One of the best-kept secrets in historic downtown Charleston, West Virginia is Hale House, a bourbon-style bistro located at 212 Hale Street. It’s reminiscent of an older place and time (like, perhaps, the year 1900 when the building that houses this restaurant was built), yet Hale House offers a modern, made-from-scratch, locally sourced menu that includes the largest selection of bourbons, whiskeys, and other spirits in the entire state.

On top of top-notch service and a five-star fine dining experience, expect to discover a few other features that set Hale House apart and above the rest…

Hale House

…like the hidden door that opens to a narrow staircase that leads to a hidden underground speakeasy in the restaurant’s basement.

Hale House

A true retro-style bar, the Speakeasy at Hale House replicates down to the minute details the look and feel of those illicit Prohibition-era establishments that sold illegal alcohol.

Hale House

A drink here is always accompanied by an elegant, dangerous, exciting vibe.

Hale House

It all starts with the secret door on the restaurant’s main floor.

Hale House

Then, of course, you have to throw in a dark, narrow, hidden staircase.

Hale House

And don’t forget red: red stairs, red lights, red walls, red furniture.

Hale House

All this is just icing on the real cake: the hundreds of bottles of whiskey, bourbon, wine, beer, and any other spirits as you can name that line shelf after shelf along the back wall.

Hale House

The speakeasy is open to the public certain evenings each week, or it can also be reserved for private events.

Hale House

What a one-of-a-kind spot for your next gathering, here in the basement of one of Charleston, West Virginia’s best hidden gems!

Hale House

Learn all about Hale House (and the Hale House Speakeasy, of course!) on the restaurant’s website or Facebook page. Are you a fan of unique dining experiences? In Charleston, West Virginia, not only can you visit the Hale House Speakeasy for a drink, but you can also dine inside a wine barrel. Who knew?

Hale House

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Address: Hale House, 212 Hale St, Charleston, WV 25301, USA