Hidden gem. Very small, well decorated cocktail bar. Every cocktail made to perfection! Absolutely the best whiskey sour in town. The bartender is always pleasant and serves you quickly. Just a nice place to relax or chat with some new people at the bar. read more

A step back in time, this small speakeasy is a must if you are in Sandusky. Drink menu is extensive boasting many classic drinks prepared by a well seasoned bartender. read more

Coolest hidden secret EVER! If you want craft drinks mixed to perfection, with a speakeasy feel, this is the place for you! Lots of knowledge about mixology and customized drinks are their forte! This is small and quaint. Not a place to go slam drinks, but a place to savor a GOOD drink! read more

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I was in the Sandusky area for a conference and the driver of the town car they sent to get me to the hotel mentioned a speakeasy. A friend and I had a plan of finding a local craft brewery, but when we found it was closed we drove down Water Street. We noticed the little green bar sign over the door and the five green lights and realized we had found the speakeasy. The building sits alone at 316 E Water. Were it not for the small neon letters and the five green lights, it would be impossible to know it was bar. The driver mentioned as long as there is enough green lights for your party you can go in. Talking to the bartender later, it is about everyone sitting down. No standing room. To get in, you go through the door and then pull back a curtain. The menu has a wide variety of craft cocktails, and the pricing is actually quite economical for crafted cocktails. If you are not as fond about the drinks on the menu, the bartender can craft something else. They also have absinthe on the menu. We were the only people in the bar, so spent a bit of time hearing about the history of the place from the bartender. As one who loves unique experiences, this is over the top. Not what I would normally think of as a speakeasy, but very relaxing, with a lot of history (used to be a brothel). This, like Mekong, is on my list of places to visit again when I am in Sandusky. read more

Ambiance: Very small place that is pretty much as big as a foyer to a hallway but nicely decorated with a touch of class reminiscent of the era (1920-1930s). There are maybe 3-4 tables and a few seats at the bar with a total capacity of 20-24? I forsee waits if this place really takes off. The tunes in the background were very digable with the brass and jazz elements that were starting to really come into their own at the time, the volume was also unobtrusive so you don't have to yell like at clubs/bars. I really enjoyed the bartender who was very friendly, knowledgeable and thematically-dressed. Drinks: Drinks in the menu are divided up by the key liquor in each and I have to admit everything looked well-crafted and sounded delicious. I had one of the gin beverages that started with Bombay but it was fantastic with a grapefruit base, not too hard on the alcohol, slice of orange and a cherry - very refreshing. My friend raved about their "mules" which is either vodka, gin, or other liqour mixed with gingerbeer and lime served in a beautiful copper cup. Sadly, I was too caught up enjoying my own drink to try hers. I don't know what more you could ask for in a bar though with the relaxed atmosphere, fun music and a knowledgeable bartender. I definitely plan on coming back and exploring the menu. Prices aren't bad with most cocktails averaging $10-12. The place can be difficult to find as they have no signs but clearly that is part of being a speakeasy. They're near the corner of Hancock and Water street with a window that has decals saying "door" and "mediaworks". I've included a picture someone else posted on their fb page to help guide you guys, check the place out! read more

Volstead Bar - Crude but effective picture for the lost - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Sandusky, Ohio

Absolutely fantastic. Had lovely absinthe served with the drip and a well crafted Ramos gin fizz (aka New Orleans fizz). Small, intimate and cozy. Exposed brick walls and heavy gray curtains complete the speak easy feel. Well crafted Sazaracks - when poorly crafted they taste like cough syrup. This was well balanced and delish. The caipirinha was expertly mixed as well. About four craft beers on tap. read more

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There's a special place in my heart for this bar! This place alone will keep me coming back to Sandusky! The look and feel of the bar takes you back in time to a speakeasy. The menus can be purchased and had a great variety of cocktails to try. They also had a great history lesson of the bar in the menu. Our bartender was awesome and very knowledgeable! The New Orleans fizz and lady liberty were my favorite drinks. So yummy and unique. If your in the city, go here, sober haha. No bombs allowed and rules shall be followed. read more

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Volstead is a tiny little bar that sits very inconspicuously in a nondescript small building. About the only outward sign that there is even a bar there is a very small (about 8 inches), green neon sign above the door that simply says "bar." Once you go inside the first thing you'll encounter is a heavy curtain that blocks any light from escaping through the door as well as any view from the outside. It's pretty secret and is meant to be reminiscent of an old time speak easy, which is exactly the vibe you get once inside from the music they play, to the very dim lighting, to the bartender's garb. There are only about six seats up at the bar itself and then maybe three or four small tables when you walk in. The first thing your attention will be drawn to by the bartender when you walk in is their extensive bound drink menu which is prefaced by their house rules. These include things like "No cell phone conversations," "Do not order anything with the word 'bomb.' You will be politely asked to leave," "No name dropping, talking politics or religion," and things like that. They have many specialty cocktails that take time to prepare but are well worth the wait. Bottom line: If you are looking for a small, secluded, intimate really cool place to enjoy some hand crafted cocktails, this is the perfect spot. read more

Volstead Bar - House rules - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Sandusky, Ohio

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This place, is the best ever! Seriously. I've been to a couple speak easy's and they are awesome but this one takes the cake, no frills, just great cocktails, amd great service! The place is truly a hidden gem! Seriously. I loved the concealed concept. It's in a building with a green neon sign, "bar", is all you see over the door jam. As you stand there you question is this really it. Cause you can't see in, as you open the front door, the drapes are so heavily you realize why it looks like there is nothing inside, these drapes conceal the inside. I can't say enough about the entrance. The cocktails and the bartender were fantastic. I would definitely go back just to walk in. Small place set up like an old bar, during prohibition in a small town. The bathrooms were clean as well. I'm sorry that's a must for me no pandemic or not, your open have a clean bathroom. There place was top notch. Oh and the city of Sandusky has this "Dora" plan, don't know the acronym for it, but it gives you a free pass to walk with a drink in public, because everyone is still feeling the effects from the pandemic. So khool, so we took a Bloody Mary to go. So khool. read more

A must visit if living in the region or visiting! Incredibly eclectic tasty unique drinks for Every taste bud. Can't wait to come back! And Peyton is an incredibly bartender and manager. She made the experience awesome also. Love the "rules" and small yet unique speakeasy atmosphere. read more

Set in a former brothel on a quiet, unassuming street, this "speakeasy" has an extensive and creative drink menu. We arrived late on a Saturday afternoon right before the place filled up. I ordered a Singapore Sling and a Cucumber Caipirinha and I loved both! The bar area is quite small and when it fills up (they don't allow standing room at the bar) they illuminate a red light in the window of the bar - so if you see that beacon turn around! read more

Absolutely, amazing time and experience. Ashley killed it on the drinks while handling a very rambunctious/impatient group! Looking forward to coming back again! read more

Volstead Bar - Left my mark at the Volstead Bar. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Sandusky, Ohio

Overall excellent experience. Bartender was knowledgable and interactive, atmosphere was top notch. The music was very fitting, but not too loud and they even had a scotch that we had been searching for. Bravo Volstead, bravo. read more

Top notch speakeasy in an unexpected place. Sandusky has not been well known for its cocktail scene and Volstead completely turns the entire city around. Sitting right on the water, this tiny bar is perfect for having a conversation as it is not overwhelmed with large, loud groups, a band or even a sound system. If you find yourself in Sandusky, Volstead is worth discovering. read more

A group of us were visiting from out of the state and were told by our host to check this place it. We each tried different drinks and enjoyed the atmosphere. Worth the wait for the drinks, we will definitely be back next time we are in town. read more

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The worst whiskey sour I've had. I had to ask for another drink because bartender shook with ice 3 times. And I don't like the new drink menu. The old menu is what made this place such a great speak easy... Disappointed. read more

Volstead Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Sandusky, Ohio

This place is great. It's a little hard to find being that the closest thing it has to a sign is a very small neon one that simply reads "bar." Though this only adds to the feel of the place. The bar is themed like a speak easy and is about the size of one, i.e. very intimate. It's very charming with exposed brick and great lighting. The drinks are pricey for the area, but worth it. I've had a Moscow Mule, a New Orleans Fizz and a Volstead Bloody (Bloody Mary) and all were amazing. Be aware that you will only be served if you have a seat, there is no "standing room" at this bar. If you can't find a seat you'll have to wait by the windows until some become available, or return some other time. For this reason it can be a good idea to arrive before 5 p.m. read more

Just moved to Sandusky for the summer and had heard about this place from Yelp. Finally got the chance to try it tonight and I was blown away. A beautiful quaint little space, with nothing to signify the establishment except for a tiny neon sign saying "Bar". As others have mentioned, if there are enough green lights above the door for the number on your party, you are free to enter. I was the only one in the bar when I got there tonight so I chatted up my wonderful bartender Ashley, who gave me a brief history of the bar and also gave me a recommendation for a drink. As Rum is my go to, she recommended a PainKiller. It was perfect! This is one of the few places around that serves Absinthe so I also tried a classic Sazerac. Once again, perfectly crafted with great attention to detail. It's extremely difficult to find a good cocktail.bar, especially one that caters to the classics. As I mentioned, Ashley was excellent and was eager to get to know me. My birthday is on Saturday and she even wished me a happy birthday on my way out! I will definitely be back for a couple birthday cocktails. Without a shadow of a doubt, this will be my go to spot for as long as I live here. Truly a hidden gem read more

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Shocked to find such an upscale place in downtown Sandusky! Well-crafted cocktails, decent prices, and a great ambiance. Do go here for a date night or if you want to escape the maddening crowd of tourists that descend here during the summer months. read more

Volstead Bar - A great prosecco cocktail whose name I sadly can't remember! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Sandusky, Ohio

My favorite place for day drinking. Great atmosphere. Great drinks. Great laid back place. I just wish they were open on Sundays.

yes. all of the yes. this place is a gem. Pricey, small and hard to find but refreshing and unique. Don't go with a group of friends, or lame friends that order basic drinks. This place is marvelous read more

Volstead Bar - Ward 8 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Sandusky, Ohio

Something different from all the other places and I love it! Enjoyable menu with a few 'rules' to help keep the atmosphere in check. Each of the drinks are so unique that you'll want to try them all. Broken into sections by the main ingredient, each drink is featured with its history. I had a delicious vodka drink as well as a margarita with pineapple juice and hot peppers ( it was sweet, salty and hot- I thought my lips were on fire!) Both were delicious and I can't wait to go back and try a few more. read more

I have been to bars all over the world. This is the best bar I have ever been to. Some rules to keep the atmosphere in check is a great thing. It is always pleasantly quiet and the drinks are EXCEPTIONAL. If you are a loud finger pointer who thinks BW3 is a "great" bar and thinks Budweiser is the "king" of beers you should probably go somewhere else. But if you can tell the difference between a Vesper Martini made with proper ingredients in perfect proportions and one that is not... this is the place to be. If you want to learn about those kinds of things or to sample special things you struggle to locate elsewhere, this is the place to be. The owners are awesome people who have captured the best of drinks and enjoying social engagement with out shouting. No TV, No politics, No BS. Awesome. read more

This is by far one of Sandusky's best hidden secrets! It's such a neat prohibition era speak-easy and the cocktails will never disappoint! Don't forget to check their website ahead of time to see their seating availability as it is limited seating. read more

I can't sing enough praises about this bar! First of all, I'm a little obsessed with the whole speakeasy concept.... And this place nails it. From the discreet entrance to the impressive cocktail menu to the classic jazz tunes playing to the cozy, classy vibe. I loved everything about it. Stopped in on a Friday night around 11, ordered a French 75, promptly downed it. The staff of two (one bartender, one server) were competent and polite but not overly friendly. I'm OK with that. I was there to drink. So I was obviously in town to visit Cedar Point but when I saw there was a speakeasy, I knew I had to try it. Seek out the "green light" on Water Street. You'll be glad you did. read more

Pretty sure this is the only place that does measured pours this side of the Atlantic. Sure it is a gimmick, but those in the industry know why bar owners really do it. read more

Really unique spot! A small, speak-easy environment with craft cocktails and beers. The ambiance is wonderful and drinks are fantastic. Cocktails run between $8-12, which is high for the area, but I would argue these drinks taste significantly better and contain more alcohol than a cheap beer or vodka drink. French 75 is my go-to. read more

Such a cool place - never would have expected a place like this to be in Sandusky...and doing so well! I'm really not a bar person, but this is no ordinary bar. :) I had a very well-crafted salty dog (gin with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice) and it was exceptional. I went to high school with the owner, who really believes in doing her part to improve the area. Well done, Nikki! read more

This place is awesome! All is says is "bar" in small green neon letters outside, we almost missed it. The inside atmosphere is relaxing and very well done, there's music playing, and our bar keep Payton was so nice and accommodating after the pretty eventful and ultimately stressful day we had. I would pick up and move this bar to Orlando if I could! Check this place out, you won't be sorry. read more

A quaint, classy, authentic bar. You can imagine of it as your classy friends living room where every one gets a place to sit and order what ever they want to have. Must try is the ginger flavored copper mug drinks which scream authenticity and style. Loved the way they serve a single piece of chocolate and pretzels. And I don't know why I but I wanna say the interiors including washroom interiors show the love the owners have for what they do. #lovebar read more

1. The entrance curtain: hillbilly. 2. The "rules" page on the menu: insulting and pretentious. 3. The drinks: watered down and sloppy presentation. 4. The service: Robotic and unfriendly. Two stars for the location and building. Probably won't return. read more

Speak easy? Yes that is their claim to fame. Only a few are allowed in at a time. You need to look at the lights at the door. If the l they are full and if they are green you are good to go. Once you are in they make you feel like a good friend. They only have limited food. It's a great place to go before or after dinner. Don't miss this unique bar. i read more

Any time we are at the lake, we have to stop in for cocktails. Great, Great, Great drinks and Bloody Mary's are to die for.

This place is so cute! I've never been to a bar anything like this. When you walk in you have to go through a curtain and then like you've walked through a time machine there is a classy little speakeasy. It's really small and I'm really small so we were pretty much made for each other. There was a diverse crowd inside, men, women, young and old of different styles. Everyone was friendly and having a good time. The bartender was fantastic! He spoke to us as if he knew us, quick and witty full of stories. I got the French 75, a wonderful drink of absinthe, gin, and champagne. It was delicious and watching him put all that love into it was just beautiful. I felt pretty tipsy half way through of course as I said I'm quite small. A regular at the bar said he once drank nine French 75s and that he recommends no one drink more than 8. I thought that was a good tip to share. Yes, this place has rules and I wish more bars did, why does class have to be a historic thing? Anyway, if you haven't been here you absolutely should! I know I'll be back. read more

Ronni is an amazing tender and she made our experience unforgettable! We'll be back for sure. It's a gem of Sandusky and I look forward to seeing Ronni again! read more

Awesome atmosphere and spectacular drinks! Would highly recommend to top off an evening out in downtown Sandusky.

My boyfriend and I live in DC and went out for a drink at Volstead while visiting extended family in Sandusky over Thanksgiving. We can't give Ryan and his team enough compliments - our cocktails were delicious (particularly the Sazerac and French 75), the staff was attentive, and the ambiance was perfect. Keep up the great work - we will definitely be coming back for more on our next visit! read more

What an amazing bar! Five of us found this when we were in town for a family vacation, and we were thrilled to go. The drinks are astounding and our bartender was fantastic and charming. We will definitely be back. read more

HUGE drink menu. Authentic prohibition style cocktails. High quality spirits & ingredients. Cozy ambiance. The owners are also the bartenders, so everything is made with love and extreme attention to detail. This is one of our favorite spots for cocktails. read more

I recently heard of this bar throw a friend they said t was amazing but drinks were a tad pricey but we had to check it out! We went in and I was nervous I hate going to new places where I know nobody but everyone was friendly And we had a great experience I didn't find the drinks pricey at all and if they were it was worth it! read more