1920s-inspired speakeasy opening soon in Morganton

A step back in time is coming to Morganton.

Epicurean Speakeasy, dubbed Epic, is bringing the Roaring Twenties to life with a Prohibition-era speakeasy, complete with dim lighting, vintage decor, and a secret password at the door.

Epic, on South King Street behind CoMMA, is expected to open to the public in mid-May.

Behind a large door with a small sliding window, guests will be greeted with a relaxed, stay-as-long-as-you-want ambiance, background music softly playing, and trained mixologists serving up intricate cocktails.

‘What’s the password?’

Co-owners Thomas Schmitt and Carmen Parisi, both retired, wanted to bring something fresh and eclectic to Morganton.

“We’ve covered the United States in our jobs, but we talked about this speakeasy in Milwaukee. It was such a cool idea,” Schmitt said. “You know, this town could really use something like that.”

“Something different with panache,” Parisi added.

Epic will feature six seating areas and a bar with room for 10. The feel and design draw inspiration from secret bars that operated during the U.S. Prohibition era from 1920 to 1933 when alcohol was banned and nightlife became an underground culture. True to the tradition, guests at Epic will need to know the nightly password to get in.

UNIQUE OFFERINGS

Epic will be the first bar in Morganton to serve prosecco on tap. The menu will also include craft beer, a selection of wines, and a range of cocktails made by in-house mixologists.

The speakeasy will be a 100% non-smoking facility, but patrons can enjoy cigars on the outside deck. Epic will partner with Tinder Box tobacco shop, located in Charlotte, to feature a premium retail cigar section inside the venue.

The location won’t serve food, but light snacks will be available and food trucks will be on-site occasionally. Guests are also welcome to have food catered in.

SOFT OPENING PLANS

Before opening its doors to the public, Epic will host a soft opening week, welcoming Morganton Cigar Club members, local business owners, and family and friends.

Tentatively, Epic will be open five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday, from noon to 8 p.m., though hours may be adjusted based on customer demand.

“We’re here to provide value to the city,” Parisi said. “We’re listening to what they want. We’re talking to residents all over to find out what they want.”