de Kelder Speakeasy — Restaurant in Pella

As a bar nerd, when I heard tell of a speakeasy opening in Pella, I was a little giddy. And thus far, de Kelder has proven that they have what it takes to execute successfully. That said, I think there is a little room for improvement.

We'll start with the drinks. Overall, I think de Kelder's drink menu is solid. The Mary Pickford, Peach Spritzer, and the Blackberry Ginger Crush seem to be hot commodities among my friends. I even tried one of their mocktails the other night and it was delicious. Their Old Fashioned however, leaves little to be desired. They either don't use bitters, or don't use enough to be distinctive. The beer menu has a little something for everyone, which is nice.

The small plates at de Kelder are surprisingly well thought out and prepared. I haven't eaten much during my visits, but what I have tried I've enjoyed. The Beef Tenderloin Crostini was fantastic.

Now to my biggest gripe — it's just not a speakeasy. I know I'm being picky here, but having a website, posted hours, and even signage out front takes away from the mystique that is associated with underground bars. The best speakeasys fly under the radar and business spreads via word-of-mouth. I also wouldn't mind if they ditched some of the cliché décor in favor of more images of historic Pella. Much of what they have on the walls now looks like it came from the speakeasy isle at Hobby Lobby.

Overall, I'm not disappointed with de Kelder. While not a genuine speakeasy, I'm sure advertising allows them to circumvent the headache of organic growth that many speakeasys have to deal with. 7.2/10.

Edit #1: This weekend I had a very pleasant experience at de Kelder. Their Summer Sangria special was exceptional, as was their take on a Pimm's Cup. The bartender was also very accommodating when I had a unique request....

Definitely at the top of our list for a relaxing night out. We love the atmosphere Kelly & Adam have created. It is warm, friendly and engaging. The food is delicious and is priced right. She is purposeful about creating plates that guests will enjoy and return for. Adam is a master behind the bar. He mixes drinks that will both delight and surprise anyone’s tastes. Don’t skip dessert; they are both fresh and wonderful. We love any of the cheesecakes and the chocolate pot. This is truly a family run business; the owners are present and care about your experience. They are always happy to welcome you & thankful you chose to...

Absolutely!

"Wow! What an incredible experience at de Kelder! From the moment we stepped through the discreet entrance, we were transported back in time to the era of Prohibition. The ambiance was both nostalgic and electric, with dim lighting and cozy seating creating the perfect atmosphere for an evening of clandestine indulgence. The cocktails were expertly crafted, each one a delightful concoction of flavors that left us wanting more. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and added to the overall charm of the place. If you're looking for a unique and memorable night out, de Kelder is a must-visit destination. Five stars...