Maybe it’s something about reentering the ‘20s, but speakeasies have seen a definite resurgence over the past five to 10 years. Thankfully, history isn’t repeating itself entirely, so we aren’t flocking to these hidden bars and restaurants out of necessity—we’re doing it because they’re so much dang fun.
The Speakeasy Saloon in Burlington opened in April 2025, and is the latest restaurant to come from the creators of Railroad Pub & Pizza and Train Wreck Bar & Grill. You can actually see the latter from the nondescript sidewalk you’ll find yourself on when you show up to Speakeasy Saloon’s address.
Photograph by Pete Mitchell
Once inside, you’re met with what seems to be a small barber shop, complete with an antique-looking mirror, barber’s chair, and cigarette machine. We won’t spoil all the fun in this review, but if you find the clues, you can trigger a false wall to swing open, finally revealing the true Speakeasy Saloon. (Our hint: follow the Camels!)
If you’re not a Burlington local, you’d never know the space used to be a paint store. It’s been completely redone with weathered lumber and brick that, according to our server, was shipped in from Chicago. The low ceilings, timber beams, and arched alcoves laid into the brick walls and back bar give the space a definite underground vibe, even leaning kind of castle-ey. The space is finished with “hand-picked antique decor,” and lit only by hanging lanterns, wall sconces, and candles, creating a warm, dim atmosphere where laughs and secrets can be shared.
Photograph by Pete Mitchell
Along with the impressive atmosphere, the menu doesn’t disappoint. It isn’t overly concerned with era or theming, instead presenting high-finish modern American dishes with PNW influences. They’ve got six beers on draft, a wine list, and classics-inspired cocktails, with names like Hanky Panky, Bootlegger, and Password Please. We tried the Flapper Fizz, a refreshingly sour vodka, lemon, and blood orange cocktail, which our server said is their most popular drink.
We ordered the Salmon Devilled Eggs and French Onion Soup to start, both of which came quickly. The eggs, four beautifully-plated halves, were perfect mouthfuls, and the soup was made with silky bone broth, caramelized onions, and plentiful gruyere, just as it ought to be.
Photograph by Pete Mitchell
For mains, I had the Jalapeño Popper Chicken Sandwich, a very well-constructed sandwich that doesn’t skimp on the heat. The perfectly-toasty parmesan bun was slathered with jalapeño cream cheese, and the bacon-topped breaded chicken sat on a bed of candied jalapeño slaw that brought a sweet crunch to every bite. The sandwich came with steak-cut rosemary french fries, which had a special richness to them thanks to Speakeasy Saloon’s beef tallow deep-fryer. My companion had the Cascadia Mushroom Pasta, which had a nutty, sweet, and mild profile thanks to the roasted mushrooms, toasted walnuts, and cream sauce.
To top everything off, we shared a piece of Burnt Sugar Cake. This six-layer masterpiece was reminiscent of tiramisu, refreshing and light, and topped with cream and burnt sugar shards.
Photograph by Pete Mitchell
Although we visited some eight months after Speakeasy Saloon first opened, we observed folks brimming with excitement on first visits, charmed by the entry puzzle, the ambiance, and the jazzy covers of modern music playing over the speakers. The cocktail and food menus have frequent seasonal updates and specials, and it seems like the team behind Trainwreck and Railroad are enjoying flexing their culinary muscles. We definitely recommend Speakeasy Saloon for an adventurous night out! 107 N. Spruce St., Burlington, 360.982.2284, speakeasysaloon.com
