Wow, what a find. Not sure exactly how I came across this business on yelp but so happy I did. I stopped by an hour before close after dinner tonight. I just missed their live jazz band that they have on weekly Wednesday basis starting at around 7 or 8pm. I wasn't too disappointed because I knew I'd be back. The entrance is setup as a VHS store with VHS movie cases displayed all over the "storefront." Everyone here was polite and welcoming. I was met by a host who showed me the way into the hidden bar, that you enter via a soda machine. If I'm not mistaken, there's a specific button that opens the vending machine door (you'll get a hint as to which one it is.) I was lead to the back to a narrow, elongated bar area that was perfectly dim with cozy decor; incredibly inviting, warm, could make be described as elegant. At the end of the bar, near the exit (at the back of the establishment), is where the band usually sets up. I sat down and asked the bartender to free flow through his cocktail creativity and to please include smoke. He didn't disappoint, I can't recall the name of the cocktail but he included two scotches and delivered the smokiness I was looking for. I love a good spirit despite lacking the knowledge of its production to which Jeremy, the founder, explained to me in a way that helped me understand the distilling processes simpler than I thought possible. On their bar top there were two mini wooden barrels that held their own aged products . One contained Irish whiskey which was referred to as the Irish- the other was as a cherry infused bourbon-- both good but the bourbon? Divine. Tonight I learned that the wood you choose to age your alcohol in heavily impacts the flavor of the liquor, not only through the amount of time the spirit ages in the barrel, but the type of wood used. The example I was given was that of oak and its ability to allow sugar to be drawn from it via a liquor (can't recall which one exactly was used to describe this process). Here they also produce all of their bases/ juices or an additions to the drinks they make. You know exactly what you're drinking here. I had little knowledge of this distilling/infusion/aging components and also of Wallingford, a place that was once referred to as the wettest town in the U.S. It makes sense given that their main strip contains 18 bars in itself. This Gilded Curtain was incredibly immersive, there is no doubt that I'll be back, lots of times, with lots of different people to impress. Love this place, it's a must visit recommendation from here on out. Thank you Gilded Curtain (Jeremy). read more

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What a COOL concept. And the drinks were delightful and so well crafted. Uber gets confused and did drop us in the back based on the maps location, but that's the parking lot if you drive yourself! And truly everyone working there was so sweet and kind. We only could stay for one drink but god I wish we could've lingered longer. Such a great atmosphere. read more

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Definitely a very cool speakeasy to check out and the service here was incredible. You first enter through a nostalgic video shop , where you are greeted by friendly staff that gives a brief introduction about the store. You then have to press the secret button on the Pepsi vending machine and the door will then open. The ambiance here is so cool! We were a party of 5 so we grabbed a table in the back. The service here was amazing. Our waiter greeted us quickly and took our orders as soon as we could figure out what we wanted. He even helped me pick a drink I would like.I ordered the VANILLA VIXEN SMOOTH VANİLLA VODKA, A BRIGHT STING OF LEMON, A WHISPER OF LOCAL TRIPLE SEC AND A TOUCH OF HOUSE MADE SIMPLE SYRUP. SWEET SOPHISTICATION. For 16$ it was delicious! read more

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Step into a 1920's style underground bar with drinks that takes you feel sophisticated! We got the Vanilla Vixen, a smooth vanilla vodka, lemon, triple sec and a touch of house made simple syrup. This was lemon merengue pie in a glass. We also got a Coffee blanca Espresso martini, with Vanilla vodka, cold brew and trader vic's coffee liqueur. Fancy! Both beverages were strong and good! The only downfall is this isn't a big location, but there weren't a lot of people! We were the only party early in the night so sizing isn't an issues. This is a smaller, more intimate location. There are two smaller barstool/booth areas, otherwise it's all bar seating Pointers for parking; the exit is at the back of the building and have to walk around front if you parked at the main entrance. There is parking in back as well. read more

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Always amazing, a beautiful addition to the bones & botanicals legacy. Very excited for what the owners will continue to bring to CT read more

The Gilded Curtain - Speakeasies Near Me - Wallingford, Connecticut

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Probably my favorite speakeasy I've been to in CT so far! Loved the traveling back in time theme. They had live music (cello, trumpet, and piano). Would give a 5 for atmosphere , though it is a bit small; bar seating only. It's also quite overpriced in my opinion, particularly for Wallingford area- $16 cocktails. I will say bartenders were very friendly and were able to make me a fun "feeling lucky" drink. Street parking is available up and down the street with a public lot a 5 minute walk down the road. I would definitely come back read more

I had one of the best cocktails if not the best cocktail I've ever had here! I'm already planning my next visit! The bartender's are exceptional, and the menu is other wordly! The best speak easy I've tried of several between NYC and CT! read more

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Awesome hidden gem in downtown Wallingford! Drinks were great, atmosphere was amazing starting from the moment you walk through the front door of the "video store". We're in town a couple times a year to visit family and this will be a must-do for future visits. read more

The Gilded Curtain is a classic Hollywood-themed speakeasy and cocktail lounge that opened in Wallingford, Connecticut in September 2024. It was founded by husband and wife Jeremy and Sarah Glidden. After a period of experimentation with crafting their own cocktails, the couple opened a witchcraft-themed speakeasy and tea shop called "Bones & Botanicals" in January 2023. The business was met with much success. Although the speakeasy was more of an emphasis on Sarah's interests, Jeremy had an idea to open a new speakeasy that had an emphasis on his. Opening in downtown Wallingford in late 2024, The Gilded Curtain appears to be a nostalgic 1980s-era VHS rental shop to any common passersby. Anyone who presses the correct button on a seemingly normal soda vending machine in the shop will unlock the secret entrance to a speakeasy which is themed around the Golden Age of Hollywood. The menu consists of craft cocktails, craft mocktails, wine, local craft beer & cider, and food options courtesy of either Six One Nine Supper Club or Favio's Trattoria. The speakeasy also features local live music acts every Wednesday night. I recently visited The Gilded Curtain for the first time. I had previously visited and enjoyed the Gliddens' other speakeasy, Bones & Botanicals, but was excited to experience Jeremy's pride & joy. I loved the whole concept of a VHS rental shop front. The nostalgic '80s fan in me was so psyched as I glanced at many of my favorite films on the walls. I then hit the secret button on the soda machine and I was transported back in time to the 1920s. I totally loved the vibe of the place with all of the Hollywood decor. There was a decent-sized crowd during my visit. Since it was Wednesday night, the crowd was treated to live jazz music by the Nick Di Maria Trio. It just so happens that Nick and I studied music in college together and he's one of my oldest and dearest friends. For food, I ordered a delicious "Chicken Caesar Wrap" (grilled chicken, roasted tomatoes, shaved parmesan, croutons, Caesar dressing) with a side of "Housecut Fries" (pesto aioli), courtesy of Six One Nine. Guests can also ask for some complimentary popcorn from the popcorn machine. Some of the delicious cocktails I tried included the "Sinners Bite" (barrel-aged tequila, black raspberry liquor, triple sec, grenadine, lime & blackberry), "The French Twist" (mocktail: N/A gin, elderflower, lemon & Monietto N/A prosecco), and "The Invisible Man" (gin, clear luxardo bitter, Dolin dry vermouth, thyme & rosemary). The highlight for me was "Smoke Show" (Lunazul Anejo tequila, lightly sweetened with a hint of housemade simple syrup, orange & cherry bitters, finished with a veil of aromatic smoke). Not only was it delicious but also thoroughly entertaining to watch it being made. I must point out that the Gliddens are lovely people and I had a nice time chatting with them. I also must tip my hat to their talented team of mixologists. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to The Gilded Curtain and I look forward to returning! read more

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I love speakeasy bars so it was a given to come here post birthday dinner celebrations. The entrance to the bar was cute. It is a small space so not a lot of seating available but the ambiance is nice. We sat at the bar and enjoyed the drinks. Would probably come back again for drinks. read more

The Gilded Curtain - Speakeasies Near Me - Wallingford, Connecticut

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This place is so great that I want to go again! The ambience is just so amazing, the vibes are great! The people there are super cool. The decor is everything. In awe of the place, seriously. The drinks are delicious, I can't wait to go back and actually try the surprise drink. They don't actually have food there but they do order food from a restaurant for you which is pretty cool, and the food is actually really good. I got the truffle fries (delicious) with a California burrito which was so flavorful. I had the vanilla vixen which is a must order for a drink, the flavor is really good! The blue drink was a mix of flavors into a slushee. No regrets at all! Honestly didn't want to leave lol will be coming back soon! Love it! read more

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Fun speakeasy in the center of town. The drinks are affordable and well crafted. Tons of free available nearby parking. There's food available to order from nearby restaurants. Will definitely be back again! read more

Pros: A very cool speakeasy theme of a video shop with a hidden bar. The bar is beautiful inside. Drinks are wonderful. Staff is wonderful. Cons: Very very limited seating and long wait times. A wait of 30 minutes was very inaccurate and actually an hour to then only have a standing spot inside at a small ledge. Only 4 very small snack items on menu. The uniqueness and wonderful staff made the wait less painful. We were treated so well. The long wait times would prevent us from visiting as often as we would like. read more

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Cool place. The woman up front was great. We had a good time trying to get in to the Speakeasy. Ambiance nice inside. We liked the movies playing and the still frames of movies on the walls. Knew the man would love that as he loves movies. Didn't care for my drink. I got the Smokey margarita and the bartender did mention it was spirit forward but it was not well balanced. It's also strange to us that they didn't offer wines by the glass. Only half bottles. Just know that if you don't care for mixed drinks and just looking to have wine and only want one drink. read more

Went by chance Saturday night 13Jun2026 after dinner next door. We really thought we were at a retro video store. The hostess went above and beyond!!! She Talked about customers who wanted to literally buy videos. She passed the time as waited ten minutes to enter the speak easy. Then helped us / prompted us what to do next. Thanks so much for dealing with our party of 4. read more

this place was so fun!! the lady at the front is so inviting and great at storytelling, she gave us a little monologue before entering the speakeasy! the concept on this speakeasy speaks to me considering i have a tv/film background (it's a VHS store!). we sat down and they were having a movie night which i really liked. they offer some food or snacks i believe (never saw the menus) but i did see popcorn. the drink menu was so so - i personally only resonated with one or two cocktails and averaged about $17 each. there was one bartender who had a bit of an attitude and was a little condescending which was weird but we just ignored him. read more

The Gilded Curtain - inside - Speakeasies Near Me - Wallingford, Connecticut

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This place is so cute when you walk in it's like a Blockbuster but then you have to push a button to open up the soda machine to enter the bar. The bars set up super cute and they have really good drinks. read more

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I have swung in there the last couple times on my way to the Oakdale. Great vibe, really cool bar great cocktails . Next time I will eat there because their food menu looks like it has some tasty bites. read more

What a hidden Gem !!! Amazing cocktail , speakeasy vibes , friendly staff and amazing owner!!! read more

We had the most phenomenal experience at The Gilded Curtain. The speakeasy concept is so fun and they really pull it off so well. No spoilers! The turn over is quick- but you want to spend forever and a day enjoying all of the delectable handcrafted cocktails. You don't feel rushed at all, you can really enjoy your stay. Bartenders Tommy & Andrew were so personable and you can see how much pride they take in their craft. The women managing the queue at the front are so funny and friendly, they do an amazing job making the "wait time" fly by. The drinks are to die for- my favorite is Vanilla Vixen- it's a vanilla vodka based cocktail with a citrus twist - local made triple sec & lemon. Super light and refreshing- the most dangerous combination because you really want to drink 10 of them and take a bath in it. I cannot wait to come back with more friends. This was so fun! read more

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Who knew that a stroll down memory lane could lead to the most sophisticated spot in town? Gilded Curtain is *technically* a 90s video store (wink nudge) but if you're thirsty for a soda, you might just find yourself on the path to a much more elevated experience. Once you're inside, it's like stepping into a bygone era of gold curtains, moody lighting, and a kiss of old-school Bollywood charm and red carpet Oscars meets 1920s class. The bar? A stunner--underlit bottles, perfectly dim vibes, and, wait for it, comfortable bar stools (seriously, they exist!). The quaint lounge area in the back is perfect for kicking back, or if you're more into standing, the sleek spots by the bar work just as well. The Matinee section of the menu is a love letter to classic cocktails, but the real star? Monkey Business. It'll make you rethink everything you know about Manhattans. Even the trip downstairs to the bathrooms feels like a journey into an NYC speakeasy--minus the hustle, minus the grime. Because let's be real, Gilded Curtain is far too demure for all that. read more

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It was my first time here. I liked the nostalgia this place was giving off. The whole video store vibe and all. To my chagrin there was a waitlist to walk into the bar area which I thought was weird. My buddy and I surpassed the line, " they obvi realized who I am" lmao. Jk. Truth be told, there were only two of us and that was good enough. lol anywho, walking through the Pepsi machine was a nice touch. The interior of the bar is tastefully decorated in dark seedy colors and the ambiance was what I feel would be a "speakeasy" kinda vibe. It's not a large area and I feel like they could've let more people in to fill it up better, but to each is own. Control the flow, it wasn't a busy night is all I'm saying. In my humble opinion, there shouldn't have been anyone waiting in the lobby. The drinks were perfect. I love me some Ole Fashion, and it was just so tasty, and honestly, I'd say it was in the top 8 or places I've tried. There was a popcorn machine there, however; I would've liked to pick at some bar food. Just sayin... all in all it was a good experience. read more

Had a great time. Worth the wait in the "video store." The drinks were EXCELLENT and the decor really sold the speakeasy vibe. One of the better speakeasy establishments we've ever been to. Worth the drive. Highly recommend. read more

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This place was really cool and it was such a surprise to find. The VHS-themed front store gives off escape room vibes, with the reward being a great chill bar with amazing drinks and wonderful staff! This should be your next must-do this weekend! read more

This is a well thought out speakeasy that will transport you through 2 time periods. First you enter the 1990's retro video store stocked with real VHS tapes and movie posters. The vibe truly is reminiscent of those video store days, less those rewind fees. To get to the hidden secret bar, and the next time period, you've got to go through a Time Machine! No worries the clerk working the video store will be glad to help you figure out the secret to let you travel further back in time. Once you've entered the 1920's speakeasy, you'll meet some of the best mixologists around. Hand crafted cocktails for every taste including mock tails if you prefer no alcohol. Light fare is offered and delivered from a nearby restaurant, so you can snack and enjoy a few drinks. Once you're done, like a true speakeasy, you slip out the back door. Visit the Gilded Curtain and enjoy all the buzz yourself. You won't be disappointed. read more

First off!! This was me and my boyfriends first time here. I love the 90s movie video store aspect and having to open the door to the vending machine the drinks were phenomenal!!! My boyfriend had the coffee blanca and the quiver with anticipation amazing drinks and I had the frozen cocktail which was delicious I highly recommend this place 5 stars and Jeremy the owner was awesome as well we will definitely be back #support local businesses read more

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I'm still going to give five star even though I've never gotten the chance to come here. As a bartender in the industry, and a local to the Area. I really want to try this place out!! I love a good speakeasy, and appreciate good cocktail. Unfortunately, they are closed Sunday-Tuesday and I work Wednesday-Sunday. I hope I get to visit one day. Mayne per chance I have an extra day off. this place looks so amazing!! read more

Great atmosphere and delicious drinks! There is a limit to how many people are allowed in. Because of this it is not crowded, you are able to talk to your group. The patrons were friendly and upbeat. Waiting system - we got here at 5:30 and it was already full with a one hour wait. We put on name down, got some pizza down the street (also yum) and came back an hour later. We were told it still would be a while but after another ten minutes or so were able to go in. While we waited we did hear the conversations between the bar and the host (?) where they made sure to call people on the waitlist to tell them there was space available and waited for them to call/text back. A *lot* of people had put their names down on the list and more came in while we were waiting. The entrance is cool and makes you feel like you are going somewhere special! We were welcomed and given drink menus and shown to where we could sit. The bartenders were skilled and the drinks were fantastic. I saw them making drinks that weren't on the menu that were gorgeous (painkillers). They asked for feedback on the drinks and the owner was there making sure everyone was happy. The patrons we saw were diverse and some were dressed up though you don't need to. Would definitely return read more

The Gilded Curtain - Speakeasies Near Me - Wallingford, Connecticut

This place needs a MUCH better wait system. Told us 30 mins, came back 30 mins later and were told another 30 mins but we were "in the vortex". Grabbed a drink somewhere else, came back, again told "it's going to be a while". They don't take your number or anything so I guess you're just suppose to wait outside for an undetermined amount of time. We left so our entire Friday night wasn't taken up. read more