About
Through the secret book case door, just past the frozen yogurt handles of Charlotte’s Desserts, lies the best kept secret in Farmingdale Village. Charlotte’s Speakeasy is a restored speakeasy from a very historic era of Farmingdale, with meticulous attention to authenticity and a vibe that comes up aces. Spirits and entertainment with signature cocktails and jazz ensembles to pass the night away, along with house fare to help wash those drinks down.
The way to get to the speakeasy is via a stairway to nostalgia.
John Hanc, Newsday
The DeVito brothers discovered this hidden gem while building Charlotte’s Desserts on the first floor of their building. Through the growing interest of the residents of Farmingdale, they decided to begin plans for the speakeasy and completed the project, their first foray into the bar scene, in November 2017.
History
A speakeasy, also called a blind pig or blind tiger, is an illicit establishment that sells alcoholic beverages. Such establishments came into prominence in the United States during the Prohibition era (1920–1933, longer in some states). Speakeasies, though illegal, were numerous and popular during the Prohibition years. Some were operated by people who were part of organized crime. Even though police and agents of the Bureau of Prohibition would often raid them and arrest their owners and patrons, they were so profitable that they continued to flourish. The speakeasy soon became one of the biggest parts of American culture during this time. Several changes happened as speakeasies formed; one was with integration. People of all races, black or white, would gather together and mingle.
Although the history of most of these speakeasies was undocumented, Farmingdale village was said to have been a hotbed for these establishments during prohibition. The cavernous space under Charlotte’s was the perfect spot to hide this gathering spot, with secret exits out of the back and sides of the building. It was said that there were bootleggers established in the Amityville area that used a diaper delivery service as a front to ship alcohol to Farmingdale and other areas.
Visit Charlotte’s Speakeasy and experience a piece of history in the relaxing, 1920s lounge atmosphere. Signature drinks, beer, house fare menu, coffees and frozen desserts. The newly renovated patio helps to expand the speakeasy’s area and creates a lot of depth in this unique venue.