Speakeasy offers unique nightlife experience in Sudbury
A speakeasy is gaining popularity in Sudbury.
It's called the Night Owl and it’s owned by the same people behind the coffee shop Books and Beans.
Historically, a speakeasy was an illicit bar and they became popular during prohibition in the U.S. throughout the 1920s. Customers were required to whisper or ‘speak easy’ to gain entry.
Co-owner Liana Bacon said the idea was born pre-pandemic, out of a love of speakeasies and the chance to offer Sudbury a unique experience.
"It's something different in the city, it’s something a lot of people haven’t seen," Bacon said, of the Elgin Street business.
"So we love it and we want to bring people in with that hook and keep people coming back with the service and the quality."
Since opening in February, Bacon said business has been steady. She said it was TikTok video that made their establishment go viral.
The TikTok showcases the unique way patrons get into the space, picking up a telephone in a telephone booth. A bartender will let the customer in through a locked side door, leading them down a hallway to a bookcase.
"It's still an absolute delight to open this secret doorway because the response is always great to see," Bacon said, opening the bookcase to the speakeasy hidden behind a curtain.
"People really love the concept," she said. "We've had tons of positive feedback on the space."
While tipping bar staff is a cultural norm in Canada, the Night Owl said tipping is not expected, but appreciated.
"What we've done is brought up our prices a little bit to provide that living wage to our staff," Bacon said.
"We think it’s an important way to support the community by having our staff make a reasonable and living wage."
Lauren Pileggi, Night Owl head bartender, said the concept provides peace of mind.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent right to your inbox
"It kind of makes things a little bit more stable for all of us, so we don’t have to worry about whether or not we'll make the tips we need to survive," she said.
"It's dependable and we don’t have to stress about where our money is coming from, whether it'll be busy or anything like that."
True to speakeasy style, Night Owl hosts jazz musicians every Thursday, and said it's looking forward to welcoming more musicians in the next few months.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.