The words “I know the owner,” whispered across the table, lead to a hidden door that reveals a room filled with thin smoke, exclusive drinks and the sound of hot jazz. Throughout February, downtown Garland is traveling back in time to the Prohibition era, inviting locals and visitors to get a taste of history at a month-long event.
The Downtown Garland Prohibition Experience is comprised of six local restaurants surrounding the Garland Square.
Customers will have to whisper specific passwords to bartenders at participating locations to enjoy a taste of exclusive off-the-menu cocktails. Among the locations, Dos Banderas and Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery are offering their limited-edition drinks inspired by the Prohibition era.
“We love participating in all of the fun events that downtown offers.” Amy Archer, one of the owners at Dos Banderas. “Anytime they have something that is interactive, and our guests can enjoy, we’re always going to participate in that.” She adds how Dos Banderas hopes to attract new customers and people who aren’t from the area.
“We love the collaboration with all of the restaurants, and it’s fun to see what they’re doing to participate in this event. Just bringing community together is something we’re excited about.”
From 1920-1933, Prohibition in the U.S. was a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation and sale of alcoholic beverages.
Although the sale of alcohol was banned, doctors’ prescriptions for “medicinal alcohol” to help soothe a cough or sleeping difficulties rose. During Prohibition, citizens of Garland purchased bootleg alcohol in the outskirts of Garland and Rowlett. One of the main areas of interest at the time was the Anderson Park Tourist Camp. The owners created a drink stand that was soon to be known as the Green Lantern. The water dispenser in the drink stand would normally pour water, but with the press of a floor-mounted button, whiskey would be shot out instead.
The city has strong ties to the era and offers an exhibit at the Garland Landmark Museum that provides information on the Prohibition era. Sara James, Secretary for the Landmark Society, said, “People come to us when they want to learn more about what happened in Garland during Prohibition.” She said events such as the Prohibition experience, Wine Walk, and Art Day contribute to “people coming to Garland, learning about our rich history, and becoming familiar with our area.”
Cary Hodson, owner of Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery, said the repeal of Prohibition is something that Intrinsic has always celebrated.
“We actually opened on Dec. 5, which, from my understanding, is the anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition.” He then adds how being the first brewery in downtown Garland was a new thing for the locals, and many were quite apprehensive about the business.
“They didn’t know what a brewery was; they thought we were bringing in something bad into the city, which is why we called ourselves Intrinsic.” The word intrinsic means to be “deeply rooted” and “naturally belonging.” Today, Intrinsic has become one of downtown Garland’s staples by blending fantastic barbecue, drinks, and events that bring the community together. Hodson said the changing attitude of alcohol consumption, particularly in younger generations. “A lot of younger people are just sober-curious or just not interested in alcohol at all,” Hodson said. “We offer non-alcoholic drinks, THC beverages, and a wide range of options that aren’t beer because we want to welcome everyone.”
