Thaxton Speakeasy

Friends and I had a great time at the Thaxton Thursday night. The pineapple moonshine cocktail is excellent. The band, Miss Jubilee, was great and we all appreciated the swing dance lessons on offer. I really liked that the people who work there are welcoming and unpretentious and, thus, take what could be a cheesy gimmick and make it something more than that!

Awesome speakeasy-style bar/lounge downtown. The experience kind of starts a like a horror film -- we walked around the building, down an alley to find the back door.  We rang the doorbell and and waited until a man (Mad Dog, I think he is referred to) answered.  Mad Dog had a mustache that rivaled Yosemite Sam's--it was impressive (full disclosure: I was a couple beers in, so this might be exaggerated).  He asked for the password and the cover ($3).  

Knowing we were first timers there, Mad Dog told us the deal: "Get the moonshine shot--don't get the mixed drink. And when you take the shot, eat the fruit first. Don't eat it after...you'll regret it."  Confused at what he was talking about, we nodded and headed inside, down a dark staircase into the basement.  The best way to describe it would be an unpretentious lounge...if there is such a thing. The had several couches and a small dance floor, with a DJ spinning some music.

We each ordered a shot of the cherry moonshine.  The bartender gave us 2 shot glasses each, one with the moonshine, and one with a cherry.  The bartender reiterated what Mad Dog said, "Eat the fruit first." After biting in, we quickly learned why we wanted a chaser after the fruit -- it tasted like the cherry had been sitting in moonshine for months. After forcing down the moonshine-soaked cherry, we welcomed the moonshine (as strong as it was) as a chaser.  Needing a reprieve from the shots, I tried the pineapple mixed drink which was good as well.

They're booked for private events often, so check the website to make sure the night is open to the public before you go.  But, it's definitely a really cool experience.

Pros: really cool experience, good atmosphere
Cons: not open too often (closed for private parties frequently)

I don't like giving give stars because there is always something to improve on. Just not sure what they can do better! Great atmosphere, great music, and swing dancing!