Del Monte Speakeasy and the awesome history of Prohibition tunnels

Did you know that during Prohibition whiskey boats from Canada would anchor offshore of Venice and row their whiskey barrels to utility tunnels and catacombs under the Venice Pier that led to the tony hotels and bars that lined the boardwalk?

I didn't. But I love the idea. It's so very "Boardwalk Empire." Apparently the Del Monte Speakeasy below the nearly century-old bar the Townhouse was a major booze distribution hub, and rumor has it that a tunnel connected it to King Eddy's Saloon in downtown L.A. That may not be true, but if it is I'm going to find that tunnel and walk it myself (with a bottle of whiskey, of course).

Anyway, you can learn all about the history of Del Monte Speakeasy and more in this story from Friday's nightlife pages in Calendar.

ALSO:

Sunday supper at Eveleigh

A Getty dinner, putting on the Ritts

Fava beans and pecorino make for a nice snack

-- Jessica Gelt

Photo: An Amaretto sour is served at the Del Monte Speakeasy. Credit: Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times