In searching for a speakeasy during the Prohibition era, people typically looked for several factors:
1. Secrecy: Speakeasies operated covertly, often hidden behind unmarked doors or in discreet locations to avoid detection by law enforcement.
2. Password or Code: Some speakeasies required patrons to know a secret password or code to gain entry, adding an element of exclusivity and security.
3. Quality of Alcohol: Despite the illegality of alcohol during Prohibition, speakeasies prided themselves on serving high-quality liquor, sometimes sourced through illegal means such as bootlegging or smuggling.
4. Atmosphere: Many speakeasies cultivated a lively and vibrant atmosphere, often featuring live music, dancing, and entertainment to attract patrons and create a sense of excitement.
5. Privacy: Patrons valued the privacy afforded by speakeasies, where they could socialize and drink without fear of legal repercussions or judgment from society.
6. Exclusivity: Some speakeasies catered to a specific clientele or social class, offering a sense of exclusivity and sophistication to their patrons.
7. Safety: Despite operating outside the law, speakeasies often provided a safer environment for drinking compared to underground or illicit establishments, as they were typically run by organized crime syndicates that maintained order and security.
Overall, people sought out speakeasies for their combination of secrecy, quality alcohol, lively atmosphere, and sense of exclusivity during the Prohibition era.