An old phone booth sits outside the front door, requiring guests to dial the “librarian” and name a classic piece of literature before being granted entry.
“Robinson Crusoe,” patrons whispered into the phone last week, and the door to Rare Books Bar swung open.
The small 1920s-style speakeasy is the creation of Derek and Sheree Simms, who moved to Frisco from Los Angeles seven years ago.
Having previously owned and managed eight11 Place on Frisco’s Main Street, the couple wanted to offer the city a new concept when they purchased a local favorite, Bonnie Ruth’s Neighborhood Bistro, about six months ago.
The Simmses said the hidden space inside the 6,000-square-foot building and the opportunity for a connected kitchen made it the location of their dreams, and less than four months later, Rare Books Bar was open for business.
Rare Books Bar serves wine, beer and liquor, including more than 400 rare whiskeys and scotches. The extensive list of rare brands boasts Angels Envy Cask Strength bourbon, Kentucky Owl Straight bourbon and other hard-to-find bottles.
A small food menu with sweet and savory snacks includes sliders, street tacos, flatbread, ahi tuna, deviled eggs, truffle fries and sweet potato fries.
With live jazz or a pianist each night, exposed brick walls and dark lighting, the venue takes guests back in time and makes them feel as if they’re truly at a forbidden speakeasy.
But the secrecy takes it to another level, bringing a sense of excitement to the community and attributing to some of Rare Books Bar’s success.
“Prohibition at its best,” a guest posted on the Rare Books Bar Facebook page. “Something about secret doors and [it being] forbidden makes it deliciously fun.”
The business posts the secret code on its Instagram each Wednesday. “The Awakening," guests whispered the week before last, and “Little Women” the week before that.
The Simmses said that their patrons have learned of the hidden venue through word of mouth — as expected for a speakeasy. The room is small and quaint like a traditional speakeasy and often reaches its capacity of 50 to 55 guests, so the couple plans to expand it by 30 seats.
Derek Simms said the connection to Bonnie Ruth’s helps because patrons can eat dinner before heading to Rare Books Bar, and they can drink on the patio as they wait to get into the bar.
The couple said they expect the wait to be more seamless as they transition Bonnie Ruth’s into J. Theodore’s — a restaurant and bar with more than 100 different martinis. The morning brunch spot will transform into a nightclub, Derek Simms said, with a nightly gin and tonic special starting at 5 p.m.
Named after his father, John Theodore, the remodeled restaurant should be completed by the beginning of June, he said.
Sheree Simms said they’re trying to create the perfect place for a daytime meal with the kids or a romantic dinner. The patio — which they called the best in Frisco — and the speakeasy will be open throughout the process, she said.
“There’s a lot of opportunity here in Frisco,” Derek Simms said. “If you have the right opportunity, right energy and right work ethic, you can really do anything here.”
Rare Books Bar is located in Bonnie Ruth’s Neighborhood Bistro at 6959 Lebanon Road, Suite 110. Hours are Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m., Thursday from 6 to 10:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
