Club Arcada Speakeasy in St. Charles to mark start of Prohibition

ST. CHARLES – At one second past midnight Jan. 17, 1920, Prohibition went into effect. In honor of that moment 100 years ago, Club Arcada Speakeasy & Restaurant atop the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles will kick off a series of commemorative events.

A Pre-Prohibition Toast will begin at 10 p.m. Jan. 16.

“At midnight, the crowd will shoot Old Forester Whisky, Pimm’s Cup, various other ‘Giggle-Juice’ and ‘Bathtub’ gin drinks and Prohibition-era cocktails,” a news release stated.

Then on Jan. 17, Club Arcada promises a flapper girl extravaganza featuring Fringe Factor in a burlesque presentation of “Siren Song Cabaret,” along with period dance music by The Flat Cats.

Guests are encouraged to wear Roaring Twenties attire. Standing rib roast and shrimp cocktail also will be available.

“Since we opened the Speakeasy, so many people have marveled at the antiques, authentic decor, craft cocktails and costumed staff,” Ron Onesti, Club Arcada owner, stated in the release.

“Even Howie Mandel, Paul Anka and Bret Michaels have said it is one of the most incredible places they have ever been to. But to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Prohibition in a place this authentic, it’s like being right there with Capone and his gang.”

The cover charge for the Jan. 17 event is $15 and reservations are recommended.

Club Arcada Speakeasy is on the third floor of the Arcada Theatre building, 105 E. Main St. The theater opened in 1926 during Prohibition, with the Red Parrot Tea Room Speakeasy on the second floor. For more information, visit oshows.com.