Lourdes Library — Restaurant in Melbourne

Lourdes Library 587 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Unit 105 Melbourne, FL 32935

5 Stars

I haven't been intoxicated since November of 2023; however, when Lourdes Library popped up, I decided it was time and I am damn glad I did. This speakeasy is owned by the purveyors of another Big Boy Dining Out 5-Star restaurant, the Salty Fox. Once again, they have gone all out to deliver an amazing experience.

I messaged a week ahead to request four specific drinks (I only mention three as that was all I got to before reaching the full mark). They nailed each and every one I sampled. I get ahead of myself. When I walked in, I was greeted by Ethan, The Bar Director, and as I turned my gaze, I was FLOORED to see Jimena, the bartender and famed Aztec Goddess, whom I had not seen in five years since a review in Vero Beach. Now I knew things were going to be great. When you enter Lourdes Library, it looks just like that. A bookstore (remember those?) with bookshelves crammed with books lining the walls and a Librarian. She sizes you up and, based on her vast experience of dealing with people, suggests a book just for you. After scanning the shelves, you locate it. Once you pull it out the bookcase opens. At this point, I wished I was dressed like James Cagney as the bookcase closed behind me, and I found myself in the midst of a hidden speakeasy. Top of the world, Ma! Top of the world!

I was approached by Jimena and said, “I am looking to consume four specific drinks.” She led me to my spot and was off to gather my libations. I had asked for a Jack Rose, a Whiskey Sour, a Sidecar, and a fourth I did not consume, all with top-shelf liquor. The mixologist was on top of their game, as each cocktail was a monument to its namesake. They were all perfectly blended.

This was absolutely, without a doubt the greatest drinking establishment I have ever entered. By far. There is a dress code so look into that before your excursion back in time.

The Big Boy says, “If you don't go you will be missing an experience of a lifetime. Tell Jimena the Big...

There are some places that simply transcend the norm, the everyday, the also-ran, the...well, you get the picture. This place is that kinda place...

A modern day speakeasy, that is entertaining and enthralling, as it is a joy to experience, even the GPS takes you through back alleys to get to the place.

My oldest son and I dropped in to celebrate his birthday - it was a place we both heard of and wanted to experience for ourselves. The outside is nondescript, but once you enter you are transported to a Victorian-era library, with librarian and all waiting on you. With a little homework, or a quick peek of a small blackboard on the wall, you find the "book-of-the-week" and bring it to the librarian. After paying the weekly fee for access or if you decide to do the year-long membership, the secret entrance to the speakeasy is opened and you are transported back to the early 20th century.

The speakeasy, or let's just call it a bar now, is simple. There's seating for about 10-15 folks, with additional seating around the area. A couple of super friendly bartenders handle your orders from their imaginative menu - replete with old favorites and new choices. One of the unique things about their menu is their choice of drink that allows the bartender to ask a few questions of your favorite things - and then viola - a drink representing the answers to that series of questions is presented to you. What a great idea - it was super fun and the drink was super good as well.

If you're looking for a fun way to get a drink, something unique and way out of the ordinary - this is the place to go. I hope us locals in the area give them the love...

What an absolute gem! We arrived around 5pm to have a couple cocktails before going to dinner at Frigate’s. The atmosphere is beautiful- dark and moody, and just what you’d expect. Upon entering the library you’re greeted by “the librarian.” She was very friendly and helpful. There is a $5 membership that lasts a week or an annual membership for $40. As we are visiting we chose the $5 option. (Bring your ID, they keep a record for the membership.) Be sure to check Instagram for the book of the week. Once you find it on the shelves you’ll take it to the librarian. After checking in she will open the secret door to the bar area. The bar has about 10 seats and there are chairs and sofas away from the bar for additional seating. We sat off to the side by the fireplace and ordered our drinks at the bar. There is not table service, which is totally fine. The bar tenders, Ethan and Taylor, we’re very nice and Ethan made us amazing drinks. You have to keep in mind that everyone in there is ordering a handcrafted cocktail, which takes time to make. There is never an order where the bar tender hands someone a beer and moves on, and these aren’t “batch” cocktails. Trust me when I say waiting a few minutes is well worth it! I would imagine there is a long wait to enter at times, but if you go early there shouldn’t be much of a wait. We can’t wait to return. I wish we’d discovered it sooner! (As for the dress code, I couldn’t find it on FB or Insta, so we hoped for the best. I wore a dress and my husband wore khaki shorts and a polo. I saw people in jeans. I’m guessing they don’t want “beach wear” or gym clothes, but beyond that it seems...