Last Tuesday, Johnny O’s finally made good on a promise. It opened its doors to the public. Every Tuesday this month from 5 to 9 p.m. anyone and everyone is welcome to check out the 9 Prime speakeasy. Well, everyone up to the room capacity of 62.

“This is your chance to experience the unique charm of our speakeasy, enjoy our handcrafted cocktails, and discover why it’s such a special space for our members,” 9 Prime shared on its social channels.

Members First

Johnny O’s opened in May of last year with the promise of public access days. However, that never really happened. It was an effort to meet members at their schedule, 9 Prime Assistant General Manager Chris Jones told me on a visit to the speakeasy last fall.

“This is a second home for a lot of members,” said Chris, and if they didn’t want to battle crowds for a drink at their favorite bar on a Wednesday evening. Well, then they shouldn’t have to, the reasoning went.

Now as schedules have settled and efforts to fill the remaining membership seats grow 9 Prime is eager to show off what its club has to offer.

“We have the opportunity to offer things others can’t.”

Chris Jones, 9 Prime Assistant General Manager

“This is a great way for potential members to enjoy a night in the speakeasy without interrupting the privacy and experience of our current members during regular hours of operation,” said Chris.

What to Expect

Housed in the basement vault, Johnny O’s has a dark and moody vibe. Inside you’ll find low lights, gold print walls, and tufted banquettes in forest and burnt sienna. Printed acoustic tiles framed in gold hang from the ceiling, muffling noise and adding visual interest. It’s a place designed for backroom deals and intimate conversations but in reality, the atmosphere is more relaxed. The speakeasy, it turns out, is used more for its easy socializing at events like Quizzo or murder mystery night than it is for networking.

It serves as a paid-upfront oasis from the college bar scene. A place where you are guaranteed a seat and a flawless drink – try the Snake Oil Salesman – served to you by a bartender who most likely already knows your name and your order.

Perks of Membership

Quality is, however, just one of the perks of membership. Members also get a key fob for access to the club’s back entry and use of its reserved parking spaces. This is the closest you’ll get to valet at 9 Prime. Then there is the variety of member-only events, private tastings, priority reservations, and the coolest welcome gift – an actual piece of the original bank vault door. I am not sure what you do with it but the presentation was impressive.

The price of access is salty – although it’s been reduced. A membership to Johnny O’s is $1500 for the year with a minimum quarterly spend of $250 on food and beverage. This includes a 10 percent discount on 9 Prime dining and free perks at the many events, still, it’s not a sum you’re likely to ever completely earn back. Then again Johnny O’s is not the place you go for a bargain or a deal. It’s a place you go to get what you can’t elsewhere – whether that’s a drink, a seat, or a handshake deal.

“We have the opportunity to offer things others can’t,” said Chris.

Capacity Levels

Johnny O’s has just over 100 members with room for more – how many more is not yet set. “Initially, we aimed for 150 members to assess capacity and ensure everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the space. However, we haven’t set a hard cap yet,” said Chris. “We’re evaluating the number of members and how often they utilize the space to determine the best balance moving forward,” he added.

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Originally published on Feb. 7, 2025

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