You know what Hanky Panky is, no need to explain the moniker. But, did you know that it’s also the name of a drink coined by the legendary Ada "Coley" Coleman at the Savoy Hotel in London, made with Fernet, vermouth and dry gin?
We’re not allowed to divulge how this speakeasy is found but rest assured it would be difficult to stumble across it. We will give you a hint though: feign like you’re headed for the bathroom and you’ll be transported to an adult libation haven… welcome to Hanky Panky. If you’ve made it this far it’s surely because of word of mouth as this classic speakeasy does not advertise in any way.
The finagling and sleuthing required to find this spot is entirely worth it once you’ve spent a night at a place which is impossible to find to begin with and ends with you exiting through a refrigerator door.
After you make a few phone calls and get the doors to open up, you’ll be greeted by the wide sexy red chairs with bronze rivets, minimalist lamps, dim lighting, and a mirror that serves as a sort of altar for Coley.
As I perused the menu, I noticed many cocktails selected and created exclusively for Hanky Panky by mixologists like Ricardo Sandoval (Limantour) and Phillipe Zaigue (Artemisia). I obviously ordered the Hanky Panky and I was instantly teleported to the Savoy as I savored the bitterness perfectly balanced by a sweetness. Then, I tried the Fortunite, made with house Mezcal, celery and grape – hard to fathom those flavors together – but, it’s smoky, sweet, and astringent a delightfully vegetal concoction.
If you’re looking to snack, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that the menu here was designed by chef Maycoll Calderon (Huset). The Hamachi sashimi was an absolute medley of delightful flavors: acidic, aromatic and tempered by fatty avocado. Then, the glazed short rib: a tender and juicy slow-cooked treat served with mashed potatoes.
Hanky Panky has cocktails with chocolate bunnies and others with saffron, making each cocktail and dish a special experience and while yes, you have to jump through hoops to get in (don’t be lazy), it’s worth the trouble. If you’re having trouble finding it, check out their social media channels and be part of the secret-keepers club.
There’s few experiences that are truly not to be missed in life and Hanky Panky is one of them.