Charlottes Speakeasy

Description

Checklist

Number of handicapped spaces:  *no dedicated parking lot
Paths and walkways:  concrete sidewalk
Location of handicapped entrance:  at main entrance to Charlott's Desserts
Doors:  street-level, double doors
Number of floors:  speakeasy is one floor down the stairs
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, 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- handicapped- accessible
Ease of entry and exit:  ok
Baby changing station:  no
Available food services:  limited bar menu
Friendliness of staff:  extremely friendly and helpful

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“Through the secret book case door, just past the frozen yogurt handles of Charlotte’s Desserts, lies the best kept secret in Farmingdale Village. Charlotte’s Speakeasy is a restored speakeasy from a very historic era…, with meticulous detail to authenticity…” We could not have said it better ourselves. This is a venue not to be missed! Although clearly not handicapped-accessible, after speaking with Nick (one of the owners), we would suggest that someone with a mobility challenge, who wants to visit this incredible venue, should call and speak with Nick to find out how he and his staff can hep you manage the thirteen steps necessary to get there. He truly wants to be as helpful as he can.

Since we couldn’t find street parking.  we parked in one of the municipal lots a block away. We entered the street-level, double doors of Charlott’s Desserts, walked past the yogurt machines ( as told to do on the website)  to the man standing by the bookcase. In true speakeasy style, we had to give him the “password.” On some nights there is a small cover charge. He then touched a book and ” wha la” the door swung open and we were headed down the steps and back in time. Once down the stairs, there was space to  navigate to the tables (both high and low) and banquettes in this cozy venue. A fulll-height bar covers one wall. We had reserved seats several days in advance. Our server told us that it is quieter during the summer. At other times, one might need reservations several weeks in advance, depending on the group performing.

Incredible attention to detail was taken in restoring this speakeasy. Many of the interesting touches came from artifacts that were found right there, including several photographs. Tin from the walls was used on the wall down the stairs and as menu covers. Wood from the original venue was repurposed for the top of the bar. If you are interested, and if Nick is there, you might be lucky  enough to get more information from him, and perhaps even a tour of the escape route patrons used when the place was raided! 

There is another set of steps that lead to a lovely outdoor patio, where one can take his/her drink and listen to the music. If you have finished drinking, you can do as we did, get dessert from Charlotte’s and take it to the patio. Perfect !

Charlotte’s is basically a bar, but we would be remiss if we did not mention that there is a limited food menu and pizza that was quite good! 

Once down here, know that there is a large but non-handicapped-accessible restroom.

The music was terrific and everyone working here could not have been nicer or more helpful. Check the website to see who is performing. We can’t wait to go back!

As always, we at Destination Accessible advise you to visit a venue’s website, www.charlotte’sspeakeasy.com, to “know before you go.”

Location

Nearby