Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy Returns to Philly for Spooky Season
Philadelphia readers, get ready to toast to the macabre—because the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy and Cocktail Experience is creeping back into town this October for one exclusive weekend only. After a sold-out,…
Philadelphia readers, get ready to toast to the macabre—because the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy and Cocktail Experience is creeping back into town this October for one exclusive weekend only. After a sold-out, waitlist-only extended run in 2023, this chilling pop-up is returning with an all-new chapter that combines spine-tingling storytelling, eerie atmosphere, and cocktails inspired by Poe’s darkest tales.
The immersive experience takes over The Fallser Club in East Falls from October 9–11, 2025, offering 12 showtimes to match your spooky-season schedule. Tickets are on sale now for $55, which includes admission, four craft cocktails, and an evening of live theatrical storytelling. This is a 21+ event, but alcohol-free versions of each drink are available upon request.
What to Expect
The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy isn’t your typical night out—it’s an atmospheric cocktail theater that blends history, literature, and mixology. Commanded by “Poe historians” and a macabre lead mixologist, the experience breathes new life into the author’s timeless works. Between each tale, you’ll be served a handcrafted cocktail crafted to reflect the story’s themes, characters, and emotional weight.
For Chapter 2, four new works are being reimagined for the stage:
- The Pit and the Pendulum
- The Fall of the House of Usher
- The Cask of Amontillado
- Annabel Lee
The Cocktails
Every Poe story comes with a drink that fits the mood:
- Swing of Fate — A sweet-yet-sharp creation with a prosecco finish inspired by The Pit and the Pendulum.
- Montresor’s Revenge — Fresh orange juice layered over rich amontillado, recalling The Cask of Amontillado’s chilling revenge.
- Lover’s Lament — A bittersweet mix of bourbon, lemonade, and hibiscus to embody the melancholy of Annabel Lee.
- Roderick’s Ruin — Cold brew, pomegranate, mocha, and vanilla vodka swirl together as a nod to the collapse in The Fall of the House of Usher.
Cocktail or Poe-inspired attire is encouraged, but not required. Think vintage gothic, velvet capes, or anything that leans into the dark romantic aesthetic.
Poe’s Philly Connection
It’s only fitting that this next chapter unfolds in Philadelphia, where Edgar Allan Poe lived between 1838 and 1844. Those six years were among the most productive of his career, giving us iconic works like The Tell-Tale Heart, Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Masque of the Red Death, and The Fall of the House of Usher. Rumor has it he even began working on The Raven during his time here. Today, Poe’s presence lingers around town at the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site and the well-known Poe Mural at 7th and Spring Garden.
Adding another creepy layer to the experience, The Fallser Club itself is known locally for harboring stories of spooky history and paranormal echoes.
When to Go
There are plenty of chances to secure your seat:
- Thursday, October 9 – Shows at 6pm, 8pm, 10pm
- Friday, October 10 – Shows at 6pm, 8pm, 10pm
- Saturday, October 11 – Shows at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, 10pm
But don’t wait until the last minute—tickets are capped to keep the vibe intimate, and the limited inventory is moving quickly.
The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy Philadelphia experience is equal parts chilling, boozy, and literary—a perfect toast to the spooky season. Whether you’re a lifelong Poe fan or just in search of an unforgettable October night, this mashup of storytelling and cocktails promises to leave a haunting impression.
For tickets and full details, visit edgarallanpoebar.com and follow @edgarallanpoespeakeasy on social media.
