Shhh… Roseville’s hottest cocktail lounge and restaurant is a speakeasy.
If you know where to find it.
Daniello’s Steakhouse Brings Speakeasy Experience to Roseville
Daniello’s, a steakhouse and speakeasy that had been five years in the making, first opened its (hidden) doors in December 2022. Since then, this exhilarating restaurant experience has been making its mark on Downtown Roseville.
Daniello’s restaurant and bar is the brainchild of restaurateur Michael McDermott, who also owns the adjacent Italian-themed restaurant The Place.
Passersby may not even realize that the storefront penny candy store located at 229 Vernon Street is just a front for the speakeasy-style bar with a hidden entrance. Guests must use a secret phrase to access the bar, which serves unique, elevated seasonal menus and cocktails served over our artisan Block Ice.
Daniello’s Roseville Menu
Daniello’s offers a unique dining experience in the midst of Downtown Roseville, with three different menus to choose from.
Daniello’s offers a seasonal prix fixe multi-course dining menu created by Chef Michael McDermott. Reservations are encouraged.
Order from Daniello’s lounge menu and enjoy elevated bistro classics such as oysters, Wagyu burgers, and pomme-frites (fries). No reservations are required for the lounge experience. The downstairs lounge menu also changes seasonally; expect a range of options from small plates to full steak dinners in a more casual environment than the restaurant itself.
And, of course, Daniello’s Speakeasy bar menu features the establishment’s impressive range of both classic and creative cocktails.
“We absolutely LOVE the speakeasy. It’s the only bar I have repeatedly visited in my life. The atmosphere is so appealing and the specialty cocktails are SO GOOD "
Daniello’s Roseville Dress Code
Like any good secret speakeasy, Daniello’s does have a few rules for those seeking admittance—including a dress code.
Daniello’s dress code is “business casual” which means no hoodies or ripped jeans allowed.
Flash photography and cell phones are also banned.
You’ll have to play by the rules if you want access to the hottest speakeasy in town.
How to Get the Daniello’s Password
Ready to get your secret password and access Daniello’s?
Head on over to Daniello’s website to request the password.
Be sure to make your reservations ahead of time if you want the full dining experience; otherwise, use the password to access the lounge and try one of Daniello’s creative cocktails and items off the lounge menu with no reservation required.
What Diners Are Saying About Daniello’s
Since Daniello’s opened in 2022, reviews have been pouring in from people delighted with the food, cocktails, and speakeasy experience.
“Had a great night here! It was so fun to use the secret entrance and password to get in. The bar was beautiful, the bartenders were experts and drinks were delicious. We loved everything we ate. The duck was the star of the show. Rich, juicy, tender, with an innovative approach to the classic dish. We will be telling folks about this place for a while. Can’t wait to go back."
“I’m hesitant to provide a positive review because it will attract more patrons. Daniello’s provides a Michelin quality experience not found anywhere in Roseville."
“First, the obvious, the uniqueness of walking into the candy shop and through the “secret” door is so neat. Walking through the threshold into the lounge feels like leaving the real world behind. The ambiance is lovely! I really appreciate the attention to detail in everything from the furniture to the music. If you’re skipping food, you’re missing out. The food is delicious, fresh, and thoughtfully crafted whether you’re having a full dinner, or a bite at the bar."
Daniello’s Inspiration
Michael McDermott named Daniello’s after his great-grandfather, whose surname was changed when he came to Ellis Island.
This wasn’t the only inspiration behind the hidden bar and reservation-only restaurant. McDermott has said that he pulled inspiration from a line from Willy Wonka that has become his mantra for the restaurant:
“Little surprises around every corner, but nothing dangerous."
You can find Wonka-inspired cocktails on the menu, a playful ode to this inspiration.
Lastly, inspiration for the speakeasy came from its Roseville location. From Daniello’s website:
“The underground tunnels that lead beneath Vernon Street used both for the means to run moonshine during the prohibition era and brothels in the city. The numerous hidden trap doors within Daniello’s is a testament to a truly discrete time."
Daniello’s Latest Speakeasy on the Sacramento Scene
Daniello’s is just the latest speakeasy to appear in the Sacramento region, joining gin joints such as Sacramento’s The Roost, Roseville’s Blue Parrot Lounge, the Lincoln Speakeasy Distillery, and more.
What’s behind the growing popularity of these secret (or not-so-secret) establishments?
Speakeasies first came on the scene during the Prohibition era (1920-1933), when the sale and consumption of alcohol were illegal. According to some accounts, the word speakeasy came from “speak-softly shops,” illegal drinking establishments in England and Ireland during the 19th century. These hidden bars, which were often located in secret or disguised locations, allowed people to drink alcohol without fear of being caught by the authorities.
Because of their secretive nature, speakeasies were often seen as exciting, illicit, glamorous, and even dangerous, which only added to their appeal. In New York City alone, there were an estimated 20,000-100,000 speakeasies varying from simple home setups in basements to glamorous nightclubs.
Today, speakeasies are trending because they offer a unique and nostalgic experience that harkens back to the age of Prohibition.
They are designed to recreate the atmosphere of the original speakeasies, with secret entrances, hidden bars, and vintage decor. Additionally, many of these establishments offer unique and creative cocktails you won’t find elsewhere.
The combination of secrecy, sophistication, and unique drinks make speakeasies popular among those seeking a one-of-a-kind drinking experience.
Will you venture into Roseville to try to find Daniello’s? When you do, be sure to enjoy your cocktail or spirit served over an oversized artisan cube of Block Ice (and tell them we sent ya.)
