Fodor's Expert Review The Owl Bar

Not much has changed at The Owl Bar since opening in 1910. An authentic speakeasy, this place has signature owl statues flanking its bar that once served a useful purpose: during Prohibition, owner Colonel Consolvo kept barrels of whiskey in the basement, so if you saw the owls’ eyes blinking, you knew it was safe to order a beverage. A thoughtful cocktail list includes an Owl Bar Manhattan and a Belvedere martini. Belgian and German beers are served on tap as well as a Heavy Seas Owl Bar lager. The vibe is casual, but the atmosphere, with stately Germanic influences like leaded glass windows, iron chandeliers, and herringbone brickwork, harken to days of finer quality craftsmanship. The kitchen serves comfort foods like crab cakes, pizza, burgers, and salads. It's located in the former Belvedere Hotel.