New Sam Hughes Speakeasy Revives Old Pueblo Club Tradition [PHOTOS]

Speakeasy-style cocktail bar Old Pueblo Club officially opened its doors late fall. The name pays homage to the original Old Pueblo Club private social club, which opened in 1907 and closed in 1992. The team did not take the revival of the iconic name lightly.

“We spent months trying to select a name that was indicative of the space, neighborhood and vibe we wanted to create,” said co-owner and partner Kevin Bedient. “It was quite the process.”

After careful research and calls with descendants of the club’s founding families, the team knew no other name would do.

“Everyone loved the idea of reviving the iconic name,” he said.

Speakeasy in Sam Hughes

Tucked inside Sonoran House Sam Hughes at 2513 E. Sixth St., Old Pueblo Club channels a Prohibition-era vibe with modern flair. The entrance is unassuming, adding to the speakeasy mystique. Inside, the decor blends historic touches with playful nods.

“The space came to life with a lot of different hands,” Bedient said. “[Co-owners and co-founders] Courtney Bedient and Arianna Wilson had the vision and with the designers touch of Alicia Kemmerly, Brogan’s mother, the once bakery space took shape. A lot of the elements within the space are unique; there is a saddle that adorns the liquor cage that was used in the Battle of Gettysburg, tack from [my] mother, Lisa Bedient, chairs that have been reupholstered with leather and the OPC Logo that were once used by Chef Janos at a former downtown concept, matchbooks from the 1920s, and you may even be able to find a few disco balls and red cowgirl hats too.”

Comfortable leather seating and dim lighting create an intimate atmosphere, inviting guests to settle in for the evening.

Craft Cocktails & Local Spirits

The cocktail program at Old Pueblo Club emphasizes local flavors and creative twists. Bedient and the team curated a menu of specialty drinks that nod to Tucson’s past while embracing innovation.

“Curating menu one for the speakeasy was a task,” he said. “But we sure had fun playing with some new ideas.”

Among the signature drinks is a carajillo featuring locally made peanut butter agave by Chica-Chida. Another standout is a Japanese take on the old fashioned, the Hirabayashi, made with umami bitters and fresh shiso leaves.

Many cocktails carry nostalgic names that hark back to Tucson’s “days of old,” blending history with humor. Moreover, the bar highlights Arizona distillers by featuring local spirits like Whiskey Del Bac and Suncliffe Gin.

Popular favorites like the SoHo Old Fashioned and SoHo Espresso Martini have also returned to the menu by popular demand. The bar also offers non-alcoholic options.

Old Pueblo Club Private Events & Membership

“We’ve had overwhelming feedback and an insane amount of inquiries and bookings for the Old Pueblo Club space,” Bedient said.

The versatile space has hosted company luncheons, birthday celebrations, happy hours and multi-course dinners. One week might see a formal coursed dinner for 50 guests, while another night might bring over 100 people for a lively happy hour complete with a 10-foot charcuterie spread.

Additionally, the team is embracing the club’s legacy with a mini-museum approach, compiling historical documents and news clippings to display on the walls. Guests can sip a cocktail while browsing Tucson’s past.

Similar to the original private club, Old Pueblo Club has introduced a limited membership program offering a VIP experience for its patrons. Membership perks hark back to the exclusivity of the 1907 club, offering special access and benefits. For details on membership, visit the Old Pueblo Club website.

Old Pueblo Club is open 5 p.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday at 2513 E. Sixth St. behind Sonoran House Sam Hughes. For more information, visit oldpuebloclub.com.