Great Fresno tower experience Everything from the password to the personal customization of drinks Come here if you want to unplug No phones are allowed but it great to disconnect for a bit read more

It is under new ownership, they even changed the name. it ran by a few girls in skimpy clothes, and the drinks were not the best, at $17 a drink it os no longer worth the "experience". one star because i made the reservation, received the instructions, NO PASSWORD, no lockers, door open so people were free to come and go as they pleased so it is not even a speakeasy anymore and i came dressed up in 1920's attire and felt embarrassed and silly all night since we left to a restaurant instead. they are giving away the books, i would have taken some but did not want to carry them around tower. read more

Everyone was nice, the bookshelves were great, the atmosphere was dim and welcoming, and the small drink menu was creative. That said, I'm not sure why it calls itself a speakeasy. I made a reservation several days in advance and never received a password. The door downstairs was propped open, so that we had to pull it back to confirm it was the locker we were supposed to step through. No one confirmed our reservation upstairs and no password was requested. Our drinks were all tasty, but the cherry old fashioned was over-sweet. What was particularly disappointing about the experience was when I ordered a Black Manhattan for the second round I was told the bartender was new and only making drinks on the limited house menu. My second old fashioned was okay, but I was expecting a higher end experience overall. read more

I hadn't been back to the library at detention in a while, and I was surprised to find out that it was under new ownership. My date and I sat at the bar and the two ladies bartending were super fun to chat with and very friendly. The drinks were good and I am anxious to see what new things they add to the menu. Looking forward to our next visit. read more

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Had a great time at the library at detention. The bartenders Miss Cookie, Erika, and Jalen did a wonderful job making the drinks on their menu! Miss Cookie was the curator of the menu and very excited about the upcoming switch from a speakeasy to a burlesque style bar. We caught them in the times of transition between the two and heard their ideas of how the ambiance would be switched over to accommodate the new vibe. Can't wait to visit again and see how it turns out. Thank you for a wonderful time and the drinks were incredible. read more

We went several months ago so this review might be out of date, but they hadn't updated their directions on how to find it so we were standing around in the locker area looking stupid for awhile before we tried going up the stairs and someone saw us. Inside it was small and felt awkward. Drinks were good though. read more

I came when this place was new and it is quite different now. The bar is no longer called Detention, it is now The Enchanted Pour, and it is not a speakeasy called the Library, but a secondary bar called Sin and Satin. There is no password or secret entrance, just a door upstairs from the main bar. While they have kept their books from their library days, little remains of the place I remember. This is NOT a 20's speakeasy, it is a bar that plays modern music above another bar. The drinks are okay, our service was great and the bartenders were very nice, but the point of coming here is to have a fun experience, and not someplace that is just like everywhere else. Hopefully it returns to some of its former glory, as I loved dressing up and coming by for a classier, quieter night out. If you're looking for that, I would have to recommend elsewhere. read more

We booked reservation here and when we arrive we were seated immediately- we appreciate that. Our party of six love the service so much. The attention to details and the knowledge they're sharing was top notch. Interior was awesome, lightning was good and Drinks was great too! We planned to book again next time! read more

We were disappointed to find out this is no longer being run as a Speakeasy. We went here a few years ago and it was done very well. At that time you entered through lockers and needed a password. The theme was well executed and the bartenders had uniforms that transformed you, along with the decor, to a classy Speakeasy in the 1920's. Now, there is no secret entrance or password despite the online reservation stating that you will enter through locker #3 and that I would receive a confirmation email with the password. When I arrived, it was not even clear where to go. After asking a bartender in the pool hall, I was directed up the stairs. No one was expecting us with a reservation. It was really more of a walk-in bar situation. The decor has not changed very much but the music was a loud, modern rap and R&B style, the tables and menus were sticky with drink residue and the half naked female bartenders definitely did not match the theme. While, most of the drinks were good. (Avoid the one with avocado infused tequila at all costs.!) and the service was prompt, this was not the experience we were looking for. I'm sure if this bar re-labeled itself and advertised itself as a fun bar above a pool hall it would be fine. Unfortunately, given our expectations and my previous experience with this place we were disappointed. read more

It is completely changed now and it's no more a Library. The old concept was soo cool and different. Website not updated. There was no need for reservation, we were the only ones in the restaurant. No dress code. There was a guy walking in shorts and a sleeveless T-shirt. The cocktail was a sugar drink read more

A little confusing to find through the pool hall but pretty fun visit overall, drinks & service were fantastic, had fun browsing the books, learning a bit of history. Owner & staff were all friendly, fun, drinks were great & really enjoyed browsing books & decor. read more

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Such an amazing ambience - an amazing speakeasy with amazing drinks and an awesome story. The service can sometimes be a little slow after ordering your drinks, but if you are surrounded by good company - the wait doesn't suck as much. I love how easy it is to get a same day reservation and how accomodating the hosts are to big parties. Great drinks - the espresso martini will blow your mind. read more

Been wanting to come here for years. Was able to come here with my son and wife. Have to say that your experience begins once you have the reservation. You require a password and have to go where there is a doorbell and enter through a secret door. Upon entry, the hostess takes you to the library where you get the run down on the history of the place and the prohibition while sipping delicious cocktails surrounded by books and sitting in leather chairs. We were very fortunate that the GM Preston was there and because it was a slow night, explained his craft of making cocktails. We all loved the drinks suggested. The staff was great! Cannot wait to return! read more

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Made a reservation Was here few years ago and was super chill and low-key but now was open to public Long line to get drinks Didn't get to sit Seen a guy in a raider jersey there so the wordrobe thing is out the question Took awhile to get drinks Won't repeat if it's like that now but drinks were amazing. read more

This was a reservation for a large group of us and the person we were celebrating(who hadn't been and was very happy with the experience). We made a reservation online, showed up about 10 mins late(sorry!) but entered after we gave the password. The presentation was so fun, we had an AP teacher with us who loved the history given! It's super dim and not as quiet as they ask you to be. People were pretty loud. The menu is a good size, I didn't ask if they had a full bar for off menu orders but the Painkiller was my favorite. My friends loved their Old Fashioned. Nothing took too long on a Saturday night, Bryan the bartender was awesome and knocking drinks out while also chatting with the bar top guests. read more

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The Library at Detention is a great date night spot! They are easy to book and host a great experience. From the password entry, to the history walk through, to their incredible custom cocktails this is not to be missed. Intimate, quiet, and a fresno gem. read more

Celebrated bday here with a bday shot! Awesome little spot loved the history of speakeasies! read more

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I made reservations and took my sister here for her bday last summer. We asked the bouncer at the front of Detention how to get in for The Library. He instructed us to ring the door bell. I got all ready to record the video of the door somehow opening out for us... and nothing happened. Lol. We thought we weren't doing it right. We kept ringing the door bell waiting for something magical to happen. Finally, the host opened the door and looked at us like we were crazy. Thats when we realized, someone had to open it manually for us and we were just ringing the doorbell unknowingly and seemingly obnoxious! We were really embarrassed and apologized. The host took us up to the rest of the group. He gave a tour, was into character and it was so much fun! The drinks were good. The bartenders were so attentive! They even got my sis a special bday shot! The whole experience was memorable! We had such a unique time and taking pictures of our own in the other rooms. I'd totally recommend this for a date night or something different to do out for a drink in tower. read more

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I had the Al Capone. It was an amazing Old Fashioned. The ambiance was amazing. The service was incredible. Everyone was super kind. We had a late reservation and we got accepted. It was so fun and a worthwhile experience! read more

One of my favorite spots in Tower! Drinks are creative, delicious, and well priced. I highly recommend the Al Capone and the Oaxacan old fashioned. read more

The Library at Detention - Inside Bar - Speakeasies Near Me - Fresno, California

Super cool. Had a great date night. Good drinks. Fun stuff to find if you look around.

Lisa has recently taken ownership of this bar and it has been insanely unprofessional since. I am a regular there and love going there after work. I have witnessed her scream at my favorite employees on numerous occasions. To the point where people can't even pay their tabs when they want. These poor employees are being ridiculed for no reason. She's such a bitch and I really hope those bartenders realize their worth and when they leave, me and all the other regulars will follow. Fuck the enchanted pour!! read more

Great place to get a drink, bartenders know what they're doing, and learn a little bit about history.

The ambiance was really laid back, quiet and intimate. The drinks were amazing, but pricey. The waitresses were kind and seemed to know when to come around when drinks were almost needed. Its a fun atmosphere, very chill. Great place for a first date. If you run out of topics there's tons of books in surrounding shelves you can discuss! read more

Loved this place, made a reservation and never got the confirmation password and thought that's odd. Arrived to an open door, no entrance or explanation of what a speak easy is. Staff is dressed in jeans and crop tops. Zero theme or vibe left. read more

Very unique atmosphere, great date idea. The bartenders are very friendly. Drinks are unique recipes and delicious. You'll feel like you walked out of tower in to the 1920s. read more

Unfortunately this place didn't wow me or disgust me either way. It requires a reservation, which isn't a big deal. Our reservation was at 6:00, but they were late letting us in. We were the only people in the establishment until right before we left. I was a bit disappointed with the cocktails as this was the reason we went. They were out of key ingredients to make certain cocktails. In fact, the two I chose they were out of ingredients and then were "making" an ingredient for one. It was quiet, as we were the only people there. Overall, I probably can say I've experienced this once and it wasn't enough to make me go again unfortunately. The bartender said that the building was purchased as the owner was moving, so that could attribute to lack luster experience. Seems like this place could have some potential, but it just wasn't there when I went. read more

Always a good time. Drinks are devine. Fun experience. Love to take new people here, so they can experience it too!

Absolutely a fabulous time! Such a cool atmosphere and the drinks were delicious served by two lovely ladies. My date and I can't wait to go back! read more

Disappointing, I won't be back. I brought my friends here for a fun night out with a theme. I didn't realize the prerequisite for drinks is a long-winded history lesson from the owner. Then he basically called my friend stupid because she didn't laugh at his sexist joke. The cocktails were underwhelming, nothing to write home about. The reservation stated there's a dress code and that you're expected to keep your voice down, but apparently none of that is enforced because there were people with ball caps and t shirts being loud as hell. All in all, it wasn't worth the hassle. Bummer read more

Excellent drinks. Great place to take friends and enjoy the vibes. Highly recommend going.

Where do I start?! The ambiance of this speakeasy made you feel like you stepped into a whole new era. Before you are seated a short informational history lesson is given on speakeasy's which was cool. The cocktails were delicious and the service was great! read more

The drinks were on point. They make their own syrups and infusions. They have unique flavors, don't let it discourage you. I had the tequilero, beautiful bootlegger and the Duffy Mojito. Plus, Cookie, the bartender was very helpful and nice. read more

The Library at Detention - This is The Tequilero, AKA a spicy almond margarita with orgeat, Amaretti and tequila of course. - Speakeasies Near Me - Fresno, California

There is no food but the drinks and the service were amazing. Perfect date night vibe. Theme was the best.

This was a super fun experience! I we got multiple things that weren't on the menu, we just told the bartender what we liked and he made us some special drinks and they were all fantastic. The vibes in there were really cool too. We never received the password in an email, but we told the hostess and she didn't even bat an eye. I will say, it was very warm in there, so when I go back it'll be in the winter for sure. read more

The Library at Detention - Speakeasies Near Me - Fresno, California

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Update now that richard was let go without cause.(I have asked) Used to be the best speak easy ever when richard was the amazing bartender,(he had a secret book of creations) they had freshest ingredients, if you ever wanted something unique richard would use his skills to come up with what you wanted. The place is still fun and cozy but not the what it was. read more

I loooove this place! So unique in it's own way definitely one of Fresno's hidden (literally) gems. I don't want to give away too much info because it's better kept mysterious until you've experienced it yourself. Things to know before going... You must make a reservation No pictures/phones allowed in the bar Must wear a mask as of now Drinks are STRONG but sooo and good read more

The Library at Detention - Lounge - Speakeasies Near Me - Fresno, California

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Highly recommend! This secret speakeasy really makes you feel as if you've stepped into the 1920's prohibition era, from the moment you arrive at the secret destination to the second you are inside the walls of the secret place. The bartenders are very friendly, and once you're in, you get to learn all there is about the prohibition era through a brief introduction of the world you've just walked into. Not to mention, the drinks are spectacular! They make very good old fashions. :) this place is a must for a fun weekend night out! read more

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This place is the friggin bee's knees. The location and process to get in is really cool and fun. The orientation on prohibition is a really great aesthetic piece before you head into the main bar and the ambiance and vibe of the place is really great. The owner is always incredibly friendly and cool, and the bartenders know their stuff and are very approachable and helpful when it comes to your questions or preferences. Try the "Angels and Demons" for a little fun and make sure you don't miss "Tommy" hanging out behind the bar ;) read more

What a fun place to go with friends! Celebrated my birthday and Cookie(?) our hostess guided us to wonderful drinks. Espresso martini was yummy! read more