By Coral Gables Gazette staff
The dead don’t rest quietly—and neither does The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy, which returns to the Coral Gables Woman’s Club (1001 East Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables) this weekend with a chilling sequel that promises to go deeper into the shadows. This immersive cocktail experience, subtitled Chapter Two, runs Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26, with multiple showtimes each evening.
For those who missed the first installment, fear not: prior attendance is not required to enjoy this new chapter. This standalone sequel welcomes both returning thrill-seekers and new initiates to a literary experience that blends performance, cocktails, and the uncanny genius of Poe himself.
Four tales. Four cocktails. One unforgettable night.
Billed as a “4-part chilling cocktail experience,” the speakeasy transforms the Coral Gables Woman’s Club into a moody, candlelit salon where Edgar Allan Poe’s most haunting tales come to life. This time, the featured stories include:
- The Cask of Amontillado, a tale of wine, revenge, and bricked-in secrets
- Annabel Lee, Poe’s melancholic ode to eternal love and loss
- The Pit and the Pendulum, a psychological plunge into dread and disorientation
- The Fall of the House of Usher, a gothic fever dream of madness and decay
Each tale is narrated and enacted by a cast of costumed “Poe Historians” who bring dramatic flair, eerie ambiance, and just enough theatrical menace to keep guests leaning in. Every segment is paired with a custom cocktail designed to reflect the mood and tone of the story—offering a multisensory blend of literature, performance, and mixology.
The result? A heady mix of gothic storytelling and spirited indulgence, where every sip and soliloquy deepens the spell.
More immersive than ever
Chapter Two builds on the original’s success while introducing fresh material and atmospheric flourishes. The Coral Gables venue—already known for its vintage charm—has been transformed into a dreamlike echo of Poe’s imagination. Shadowy lighting, period-inspired furnishings, and costumed staff complete the illusion, evoking both elegance and unease.
Audience reviews from previous shows describe the experience as “atmospheric, intimate,” and “a unique and memorable way to spend a couple of hours.” Guests rave about both the cocktails and the caliber of the performances, which walk a fine line between reverence and theatrical thrill.
According to organizers, each show lasts approximately 90 minutes, and the venue is ADA compliant. While seating is unassigned, guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the space—and perhaps a pre-show drink.
Tickets and times
The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy: Chapter Two will be held at: Coral Gables Woman’s Club. Tickets are $55, and admission is limited to guests 21 and over. Each ticket includes admission to the performance and four curated cocktails. Attendees must be of legal drinking age and present ID at the door.
Showtimes:
- Friday, July 25: 6 p.m., 8 p.m., 10 p.m.
- Saturday, July 26: 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m., 10 p.m.
A toast to the macabre
If you’ve ever wanted to toast Annabel Lee or chase the echo of footsteps in The Pit and the Pendulum with a glass in hand, this is your moment. The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy isn’t just a themed cocktail night—it’s an atmospheric plunge into American gothic literature, served straight and stirred with style.
For Coral Gables locals and visiting literary thrill-seekers, this is a chance to step beyond the ordinary and raise a glass to the master of the macabre. As Poe himself once wrote: “There is no exquisite beauty… without some strangeness in the proportion.” Consider your next cocktail exquisitely strange.
