Charlottes Speakeasy

Description

Charlotte's Speakeasy is located at 294 Main Street, Farmingdale, NY.  Parking must be found on the street or in a nearby municipal lot. Street-level, double doors lead to Charlotte's Desserts. Go to the rear, near the book case, and give the  password to the person stationed there to enter. There are thirteen steps down to the speakeasy.

The room is small. There is room to navigate to high and low tables and banquettes. Know that assistance is readily available.

A large, single-occupancy, non-accessible restroom is located at the end of the bar, under the stairs.  There is another staircase (13 steps) leading to the outdoor patio.

Checklist

Attraction Type:  dining
Number of handicapped spaces:  *no dedicated parking lot
Location of handicapped spaces:  in municipal lot - about a block away
Surface of lot:  paved
Distance to venue:  about 1 1/2 block
Transportation to venue offered:  na
Terrain:  flat
Places to rest:  there are benches just outside the entrance to Charlotte's
Paths and walkways:  concrete sidewalk
Location of handicapped entrance:  at main entrance to Charlotte's Desserts
Doors:  street-level, double doors
Number of floors:  speakeasy is one floor down the stairs (13 steps)
Elevators:  none
Ramps:  none
Steps and staircases:  thirteen steps
Width of aisles:  a bit tight, but one can navigate between tables
Places to sit:  high and low tables, banquettes, booths, full-height bar
Location of restrooms:  restroom is located at one end end of the bar, under the stairs
Type of restroom:  single-occupancy, non- accessible
Ease of entry and exit:  ok
Baby changing station:  no
Available food services:  limited bar menu
Friendliness of staff:  extremely friendly and helpful
Notes:  * parking must be found on the street or in the municipal lot about 1 1/2 blocks away

Read More

“Through the secret book case door, just past the frozen yogurt handles of Charlotte’s Deserts, lies the best keep secret in Farmingdale Village. Charlotte’s Speakeasy is a restored speakeasy from a very historic era of Farmingdale, with meticulous detail to authenticity…” (website).

I could not have said it better myself. This is a venue not to be missed! Although clearly not accessible, after speaking with Nick (one of the owners), I would suggest that someone with a mobility challenge, who wants to visit this incredible venue, should call Nick to find out how he and his staff can help you manage the thirteen steps. He truly wants to be as helpful as he can. 

We have been here before, each visit being as much fun as the previous one. This was our first visit since things have reopened post Covid. We made our reservation knowing that if it seemed “too close” inside, we would relocate to the lovely patio upstairs and outside, where we could still listen to the music and have some drinks.

Since we couldn’t find street parking on Main Street, we parked in one of the municipal lots a block away. One needs to enter the street-level, double doors of Charlotte’s Desserts, walk past the yogurt machines, to the man standing by the bookcase. In true speakeasy style, we had to give him the “password” of the day.  On some nights there is a small cover charge. He then touches something on the bookcase  and “wha la,”  the bookcase  swings open and you are were headed down the steps and back in time. Once down the stairs, there is space to navigate to the tables (both high and how) and banquettes in this cozy venue. A full height bar takes up one wall.  Our lovely server told us that it is quieter during the summer. At other times, one might need  reservation several weeks in advance, depending on the group performing. 

Incredible attention to detail was taken in restoring Charlotte’s. Many of its interesting touches came from artifacts that were found right there, including photographs. Tin from the actual speakeasy was used on the wall down the stairs and as menu covers. Wood from the original bar was repurposed for the top of the bar. If you are interested, you can get more information when you go. One of the best things was speaking with Nick and his giving us a tour of how and where the patrons in the 1920s escaped during a raid.  There is another set of stairs that lead to a lovely outdoor patio, where one can take his/her drink and listen to the music. This is the patio that can easily be accessed through Charlotte’s and doesn’t require any steps. If you spend some time inside, you can then do as we did, get dessert from Charlotte’s Desserts and take it to the patio! Perfect !

This is primarily a bar, but we would be remiss if we did not mention that there is a limited food menu. Our pizzas were quite good!  

Once down here, know that there is a large, (non-accessible) restroom. The single-occupancy restroom in Charlotte’s ice cream shop is easily accessible.

Everyone working here could not have been nicer or more helpful. Everyone seems to enjoy being there. The music was also terrific. People were dancing in the aisles. Check the website to see who is performing. We will be back again and again!

As always, we at Destination:Accessible, advise you to visit a venue’s website, http://www.charlottesspeakeasy.com">www.charlottesspeakeasy.com, to “know before you go,” and have the best experience possible.

Location

Nearby