What Kind Of Food Was Served At Speakeasies?

When Prohibition hit in the 1920s, America didn't lose its taste for a good drink. Instead, it just went underground. Enter the speakeasy — a hidden haven where drinking and socializing became a bit more ... creative. And where there's a party, there's always food. Small bites like canapés, finger sandwiches, and deviled eggs quickly became speakeasy staples, not because they were fancy, but because they were clever. In other words, they were easy to hold, easy to eat, and just enough to keep guests nibbling while they sipped on their secret martinis.

As it turns out, it wasn't just the 7th Duchess of Bedford who fancied little sandwiches for tea. These speakeasy patrons were finger food connoisseurs. Typically reserved for a prim afternoon tea, these tiny treats filled with smoked salmon, cucumber, or egg salad found a new purpose in the dimly lit, smoky haze of a speakeasy. They were chic, discreet, and refined — just enough to keep things classy while the gin flowed freely. 

And deviled eggs? They added a rich touch with creamy centers and, if you were lucky, a hint of caviar on top. These decadent bites might leave you wondering if those patrons had the perfect container to transport them because a smushed egg is just not the speakeasy vibe.

It wasn't just food that had to get creative during Prohibition. Martini cocktails were a speakeasy favorite, often made with "bathtub gin" — homemade booze allegedly whipped up in the tub, which didn't exactly pass any health inspections. Luckily, the bathtub has no part in what makes a martini dirty these days. Instead, modern dirty martinis just rely on a splash of olive brine for that savory twist.

Whenever you throw your next speakeasy-themed party, remember that no setup is complete without a thoughtfully paired charcuterie board. Speakeasy hosts surely would have appreciated the power of a spread filled with meats, cheeses, and fruits that balanced flavor and style, all while keeping guests munching without blowing their cover. A well-crafted board can be a feast for the eyes and taste buds that adds a touch of elegance even in the dim glow of a basement.

Seafood treats like oysters, shrimp patties, and crab cocktails added a hint of upscale elegance, with fruit cocktails or marshmallow-topped bites to wrap it up on a sweet note. These snacks were part of the whole speakeasy scene, making sure everyone could party like a mysterious Gatsby, snack in one hand and bathtub-infused martinis in the other. Because what's the point of a secret party if you can't indulge a little, savor each bite, and leave with a story that's just as delicious as the food?