Charlotte’s Speakeasy

- 294 Main St, Farmingdale, NY 11735

For those in the New York area seeking a truly unique and historical nightlife destination, look no further than Charlotte’s Speakeasy in Farmingdale, Long Island. This acclaimed establishment isn't just a bar designed to look like a 1920s speakeasy—it's the genuine article, operating in the very basement that once served as a clandestine watering hole during the Prohibition era of the Roaring Twenties. Tucked away beneath a friendly frozen yogurt shop, the true magic of Charlotte’s Speakeasy is its successful balance of historical authenticity with modern comfort, creating an atmosphere that is both cozy and trendy, and widely celebrated on Long Island.

The journey to the bar itself is an essential part of the experience. Patrons enter Charlotte’s Desserts on Main Street, walk to the back of the shop near the frozen yogurt handles, and locate a seemingly ordinary bookcase. Only with the weekly password—a nod to the secrecy of the era—is the entrance revealed, leading down a flight of stairs and transporting guests a century back in time. This commitment to an immersive, old-school experience, combined with a focus on great drinks and service, has consistently earned the venue accolades, including being named 'Best Nightclub on Long Island' multiple times.

Charlotte's Speakeasy provides a friendly and inclusive environment, designed to be a transgender safe space and LGBTQ+ friendly, ensuring that all groups feel welcomed. The dedication of the owners, the DeVito brothers, to personally oversee operations most nights ensures a high standard of quality and service, aiming to provide a memorable experience for every guest, whether they are looking for a casual drink or celebrating a special occasion.

Charlotte's Speakeasy is conveniently situated at 294 Main St, Farmingdale, NY 11735, placing it in the heart of Farmingdale Village on Long Island. This Main Street location makes it a highly accessible spot for New York residents in Nassau and Suffolk counties and beyond. Farmingdale is a vibrant area with a rich history, and the speakeasy’s location adds a layer of community and local charm to the outing.

Accessibility details for guests to consider:

• The bar itself is located in the cellar, accessed via a set of stairs (approximately thirteen steps) down from the main-level dessert shop. There are no elevators or ramps, which guests should be aware of.
• Parking is available through Free street parking and a nearby Paid parking lot, though street parking can sometimes be limited, especially on busy nights.
• The entry process, requiring a password and entrance through a secret bookcase door in Charlotte's Desserts, adds to the theme but requires a brief initial interaction in the front shop.
• There is a second staircase leading to the Outdoor seating area, which expands the available dining options and ambiance, particularly appealing during warmer months in the New York climate.

Despite the inherent physical limitations of a historic cellar venue, the staff is described as extremely friendly and helpful, and the interior layout offers seating options that include high and low tables, banquettes, and the full-height bar.

As a full-service bar and unique entertainment venue on Long Island, Charlotte’s Speakeasy offers a range of services designed for an authentic and enjoyable night out. Services available to patrons include:

• Full Bar Service: Offering a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including specialized Cocktails (often Prohibition-era inspired, such as a French 75 or Mary Pickford, alongside modern drinks), an excellent Great beer selection, Hard liquor, and Wine.
• Dining Options: Patrons can enjoy Food and Food at bar service, with a menu that includes appetizers and options like stone-fired pizza. Seating and Table service are available.
• Entertainment: A primary feature is the consistent offering of Live music and Live performances, often themed with the 1920s through 1950s in mind, enhancing the time-travel atmosphere. The venue is also suitable for Dancing.
• Private Events: The entire speakeasy, including the private outdoor patio, is available for private party bookings every day or night except Friday and Saturday when it is open to the public.
• Reservations: The establishment Accepts reservations, particularly for Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm, though Walk-ins are welcome.
• Convenience & Payment: Accepts both Credit cards and Debit cards for payments.
• Food & Drink Available Upstairs: While the speakeasy focuses on alcohol and bar food, the front-of-house Charlotte’s Desserts offers a range of sweets and non-alcoholic cold and iced drinks, including Frozen Yogurt, Soft Serve Ice Cream, Hand-Packed Ice Cream, Milkshakes, Frappuccinos, and Iced Coffee.
• Service Options: Includes Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, and No-contact delivery, though the alcohol service will have restrictions on delivery/takeout based on current NY State regulations. Outdoor seating is a great seasonal option.

What sets Charlotte's Speakeasy apart from other bars in the New York region are its distinct historical and experiential features:

• Authentic Speakeasy History: The venue is housed in a verified, original Prohibition-era speakeasy, complete with recovered historical details, including a preserved escape route—a truly unique feature on Long Island.
• Secret Entrance: The requirement of a weekly password and entry through a hidden bookcase, located in a working frozen yogurt shop (Charlotte’s Desserts), provides an exciting, immersive element from the moment guests arrive.
• Atmosphere and Ambiance: The basement location is transformed with dark wood, custom lighting, 1920s-inspired decor, and luxurious banquettes, creating a memorable Casual, Cozy, and Trendy environment.
• Award-Winning Status: The venue has received multiple 'Best Nightclub on Long Island' awards in the Bethpage Best of LI Awards, confirming its status as a premier nightlife spot.
• Dedicated Entertainment: Frequent Live music and Live performances contribute significantly to the vibrant, period-appropriate yet balanced atmosphere.
• Fast Service and Great Drinks: Reviews frequently highlight Fast service, along with a Great beer selection and Great cocktails, ensuring the experience is enjoyable from a practical standpoint as well as an experiential one.
• Inclusive Environment: The bar fosters an LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace atmosphere, welcoming diverse groups and crowds.

For New York-based users interested in visiting or booking a private event, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 294 Main St, Farmingdale, NY 11735

Phone: (516) 586-8530

It is always recommended to check the official website or call ahead for the current week's password and to confirm hours of operation, especially on holiday weekends.

For New York residents looking for a destination-worthy night out on Long Island, Charlotte’s Speakeasy offers several compelling reasons to visit. Its historical authenticity is a major draw; this is not just an imitation, but a restored piece of Farmingdale's Prohibition-era history. The unique entry experience alone—going through a frozen yogurt shop and past a secret bookcase—makes for a great story and sets a memorable tone for the evening.

Beyond the gimmick, the bar delivers on quality: the focus on Great cocktails and a strong selection of Beer and other spirits, complemented by bar food like stone-fired pizza, ensures a satisfying culinary experience. The commitment to regular Live music creates a lively and engaging atmosphere that transcends a typical neighborhood bar. It is a venue well-suited for a variety of occasions, from a unique date night to a private party, as one customer attested, describing their daughter’s bridal shower as "incredible," with "amazing staff, the food and drinks were incredible," making it a highly recommended venue for large or private events.

While some late-night weekend guests have noted early last calls and premium pricing for drinks, the overall consensus and repeated local awards underscore its high quality as an entertainment venue. Ultimately, if you are looking for an intimate, trendy, and historically rich bar experience with exceptional drinks and live entertainment in the Nassau County area, Charlotte’s Speakeasy stands out as a top-tier choice that truly transports you to another time.

Charlotte’s Speakeasy

294 Main St, Farmingdale, NY 11735, USA