1122 manager Tony Bennett pours a cocktail.

Go out for a night on the town… 1930’s style

Get ready to be transported to the Golden Age of the 20s and 30s with Paso Robles’ hidden treasure – 1122 Cocktail Lounge & Speakeasy. With just 28 seats and over 100 whiskeys and spirits, the club showcases specialty cocktails and an upscale environment. In addition, Venue Report has ranked the speakeasy 42nd in the world for their classy experience.

Cousins Donovan Schmit and Troy Larkin are the owners of 1122 Cocktail Lounge & Speakeasy, along with local Mexican restaurant Fish Gaucho and Irish pub Pappy McGregor’s. “We travel a lot and do research on current restaurants… we started stumbling on these speakeasies a few years ago… over two years of traveling and going into 20 to 30 of these, we fell in love with the concept and the secretiveness of it,” said Schmit.

Drinks are priced at $10-$12, with house cocktails being finished right at your table. There is a pleasant mix between the classic cocktails and unique combinations. The Sidecar, made with rich cognac, and the Mint Julep, with strong bourbon and sugary finish, are sure to invoke the feeling of the Great Gatsby era in this stunning room of candlelight and elegant decor. If you’re looking for something outside of the box, try the lavender inspired The Italian Stallion, made with tangy gin, and the Chai-Marngac, a mixture of chai tea and Armagnac. If boozy tea is your thing, rejoice at the fact that two of these specialty drinks are on the menu: the Chai-Marngac and The Thai-Tea Tease, a citrus-based tequila made in the flip style.

The speakeasy can be found right behind Pappy McGregor’s on Railroad St. or accessed through the restaurant on the back patio. Upon ringing the doorbell, a host will open a sliding eye hole to assist. Food is not served at 1122 Cocktail Lounge & Speakeasy. Before or after your tasting experience at the lounge, visit its sister restaurants located just minutes away.

“[It’s a] really high-end cocktail experience. it’s elegant, it’s classy… there’s nothing like it. This is an experience you’ll get in New York,” said Schmit.

Look for the somewhat hidden entrance on the alley-like Railroad Street behind Pappy McGregors.

Reservations are not required to enjoy a night out at 1122 Cocktail Lounge & Speakeasy; however, Friday and Saturday nights do not accept reservations. All tables are filled by the “first come, first serve” policy. Groups are encouraged to be four people or less.

1122 Cocktail Lounge & Speakeasy is located behind Pappy McGregor’s on 1122 Pine St. Open Tuesday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to midnight. Open Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Open Sunday from 7 p.m. to midnight. Open Monday for private events only. For more information, call (805) 238 – 4141 or visit eleven-twentytwo.com.

—Sadie Mae Mace