I love a good prohibition era bar and it wasn’t hard to convince fiance that The Velveteen Speakeasy in Stillwater, Minnesota was the best spot for our next date night when I assured him it crossed off all his criteria:

• Dim ✅
• Strong Cocktails ✅
• Pork Belly ✅

Plus who doesn’t love playing dress up to go to dinner?

Food:

Puff Pastry Jalapeno Poppers: Bacon, Cream Cheese, Mojo Verde, Pomegranate Reduction

The Puff Pastry Jalapeno Poppers were a last minute impulse order from me. Definitely worth it. I was a little worried they’d be hot, being jalapenos, but the pastry and cream cheese kept the heat minimal.

Harissa Cauliflower Bites: Harissa Aioli, Chickpeas, Chevre, Fresno Peppers

Fiance and I have been on a low-carb diet recently so we got excited when we saw the cauliflower bites on the menu. I’ll be honest I don’t actually “like” cauliflower so I slathered mine in the sauce and it was great haha.

Korean Beef Tacos: Spicy Aioli, Slaw

I never turn down Korean Beef. So good. I would definitely order these again.

Pork Belly: Cilantro Lime Rice, Teriyaki Glaze, Broccolini, Fresno Peppers

Pork Belly is always Fiance’s go-to. He was very happy.

SEE THE MENU

Drinks:

Espresso Martini

Espresso Martini was not listed on their online menu so I was PUMPED when we got there and it was listed on the “Drinkable Desserts” section… should I feel attacked that my go-to all night beverage is considered a “dessert?”

Fiance had the Sazerac and the drinks are as boozy as you’d expect from a speakeasy so be prepared!

SEE THE DRINK MENU

Service/Atmosphere:

The Velveteen is in the basement of the building with no obvious signage outside. You need to “follow the rabbit” to find it (but to help you out, go into the JX Event Venue entrance and directly to the left there is a staircase)

There is a moment as you’re descending the stairs when you see the draped curtains and hear the music that you actually feel yourself being transported back in time. The covered windows, eclectic furniture, the gold retro decor and intimate little table nooks all really drive it home. The employees are also dressed to the nines which makes it feel special.

We had actually tried to go one other time, but they were completely full so this time I called ahead on Thursday to make a reservation for Saturday dinner and was super excited when they had openings!

The service was great and our waitress was super friendly. I’m also super excited about the dress I had in my closet that fit in with the vibe perfectly so I’m sharing it below (shameless plug that you can follow my new plus size style instagram for details 😉)

All together, we had a great time and I definitely recommend following the rabbit.

4 Stars.