Thaxton Speakeasy

My wife and I love this place. We go dancing there once a month for «Throwback at the Thaxton». DJ Forensic spins 80s and 90s tunes with some vintage movies playing for background. The Art Deco vibe is authentic; this used to be the Kodak Building which was built in 1928 and served as the hub of the St. Louis Photography district. It has been lovingly restored and the reproductions of Lempicka paintings were hand done by one of the owners. The bar makes their own «Moonshine» in various flavors for 5 bucks a glass. They have all the other stuff you might want to drink as well.
There are two VERY important things to keep in mind if you plan to visit the Thaxton. The first is that you cannot enter from the main entrance on Olive street. You have to go into the alley one block behind the building. The other is that it is NOT open to the public except for DJ nights and Thursday evenings when Miss Jubilee plays. It is usually rented out for private parties and receptions… so if you try to crash one of those you will not be allowed in. The best bet is to check their website and see what evenings they are open to the public.
The Speakeasy Bar is downstairs but you can look around the main floor of the building if they don’t have tables set up for a reception. The bar doesn’t serve food but they have tables and a comfy couch lounge area to sit and sip your Moonshine or cocktails. It’s definitely worth a trip to see one of only two authentic Art Deco buildings built in St. Louis.

Awesome décor. Cheap drinks and good service. Small places. Thursday night swing music. Great place to visit

Loved this Speakeasy and loved the band!

Between the $ 5 cover just to get in, the horrible music, and the flashing techno light scheme this just might be the exact opposite of what I look for in a good bar. I’d rather go to the most generic sports bar than come here. At least there I won’t be assaulted by a seizure inducing light show or the $ 10 minimum credit card charge. Sorry, hipsters. This bar just sucks in every way.

Very nice experience. Great art deco revived building and reasonable cocktails. Dining room is gorgeous, and «Mad Dog» does a great job as MC. Would be a really nice spot for a special gathering like rehearsal dinner, birthday party, etc.

$ 5 to get in. not worth it. you really cant socialize. they are all heavily drunk

We recently hosted a rehearsal dinner here that went as smoothly as one could hope for. Weddings are always tense affairs for the parents involved. Kim, owner/​manager, could not have been more accommodating. During the planning process she was quick to respond to all our questions, and there were many since we don’t live in St. Louis. She helped solve some last minute miscommunication issues with the band that would be playing that night. She pitched in serving wine/​bubbles during the dinner. She ensured that everything clicked and it did. We would recommend the Thaxton to anyone looking for a unique venue.

Great place for a late night drink. I would love it if the music was aligned with the theme of the speakeasy era.

I really REALLY want to go here, but they are always closed! Open only on Thu-​Sat, and almost all the time there is a private event that closes out the place… I can never get in!

Very cool atmosphere and awesome drinks. Many of the regulars are dance instructors who actually know the dances of the times. An authentic 1920s cover band plays every night. Requires a password which can be found on their website, with a five dollar cover. You have to enter at the alley and go down some steps. Definitely a fun novelty night. The only drawback is this fat guy who is one of the band’s groupies who dances by himself and has horrible moves.

So very disappointed. Traveled to St. Louis from California, and we had this place on the to-​do list for our trip. We arrived at the bar ( Unilocal said it was open). We walk in and there’s a wedding reception wrapping up… totally fine. Turns out it was closed for a private reception… also totally fine… Except for the way we were treated about it. The owner came up and got in my husbands face. He was so rude and disrespectful about it. Here we are trying to give him business, and he’s angry at us about it. He asked my husband in a condescending tone… «Didn’t you see the sign we are CLOSED». After a very awkward and humiliating moment we left. We checked the sign outside on our walk of shame out the door… Sure enough it said «Welcome to Thaxton». That’s it. Really?

My husband and I were impressed with the décor and the artwork and the entire set up of this place. DJ Flex Boogie was the entertainer for the evening. The moonshine was cheap ($ 5) and the cherry was very strong. We enjoyed the dance floor and didn’t stay long in order to club hop. However, we will be back! This place rocks!

Seems like neo speakeasies are all the rage these days and, every «revitalized» downtown seems to have at least one. And St. Louis, with its Thaxton Speakeasy, is no exception (even though downtown St. Louis is far from revitalized).
This «underground» lounge is located in an historic downtown art deco building that was originally built for Eastman Kodak back in the early 1920’s. It has been restored quite exquisitely into its current form, which is not merely a speakeasy, but also an event space for things like weddings and corporate events. I’ve never actually been to the speakeasy theme of this place (I can’t bring myself to participate in silly password games and back door entrances) so my review is only for the building and event space.
I was in St. Louis on business and my organization held a holiday party at the Thaxton. We had access to the main floor (this is at street level), the basement (which apparently is the main lounge/​speakeasy area), and one level above the main floor, which has a balcony overlooking said floor.
The main floor was really stunning from floor to ceiling. The restoration effort was so well executed that I actually felt like I had stepped back into the roaring 20’s. Our event had some gaming folks come in and set up a faux casino, complete with monopoly money. But I could see any medium sized event being pulled off well here. The main floor was large enough to accommodate approximately 100 people (I’m guessing). Drinks can be served from bars located one floor up and in the basement below. The basement also has a dance floor, along with a small lounge area.
While I’m not too keen on the speakeasy gimmick, I’m guessing this place does well using the theme to help market the place for events, and generate revenue on speakeasy nights in between these events.
The place has in-​house catering offerings and a list of suggested outside partners to choose from. I assume other caterers can be brought should you so desire.
I don’t know what the cost would be to rent out for an event, but my experience there suggests that whatever it is, it would be money well spent for your next event.

I feel like a cool kid now that I’ve been to the Taxton Speakeasy. What a fun Thursday night was had by a bunch of girlfriends!
Miss Jubilee, unknown to me before this evening, was a delight! Her performance of period music was fantastic as was the combo performing with her.
Although I didn’t dance, I certainly enjoyed watching new and experienced dancers take to the floor. My friends even took the complimentary dance lessons.
The building is beautiful, an Art Deco gem. Other Unilocalers have commented on the conventions of the speakeasy, e.g. the password, etc.
This is a great place to go when you feel like doing something out of the ordinary — interesting people watching, cool drinks, and lively music.
I don’t know how interested I’d be in coming for the D.J. — -I like the Thaxton for the time-​travel experience.

Went here recently on a weeknight. They really do a good job making it feel like you’ve stepped back in time. You have to go through the alley to enter and it’s completely underground. I felt like I was sneaking into some private club.
When I was there they had an awesome 1920’s style swing band playing which really set the mood. The building itself is impressive with a lot of character and awesome photography everywhere. If you checked in on Unilocal you got a free drink as well!
Will absolutely go again, probably on a Friday or Saturday night to see this place at its prime.

Perfect blend of authentic speakeasy and faux speakeasy.
The front entrance literally does not function, despite appearing to be legitimate with a doorbell and all. You have to go around the building to a back alley, where a fairly serious and authentic doorman subtlely asks you for the password and chareges you a 3 dollar cover.
Once inside, you go down to a darkly lit basement area with authentically dressed bartenders and a variety of traditional cocktail options. There is authentic 20s style music and swing dance lessons.
Overall, very cool spot for a novel night out, with great drinks. Make sure to check the website before you go for the password and to make sure its not closed for a private party (which it often is!).
PS– if you check in with Unilocal,you can get a free drink!

Awesome speakeasy-​style bar/​lounge downtown. The experience kind of starts a like a horror film — we walked around the building, down an alley to find the back door. We rang the doorbell and and waited until a man (Mad Dog, I think he is referred to) answered. Mad Dog had a mustache that rivaled Yosemite Sam’s – it was impressive (full disclosure: I was a couple beers in, so this might be exaggerated). He asked for the password and the cover ($ 3).
Knowing we were first timers there, Mad Dog told us the deal: «Get the moonshine shot – don’t get the mixed drink. And when you take the shot, eat the fruit first. Don’t eat it after… you’ll regret it.» Confused at what he was talking about, we nodded and headed inside, down a dark staircase into the basement. The best way to describe it would be an unpretentious lounge… if there is such a thing. The had several couches and a small dance floor, with a DJ spinning some music.
We each ordered a shot of the cherry moonshine. The bartender gave us 2 shot glasses each, one with the moonshine, and one with a cherry. The bartender reiterated what Mad Dog said, «Eat the fruit first.» After biting in, we quickly learned why we wanted a chaser after the fruit — it tasted like the cherry had been sitting in moonshine for months. After forcing down the moonshine-​soaked cherry, we welcomed the moonshine (as strong as it was) as a chaser. Needing a reprieve from the shots, I tried the pineapple mixed drink which was good as well.
They’re booked for private events often, so check the website to make sure the night is open to the public before you go. But, it’s definitely a really cool experience.
Pros: really cool experience, good atmosphere
Cons: not open too often (closed for private parties frequently)

Descriptive word: ******* (it’s a secret!)
Possibly the most fun experience I’ve had going out in St Louis. The Thaxton does everything it can to keep the speakeasy vibe going. Katie K., me, and two of our friends went a while back. We walked up to a metal door down a dark alleyway downtown. The weather was perfect for setting the mood, a bit chilly and rainy. We rang the bell and waited.
Up some dark stairs came a man with the largest mustache I have ever seen. It was like a Gandalf beard, but a mustache. He asked us what we were looking for. When we said a speakeasy, he asked what the password was. We ventured some guesses (all wrong) until some guy snuck up behind the doorman and showed it to us on his phone. Apparently it’s hidden somewhere on their website. We each paid a $ 3 cover and headed down the dark staircase.
What awaited us was a swanky little club. There’s a seating area with leather couches and chairs followed by a small dancefloor/​table area. A DJ was playing that night who looked like a hipster but played music starting in the 60s and working up to the 80s. Much better than it may sound.
When we got to the bar we each ordered a shot of the moonshine. That’s their specialty, and the doorman had warned us. He said «Eat the cherry and take the shot as a chaser.» He didn’t elaborate. I’m glad we followed his instructions. As strong as a shot of moonshine is, the cherry that had been sitting in the stuff for God knows how long was infinitely stronger. Quite an experience.
Afterwards we each got a different house drink made with moonshine. All delicious. The bartenders were fun and attentive, and the beers the rest of the night were cheaper than many downtown locations (especially Wash Ave).
On our way out we stopped on the main floor. Apparently the Thaxton can be rented out for weddings. The first floor is a decent-​sized fancy dining area and then there are two levels above we didn’t see. FYI.
If you’re looking for a change of pace in going out in St Louis, definitely go to the Thaxton. So much fun. Make sure to wear something nicer to add to the experience.

During a recent pub crawl, we decided to check this place out. What a find! We got lucky that they were open when we dropped by. If you plan on visiting, check out their website first. They aren’t always open and admittance requires a password… although the doorman will let you in if you don’t know it after hassling you a bit. On Thursday it was $ 3 per head to enter.
There is a ballroom on the main floor, but the action when we were there was in the basement. We found out it was Prohibition Era night. There was a band that fit the genre, and dancers dressed up in 20’s era garb. It was a trip. At the bar, the bartender offered old style drinks, and the Unilocal check-​in allowed my buddy a free shot of cherry moonshine. He described the shot experience as painful but fun.
This would be a great place for a date as I’m sure most people haven’t experienced anything like this, and there is plenty of entertainment with the band and dancers. I wished we were dressed up a bit more, but casual dress is not discouraged.

Tucked away in a dark alley you find the back entrance to the Thaxton Building, a historic treasure with a revamped basement turned into a retro speakeasy.
At the entrance you must provide the password. Quite the character is waiting at the door to let you in… A long, grey bearded gentlemen will let you in. You would swear he makes all the hooch that awaits you downstairs.
This venue is not PDT-​New York nor is it Bourbon & Branch in San Francisco. It doesn’t try to be either. The vibe inside is more of a dance speakeasy than a lounge. However, there are many couches and chairs to avoid the dance floor.
There was a DJ mixing when we stopped in. The music is loud.
They specialize in drinks with moonshine. I had the Mandarine Moonshine. It was actually very good. The drinks come at an extremely good value. $ 3−5/ea versus $ 15 at the aforementioned speakeasies.
Overall, it is worth experiencing at least once, but I prefer the other speakeasy experiences I’ve had elsewhere by a long shot!