A Hidden Treat: VC’s New Speakeasy
If you think you’ve seen every bar and shop C Street has to offer, you might want to take another look — there is something new right under your nose.
Tucked beneath the Virginia City Mercantile is a novel hidden gem called the Dirty Soda Saloon, a cozy speakeasy-style spot serving creative nonalcoholic drinks, decadent treats, and a little bit of mystery.
What was once a mostly unused basement has been turned into an unexpected, inviting retreat for visitors and locals alike. With tin-tile ceilings, vintage newspapers on the walls, soft lighting, and comfy seating, you forget about the hustle and bustle upstairs.
The speakeasy vibe doesn’t stop at the décor. Guests must find a hidden password somewhere inside the Mercantile upstairs before they can gain access to the secret entrance below. Once the password is revealed to an employee, the door opens and the real fun begins.
Down the staircase, visitors will discover a menu that’s just as playful as the setting. Instead of cocktails, the Dirty Soda Saloon offers inventive dirty sodas, stuffed cookies, and deluxe hot chocolate influenced by recipes from Paris and Geneva. The drink menu even features Jane Austen–inspired names, adding a literary twist that fits right in with Virginia City’s historic charm. The saloon also boasts vintage items for sale, creatively placed around the space with price tags sporting fun Mark Twain quotes.
With plenty of saloons already in town serving alcohol, the owners wanted to offer a fun alternative for families, younger visitors, and anyone looking for a sweet treat rather than a stiff drink.
“We decided to repurpose the space downstairs from storage to a hidden treasure that customers could come enjoy,” said Mercantile owner Jonathon Gardner. “We have a wonderful family-friendly store upstairs and we wanted to continue with a family-friendly option in the basement.”
Right now, the Dirty Soda Saloon is in a soft opening phase, with an official ribbon cutting planned for early May (tentative). During the summer season, the speakeasy will keep the same hours as the Virginia City Mercantile. In the winter months, guests can find the secret spot open Thursday through Monday.
So next time you wander into the Mercantile, keep your eyes open. Somewhere in the shop is a password that unlocks a hidden staircase, a cozy underground lounge, and perhaps the sweetest saloon on the Comstock.
Current Winter Hours
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sunday, Monday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
