Let me start by saying I am not a bar person in general. But there is something alluring about a speakeasy. Obviously, it has nothing to do with legality as we are far beyond the Prohibition era, but I love the idea of a hidden, cozy, dim-lit space that whisks you off to another time. I see all of these places that have really cool immersive themes and I have been dying to visit one. Until I was invited to Thompson & Twain in Temecula, CA, I had only been to one speakeasy in my hometown, and it was lovely, but not exactly this kind of spot. This was a real trip to the Old West, and I loved it.

Per journalistic integrity, we disclose that the writer of this piece was invited to this location by the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, with expenses covered. However, all opinions and thoughts expressed in this piece are their own.

If you have never been to Old Town Temecula, it is definitely worth a visit with its historic buildings, boutique shops, and vibrant dining scene. Thompson & Twain Prospecting Co. is hidden (appropriately) inside Crush & Brew, one of several Temecula restaurants worth checking out, and a sister company to Leoness Cellars in the Temecula Valley wine country.

As we headed to the back of the restaurant and through the red saloon doors, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. To be completely honest, I would have thought this led to the restrooms! But the doors, which don't exactly match the vibe of the restaurant, are a clue.

Once through another door and into the hallway behind, it was like we entered a portal to the past - the horseback riding, gun-slinging, duels in the street at high noon, with a little comedy mixed in (for example, the famous black and white pic of Marty McFly and Doc Brown at the clock tower in Back to the Future.)

The hallway dead-ends at a heavy vault door and, if you don't walk past them without noticing like I did, there are instructions on how to enter.

Welcome to the coolest bar on the frontier in what the speakeasy reminds you was "a dark and dangerous time in American history." After my eyes adjusted to the dim lighting, it was a blast just to look around the room at the myriad of details that make this place what it is. The staff even wear period costumes to really top things off.

It is all about fine cocktails at Thompson & Twain with a heavy focus on "time-appropriate" spirits like gin and whiskey, but it is a full bar so you can order anything your heart desires. Or you can really live it up and let the bartender create a custom drink for you with a few questions to see what you like.

I have to say one of the most entertaining things was reading the names of the drinks on the cocktail menu. I almost ordered a "Court Ordered Goodbye" but decided on the "Hit The Town Like Your Parachute Failed" - partly because I couldn't help myself with a name like that, and partly because it just sounded delicious. And it was! I tasted some of the other drinks that were ordered, and they were literally all fantastic. These guys know what they're doing.

This was such a fun experience and one I wouldn't mind repeating next time I am in town.

If you are visiting Temecula, do yourself a favor and grab a drink in the Old West. You'll have to just show up and try to get a table because as the website says, "there were no phones in the 1800s and there ain't none now in our bar to accept requests..." Even if you have to wait a bit, it's worth it. Have you ever been to this awesome hidden speakeasy in Temecula, CA? Tell us what you think; we'd love to hear from you. Visit the Thompson & Twain Prospecting Co. website for more information, or follow Thompson & Twain on Facebook to find out about special events, tastings, etc. Looking for a unique place to stay for a little weekend getaway in Temecula? Check out this charming little apartment in the heart of Old Town.

And be sure to peruse our collection of fun and unique spots to eat and drink in SoCal for even more inspiration!