By admin 
A new speakeasy inspired by the Prohibition holds its grand opening on Friday in Old Sacramento.
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True to its Prohibition-era style, the bar disguised as a bookstore serves 1920s themed cocktails from a drink menu that resembles a book, each drink listed next to its origin story.
“The 1920s were the golden age of the speakeasy,” said The 1920s Bookstore owner San Bao. “Prohibition turned drinking into rebellion and bartenders into alchemists — honey and citrus masking bathtub gin, hidden rooms behind unmarked doors.”
Through the 1920s and early 1930s, alcohol was outlawed in the United States. Since serving, importing and transporting alcohol was against the law, speakeasies were hidden away, often behind legitimate businesses, Bao said. To honor that time period, Bao came up with The 1920s Bookstore.
“I thought that part of U.S. history and culture was really fascinating,” Bao said. “That’s why we came up with the idea of the 1920s, and then put a bookstore in front of it, and then behind those shelves is an actual small speakeasy bar.”
Bao bartended for two years, having spent most of his mixology career in Houston, he said.
“I always wanted to open a small bar to focus on classic cocktails,” Bao said. “…There’s no gimmick. There are no modern or contemporary cocktails. It’s all just classic cocktails.”
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Bao said the Old Sacramento location complements the bar’s theme. The area’s historic significance and the quiet of Pioneer Square pairs well with the business.
“We live in a world that moves fast and announces everything loudly. I wanted the opposite,” Bao said. “(I wanted) a hidden place where you have to seek it out, where time feels different once you’re inside. Pioneer Square felt like the perfect home for that kind of idea.”
Customers can choose from a variety of themed drinks from the 1920s through the disco-era, including a French 75 with gin, lemon, simple syrup and champagne or an El Diablo, made with reposado tequila, creme de cassis, lime and ginger beer.
The bar does not serve food, just cocktails which range from $16 to $20. Its address is listed as 900 2nd St., Old Sacramento, but in true speakeasy fashion, its reservation site recommends looking for the clock once you arrive in Pioneer Square and the songbird will point the way.
The 1920s Bookstore is a small space, so reservations are required. Aside from Friday’s Noon opening, the speakeasy will be open from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sundays to Wednesdays and on Thursdays and Fridays from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
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