buffs, music fanatics and bar-hopping explorers) this adventure will provide you with the incredible stories and secrets behind some of Chicago’s notorious and renowned spots. Did we mention gingerbread cookies at the Waldorf Astoria?

A Chicago Insider’s Adventure

Join the American Writers Museum on a journey through Chicago's neighborhoods to learn the fascinating stories of some of the city's literary landmarks.

American Writers Museum

Join the American Writers Museum on a journey through Chicago's neighborhoods to learn the fascinating stories of some of the city's literary landmarks. A special adventure created in honor of the 2017 American Library Association Annual Exhibition and Conference.

Chicago Literary Landmarks Hunt

Photojournalist Paul Natkin captures his love for music through the lens of his camera and has worked with the biggest names in music during his 40-year career. Paul speaks with blues experts to help you explore Chicago’s blues scene past and present.

Paul Natkin

Photojournalist Paul Natkin captures his love for music through the lens of his camera and has worked with the biggest names in music during his 40-year career. In this adventure,  Paul goes beyond the Chicago Blues Festival to speak with blues experts to help you explore Chicago’s blues scene past and present.

Beyond the Blues

The Gathering Spaces are a series of artist-designed community areas along the Burnham Wildlife Corridor, a 100-acre ribbon of urban wilderness spanning Lake Shore Drive. Travel along the corridor to discover how the artists linked nature and culture.

Chicago Park District

The Gathering Spaces are a series of five artist-designed community areas along the Burnham Wildlife Corridor (BWC), a 100-acre ribbon of urban wilderness spanning both sides of Lake Shore Drive. The five Gathering Spaces reflect the nature and culture of the area and serve as assembly grounds and rest areas for people exploring the Corridor. The spaces were designed and created by teams of local artists in partnership with community-based organizations in the Chinatown, Bronzeville, and Pilsen neighborhoods. On this adventure, we'll travel along the BWC to get the inside scoop on the creative process, community goals, and environmental context of each Gathering Space.

Lakefront Gathering Spaces

Broadway in Chicago

With more than 200 theaters, Chicago is home to a rich and varied theater community, well known for a diverse mix of original productions that began here and then went on to Broadway and the world. Broadway In Chicago currently own many of the anchor theatres in Theatre District, including the CIBC Theatre (home of Hamilton), the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, the Cadillac Palace Theatre, and the James M. Nederlander Theatre which broke records when it housed Wicked from 2005-2009. Let Broadway In Chicago take you through a tour of the theatres that make up the Chicago Theatre District.

Chicago Historic Theatre District

Jason Brammer is known for his distinctive mixed media assemblage based works, surreal paintings and drawings, murals and site-specific installations. Join us as we take you across the city and unearth how some of your favorite works came to be.

Jason Brammer

Portals, Pyramids, & Octopods: The Art of Jason Brammer

You might have already heard about a few of these destinations, consider this your local guide to the Wicker Park bars that are in some way (think hidden entrance) or another (think no address) -- secret.

Holiday Jones Hostel

Because we’re terrible at keeping secrets and because Wicker Park has too many cool off-the-beaten-track places to explore, Holiday Jones Hostel has created this adventure to give you the inside scoop on the best lounges, dive bars, and speakeasies to visit and pretend like you’re a regular.

Wicker Park's Best Kept Secrets

The story of public housing is the story of America. Explore the untold stories of people who created community across racial and economic divides and confronted social injustice.

National Public Housing Museum

​The story of public housing is the story of America. This tour, curated by the National Public Housing Museum, introduces you to the heart of Chicago’s Near West Side with its vibrant communities, diverse cultures, and history of activism and resistance. Explore fascinating sites where public housing residents built community across racial and economic divides, restaurants and bakeries that continue to create delectable food from various cultures and learn about overlooked and invisible stories about where people studied, organized, and confronted social injustice. We recognize this land as being indigenous, and we follow the lead of the first peoples who, despite massive genocidal violence, have never relinquished the struggle for land, water, culture, their people.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

The Near West Side and The Jane Addams Homes: Chicago's Ellis Island

The story of literary Chicago is one of overlapping communities; avant-garde, intellectuals, journalists, activists, artists, and migrants from places near and far.

​The story of literary Chicago is one of overlapping communities: ​avant-garde, intellectuals, journalists, activists, artists, and migrants from places near and far. The city's many newspapers, magazines, and literary journals have offered experience and exposure for aspiring writers. Programs at local libraries, bookstores, and cafes have connected writers with the reading public.

City of Writers

The American Writers Museum is the first national museum in the United States dedicated to engaging the public in celebrating American writers. Tap GO and check out 'Writers Hall' for a preview of the museum, but like any good page-turner, it‘ll only leave you wanting more. Plan a visit to unlock the exclusive, behind-the-scenes content for each exhibit.

Tucked away in the West Ridge community is a treasured place— Indian Boundary Park.  The 13-acre park was developed in two major phases—the first in 1916 and the second in the early 1920s. Plans for both phases were created by Richard Gloede, a landscape gardener and horticulturalist from Evanston.  Unlike other parks of the era that accommodated numerous athletic activities, Gloede and the Park Board sought to create a beautiful landscape for rest and relaxation.  The park has always had a seamless relationship with the adjacent neighborhood, and despite various changes over the years, Indian Boundary Park has always retained its special character.

Indian Boundary Park

Choose Chicago® is the official destination marketing organization for Chicago, Illinois. When you’re in Chicago, you’re home. With the countless experiences there are to have here, you're absolutely welcome to do any and all of them.

Best Hidden Speakeasies in Savannah

Mata Hari

Mata Hari

Congress Street Up

Congress Street Up

Alley Cat Lounge

Alley Cat Lounge

Planters Tavern

Planters Tavern

El-Rocko Lounge

El-Rocko Lounge

The Distillery

The Distillery

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