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The speakeasy is a historically significant part of our nation's colorful romance with vice. During prohibition, America outlawed alcohol, a move which caused great discontent, as many Americans were not ready to abstain liquor. Prohibition created a black market for alcohol, and as for any illegal substance, in came people who were more than happy to assume the legal burdens and fill the void by selling the substance despite its contraband status. Speakeasies were established as secret bars that required passwords to enter. Frequently speakeasies were disguised as other types of businesses to avoid suspicion from the law, and many times the owners had men on the inside who were happy to take a bottle of bathtub gin and share profits to stay quiet. Lucky for us, many of these establishments have survived to present day, passing down to us their rich histories and traditional brews that satisfy us in a way that modern bars simply cannot. Below is a list of the 16 best speakeasies in America.

21 Club

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Anyone familiar with The Simpsons likely remembers the episode where Springfield made alcohol illegal, and Moe's Tavern was rigged up to convert itself into a pet shop at the flip of a switch. This cartoon joke was no doubt modeled after the famous New York speakeasy The 21 Club. During federal raids, the crafty bartenders could press a button and presto, the shelves would all flip around sending the contraband liquor through chutes, crashing the the ground somewhere else in the building. The 21 Club is also home to a secret wine cellar which required an 18" wire to unlock its doors. Today, the club is a popular spot for upscale drinkers, and the cellar can be rented out for private events.

Julius'

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Located in West Village, New York City, Julias' was perhaps the busiest speakeasy in the village during prohibition. Established in 1867, the bar started out as a regular drinking hole, but was converted into a gay bar in the mid 1960s. It was around this time that the bar began seeing regular visits from celebrities like Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams. Julias' has survived to present day and remains a popular hot spot for the New York City gay scene with a lot of history within its century old walls.

The Cotton Club

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Purchased by gangster Owney Madden in 1923, the unpopular club located on 142nd and Lenox Avenue in New York City quickly became the happening spot for Madden to sell his own brew of beer out of. Once in the hands of the mafia, the club was converted into an ultra exclusive nightclub catering to only the wealthiest and most influential of clientele. Performances from many famous celebrities were given at the Cotton Club, including Bing Crosby, Jimmy Durante and Cab Calloway. No longer under mob-rule today, the club is less exclusive than it was in the past, and those looking to enjoy a drink or two at a legendary speakeasy can drop by for a one of a kind atmosphere.

Club Lucky

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Located on Wabansia Ave in Chicago Illinois, Club Lucky combines the look and feel of a 1930's lounge bar with exquisite Italian cooking. The bar room hasn't changed a bit since its establishment over 70 years ago. Even the jukebox is rather vintage, packed with rat pack tunes that put you right back in the time of greasers and black leather jackets. Pat Bruno, a food critic from the Chicago Sun Times sings Club Lucky's praises after his visit, stating, "If I had the time to hang out in an Italian restaurant, this is the kind of place I'd choose. The good feel of the place got me the first time I walked through the door."

Butch McGuire's

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Having served over 23 million glasses of beer, Butch McGuire's is a place full of history. Beginning as a speakeasy during prohibition, the bar survived a federal raid or two and went on to be purchased by Butch McGuire in 1960 for $560.00. McGuire had the genius idea of starting the first "singles bar," and in 1961 his vision became a roaring sensation. Since its beginnings, tens of thousands of people have hooked up over a few drinks, and many of them have gone on to get married. The bar is still a supremely popular singles club, and many refer to it as, "the standard by which all other Division Street bars are judged," and, "a living museum of the Near North singles scene."

Cork & Kerry

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Built in 1930, this legendary bar is located in the far South Side Irish neighborhood of Beverly in Chicago, Illinois. During federal raids of the bar, barrels of booze were hidden beneath the spacious beer gardens in the property. Surviving a near devastating fire in 1999, Cork and Kerry reopened in 2000 and is a popular location to enjoy a tall one at today. If you are wondering when the best time of year to drop by this bar might be, you might consider heading down during the Christmas season. Cork and Kerry goes all out for the season, stringing up over 7,000 lights and setting up animatronic robots to honor the Christmas spirit. No matter what season you visit Cork and Kerry during, however, you can be assured of a great atmosphere, a history rich establishment, and fresh, cold drinks.

Durkin's

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Former speakeasy and elderly bar, Durkin's is located on W. Diversity Parkway in Chicago Illinois, and presents itself as a laid back Irish pub. Starting as a bar and grille and converting to a speakeasy during prohibition, Durkin's holds the oldest continuous beer license on the north side of Chicago. In the mid 1970s, the bar underwent renovations, during which the workers discovered a secret room containing White Horse Scotch and Portuguese brandy. Currently, the bar is a refreshing breather from the all too familiar raucous college scene. Durkin's is a great place to take it easy in a classic atmosphere with friendly people form the Chicago Irish community.

Tags: speakeasies, drinking, beer, wine, alcohol