Entry No. 3 — the Minneapolis file — filed under: speakeasy
Volstead's Emporium
Tucked down a dark alley behind a nondescript door with a single red light, this classic speakeasy features a sliding peephole, secret passageways, and velvet booths. The dimly lit space hosts live jazz, comedy, and classic burlesque shows.
The story
Walk down the dark alley behind West Lake Street in Uptown and you’ll find little reason to keep going until you spot a single red light mounted above an unlabelled door. Knock, and a eye-level wooden peephole slides open so someone inside can size you up before unlocking the door. You didn't hear it from us, but this subterranean hideout operates like a total relic from the 1920s underground scene.
Step past the entry and you’re dropped into a dimly lit cavern of plush velvet booths, dark wood accents, secret passageways, and hidden doors designed to keep the space feeling compartmentalized and discreet. Volstead’s Emporium leans heavily into traditional speakeasy theatrics, pairing strong Prohibition-era classic cocktails with a kitchen menu of seasonal dishes.
What really sets the basement apart from a standard hidden cocktail lounge is the stage. On any given night, the shadowed venue hosts live jazz sets, open mic comedy, touring musicians, and classic burlesque performances, turning a quiet drink down an alley into a full late-night spectacle.
What it's like
Finding the alley entrance behind 711 W Lake St is the first step—just scan for the single red light glowing over the back door. Once you pass the sliding peephole inspection, expect a dimly lit room with velvet booths and a moody ambiance. Stick to the classic Prohibition-era cocktails if you want something strong. If you plan on watching a live jazz set or burlesque show, lock in a cozy booth reservation in advance, and make sure to confirm their current operating hours before venturing down the alley.
The move: Request a cozy booth when making a reservation, watch a live burlesque or jazz performance, and sip on classic, strong Prohibition-era cocktails.
- 📍 Uptown, Minneapolis
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 711 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Odd Mart — Six blocks away, swap the underground Prohibition alley for a shop packed with local zines, underground comix, and bizarre art.
- Isles Studio — Pair a night of underground cocktails with a daytime visit to this nearby 'cabinet of curiosities' full of taxidermy and natural relics.
- Little Tijuana — If you need a late-night bite after a burlesque show, head to Eat Street for playful cocktails and globally inspired comfort food.
Good to know
How do I find the entrance to Volstead's Emporium?
Walk down the alleyway behind 711 W Lake St in Uptown and search for a nondescript door under a single red light.
What kind of live entertainment do they host?
The venue features a rotating schedule of live jazz, classic burlesque shows, open mic comedy, and touring musicians.
Do I need to make a reservation?
While walk-ins can sometimes find room at the bar, booking a booth reservation ahead of time is strongly recommended, especially on show nights.
What is on the drink and food menu?
They specialize in strong, classic Prohibition-era craft cocktails alongside a menu of seasonal food dishes.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · histastrophe.com · Reddit
last checked: 2026-07-21