Did you know the Cosmopolitan is from the 1930s? But it was a very different drink from the late 70s/early 80s revival. The only thing disappointing about this speakeasy is you walk right up two flights of steps. No password, no hidden entrance, door wide open. Other than that, the building itself is actually from the 1800s(!) and is done up in proper 1930s decor. I had the Slingapore sling, he had a hand crafted cola (lots of spices to decipher). read more

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We had such a wonderful experience as congress street up. The bartenders, Leah and Regan, were wonderful. Not only did they make sure we had cocktails we would love, but we chatted with them for the two hours we were there. They were super personable, and if we were local, we'd be back all the time. They really made our experience! The cocktails were unique and amazing from The pbj espresso martini, to the creamsicle inspired cocktail and the one that reminded me of a pink drink from Starbucks. Regan also made us our own unique cocktail too. They are all super reasonably priced for high quality as well! The speakeasy is adorable. It's upstairs, and there is no password! It was simple to find, and someone greeted us and told us where to go. We were also able to leave our umbrella there since it was pouring when we went. The spot is historical and fun. I loved every part about it. Add this to your must do Savannah list! read more

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Latest visit and it's still on point!!! Suit and Thai and an Old Fashioned...delicious! This place is a can't miss! read more

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Really awesome ambiance and service! Cocktails fell a little short of expectations, but we are admittedly very picky. I would say to check it out if you visit the museum. It's a cool experience! read more

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The Congress Street up speakeasy had a chill vibe with the history of prohibition all along the walls. The bartender was extremely knowledgeable of his craft and took his time making our drinks to perfection. read more

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If I could give this speak easy 0 stars I would. The museum was lovely and very well done. At the end you land at this very small speakeasy bar. There were two bar tenders. We stood at the bar for a while before one finally stopped putting glasses on a shelf to take my order. Greeting us with "what's up"? Not sure why you would greet someone like that who obviously wants to order a drink at a bar. The menu is decent, with beverages you are familiar with however they are served in plastic throw away cups. I have never ordered a French 75 and been served it in a plastic throw away cup. It was terrible. We tried to use the $2 off coupon but it was denied. By the way all the drinks we ordered were terrible. Tasted disgusting and so small! Would not recommend grabbing a $12 drink at this bar after the museum. read more

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Came here as part of the Prohibition Tour. Really great surprise at the end of the tour and we used our discounted drink tickets. I ordered the Brown Derby and it was tasty but too warm, should have had a rock included. Service was good and the location is a lot of fun, love the 20s vibe. read more

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Mixed bag here. This is a "speakeasy" located at the Prohibition museum so the venue itself is full of interesting tidbits of info. The museum itself was closed by the time we got there but the docent on hand gave us a quick mini tour, and it was pretty cool. Obviously presentation is important in a cocktail but doubly so if you're doing holiday themes, whether that means sprinkles, or just a candy cane hanging off the rim, unfortunately the night we came they were doing Christmas tours so we were told that we could only get our drinks in a little disposable plastic cup. Luckily the pub crawl pricing was low enough that the 2 things mostly offset one another. Mostly... Sigh... this made me sad. read more

Congress Street Up - Speakeasies Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

This speakeasy is exactly what you would hope for in a secret bar, challenging to find, interesting once you find it, great bartenders and tasty unique cocktails. We ordered two cocktails from their menu and when I was getting ready to decide on the next one, the bartender had been playing with a new recipe and let me had the drink she was testing. It was equally delicious. They have tons of different Prohibition Era artifacts as it is part of the museum, which was a great opportunity to wonder around the bar looking at the old newspapers, photos , glasses, etc. A history lesson at a bar, who would have thought!? read more

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The entire package...from learning about prohibition, ie the expansion of the automobile engines to the muscle cars they were in the 60's-70's. all bored out to increase horsepower to outrun the cops. I love the feeling as though I stepped back in time and was walking around in that era, experiencing what it. At the end of the tour, you were able to select one of their cocktails for free. Since I don't drink spirits usually, it was quite the taste experience. A cocktail is uniquely different from the previous one. And did not have a alcohol taste. The flavors were amazing. We made it a girls east coast trip in 2019, and I'd never seen anything like these craft cocktails on the west coast. Great personal and our female bartender shared her thinking on how she would attempt to design and layer new cocktail creations. (*I am not a spirt drinker, but boy am I sold!!) read more

My husband is still talking about the Old Fashion that he had at Congress Street Up... "best of his life"! While there's no formal menu, the bartender could pretty much make us whatever we wanted. He was so knowledgeable and outgoing and wanted to make sure we were happy with whatever he made. It really felt like being in an actual speakeasy, too. The decor and how the bartenders were dressed made the whole vibe come to life. read more

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Situated right before prohibition was repealed on the tour of the Prohibition Museum (or accessible from the street without visiting the museum) is Congress Street Up serving up classic cocktails from the speak-easy era when it wasn't legal to drink anything with alcohol in it. The selection of drinks is nice (Or they can mix anything you want) and the bartenders are knowledgeable. (And tippable via Venmo which is a great convenience we experienced on our trip to the south at many places.) I enjoyed the Brown Derby cocktail...I mean it really was one of the more delicious cocktails I had. Perfectly mixed with knowledge and skill. This is a great place, especially after visiting the museum, to experience some of the flavors of an era gone by, which informed the cocktail culture we so enjoy today. Definitely stop in! read more

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Stopped in for a drink on a girls cocktail trip. The servers were super nice and the whole scene was fun. Definitely worth a quick stop! read more

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Brilliant little place. It truly looks the part with great attention to detail. Like a time machine has sent you back to the 1920's. Cocktails were great, service was excellent, even when the pressure was on. (Quality Cocktails take time). read more

I would not call this authentic speakeasy, but I would say it is a true prohibition themed bar. It is located in the Prohibition museum, but runs as a standalone bar as well. The drinks were authentic to the era, and we got the famous Chatham artillery punch. I loved seeing some of the prohibition era items within the bar the bartender fit the part, and overall good drinks and a good time. While we were there we found out they also do cocktail making classes. Sounds fun interested in finding out more. read more

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I love, love, love this little gem of a bar! Giving the authentic Speakeasy vibes, this establishment not only serves up fantastic cocktails, but a cool, easy vibe. Every cocktail I've had here was stellar. The bartenders know their stuff and are pleasant, interesting folks. We can't wait to visit Savannah and are happy to say this spot is going to be one we return to again and again. read more

Great speakeasy! The drinks are delicious with unique twist on some. Amazing mixology of the cocktails. The ambiance is quiet and chill! I really enjoy the decor and chill vibe. Annoying that 2 patrons sat in the middle of the bar a seat apart and took up the whole bar basically. Not really fair to the bartender because no one else could really sit at the bar. read more

Loved this prohibition speakeasy bar! They went to great lengths to make it look authentic and the drink selections are great; they have classic drinks and their own unique drinks! Awesome bar tenders and music playing. Definitely worth checking out. read more

Gotta be honest: I feel like the speakeasy museum was opened specifically just to house this bar. Congress Street Up is themed to the era of prohibition, and thus is decorated as such. Bartenders wear period clothing, the drink menu has classics from that era, and whether you walk through the prohibition or not (and enjoyed it or not) this will feel like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. There is a bunch of museum articles and other stuff available to look at if you wish, but the main even is the drinks. I had Chatham Artillery Punch the other day and loved it, so we got that. This version was a bit heavier on the champage and a smaller portion, but that's to be expected in what is ultimately a mixology bar. Drinks were $12 each, and in hindsight I wish I had tried something else--especially since I'm a big glassware guy, and having all of the drinks served in period glassware was freaking awesome. I like the concept a bit better than the execution, however I would definitely back here again by itself to try more. read more

Congress Street Up - Speakeasies Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

Got 3 to go drinks 1 of 3 drinks was ok The other two were dumped about 1/2 way consumed Maybe we ordered the wrong drink but with tip is was a $50 mistake read more

What a fun speakeasy!! They offer cocktail classes, but we stopped in for one drink. The bar tender was awesome. He asked us questions about what we like to drink and created special cocktails for us based on our answers. Prices were lower than I expected for the one on one and atmosphere, $11 per drink. Fun place. Cheers! read more

Congress Street Up - Special crafted cocktails - Speakeasies Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

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The last stop in the actual American Prohibition Museum is this awesome cocktail bar!  The bartenders are great and very friendly.  They have a really nice cocktail list too.  It's fun to sit and sip while checking out the backside of a two-way mirror!! I hear that on weekends, they are open to the public as a regular bar as well. read more

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I wanted to like Congress Street Up more than I actually did. There are some undeniable good things about this place but also some not so good. Perhaps I came on an off night but it was a peculiar experience. The pros: -Live music: A man was singing and playing guitar and he was good. His song choice was fun and it created a good atmosphere -Ambiance: The 1920's speakeasy vibe was on-point. The decor was awesome and the venue was very cool -The drinks: At $10 a pop for craft cocktails this was super reasonable and they were very tasty and creative (at least this is a steal to me and my friend who pay way more for cocktails in our respective cities) The cons: -The staff: It wasn't that busy and it seemed like everyone there were friends with the two staff members. The bartender would frequently leave the bar area and go hang with this group of very young girls. We were waiting around to try and leave but couldn't get our bill -The patrons: The crowd was definitely early 20's and kind of loud and rambunctious which is fine just not what I want to be around read more

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Absolutely loved this bar we stumbled upon. Kind of tucked away, the bar takes you back to a prohibition era. The bartender was kind and the man can sing. We had a great time and the drinks are some of the best we've had in Savannah. read more

This place was the epitome of awesome. The atmosphere was incredible and epic. The staff was so accommodating and friendly- uniforms to match the vibe were so cool. I will definitely be back!! read more

Best "Old Fashioned" I've Ever Had? HERE. SITREP Before I get to deets of "Why", "Where", "When" & "How" of being in Savannah, I'll start by saying that Congress Street Up ("Congress") is where I enjoyed THE BEST Old Fashioned I've ever had. Now for the deets... THE SETUP I rendezvoused with a few dozen friends over the course of delightful extended weekend in Savannah, GA. Why? "Just because!" No work reason. Not a reunion per se. Nothing to do with any school I've been to from high school, thru college, thru grad school or law school. "Just because." Just because we enjoy going to new places, trying new things, hitting new restaurants and bars, experiencing activities that are unique to the locale, in this case: Savannah. And to say the times and fun were nothing short of spectacular would be an understatement. SIDEBAR: as an aside, our crew had already enjoyed Jen & Friends and Lulu's Chocolate Bar - BOTH of these establishments make the most amazing chocolate martinis, Jen's going to the extent of making them alcoholic chocolate bars with the bar in fact in the martini. I LOVED them. But that being said, I was ready for a "grown-up" drink, and that means going to a "grown-up" place... CONGRESS Which takes us to Congress: a beautiful, low key, not-easy-to-find speakeasy on Congress St., and here we were treated to a multitude of fantastic beverages that were blessed upoon us by two absolutely talented bartenders, Warren and ...that OTHER cool guy. ;) [For me also a true delight since I was able to enjoy Congress on more than one occasion while in Savannah.] SPIRIT OF PROHIBITION In some ways, coming to Congress is like stepping back in time almost a century ago to 1920 when the 18th Amendment was enacted by Congress (not this one, but the OTHER "Congress", assholes..) that began the Prohibition of Alcohol in the United States. This history is shared all over the walls of Congress. It was a joke from the start as the ever-great giant of comedians W.C. Fields knew. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/congress-street-up-savannah?select=2LVDUvJnVjuXqzIyU1u1-A&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w And what a ridiculous amendment that in hindsight made as much sense as requiring horse hitching posts in front of all buildings in the time of the auto as they DID in the town of the college I went to - Walla Walla, WA. Unfortunately, on the darker side, though, Prohibition gave organized crime an even better foothold in our society that's been maintained today. ["Gee thanks, asshole Congress." Yet again to be clear, Not THIS Congress, though, but the D.C.-Congress (who are still dicks).] ;) Thank god the 21st Amendment repealed by the 18th. But what a waste of TWO Amendment numbers that essentially canceled each out. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/congress-street-up-savannah?select=2kKks8zOfQQDfoMT5C00tg&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w OLD FASHIONED This and the Sazerac are two of my favorite drinks. "Old Fashioned" is what I was feeling at this moment, so I pulled the trigger on it. And I couldn't be more inspired by the fact that I DID... https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/congress-street-up-savannah?select=xGNCjHfqVmBmrFQBmqK1NQ&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w ..because my tongue and taste buds would not have experienced the sheer joy that they did if I had not. It was beautiful, right down to the ice globe in the middle of it, like a TRUE Old Fashioned should have. DRINKS GALORE! There were so many others to enjoy too... * From ales https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/congress-street-up-savannah?select=wJQfXbcWADf5IejpfjqzPA&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w * To minty delights https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/congress-street-up-savannah?select=pdQxkB-TRNcO7dRzCB9ewQ&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w * And to punch bowls full of ..."something" (I couldn't speak to the wisdom of all alcohol-beverage acquisitions this night, and I sure don't know why 4 people would want a punch bowl with enough alcohol for 20, but to each their own) https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/congress-street-up-savannah?select=G7tohBYUzbBw57S30hwBIw&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w So be it. THE LOWDOWN Best drinks are at Congress - OTHER than Chocolate Martinis, mind you - that you can have anywhere in this lovely country of ours. read more

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First off, Warren is awesome. I asked him to create something for me, rather than choosing off the menu. I TRIED to describe what I liked, but was having a hard time doing so. Unfortunately, I failed and the first drink he made was not something I enjoyed. He came over and said he would make another drink for me because he wanted me to be happy. He asked what I did not like from the first drink and then went off of what I had told him the first time around and created drink number 2...which was FANTASTIC! Just what I wanted. He then told me the key words I needed to tell any future bartender making me a specialty cocktail, which was very much appreciated. Congress Street Up is a small speakeasy that you will find up a flight of stairs. Inside the stairwell you will almost feel like you are in a subway area, with graffiti/paintings all over the walls. It was a neat feel as you walked up towards the door. Once inside you will find a dimly lit bar with a front and back room. There's quit a bit of seating options, considering the size of the bar. It looks like they may have live music on occasions involving a one man show, as they have a small "stage" in the corner of the room, however, I don't know if they actually utilize it, as there was not any live music when I was there. The bartenders were great and will come to your table to take your order. The drink menu is expansive for a craft cocktail bar. The vibe was relaxing. Definitely worth going to. read more

We told the bartender what kind of drinks we like and asked him to surprise us. He hit the nail on the head with both of these drinks. He was friendly and knowledgeable. The atmosphere was a cool, old fashioned speak easy with modern music, which felt fun and different. We went at a time that wasn't busy and initially we were the only two people in the bar, so it felt too quiet and not upbeat enough. About 4-6 more people showed up before we left. We enjoyed our drink and continued to bar hop. This would be a great hangout spot with the right crowd. read more

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This bar is AMAZING! THE staff is so cool and knowledgeable and make great drinks...even homemade ginger ale. This is a must when visiting Savannah! Also we took the cocktail class.(with Nicole) it was so great! Everyone here is so nice! GO HEAR!!!!! read more

Was excited to try this place because of the "speakeasy" vibe. It's also in an old Prohibition museum so there was a ton of historical artifacts and info about the prohibition. Extremely extensive cocktail list and the bartenders were experts. The music didn't match the vibe at all which was strange (they were playing r&b and the mood was more like Sinatra). Barely anyone was in there at 8 pm on a Sat which was a little strange. They have cocktail classes which I would love to do. Probably would only come back to do that. read more

Congress Street Up - Very relaxed and quiet speakeasy. Not busy at all! Great drink menu. - Speakeasies Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

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I loved this speakeasy!!! First of all I had the best drink of the weekend here (The Mr. Dillinger- if you like lemon drinks this is a must have!) All their drinks are truly hand crafted by mixologists who take their time and enjoy and love their craft. All the drinks looked so beautiful and had the most unique glassware. The vibe of this place is mature & upscale yet cozy and fun. I also loved how this bar is a prohibition museum and has so much history & information. If I had more time in Savannah I would have definitely come here again to try as many of their cocktails as I could and catch some live music. read more

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One of the first things on everyone's list of things to do in Savannah is to visit the prohibition museum. On it's own, the prohibition museum is interesting but not entirely engaging, however, the promise of a free drink at the end at their speakeasy, Congress Street Up, was. The bar itself is really pretty with the vintage vibe you would expect from a speakeasy. My only small complaint is that the list of 'free' drinks (that come with your museum ticket) were heavy on the dark liquor so I ended up with a French 75 that was well made but not exactly what I was in the mood for. Next time I would like to come back and try something different because it was very clear the bartenders were experts in their craft. read more

Congress Street Up - Speakeasies Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

Relaxing get away once the street has died down I.e. around 8pm. My wife and I got there as the band warmed up, a sole bartender (Bobby) greeted us and let us know that he was the menu. I asked for his favorite drink (something rum based) and she got an espresso martini. Then I asked for a Mr. Dillinger (saw another Yelper recommend), the young bartender wasn't familiar but looked it up on his phone and made me the best drink I've had in my four days in Savannah; keeping in mind I haven't had a single had cocktail since arriving. The musician played for my wife and I for around an hour before other patrons entered the speak easy. Our favorite song was these days by Jackson brown. Great time enjoying a fun environment without a crowd. read more

The staff couldn't be any nicer!!! They made helpful recommendations based and what you like to drink or the type of beverage you wanted to drink that night. The drinks were strong, tasty and well priced. The atmosphere of the bar was fun and inviting! (Literally everyone said "Hi!" to us as we walked in to find a seat. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone! read more

Congress Street Up - French 75!! So fresh, tasty, and strong! - Speakeasies Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

Really enjoyed discovering this place. They required masks upon entrance like most places. Went upstairs and was greeted by a kind bartender and a chill atmosphere. My hubby and I like to always find a good old fashioned after dinner - that we did! Highly recommend this place if you're looking for a chill speakeasy vibe. read more

Congress Street Up - Beautiful bar - Speakeasies Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

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Came here with friends and we were so happy to have checked out this place before ending our trip from Chicago. There was a short wait to get in since it's a small place, but the people watching on the street and at the two rooftop bars across the corner were great entertainment to pass the time. All the staff here were friendly and personable, from Dennis at the door to Paul, one of the bartenders who was hilarious and accommodating with our drinks (and other bartender whose name we didn't get). Drinks here were great and I enjoyed walking around and checking out the Prohibition memorabilia/newspaper headlines that they have in the space while we were there. They do a great job asking you what you like and making sure you are pleased with your drink. Would definitely recommend checking out this unique spot! read more

Nice speakeasy with history behind the drinks. Drinks by type. You can have the original or choose from their inspirations by the original. The decor is pretty cool it being during the prohibition which was a period of 14 years. Go to the museum to learn more or look at the decorations on the wall to understand parts of the history. Quite a few choices to choose from. We ended up ordering Love, Eleanor (strong, bold, tasty) and the Milk Punch (Yummy, but ended up being too sweet halfway even if I stirred it. Ordered this one because I enjoy the frozen Milk Punch in NOLA.) Maybe will return in the future to give this place another shot. read more

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Our group of Yelpers came here today as part of the unofficial Yelp spring break we are doing in Savannah. I had been told that it was a Prohibition style speakeasy, and it was but it was a little different than I thought it would be. We could actually hear each other speak which was nice, sometimes you don't get that at bars. I asked the bartender to recommend a sweet drink and the drink he chose had rum, champagne, and pineapple in it. It was strong but pretty tasty. Drink prices are listed on the menu but mine ended up being $12 which is reasonable for a craft cocktail for the area. I did ask for water after that and it took me a long time to receive it, but the bartender owned up to it and said something like he was the worst person in the world for forgetting it LOL. Overall, a cute little bar and I would come back again. read more

After dessert and drinks at Lulus, our group rounded out our night at Congress Street. When I had checked it out online, it was advertised as a "speakeasy" type bar. While the entrance was around the backside of the building (the front is the prohibition museum), it didn't feel too speakeasy like to me, except for the doorman/ID checker in period garb. Once we got upstairs, the atmosphere was a bit closer to how I think a speakeasy should be; dimly lit, bartenders dressed like the prohibition era, exposed brick bar area, miniature corner stage (no performers). The bartender was great. I'm awful at picking out drinks at speakeasy bars since the drinks are super strong so I asked for a recommendation. Based on the information I gave him, he recommended the Hollow Cane which contained rum, pineapple juice, champagne, and a few other things. It was a tropical looking and tasting drink that was strong in prohibition fashion. Drinks ran about $12 so they were decently priced. They do have a dress code so "dress to impress"! (When we left, there were some drunken middle aged women that were not allowed in since they were dressed too casually) read more

Two years in a row my wife and I have visited Savannah, and went to the American Prohibition Museum. The speakeasy in he museum is also a bar in the evening, Congress Street Up. After spending several hours in the speakeasy during the day, we then returned at night to hang out at the bar even more. The drink menu is AMAZING, along with the bartender, Amelia. She knows her prohibition era cocktails and was great conversation. We went on a Thursday night, and they had live music playing also. Beau was very talented playing multiple instruments and sang some great songs. I look forward to going back to Savannah, just to go to Congress Street Up, and the American Prohibition Museum. read more

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