By Stephanie Irvine

Manhattan’s Speakeasy is now officially open inside Peaceful Grounds Coffee Company, offering guests a menu of handcrafted cocktails and tasty small plates.

The owners — Holly and Brent Barajas, Cheryl and Paul Wellman, and Jonathan Tough — greeted guests in their new speakeasy in dapper attire to fit the 1920’s-styled bar’s Grand Opening Debut on July 31.

The bar, discreetly hidden inside the coffee shop, is open to those 21 and over Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 4 to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It’s a speakeasy that would make Al Capone proud. Quietly tucked away inside the coffee shop, plenty of first-time visitors weren’t sure where exactly Manhattan’s best-kept secret was located — that is, until one of the speakeasy’s friendly doormen snuck them in behind the curtain into a completely different world.

“It’s so cool to come in with the curtains, almost like it’s forbidden. The music is relaxing, and it’s really enjoyable,” Bill Matjasich said.

His wife, Lisa, said she was excited for the new option in Manhattan.

“Instead of going out of town, it’s right here,” she added.

Behind the curtain, the vibes were very much upscale, classy, and moody in the low-lit room with twinkling lights, 1920’s murals, and comfortable seating nooks spread throughout the space.

From glasses of wine and martinis and whiskey cocktails, to the craft beers on tap, it’s clear this space is meant to be different from the other offerings in town.

Originally, the space was a banquet and meeting room rental inside Peaceful Grounds, but Wellman and Barajas felt there was more opportunity. After a brainstorming session about upcoming events brought to light a murder mystery event, Wellman knew precisely how to transform the space, and the speakeasy idea came to fruition.

It became even more apropos after they learned that the Village of Manhattan was incorporated in 1886 because new saloon owners needed a liquor license, and it could only be provided within incorporated villages; thus, the town of Manhattan was born.

“We always welcome new ideas and want to keep business thriving,” Village of Manhattan Trustee Lucinda Neighbors said of the new addition while enjoying the space with beau Jeff Dertz.

If they felt more comfortable, guests could step back out from behind the curtains to enjoy the more spacious coffee shop space, which is also open during the bar’s hours.

“It’s very enjoyable, and we really like the pianist,” Alyce and Ray Wertelka said, noting they learned about the event on Facebook. They’ve been in the coffee shop several times in the morning and enjoy sitting and chatting. They were looking forward to the ribbon-cutting.

At the Grand Opening Debut on the coffee shop side, Charlie Cruse of Windy City Dueling Pianos tickled the ivories and belted out a variety of classic hits from the decades, entertaining guests showing plenty of toe-tapping and head-nodding as they listened and enjoyed their spirits.

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce filled the room with supporters from the business community at the opening debut, with Manhattan residents from the community coming to see what the buzz was about.

Though the event included a ribbon-cutting for the new space, it is not a separate entity from Peaceful Grounds Coffee Company. Having the liquor license for the business as a whole instead of simply for special events, like Irish Fest, allowed them the flexibility to open the speakeasy.

Friends Elizabeth Papadakos and Christina Soto stopped in for some girl time.

“This is a great addition to Manhattan. It’s very cute,” Papadakos said.

“I can’t wait to come back and bring our husbands for a date night,” Soto added.

By and large, the grand opening debut was a success with visitors sharing their excitement for the new space. The excitement is built to last, with plenty of recurring events such as bingo, karaoke and trivia nights planned.

Peaceful Grounds Coffee Company is located at 25626 S. Gougar Road in Manhattan and offers a variety of coffees, espressos, refreshers and more.

Coffee shop baristas are more than willing to give guests a peek behind the curtain when the speakeasy is closed.

Follow the Peaceful Grounds Facebook page for updates on special events and happenings inside the Manhattan Speakeasy.

Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.

Chamber of Commerce President Becky Bouck hands off the official ribbon-cutting scissors to owner Holly Barajas, as co-owners Brent Barajas and Cheryl Wellman stand by.
(Photos by Stephanie Irvine)

A large crowd gathered for the Manhattan Speakeasy’s grand opening debut.

Christina Soto and Elizabeth Papadakos chat while Windy City Dueling Pianos Charlie Cruse plays a wide assortment of tunes.

Velvet ropes provide a hint to the secret entrance of the speakeasy as guests slip inside.