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| - I came here last night to celebrate a friend's birthday. Unfortunately, due to the cap on group sizes, I was unable to bring my significant other, which I was a little bummed out about.
This is like a secret bar within a bar. It's located in the Commonwealth. You're taken to room covered with newspaper type collages, and learn the ground rules: no phone calls, no pictures. You also learn about the history - it used to be the laundry room for the Cortez Hotel, and it was converted into a speakeasy. Then there's a another door that leads you into the Laundry Room.
It's an extremely different ambiance from the boisterous partying at the The Commonwealth. The Laundry Room is much more quiet and intimate. I was surprised you couldn't hear the loud voices and music from the other bar.
I absolutely loved the decor. It's very reminiscent of the prohibition era - dim lighting, candelabras, a piano, and portraits and paintings of carefree looking women. The ceiling is covered with old doors, and the bathroom is covered in newspaper clippings. My favorite part is that you close the door with a wrench.
They bring you some sweet and savory popcorn and some water while you look through the menu. There are a myriad of drink options representative of the beverages that would have been around during that time. There are no modern day cocktails or beverages like Coke, and no beer or wine. There is only one bartender, so there is a bit of a wait to order and receive your drinks.
The bartender is very knowledgeable about cocktails, and I could see how it might come off as pretentious to some. However, he is quite friendly. If you don't want to order off the menu, you can describe the tastes and flavors you like and he will put something together. I ordered the Strawberry Wine, which was absolutely delicious.
It is definitely worth coming here for the experience, and I think it would be the perfect spot for a date or gathering with a few close friends for a special occasion. I don't know that I would come here very often, given the higher price of cocktails - $15. That being said, it's a nice hidden gem that offers a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of Fremont Street.
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