SPEAKEASY

Sandusky, Ohio

Historic Green Door Building on Water Street in downtown Sandusky home of Volstead Bar speakeasy

THE STORY

During the days of Prohibition, this building experienced some dramatic changes. What was once part of the Dorn Winery, became the Green Door brothel house of the legendary Madame Frankie.

That is only after the very mysterious disappearance of her husband.

Her real name was Jane Araminta (Pentecost) Parish. Also known as Frances Steudler, Minnie Bernbrock, Frances Howard, and Madame Frankie. As you can see, a lady of many sides.

Portrait of Madame Frankie legendary Prohibition-era figure of the Green Door Building in Sandusky Ohio

Madame Frankie

The pictures tell, she was a woman who meant business and not one to be messed with.

It's even rumored she hosted the infamous gangster Al Capone right here, within these very walls.

As her legend grew, so did her purse. She became quite the philanthropist in our city of Sandusky. Donating funds to whatever she deemed necessary.

Madame Frankie's days ended on January 18th, 1961. She was 83 years young. Her final resting place is at the Canfield Cemetery in Canfield, Ohio.

So welcome to the house of Madame Frankie. Also known as Volstead Bar. Here we cheers to remembering the past, living the present, and looking to the future. So raise your glass and be sure to speakeasy...

Volstead Bar is located in the heart of downtown Sandusky, Ohio — just steps from the waterfront and minutes from Cedar Point. Named after the Volstead Act that ushered in Prohibition in 1920, our speakeasy brings the craft cocktail tradition back to life in a building that has witnessed over a century of Sandusky history.

The Green Door Building at 316 East Water Street was once home to Madame Frankie's establishment — a place where, during Prohibition, a knock on the right door and the right words could get you a drink when the rest of the country had gone dry. The building's original green door served as a signal to those in the know.

Today, Volstead honors that tradition with handcrafted classic cocktails in an intimate, dimly-lit setting that transports you back in time. Whether you're visiting for Cedar Point, the Lake Erie islands, or exploring downtown Sandusky's growing culinary and nightlife scene, Volstead offers a one-of-a-kind experience you won't find anywhere else in northern Ohio.

Dimly lit speakeasy interior at Volstead Bar in downtown Sandusky Ohio Handcrafted espresso martini at Volstead Bar speakeasy Classic daiquiri cocktail at Volstead Bar Sandusky Whiskey sour craft cocktail at Volstead speakeasy Mint julep at Volstead Bar near Cedar Point Lillet cocktail at Volstead Bar in the Green Door Building Craft cocktail with foam at Volstead speakeasy Sandusky Classic martini at Volstead Bar downtown Sandusky Ohio Fresh mojito at Volstead Bar speakeasy Tiki cocktail at Volstead Bar Sandusky Handcrafted old fashioned cocktail at Volstead Bar speakeasy Strawberry julep at Volstead Bar near Cedar Point Strawberry cocktail at Volstead speakeasy Sandusky Ohio Grapefruit cocktail at Volstead Bar in the historic Green Door Building Flaming cocktail presentation at Volstead Bar speakeasy

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

"Absolutely stunning speakeasy. The cocktails are works of art and the ambiance is perfect. Best kept secret in Sandusky."

— Google Review

"We stopped here after Cedar Point and it was the highlight of our trip. Incredible old fashioned and the bartender told us the whole history of the building."

— TripAdvisor Review

"The vibe is unmatched. Dark, intimate, and the drinks are perfectly crafted. This place would fit right in on a Brooklyn side street."

— Yelp Review

FROM BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR

Cocktail features, speakeasy nights, and stories from inside the historic Green Door Building in downtown Sandusky. Follow along for craft cocktail specials and behind-the-bar moments.

THE ALPENGLOW COLLECTION

START YOUR EVENING ON THE WATER

Begin your downtown Sandusky night at Paddle Bar, our waterfront tiki bar and live music venue just steps away on Water Street. Fresh squeezed cocktails, local draft beers, and sunset views on the Sandusky Bay — then walk to Volstead for an intimate craft cocktail nightcap.

HEAR THE STORY

Hear the story behind Volstead on Bar Pod — our hospitality podcast covering cocktail craft, bar ownership, and the downtown Sandusky scene.

HOURS

MON

4pm–10pm

TUE

Closed

WED

Closed

THU

4pm–10pm

FRI

4pm–12am

SAT

2pm–12am

SUN

1pm–7pm

FIND US

316 East Water St.
Sandusky, OH 44870