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Mata Hari’s | Savannah’s Own Speak Easy
So let's just point out that Savannah is getting cooler by the minute. My latest experience of utter coolness occurred last Thursday night at the sexiest new spot in town.
But not just anyone can enter. And that’s part of what makes it so sexy. There are only two ways to get your feet across the threshold. The first – you must secure (or solicit) an invitation by a member with a key. The second – you must secure a key of your own, which is pretty tricky as there are no set rules as to who gets them. My fabulous friend Dave Pippen was kind enough to extend an invitation, and I felt like I was keeping an incredible secret before the night even began. I had dinner with friends at Local 1110, which was fabulous, but secretly I was counting down the minutes until we met up with Dave to sneak into this elusive society.
Think 1920’s. Yep, you’re reading correctly…Savannah has it’s very own Speak Easy. And let me tell you, as my stiletto pushed through the curtain at Mata Hari’s, I was immediately transported back to “the Era of Wonderful Nonsense.” The air was thick, and as I looked to the right, I saw a gorgeous young girl dressed in a tuxedo bodysuit, fishnets, and a long tail tux jacket. A top hat and red bow tie completed the look, and certainly set the tone for the night’s adventure. With tall, crimson, velvet chairs, and couches for lounging, poker tables set up in swanky little corners, and the very exclusive crowd, it wasn’t hard to imagine living in the “Age of Al Capone.”
Drinks are served strong, so I definitely felt like I got my money’s worth. And the owner, Kit, is as sweet as can be. She shared a little about why she chose the theme. She said she imagined her guests abandoning the world outside and letting themselves be transported to another time. I can testify for her. Mission accomplished. Even the crowd gets into the spirit. As I surveyed the place, I saw women donning flapper dresses , and men in knickers and Oxfords having conversation. I watched as a couple danced the Charleston. A roaring time was being had by all.
I relaxed without a care in the world as the sounds of Britt Scott and her sultry voice tickled my ears. The single spotlight remains perfectly positioned on the jazz seductress at all times, and her vibrato captures your attention and keeps it. A toss of her firey red hair and you’re enraptured by the voluptuous vixen. She performed a respectfully powerful set including many modern and classic tunes, and a stunning version of an Etta James favorite of mine, “At Last.”
As I sipped my digestif, I imagined what life was like back then. I imagined how I might have dressed. Would I have cut my hair short to show my independence? I imagined driving a “people’s car” and parking it in the alley near the disguised door of my favorite hidden spot. I imagined arriving just in time to slip in, before the doors close to the outside world for the night. I imagined ducking behind a curtain that held on the other side a magical place where all my cares just disappeared. I imagined spending a Thursday night in a place just like this, admiring instead, the likes of the aforementioned Ms. James, perhaps.
Before I knew it, it was 2am; most certainly way past my bed time, but the night was definitely worth it. The time had come for me to go, and as I thanked Kit for showing us such genuine hospitality, I got something oh so special. She reached behind the bar into a little dark crevice and pulled out something shiny. “Come back any time,” she leaned in to whisper, and handed me my very own key.
If you are wondering where it is... You MUST find a key-holder! (Hint: It's near Club 309 West)
Photography provided by Colin Douglas Gray.
Comments
Lovely story, Ellisia!
Great review! You forgot to mention they have a pool table. I love Mata Hari’s!
Was great music was very soft ( you could talk if you wanted to) everyone is so nice makes you feel as if you are home . So ready to go back
I want to rent this club out for my birthday. Any clue how to contact the owner?
Love it! Best bar by far in savannah!
I have been there several times and have a great time each time I go. The singer or singers are great! They dress the part and everyone has a great time.
I’m so PROUD to be a new key-holder!
My wife and I went there last night and bought a key. I wish we would have been invited by someone else first. Not impressed. The novelty of the idea was cool, even with the flip the switch at the door to get in. The bar is small and well decorated. The music is so loud you can’t talk to people in your party and if you stay there too long it will give you a headache. The place isn’t a dance club turn the music down!! So we sat on the couch and watched the show, which was very cool. Every 30 minutes. But for the price of paying a key I would expect better service. The bartenders were young girls, mostly on their phones, weren’t very friendly. And don’t expect someone to come over and ask you if you would like a drink…you must go to the bar for one. When it gets crowded that could be difficult. I would think for the price of key service would have been better, catered to the patron. Not at all. The people didn’t seem friendly or helpful at all. The guy at the door was the most helpful. In short, get invited to see if you like it before you spend the money on a key of your own.
I wish I had visited first before buying a key .I thought you would be treated a little more different than at a regular bar.I assumed it was so small the bartenders would as if you needed anything .People are not friendly and loud inside .I have gone once so hope it changes, if not I wasted my money.
A number of people have said that they bought a key. How much do they run?
so how does one go about finding this place?
I’m a SCAD student here in Savannah & I am SERIOUSLY interested in this and would LOVE to either be a part or at least attend. Is there a person of contact or anything? Or could I get some information from you? PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. I’d greatly appreciate it, I’ve been looking EVERYWHERE for one of these… AMAZING article, by the way!
Very much interested in visiting and obtaining a key. Thanks.
Cool place. We enjoyed the entertainment.
I am very interested, please contact if you.could extend invitations. Cfcanan@yahoo
We have been to this bar several times and have ALWAYS had a great time. The atmosphere is just what this 40 something year old needs. Even when crowded we have always had a great time. Love love the music.
Anyone interested in an invite can contact me. 
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This Lounge is just fantastic! Great entertainment and atmosphere. Nothing else like it in Savannah. Been there many times and always treated special. I am an entertainer of many years, and strongly recommend it as a place to spend several hours. Kit is a superb hostess.
I absolutely want to go to this lounge. Just recently some my girlfriends and I planned to dress up as Flappers and go to dinner and the film The Great Gatsby. Sadly, our plans were changed at the last minute. I still have the most phenomenal tassle dress, turquoise Mary Jane pumps, and peacock feather headpiece waiting to be donned. My husband and I are from North Carolina, but we are coming to Savannah for a weekend getaway. Is there any way tourists can get into this time machine? I must go!!!!!
Kimberly - it’s too bad you won’t be here next Thursday! They are doing a cabaret night at the Lucas Theatre! http://www.keytosavannah.com/event/speakeasy-cabaret/
We are in town for the evening and would love to see a show at Mati Hari. Any information on being able to get admission would be greatly appreciated. We may also be interested in purchasing a key if that is a possibility. Thanks!
I visited your club Friday night and thoroughly enjoyed myself! How to become a member?