Quintana's Speakeasy — Restaurant in Cleveland Heights

Very much worth the trip out of the downtown. As speakeasies go it delivers on the promise. Location is super unique - working barber shop downstairs and a secret entrance upstairs. The service is friendly and welcoming and the cocktails are on point.

Menu is made up of mostly classics but you're welcome to order off menu. The bottle collection is pretty big for the small size of the bar. I was especially impressed with the bourbon and rye section.

Very chill vibe on most weekday evenings but is known to get busy as the week goes by. Service is handled by knowgeable bartenders. "Small" plates are available - my charcuterie board was very generous.

Shout out to my bartender Olivia who made my fantastic cocktails, gave me good recommendations for other Cleveland joints, and was pleasure to chat...

Quintana's Speakeasy is not only a locally-owned, unique lounge run by good people who treat you like family - it is one of the best places to unwide, wallow, or just hide away. As soon as you walk in, it feels special, as if transported back in time to the Prohibition era - with dim lighting, high-backed seats and bookshelves, as if you're in Hemingway's den, and an impressive stock behind the thick wooden bar. The bartender was fascinating, explaining the nature behind the flavors of various bourbons, ryes and all. I'm a wine drinker almost exclusively, but the fare and concoctions were so high-quality and well-crafted - and delicious - I wanted to try everything on the menu. This is a special place. And the vibe is "Make yourself at home"...and watch for...

The barbershop receptionist led us up after my haircut (avoid the barbershop too!), and told us that there was a private event but "she won't kick you out". We sat at the bar, and within 20 seconds an employee came over hurriedly and snapped at us and the receptionist and said "I CAN'T TAKE THEM RIGHT NOW", so we were escorted out. The tone and attitude were the real problem, aside from being told we would be allowed in in the first place. There's a right way to handle the situation and say "I'm so sorry but we're...