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!
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"This place is great! I encourage everyone to stop in. The food is great and so is the atmosphere!"
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"One of the nicest places to open in Elgin! The food and staff here are top notch. The chef, who is actually very well trained, has some of the greatest specials. Don't miss the crab cakes or rack of lamb if it is on the menu. Everything is home made and fantastic."
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"If you remember the Prairie Rock in downtown elgin, the Walnut Speakeasy has a similar feel with the following exceptions: The service is good, the food isn't overpriced, and it doesn't smell like a pet store!
In fact, the food is quite good. I had an Italian beef (hard to do right), and it met my high beefy standards. I also sampled the crab cakes of a fellow diner which were delicious.
The parking is not quite what you're used to as you may have to park on the street during peak times, but tough it out and you will be rewarded. Definitely check this place out!"
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Good food, great atmosphere, reasonably priced as well as a friendly staff. Parking is tough though as everyone before has said but pony up a few bucks and let the valet take care of that for you.This has become our favorite Elgin destination. We can take the kids here for a family dinner, or go out on a weekend later in the evening for great blues with friends. Their food is always really great. Their specials are delish, and there are a gajillion craft beers and beers on tap for hubby.
We have also enjoyed coming here for sports events. Watched the Hawks win the Stanley Cup here with our kids... definately family oriented!
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Beautifully restored building, showcases vintage 30-40's restored woodwork. Prices are reasonable. The pizza was good with a thin and crispy crust, (but no where near the best crust in the area). The selection of pizza toppings was interesting.
The flank steak was excellent-juicy and flavorful. The side of fries was acceptable but not outstanding.
The fish 1/2 of the fish and chips were also excellent.
The parking lot is a bit sparse, and you might wind up on the street.
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Good food, great service, decent specials on beer. Watched a couple of the Blackhawk games there and the atmosphere was fun and exciting.
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They have great fish on Friday nights. If you don't want their All You Can Eat Fried Perch, you can have their healthier Baked Cod. It was so delicious. Served with your choice of potatoes. I had the real mashed potatoes the first and second time I was there. This last time I tried the mashed sweet potatoes. Both were good. Of course, you can always get fries, but the mashed is quite wonderful, served with gravy.
Beer is served very, very cold. They chill the glasses. Loved that.
Check it out. It's a nice restaurant and bar. Ok for kids too.
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