BOILER ROOM: RAIL’S HIDDEN SPEAKEASY DAZZLES DOWNTOWN
Boiler Room: Rail’s Hidden Speakeasy & Lounge
618-918-2345
216 E. Broadway, Centralia, IL
https://www.facebook.com/railcoffeeroom/
Chris and Rae Quidgeon have introduced a new, one-of-a-kind experience to downtown Centralia in the form of Boiler Room: RAIL’s Hidden Speakeasy & Lounge.
Housed in the Quidgeon’s popular café, RAIL Coffee Room, the new speakeasy features a moody 1920s theme, glittering outfits, state-of-the-art drinks, delicious small bites, period-themed musicians and performers, and no shortage of atmosphere.
The speakeasy has been a big hit since opening its doors from 5:00 PM until 11:00 PM every Friday and Saturday night, drawing droves of customers from Centralia, Mt. Vernon, Salem, Nashville, and beyond.
Bringing the Boiler Room to like was a two-year process for the couple, who said they got the idea of bringing a speakeasy to Centralia after visiting similar establishments on their trips to other cities.
“We had been brainstorming what we could do with the empty space that use to be our meeting room,” Rae recalled. “We went to a speakeasy in Louisville, KY, and it was really cool. We started to think about what it would be like to do a speakeasy here and that got Chris’s wheels turning about a vintage backbar.”
Thei Quidgeons then began their search for what would become one of the cornerstones of their speakeasy, ultimately locating a backbar in southern Illinois.
“We found a backbar for sale in Valier, IL, at a place that used to be called Pete and Mary’s Place. It was open during prohibition,” said Rae. “We got a U-Haul and a bunch of friends, went down and bought it, took it back in pieces with dollies and lots of muscle, and rolled it in here.”
After setting up the bar, Chris began to transform the space into the highly stylized barroom it is now, painting the entire room and applying new, theme-ready ceiling tile and wallpaper.
“We didn’t want it to be like you’re just sitting in RAIL at nighttime,” Rae said of the Boiler Room’s aesthetic. “Speakeasys are typically small hidden places in an empty storefront or business. So, we wanted to keep it intimate but also have enough room that a lot of people could come and hang out.”
Chris added that he and Rae weren’t wishing to solely open a new bar, but rather create an immersive experience that prioritized music, socialization, and atmosphere every bit as much as its impressive drink menu.
“It’s like a date. We want this to really feel like you’re having a night out. We want people to feel like they walked into a different era,” Chris said. “This is about having a great night on the town. You’re out, you get to dress up, and it feels special. We really wanted to make it more of an experience here.”
“The music is a big part of what we do, because we really want people to be able to come in, sit down, and socialize,” Chris continued. “That’s why we really like our sitting area. Two people can sit and listen to the music, then maybe two other people sit and they all start talking.”
The Quidgeons were also quick to note that while the Boiler Room staff will always be decked out in their prohibition-era best, customers are free to dress as they please.
“We love it when people dress up, but we are not hurt when they don’t,” explained Chris. “It’s come as you are.”
With the Quidgeons enjoying busy weekends and considerable buzz during the speakeasys opening months, Chris and Rae said there could be more to come at the Boiler Room in the future.
“We’re still working on it,” said Chris. “There’s going to be a lot more.”
