Branford is a beautiful little hamlet on the Connecticut shoreline. This lovely town has a lot to offer; Branford Point historic district, the Thimble Islands, Stony Creek Brewery (a haven for craft beer aficionados), and a Town Green worthy of a Hallmark Movie.
I’m sure that “this town could really use a speakeasy” was never uttered by anyone, but thankfully, Frank Dean and Tony Cuomo had that very idea on their radar.
Known as a “blind pig” during Prohibition, a speakeasy was a drinking establishment (disguised as a legal business) that illegally sold alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933. In the early 2000’s, vintage bars recreating these illicit “gin joints” of yesteryear started popping up.
Enter, The 1928 Cocktail Club, the brainchild of Dean and Cuomo, which just opened on Main Street opposite the Branford Town Green. At 1928, you’ll be transported back in time to “hootching” at a lively, illicit drinking den, absent the impending police raid.
The first thing I noticed about this storefront nightclub was that the front window drapes were closed, no doubt an attempt to hide the nefarious goings-on taking place inside. (God is in the details). The front entrance door opened into a small room resembling a library. Straight ahead was a wooden door camouflaged as part of the bookcase. We knocked and a little panel built into the door slid open and a face appeared. “What’s the password, she asked?” “Bootleg”, I answered. “Do you have a reservation, she inquired?” “No”, I said “but Vinny sent us.” In the spirit of the moment, I played along. The door opened and a friendly young woman ushered us in and led us to the bar.
The space has such a cool vibe. It’s Art Deco-inspired, dark and windowless, with lots of red and black, leather and velvet, and a red neon sign on the wall reading “Our Little Secret.” I would liked to have seen some old photographs and vintage portraits displayed.
There is a small stage tucked away at the far end of the room. They plan to offer live jazz in the coming months, but for now, we listened to a playlist of jazz and Marvin Gaye through a stellar sound system.
The cocktail menu offers a wonderful selection of craft cocktails, which includes a Sidecar, Singapore Sling, Gin Rickey, Daiquiri and Bees Knees, to name a few. They also have 6 signature cocktails, skillfully created, lovingly shaken, and beautifully presented in classic cocktail stemware befitting of Pickford and Fairbanks. Joe is the amiable mixologist.
Eatables include a charcuterie board, artisan cheese plate and a few small bites for noshing.
Michael ordered the 1928 Manhattan. Their particular signature Manhattan is made with Crown Royal Canadian whiskey because according to history, in 1928, the major source of whiskey in the US was Canada. Michael appreciated the nod to authenticity but swapped out for Rittenhaus rye. I settled on a cote de Provence Rose.
We ordered the cheeseboard, which was nicely appointed. A description of the cheeses by the server would have been helpful.
The 1928 Cocktail Club is a great place to hang out. I think you’ll enjoy this retro nightspot and their sublime selection of vintage cocktails. You can find the password (which changes daily) on their fb page, or click on the Instagram link on their website. “Karen sent me” is optional.
Thanks Karen! Going to give this place a shot for sure! Love Branford too!