Most bars in Southwest Georgia are exactly what you’d expect. The Mailroom Speakeasy, tucked beneath the historic Old Post Office in downtown Bainbridge, is not. If you’ve heard people in SOWEGA talking about a Prohibition-era underground bar and wondered whether it lives up to the description, it does. Here’s what actually makes it different.
Inside the Bar That Bainbridge Built in a Basement
Some spaces earn their reputation quietly. The Mailroom Speakeasy did exactly that, one Friday night at a time, tucked beneath a 1914 federal building on the downtown square. Three floors of history sit above it. Below, dark wood, candlelight, and craft cocktails have turned a former postal basement into the most talked-about bar in SOWEGA.
The building came first, and the building matters
The Old Post Office opened in 1914 as a federal building, inaugurated by the United States Department of the Treasury’s secretary. It served for decades as the communication and financial center of Decatur County. The renovation that brought it back followed U.S. Department of the Interior requirements, preserving the original terrazzo lobby floors, wood-trimmed columns, and a walk-in vault with a door said to weigh as much as a car. All of that is still here. You walk past the history every time you come in.
The Mailroom Speakeasy sits beneath the main floor, accessed through a back entrance. The name comes directly from the building’s origins as the town post office, and the design carries that through, with original architectural details, repurposed materials, dark wood finishes, candlelit tables, and vintage telephones placed throughout. The glassware is period appropriate. The atmosphere is deliberate.
What you’re actually drinking
The cocktail program is built around small-batch spirits, house-made infusions, and locally sourced ingredients. The Smoked Old Fashioned arrives under a glass cloche with a theatrical smoke presentation. The Lavender Gin Fizz is made with fresh botanicals and house-infused spirits. An Espresso Martini uses cold brew from a local roastery. The menu rotates seasonally and often pulls from historical recipes, and if nothing on the current menu calls to you, ask for something off-menu. The bartenders welcome the challenge.
The full spirits list runs from house pours up to Blanton’s, Macallan 15 Year, and Whistle Pig 12 Year. The wine list includes Veuve Clicquot and Caymus Napa Cabernet. Zero-proof options are made with the same care as everything else.
Monthly jazz nights are worth planning around
Every month, the Old Post Office hosts a live jazz performance from the True Blue Band, led by Bainbridge native and guitarist Steven Williamson. Guests settle into Mr. Penny’s candlelit room downstairs or the main ballroom upstairs.
Food from The American, the founding downtown restaurant partner, is available for delivery directly to your table, from Gulf crab cakes to wood-fire grilled steaks. Ordering dinner and staying through a full jazz set is a perfectly reasonable Friday night plan.
Arlo’s Lounge and the cigar selection
Separate from the speakeasy bar itself is Arlo’s Lounge, a well-ventilated cigar lounge with a strong premium selection. The menu includes Plasencia Alma Fuerte, Oliva Serie V, Arturo Fuente, and Montecristo White Label, among others.
The room is designed so the cigar experience stays contained, keeping the rest of the speakeasy atmosphere unaffected. It’s a rare amenity in this part of the country and currently one of the least advertised things we offer.
The Mailroom can be reserved for private gatherings, from birthdays to engagement parties to rehearsal dinners. For groups who want their own space without booking the whole venue, Mr. Penny’s Room sits inside the speakeasy and can be reserved on its own, with the rest of the bar staying open to the public. It’s a natural fit for bachelorette parties looking for something more private than a full buyout.
Conclusion
The Mailroom is at 100 S. West Street, right on the square in downtown Bainbridge. The entrance is around the back. We’re open Thursday 5 to 10 PM and Friday through Saturday 5 to 11 PM. Parking is free.
If you’re planning a private event, Christy McCoy is ready to help. Reach her at (229) 220-8269 or oldpostoffice.ga@gmail.com, or fill out the booking form at oldpostofficega.com/venue.
FAQs
Is The Mailroom Speakeasy 21 and up?
For bar access and events like murder mystery nights, yes, the speakeasy is restricted to guests 21 and older. Age requirements for other events may vary. Contact us for specifics.
Where exactly is the entrance?
The Mailroom entrance is around the back of the Old Post Office building at 100 S. West Street. Look for the signs. If you need ADA access, check in at the front door first and use the rear ramp.
Can I book The Mailroom for a private event?
Yes. The space works for birthdays, engagement parties, corporate mixers, and rehearsal dinners. Contact Christy McCoy at (229) 220-8269 or oldpostoffice.ga@gmail.com, or use the booking form at oldpostofficega.com/venue.
Is food available in the speakeasy?
Yes. The American restaurant delivers its full menu directly to Old Post Office and Mailroom guests. You can order Gulf seafood, steaks, and Southern plates right at your table.