Ever since prohibition ended I’ve always felt that bars haven’t been illicit enough. I mean, bars will pretty much let anybody in these days, the booze isn’t made in bathtubs, and and they usually don’t get raided by the ‘coppers’. And really, who wants to drink in a club that lets just anybody in and never gets raided by the coppers?

That’s why my new favorite bar is the PX Blue Light that opened in Alexandria last week. It’s a real honest-to-goodness speakeasy. It’s purposely hard to find, but I’ll let you in on how to get in. It’s at 728 King Street above Eamonn’s Dublin Chippery. You’ll know it’s open (and it’s not open every night) by the pirate flag flying above Eamonn’s. Go around the corner to the alley and look for the door next to a “blue light”. It’ll be locked. Knock on the door and a little window will open up. Tell them you have a reservation (you did remember to make a reservation right? 703-299-8384 though not required) If you are properly dressed and not a copper they’ll let you in.

Inside they are very tiny but kinda swanky, kinda like your rich friend’s living room. Except for the front door, the place didn’t really feel like a speakeasy to me (the waitress had more of a 60s go-go dancer look to her). The drinks are pretty pricey ($11-$16), but it’s worth it to bask in the exclusivity of the place. I mean, c’mon what kinda bar takes reservations?!? I’m not sure that their business model of not advertising and keeping the door locked is all that sound, but it makes for a great place to take a date when you want to show how well connected you are with the Alexandria nightlife scene. And tell ’em Metroblog sent ya!