The Office Speakeasy
In the late 1800's, downtown Benicia was lined with Card Rooms, Saloons, and Brothels. We called that "The good ol' days!”
It all started in January of 1848, when James W Marshall found gold on his piece of land at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma. News spread quickly. Rumor has it, that while drinking at a saloon in Benicia, prospectors continued to spread the word of “Gold in them there hills.” In those days Benicia was a main stopping point in transit to Oakland and San Francisco, as the Benicia Bridge was not completed until 1930, and until then the only way to cross the Carquinez Strat was by Ferry.
During Prohibition, Benicia was touted as the “wettest” city in Northern California, with brothels and speakeasys connected via tunnels under First Street for cannery and tannery workers looking for a good time.
Harry's Saloon was a small saloon at the intersection of 1st Street, and C Street, with a popular brothel upstairs. Often host to gold miners, military personnel, local and state politicians, Harry's Saloon and Brothel thrived.
In 1919 Congress ratified the 18th Amendment to the US Constitution, banning the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. During this time, Harry's Saloon went underground. The ban was in place from 1920 until it was finally repealed with the 21st Amendment to the US Constitution on December 5, 1933. This didn't stop the politicians from frequenting the illicit establishment, often using the secret tunnels to move freely without being noticed.
After repealing Prohibition, Harry's Saloon slowly faded from the famous drinking scene and was finally abandoned and boarded up. Once wholly forgotten, the original Harry's Saloon was re-discovered during renovation at the Benicia Historic Tannery in 1890. Breaking through an existing wall, one can only imagine the excitement and astonishment of such a fantastic find!
After many months of cleaning, repairs, and modernization, Harry's Saloon was re-opened as The Office Speakeasy and Piano Lounge!
Featuring classic 'Prohibition Cocktails,' premium sipping spirits, and great food, The Office will transport you back into a more exciting period in time. With music from a restored 1902 upright piano in a secret hidden room!
Private Events & Speakeasy Reservations
Baxters is a great place to host a party in our private Speakeasy. It can seat 12 for an intimate dining experience or up to 15 when set up as a cocktail party. The Speakeasy is styled in a beautiful "Prohibition decor." There is a full bar, dedicated bartender, and server.
Reservations for the Speakeasy are not accepted online. Please request seating in advance by calling 707-745-4200 or completing the event form below. Every attempt will be made to accommodate based on availability.