One of the funnest places I've been to recently in Akron. If you don't remember the 1920s, but would like to experience the times of prohibition, this is as close as you can possibly get to it. There is a secret entrance from the outside to get into it with a video camera that you can watch from the bar to see people trying to figure out how to get into the Speakeasy. From the hotel, you enter through the phone booth. The drinks are amazing! Authentic and delicious drinks from the prohibition era as well as current times. The bartenders are a lot of fun as well. They dress and play the part of the prohibition era. This is a great place to go and have a drink or two prior to going on the Cuyahoga Valley National Park train. This evening we went to the Speakeasy and had a couple of drinks and then went down to the train for the Murder Mystery. read more

Northside Speakeasy - Banana Bread Bourbon Fizz - Speakeasies Near Me - Akron, Ohio

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This was an amazing bar to go to! First time there last night! I will be returning, there is no doubt about that! Friendly bartenders, great drinks! read more

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Super cool atmosphere, with great drinks! Dont let the entrance fool ya lol. I really liked that you were able to have a good conversation, and enjoy seriously great drinks! Be prepared to share space and talk, its not a huge establishment! Cant wait to come back! read more

Great spot, drinks and atmosphere. Nice little upscale place in Akron. Even has intimate booths to sit inside , patio outside and warm lights . read more

Attempting to find the entrance was so much fun at this place! Definitely unique. The ambiance inside was very cozy and inviting. Drink menu semi limited in my opinion, I just ended up ordering a margarita. So... by definition, a speakeasy is supposed to be hidden. As you approach the entrance, the words "Apothecary" is written on the door. That would make SO much more SENSE for the name of this place!! Calling it "Speakeasy" defeats the purpose of this amazing joint, and also makes it "basic". Coming from experience from Speakeasies in NYC & LA, lets get creative here and make it fun. Change up the name!!! Lots of potential. My two cents. I'd check it out though. read more

Came on a chill night. The drinks were good, would definitely come back to try others. I really like the intimate feel.

This used to be my favorite place to come, until tonight. I understand during these times capacity is limited. No big deal. We waited outside (46 degrees) until another couple left. We went in and went to take their seats until the bartender informed us those seats were reserved. I said, "we've waited outside for over a hour. I was unaware we could make reservations." To which he responded, "Oh you can't. My boss just texted me to let me know his friends are coming in." What a terrible business practice. I travel 45 minutes just to enjoy their cocktails and atmosphere, I will never be back. read more

Super neat place. Great for a couple drinks before dinner at DBA. Take the bartenders in stride. They have trouble working together. They do try though..... read more

Northside Speakeasy - Speakeasies Near Me - Akron, Ohio

Tevin is the dude. Happy hour is ridiculous and they are connected to the restraint next door which is great but... Kevin is one of those once in a while guys you run into that knows his craft but is a lot of fun to hang out with. If you like bourbon and a little absinthe ask him to make you a De La Louisiana. It's not on the menu but he kills it.Q read more

Historically, a Speakeasy is a hard to find cool spot. I really wish that I hadn't found this one. Weak drinks and weaker bartenders. They are rude and seem to forget that the experience isn't about them. They seemed overwhelmed by the job of a bartender. They are all about the show, but I say this place is a definite no go. read more

If you're looking for a great spot and cool ambiance, this is the place for you. Their cocktails were excellent. Only downside is that it can be pretty busy on the weekends and tough to find a seat, but well worth the wait. read more

Very cool low key bar. Love the different entrances & low key atmosphere. Various craft cocktails I choose from at a reasonable price.

I love this place! There are two secret entrances and once you are inside it's a beautiful cozy bar that serves some of the best cocktails I've ever had. I highly recommend the Joe juice. It would make a perfect dessert. The butts and butts was absolutely delicious. It was a complex layered tasting of hazelnut, berry and baileys. I highly recommend both read more

Northside Speakeasy - Speakeasies Near Me - Akron, Ohio

Trendy little place in the courtyard. Fun to find the secret entrance. Friendly staff and tasty cocktails. Definitely something different and new in Akron. read more

Northside Speakeasy - Speakeasies Near Me - Akron, Ohio

Such a cute, fun little spot! We went here on a Wednesday night & it was not very busy which is great because it's a small spot. Our bartender was great! Tried a ____ juice, which was a vodka after dinner drink. Usually not a fan of sweet martini's, but this was great! Also had a sidecar I believe & it very good & so cute- Came with a sidecar! read more

Northside Speakeasy - _____juice. Can't remember the name - Speakeasies Near Me - Akron, Ohio

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Great atmosphere, friendly staff, delicious drinks. I got Giggle Water which was very good. My husband and I have visited this bar 3 or 4 times now and will definitely go back. read more

Northside Speakeasy - Speakeasies Near Me - Akron, Ohio

In the wonderful city of Akron where most bars are the same, this is a nice change of pace. It's small space with 4 or 5 different seating opens: bar, chairs around table, high tops, patio and these cool booths for 2 with curtains. I did notice the bartenders saying that everyone had to have a seat and there was no standing. I like that but I could see others whining about it. It just fits the place though and sometimes you can't mess with their rules. Drinks are delicious and while they do have some awful beers (coors, yuck!) it's more crafted cocktails. Open the ipad menu and find something that sounds delicious, it's easy to do. Because they are a little more complex than a jack and coke be patient while they make your drink and watch- it's so fun! So now that you know you should go, the fun begins. Can you figure out how to get in? When you do, grab a seat by the tv and watch others do the same as you did. ;) read more

We had a group of 10 stop in after an excellent dinner at DBA. Our group was probably too big for this very 'cozy' establishment. That said, our bartender was serviceable (but assumed a 50-percent tip to one order and never offered change). The other bartender was extremely rude when a member of our party didn't hear him ask to move so he could walk around him with a tray of drinks. As a rule, I am a generous tipper. This same group has left stellar reviews for good service at other restaurants. Clearly, service is not a priority at Northside Speakeasy but there is no reason to be angry and obnoxious to customers. The drinks were good but we were out after one round and won't be back any time soon. Very dIsappointing. read more

Cool concept, nice atmosphere. Terrible service and overpriced drinks. Love the concept of the fancy pour. The bartenders looked pi$$ed off the whole time we were there. There are two guys manning the whole room, and each drink takes about 10 minutes to make. We were there 45 minutes and the people in our party never received a drink. The iPad ordering never worked. So if you like to be snubbed and overpay, this is the bar for you. read more

This place is the real speakeasy experience. This place has the coolest entrance that i've ever walked through. I'll give you a hint, "take me out the the ballgame, take me out to the crowd, buy me some peanuts...." Second hint "Read the graffiti" for door #2. Now once you get in, the drinks have a great twist on what you normally drink. I had the northside manhattan with hellfire bitters and that really adds a special kick and a special wow factor. There is a lot going on in this drink. I would get it again for sure. I really want to try everything. there is very limited food. More snacks than anything else. We had the chips and salsa and it was super good, not super spicy, slightly sweet, and awesomely smokey. Lots of chips good amount of salsa, I would definitely get it again. Bottom line....go here, I'll definitely be back. read more

This is one of my favorite places in Akron for a cocktail or two. The atmosphere is fantastic and the staff is friendly, knowledgeable and they even put on a show for the customers at the bar. (I won't spoil the surprise) I recommend going on a weeknight or earlier on weekends as seating is limited and it can get pretty busy. If you can't get a seat head next door to D.B.A. for a bit. read more

I was very underwhelmed by this place after making the special trip downtown to come here. The drinks were especially pricy for nothing spectacular at all. The mystery that everyone mentions was completely lacking and service was not there either. read more

Amazing drinks and spectacular atmosphere with friendly bartenders and delicious food

Fantastic bartenders who took the time to explain their craft when we asked. Drinks were all special, too. Great place to have an intimate conversation. Nothing like it in Akron. The only thing they are missing is something more substantial to eat. No, it won't distract from the drinks. read more

How do I get into this place? This is the first thing I thought as I visited the local Akron Speakeasy. Others in my party had been before and indicated the "code" had changed since their last visit. By pulling on a cracker jack box, we were able to transform a newsstand into a revolving door to gain entry. No surly bartenders pouring suds here. In a place that only holds 30, there were three talented bartenders mixing classic cocktails with a smile. This place is classic and modern, and a perfect location in Akron's Furnace street. See you soon, Speakeasy read more

Northside Speakeasy - Front room - Speakeasies Near Me - Akron, Ohio

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Very cool place in downtown Akron. I absolutely love the feel of the bar. The only bad thing I could say is the size is very small and sometimes it can be extremely hard to get a seat but I like the feel of it so much that I still enjoy going. read more

Fun setting. Extremely friendly staff. Great bourbon selection. Tried the Almond Manhattan - the almond adds a little sweet and cuts the bitterness. Pear Car was delicious. read more

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The ambience in the bar was really cool; it was themed perfectly. There were two ways in - either you push through a telephone booth or go through a magazine stand. The bartenders made us a Ginn fizz, a vesper, an aviation, and a Tom Collins. All four were so good. We had four drinks because we had two, left and went back the same night. We would recommend this place. It's a little "touristy" but a good time. read more

Great little cocktail place in downtown Akron! Great service and tasty cocktails. If you're staying at the attached hotel, it's right there which is super convenient. read more

Manager was quite rude when instructing is from afar with no guest experience skills that he was over capacity at 9:45p. All we needed was a drink made and we could be seated in the patio and social distancing could still be of our utmost priority- at least your neighbor restaurant DBA could accommodate us because they are fantastic! The STOW community will not be back ! read more

Stopped in late on a Saturday night with a full bridal party that had all booked with the hotel that this bar is located in. Was told by the bartenders that they were refusing to mix any cocktails off of the menu and that they were only doing liquor pours, of which they charged the same price as the mixed cocktails. Complete lack of professionalism from these employees that clearly don't take their employment seriously. The bar is completely full, hotel lobby is packed and there are PLENTY of patrons willing to spend cash and tip for QUALITY service at this establishment. I had previously been speaking very highly of this bar to all of my friends and coworkers because of the quality I had experienced in the past, but today's level of laziness from the bartenders has entirely changed my opinion. Don't ever come in to this establishment near closing time because you absolutely WILL NOT receive any amount of service. read more

By far the coolest bar in Ohio. It is slightly disguised as a 1920's apothecary store from the street. You enter through one of two secret entrances. One is a newsstand and the other is a phone booth in the adjacent hotel. Very James Bond or Bruce Wayne. Once inside you feel like you stepped back in time to prohibition. The decor is amazing with a few different seating options. There are even two private booths where you can close the drapes and you have your own control of the dimmer on the light and speaker I your booth and you flip a switch to call the bartender for service! The drinks are fresh, hand crafted and amazing. The price point is lower than any comparable craft cocktail bar in the region. The menu is on iPads complete with photos. So you know what you are getting, but there are traditional drinks, beer and wine for the less adventurous too. The bartenders are constantly creating new items right in front of you. The space is seating only so it feels like the private clubs did in the 1900's and you don't have people standing at the bar or over your shoulder. It is part of the Dante Dining Group which owns Dante Boccuzzi Akron and you can take your drinks back and forth through the adjoining patio which makes for a great waiting room when the seats are full. read more

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This is an incredible bar for any city, but especially fantastic in Akron. There is so much style and attention to detail that you feel like you are in another world. It is terrific escape. read more

I love this place, its my second time here. Great drinks and it's so cool. But the problem this time is that it reeks of bleach!!! I hate when places do that. Just wait until you close to haul out the bleach, dude! read more

The drinks were delicious! The bartenders were great and paid attention to the drinks the made. Atmosphere was nice. Perfect for a date or pre-dinner drinks. One of the coolest bars in Akron. read more

Update your hours of operation so people don't drive out of there way to come to your establishment when it's closed! Major waste of time.

I've read great reviews about this establishment so my husband and I went to Speak easy after dinner last Saturday night. We arrive at 9:45 pm. Every seat was occupied. We stood by the bar and were approached by a manager. We were astonished when he told us that because they were filled to capacity, we could not be served standing and basically told us we should leave. He actually suggested that we go to the bar across the street. Furthermore, the hotel that's attached to speak easy closes at 10:00; on a Saturday night! So we left and gladly spent our money else. We won't return. read more

Intimate craft cocktail bar with two secret entrances? Yes please! Speakeasy is located at the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Akron, next door to DBA. There is no door to get in : you have to use the secret entrances. From the street, go into the door and pull the Cracker Jack box in the 'newsstand'. From the hotel, go into the phone booth and lift up the receiver. When you do these, the door will open and reveal the bar. It's truly an intimate setting: maybe 12 seats at the bar and another dozen or so seats around the room. It's dark and depending on the crowd somewhat noisy. Bartenders are mixologists and will make anything; they specialize in classic drinks like an Old Fashioned, French 75, and a Tom Collins. Food is limited to appetizers, but even those are classy : Salted Bar Nuts, Dried Olives, Legumes, or sweet and sour pickles, or Italian Marinated Olives and Garlic, to name a few. There's a TV here but you don't come here for a Coors Light and a ball game. You come here with friends to relax and have some really top notch drinks and laugh and have fun! It's a great place. Definitely try it if you haven't been here. read more

Northside Speakeasy - Speakeasies Near Me - Akron, Ohio

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I normally try to only write positive reviews, but there have been enough people with whom I have spoken who have had a disappointing time here, so this review would likely be beneficial to some and hopefully will spare others from too much disappointment. I've been to several phenomenal speakeasies in major cities, including San Francisco, Chicago, and New York, so perhaps my expectations were too high to begin with. This place is small and the decor is okay. However, there have been at least 7 different people who have told me that they were told when they arrived that this speakeasy was at full capacity and someone took down their names and numbers and claimed that he/she would call them when someone left/when there was space and never followed through with this. It's fine if a place is full and one can't be served or seated right away, but if you're going to pretend that you have some sort of waiting list and if you're actually going to bother to take down someone's name and number and waste your breath on telling the person that you will call him/her when there is space and then not follow through with that, that's not awesome, especially when it's a business (and not just a guy hitting on a girl or a girl hitting on a guy or a guy hitting on a guy or a girl hitting on a girl). However, I tend to make my own decisions based on my own personal experiences and had been wanting to try this place out myself, so I ignored what these people had told me. Unfortunately, the same thing happened to my group of 3 perfectly appropriately dressed ladies. The bartender at Northside Speakeasy wrote down my name and number on a napkin and claimed that I would get a call when there was space available. We ended up going to/waiting at Dante Boccuzzi across the walkway and saw plenty of people come and go out of Northside Speakeasy for the next few hours without ever getting a call. Since both Northside Speakeasy and Dante Boccuzzi are owned by the same folks, one of my friends went in and grabbed drinks from Northside Speakeasy and brought them to us at Dante Boccuzzi, so I can at least say that the drinks she got us were delicious. However, I can also say that you will not get a call when they have space even if they claim that they will, as this has now happened to at least 8 people whom I know and therefore likely has also happened to plenty of others whom I don't know, which is rude and disrespectful and disappointing. Moral of the story: if they tell you they are full and will call you when they have space, that is a dirty lie and your time would be better spent at another place. read more

overpriced, slow, overrated. bartenders picked several, separate fights throughout the night with members of our group and at one point one bartender threw a credit card from across the bar at my friend. seemed to be a group of "regulars" there that they were more concerned about serving. The Marriott hotel staff was so friendly, very unfortunate that they're affiliated with this space. We will never return and I will actively tell people to avoid this place at all costs - I would never want any friend of mine to have an experience like we had. read more