Fall down the rabbit hole on Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls, where cozy speakeasies are having a moment.
A beckoning neon red “Vacancy” sign against a brick building is the signature calling card for this concept bar, unveiled in July by Mitch Pachta, owner of nearby Cashmere Cricket. An extra-large drink menu is marked by its espresso martini lineup, including the s’mores ($16), tiramisu ($15) and Mexican hot chocolate ($15) varieties. Some drinks are adorned with a signature “V” embossed onto the surface and are served in extra heavy crystal glasses from Paris. 225 Front St., cashmerecricket.com
Full-service eatery Mattioli’s Pizza Shop is more than meets the eye. Select the correct drink button on the Coca-Cola vending machine to enter the new watering hole and restaurant. With 90% of ingredients shipped in from Italy, the menu ranges from fresh pastas, like the mushroom and chicken alfredo ($22), to iconic pizza cupcakes ($16). The over-the-top, fire-breathing Green Dragon cocktail ($22) steals the show in an ornate, multi-piece vessel shaped like a dragon. 1846 Front St., oakandolive.xyz
A display of antique mail slots in the lobby, velvet banquette alcoves, a leather-bound menu and cylinder Edison bulbs make this the poshest of cocktail bars — and it’s marked as “The Post Office.” Guests here witness the magic of elaborate drink creations served in bespoke vessels, such as a glass bird in a cage. Walk The Plank ($18) is a witty craft of spiced rum, maple syrup, cinnamon, muddled orange, Luxardo syrup and fresh squeezed lemon and lime. 1846 Front St., watsonspeakeasy.com
The Speakeazy at the Workz on the Riverfront
You would never expect a swanky cocktail bar inside a family-friendly arcade, gaming center and bowling venue. But ask for “Mr. Clean” at the host stand and gain entrance to mixologists dressed in flappers and bootleggers recreating the Roaring ’20s. In the secret space, explore both traditional and new takes on cocktails, like Giggle Water ($12.99) — a mix of Weller bourbon, lemon and lime juice, topped with a Luxardo cherry. 2220 Front St., playattheworkz.com/speakeazy
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