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Speakeasy guide: Hidden bars in Lexington, Cincinnati and one that plans a return

THE LEXINGTON HERALD LEADER
BY PATTI NICKELL – CONTRIBUTING WRITER

July 18, 2024

Entry to this speakeasy didn’t require whispering a secret password to someone named Guido — just an admission ticket. Nor did you need a clue and a map to an undisclosed location. The line wrapping around the Grand Reserve in the Distillery District showed exactly where the action was. Once inside, however, the venue had been transformed into a dark dungeon, perfect for transferring the eerie tales of Edgar Allan Poe from the page to the stage.


If you’re seeking a unique blend of history, hospitality, and a touch of Southern charm, look no further than The St. Clair Hotel in the heart of downtown Frankfort, Kentucky. Nestled on the storied St. Clair Street, this boutique hotel offers the perfect home away from home for bourbon enthusiasts and travelers alike.
A Glimpse into History
The building at 305-311 St. Clair Street has a rich and varied past, serving as a community hub for decades. From the welcoming embrace of Hower’s Saloon, where locals once gathered for cold beverages and ice cream on sweltering summer days, to the four-story expanse of Marcus Furniture, this site has always been a cornerstone of downtown Frankfort life.
A New Era of Elegance
Today, The St. Clair Hotel breathes new life into this historic space with meticulous attention to detail and a passion for preserving its legacy. Over the past four years, Alter Development has transformed this landmark into a stunning boutique hotel, designed with the bourbon lover in mind.
Luxurious Accommodations
Each suite at The St. Clair is a sanctuary of comfort and style, featuring hand-selected finishes that evoke warmth and uniqueness. The thoughtful design ensures that guests will want to return time and again, drawn by the inviting atmosphere and superior amenities.
Savor the Experience at Howser Tavern & Speakeasy
The heart of The St. Clair experience is undoubtedly Howser Tavern. Here, visitors can unwind with a finely crafted cocktail at the bar or slip into the speakeasy for a more intimate evening. The tavern’s ambiance pays homage to its historical roots while offering a contemporary twist, making it a favorite spot for both locals and guests.

In just a few weeks, shortly after the 150th Kentucky Derby and in the middle of the 25th Anniversary of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the 106th PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club, on May 13-19, will be a unique opportunity for golf fans to enjoy a celebratory cocktail combining the best golf in the world with Louisville traditions.

And for those golf enthusiasts from all over the world gathering in Louisville for the second major of the year, there is no better guidance than the advice of local golf aficionados in the horse, hospitality, and bourbon industries.

“Our brand is ‘where the world meets Kentucky’ because everything that we are is a small representation or expression of the world,” said Andy Treinen, who, after 25 years as a sports broadcaster, including the coverage of the 2014 PGA Championship in Valhalla, presides and manages the Frazier History Museum, home of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center….


The St. Clair
and Howser Tavern

Written by Patti Nickell
Published February 26, 202

Tucked away in an alcove inside Frankfort’s newest hotel, the 15-suite boutique St. Clair, is an inconspicuous door marked Maintenance. Behind the door you won’t find pails, mops, cleaning supplies – all the things one would typically associate with keeping a property spic and span.

What you will find behind the door is a Prohibition-era speakeasy that would have appealed to Al Capone and his cronies. Even Eliot Ness, chief enforcer of The Untouchables and Capone’s arch nemesis, might have been tempted to spend time enjoying some bathtub gin here….


Howser Tavern & Speakeasy, The St. Clair
to open this fall

State Journal staff report
Published October 11, 2023

A new watering hole and boutique short-term rental is scheduled to open in historic downtown Frankfort later this fall.
A partnership between Alter Development and Goodwood Brewing, Howser Tavern & Speakeasy and The St. Clair will be located at 311 St. Clair St.

Howser Tavern will feature a relaxed space with nods to the bourbon trail, TVs, luxury cocktails and light appetizers. The speakeasy space will be a membership only community that offers privacy, a unique meeting space and liquor lockers available for purchase, according to a press release.