The Walnut Speakeasy
214 Walnut Ave.
Elgin, IL

1-847-695-2420

Speakeasy:

A speakeasy was an establishment which illegally sold alcoholic beverages during the period of United States history known as Prohibition (1920–1932, longer in some states).

During this time, the sale, manufacture, and transportation (bootlegging) of alcohol was illegal.

The term comes from a patron’s manner of ordering an alcoholic drink without raising suspicion... bartenders would tell patrons to be quiet and “speak easy."

Speakeasies became more popular and numerous as the Prohibition years progressed, and more of them were operated by people connected to organized crime.

Prohibition produced some of the most notorious criminals that the world has ever seen.

Prohibition allowed men like Chicago gangsters James "Big Jim" Colosimo, Johnny "The Fox" Torrio and the infamous Al "Scarface" Capone to rule crime empires equal to any large corporation in the United States.

Although police and Bureau of Prohibition agents would raid them and arrest the owners and patrons, the business of running speakeasies was so lucrative that they continued to flourish throughout America.

In major cities, speakeasies were often quite elaborate, offering food, live music, floor shows, and striptease dancers.

Corruption was rampant. Speakeasy operators routinely bribed police to leave them alone or to give them advance notice of raids.

Of course, today alcohol is legal so The Walnut offers you a wide assortment of American favorites as well as imported beer, wine and Top Shelf Liquors.

When you discover just how high our Top Shelf goes... you'll want to SpeakUp!

The Walnut Speakeasy Bar and Grill

Welcome to The Walnut SpeakEasy's Website. We are a neighborhood bar and grill located in historic downtown Elgin, IL about a mile from the river gambling boat.

When you open the door for the first time, you'll feel warmed by The Walnut's cozy interior and awestruck by the amazing, ornate woodworking.  Rich wood paneling and exotic hardwood flooring lead you to the biggest and most beautiful solid walnut bar you may ever see. The specially selected burled walnut on the bar is a treat for the eyes as you look deep into it's complex, organic patterns and see whatever you want to see in it's intricate beauty.

Modeled after the finest bars and city grills of the 1930s and 40s, owner and visionary Alex Matsas insisted upon the most painstaking details to bring you the look and feel of the old days. Even the brick are authentic; removed from demolished buildings originally built in the Prohibition Era.

But, nothing is old at The Walnut. Although it may look old, charming, and true to it's time period... EVERYTHING is brand new and state-of-the-art.  Our kitchen is a culinary chef's dream and when you taste our chef's creations, you'll appreciate our entire kitchen staff's precision at consistently delivering creative recipes that will melt in your mouth.

The Walnut SpeakEasy serves traditional American fare. Featuring a full menu including Steak, Chicken, Fresh Seafood, Pork and Lamb recipes as well as Traditional and Classic Salads, tantalizing Appetizers and not-to-be-missed Desserts.  All served in a sophisticated, yet casual atmosphere by servers that really care about the guest's experience. We also boast a can't-miss Friday Fish Fry and maybe the best Martinis in town.

Make your way to The Walnut SpeakEasy to watch your favorite sporting event. We have 18 HUGE LCD HDTVs strategically located throughout the bar (plus two in the bathrooms, so you never miss a play) and a super clean soundsystem that rains full-spectrum sound from above and brings pleasure to your ears, yet won't drown out your conversation. 

Whatever your day or night brings, or whatever occasion brings you and your friends and family together... you deserve to bring yourself to The Walnut SpeakEasy in Elgin, IL.  Offering this atmosphere along with a diverse menu and a huge selection of top shelf liquors plus a Connoisseur's Beer List... The Walnut just might become your favorite place to go.

BRING YOUR APPETITE!

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