Sidecar Speakeasy Opening May 9 at Hotsy-Totsy Bar & Grill in Downtown Hollywood

Sidecar speakeasy opening may 9 at hotsy-totsy bar & grill in downtown hollywood

South Florida restaurateurs Valerie and Clayton Chelley will introduce a new concept to their bar and restaurant business with the May 9 opening of the Sidecar Speakeasy in Downtown Hollywood.

With this addition to the 1920s-style Hotsy-Totsy Bar & Grill, which the Chelleys opened Nov. 24 at 2032 Harrison St., two different yet complementary places will share one unique and nostalgic space that reflects a timeless Art Deco style.

While Hotsy-Tosty offers a creative tapas-style menu along with a full bar specializing in “classic cocktails,” the Sidecar Speakeasy will serve only alcoholic beverages to the 21-and- older crowd. And just like the original speakeasies – those illicit Prohibition-era nightclubs that required a secret password – Sidecar patrons will need a door code to gain entry.

“You can get the number code by liking us on Instagram or Facebook, or call 954-544-2381,” said Valerie Chelley. “We will be changing the code weekly.”

The Chelleys, who between them have 50 years of experience in the food and beverage industry (Clayton owned bars and restaurants in his native New Zealand and Valerie started bartending at age 18), opened their first joint venture, Vinos Wine Bar, in 2010 in Key West. They now have four Vinos Wine Bars offering fine wine, craft beer and lite fare.

Their newest venture, Hotsy-Totsy Bar & Grill, is getting rave reviews from patrons for its food and ambiance.

“We’ve been having a great rapport with the customers – a lot of repeat business,” Valerie Chelley said.

The menu features more than a dozen small plates including braised Spanish octopus ($10), Oysters Rockefeller ($9), hand-cut truffle fries ($8), an heirloom carrot tart with goat cheese, hazelnuts and a maple bourbon glaze ($8), and Hearts of Palm “Deviled Eggs” stuffed with curried tofu and smoked paprika ($6.50).

There are also “slightly larger” plates that include grilled flat iron steak served with street corn salad and chimichurri ($16), seared diver scallops with coconut sticky rice ($16), and albondegas (spicy lamb meatballs) with a smoked paprika tzatziki sauce and golden raisin pesto ($12). Other offerings are artisan cheese plates and cured meat plates ($16), flatbreads ($10), a soup du jour ($7), fried green tomatoes with burrata cheese and roasted red pepper aioli ($12), and salad selections.​

A few of the menu items rotate monthly and daily specials are also available, as are cocktails, wines (by the glass and by the bottle) and beers. All drinks are 30 percent off during happy hour, from 5 to 7 pm Tuesday – Saturday. Live acoustic music plays on Saturday nights.

The Chelleys have been wanting to open a speakeasy for quite a while and searched in Miami, West Palm Beach and Key West before finding the ideal 1920s-style building in Hollywood’s historic downtown arts, music and entertainment district.

“I think Hollywood just has that Old Florida charm, and it lends itself very well to our concept,” Valerie Chelley said.

Hotsy-Totsy Bar & Grill is open from 5 to 10 pm Tuesday – Saturday. Beginning May 9, the Sidecar Speakeasy will be open from 7 pm to 1 am Thursday – Saturday.

For more information, call 954-544-2383, or visit hotsytotsybarandgrill.com or facebook.com/hotsytotsyflorida.

Author: Amanda Jones
Author: Amanda Jones

Amanda Jones specializes in social media marketing. She holds a Master's degree in Social Media Management from the University of Florida and a Social Media Professional Certificate from the University of Miami.

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