Manhattan's Coffee Shop, With A Twist: Peaceful Grounds To Unveil 'The Manhattan Speakeasy'

MANHATTAN, IL — A Manhattan coffee shop is slipping into something a little more ... scandalous? Secretive?

However you put it, it's bound to be the bee's knees. No baloney.

Manhattan's Peaceful Grounds Coffee Company, 25626 S Gougar Road, is pulling back the curtain on a unique addition to its space—The Manhattan Speakeasy.

A speakeasy was an illicit establishment that sold alcoholic beverages during the Prohibition era. These hidden bars, also known as "blind pigs" or "blind tigers," were often located in basements, behind legitimate businesses or in other discreet locations. They were named for the need to speak quietly to avoid drawing attention to the illegal activity.

So mum's the word (not really, though).

Set inside what was usually designated as rental space, owners Holly Barajas and Cheryl Wellman decided to transform it into one with rich, dark colors. Guests will dip into a space with a rich, dark feel, the walls adorned with 1920s murals and whiskey signage. A drink menu focused on whiskey, wine and cocktails.

It's a whole vibe.

"Very intimate," Barajas said, of the setting. "We’re kind of going for 'wine and whiskey' type of vibe—martini lounge."

Owners Barajas and her brother Jonathan Tough, and Wellman and her husband Paul, decided to add the speakeasy feature after securing their liquor license. Originally intended for use for special events, the license expanded the possibilities for the increasingly popular local coffee spot.

The speakeasy brings a little something special.

"It’s just a place where people can come and have a different experience," said Cheryl Wellman.

The speakeasy will also feature an expanded, hot menu, to include a fig and prosciutto flatbread, a caprese flatbread, meatballs, pretzel bites and charcuterie boards with smoked duck and salmon. Wine and whiskey flights, and cocktails will take the spotlight. Future plans also include whiskey pairing dinners, they said.

The space will have its own hours, mostly later after the coffee-centric portion has closed for the day. The Manhattan Speakeasy will operate from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.

A soft opening is set for Saturday, July 19 during the Peaceful Grounds Summer Party. Set for 3 p.m., that event features live music, a cornhole tournament, touch-a-truck and face painting.

Entry is $10, and attendees can get a sneak peek of the owners' newest adventure. Drinks will be available inside the speakeasy, but the food menu will be more limited.

An official debut party for The Manhattan Speakeasy is planned for Thursday, July 31. There'll be plenty of hooch, and the pianist singer is booked.