Shhh! Did You Know Mid-Michigan Has a Speakeasy?

A new speakeasy/tiki bar called Hunã just opened in Ann Arbor right before Valentine's Day, generating a considerable amount of buzz. And it got us thinking - why should Ann Arbor have all the fun? Does Mid-Michigan have a place like that?

Turns out we do. We've had a little slice of that hidden-door, low-light magic sitting right under our noses for years. Yep. Right in Portland. It's called 118 Proof, and if you haven't been there yet, you're missing out on something special.

What Exactly Is a Speakeasy?

If you're unfamiliar with the term "speakeasy," they go way back. We're talking the 1920s — Prohibition days. Alcohol was illegal, but people still wanted a nice, cold drink after a long day. So what did they do? They got creative. Secret entrances, whispered passwords, tucked-away rooms where the music was crankin' and the drinks were stronger than the law allowed. You didn't just walk in loud and proud... you spoke easy. That's where the name came from.

READ MORE: 9 Off-the-Beaten-Path Lansing Restaurants You Shouldn't Forget About

These days, nobody's dodging the feds for a cocktail, but that vibe — that little thrill of stepping into somewhere that feels tucked away from the rest of the world — people still love that.

And that's exactly where 118 Proof shines.

Why 118 Proof Feels Different

118 Proof is located at 118 Kent Street in downtown Portland. It was established in 2020. It doesn't feel like you're just walking into another bar. It feels like you time-traveled into something. There's dim lighting, and the drinks aren't just poured — they're crafted. The place has personality. Character. One of those places where you saaaay you're just having one then suddenly you're four drinks in and it's way later than you thought.

Get our free mobile app

So while Ann Arbor enjoys its shiny new speakeasy, just remember — we've got one of our own here in Mid-Michigan that's already doing it right.