Hidden Speakeasy Inside Little River, South Carolina Distillery

Ever wonder what it was like to live in the days of Prohibition?  A hidden speakeasy inside a Little River distillery gives you a glimpse.  The Sun News reports Twelve 33 Distillery has opened its secret room to the public for a limited time.  We love Twelve 33 Distillery.   We usually try to visit at least once when we vacation in nearby Myrtle Beach.  It's a great and inviting spot with the most delicious cocktail flights.   The "speakeasy" is located behind the tasting room wall of the distillery.  To add to the mystique, it's controlled by an electromagnetic lock.  Plus, guests will notice red velvet seats, an antique cash register and a 1920s phone.

In all the times we visited the distillery we didn't realize the significance of the name.  "Twelve 33", ties into the whole Prohibition theme.  Owner Kevin Osborn says it represents when the 18th Amendment prohibiting alcohol sales was repealed, December 1933.  Osborn points out that the speakeasy being a part of the establishment was a must for him.  And, he decided to open the speakeasy to the public during slower months last year.   It's usually only part of the VIP tour.  Of course, it was a hit.  So, he decided to try it again this year.

He is making it available 1-7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through February 8.  In typical speakeasy fashion, visitors need a password to enter.  Check their Facebook page every Monday for an updated word.  The first week password is JOJO.  The word takes its name from the flask South Carolinians used in the years before Prohibition, he says.  The room holds 17 people and is first come first served.  The owner says they're working on adding food to the cocktail selections.  And, starting in March, they hope to have approval to stay open until 9 p.m.  I can't wait to check out the hidden speakeasy inside our favorite Little River distillery.

In the mood for a cocktail? Well, it is thirsty Thursday! Today March 24th is the national cocktail day. According to Dictonary.com, a cocktail is an alcoholic drink consisting of a spirit or several spirits mixed with other ingredients, such as fruit juice, lemonade, or cream. If you are looking to enjoy one in the Charlotte area, there are plenty of places to sip them shaken or stirred.

Whether you are looking for a night out or just a stress break, cocktails taste great. We did some research and compiled a list of 15 of the best and coolest cocktail bars in Charlotte, North Carolina. Check out the full list below.

This is the Charlotte speakeasy. You can enjoy a modern cocktail and some grub too. It is located at 2433 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203. You can see more on planning a visit here.

Located at 144 Brevard Ct Ste B Charlotte, NC 28202. They have some cool options including ones on fire! If you don't drink, you can even enjoy a mocktail. You can see more on this cocktail bar here.

I love the look of this place. It is an upscale cocktail bar. Located at 127 N Tryon Suite D 28202 Charlotte. You can see more about this cocktail bar here.

Located at 101 W Worthington Ave. #140 Charlotte, North Carolina. If you scan through their Instagram you just might fall in love. They have some gorgeous cocktails. You can see more on this cocktail bar and eatery here.

This is a classic cocktail lounge in Charlotte. It is located at 4237 Park Rd B, Charlotte, NC 28209. You can see more here.

ldlewild is a cozy cocktail bar in the NoDa neighborhood of Charlotte. It is located at 424 E 36th St Unit 2, Charlotte, NC 28205, You can see more here.

Located at 1221 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205. You can see more on getting a cocktail here.

Located at 1320 S Church St Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28203. The owners designed Lincoln Street Kitchen and Cocktails to be local inside and out. You can enjoy some tasty small plates and innovative cocktails. You can see more about this Charlotte cocktail spot here.

Located at 1957 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204. You can enjoy classic cocktails with a tasty modern twist. You can see more on this cocktail bar here.

Located at 1212 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205. This is an eatery and cocktail bar. There is even a hidden speakeasy! You can see more on this cocktail bar here.

Located inside Optimist Hall you can enjoy fruit-forward flavors and creative spins on classic cocktails. You can see more here.

Located at 1500 B Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205. You can enjoy some fine dining and cocktails at this Charlotte spot. You can see more on the cocktails that Soul Gastrolounge offers here.

Located at 933 Louise Ave Suite 350, Charlotte, NC 28204. This is a tropical cocktail paradise. You can see more on booking a cocktail trip here.

The flowers on this bar are epic. Located at 123 East 5th Street in Charlotte, NC 28202. There is a dress code for this cocktail bar. You can see more on it here.

This cocktail spot is located at 204 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202. They serve food as well. You can see more on this cocktail bar here.