In early October, our lifelong friends from St. Louis made their annual visit — a tradition we look forward to each year. We always try to find something new and different to do together. In the past, we’ve gone to Cowboy Days at the Empty Saddle Club, dined at old-school steakhouses in Burbank, or simply enjoyed a laid-back evening at home. But this year, something intriguing caught my eye on Instagram: an Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy Experience at the Grand Warner Annex in San Pedro. How could I resist?

Our evening began with dinner at one of our favorite spots on 6th Street — La Siciliana. The food, as always, was delicious, though we quickly realized we had picked the wrong night to go. A street fair had taken over the area, and the restaurant was packed. The staff was overwhelmed, and service was slow. Still, between sips of wine and bites of handmade pasta, we managed to laugh it off. Note to self: Thursday nights in San Pedro are livelier than expected!

From there, we walked to the Grand Warner Annex, a venue we’d been to before for a Bob Dylan cover band. I remembered it being a fun, relaxed spot — but I’d forgotten one key detail: seating is first-come, first-served. We arrived a bit too late to snag prime seats, which was entirely my fault. The venue filled quickly, and soon we found ourselves in the back on folding chairs, while a few lucky guests sat at what looked like “premium” tables.

The experience was billed as four epic Poe excerpts paired with four cocktails, all organized through the Fever app. I loved the concept. A moody evening filled with Gothic literature and creative drinks? Count me in. The cocktails, however, didn’t quite live up to the smoky, mysterious creations from the Instagram ads — more watery than wickedly strong. But that was soon forgiven once the performances began.

Each Poe story was masterfully brought to life by the actors — all of whom were astonishingly dedicated. They didn’t just perform; they did everything. They greeted us at the door, served cocktails, performed their dramatic readings, and even collected trash between acts. Their commitment gave the night an immersive, intimate charm that big productions often lack.

And the audience? Everyone showed up in full Gothic spirit — lace, corsets, black velvet, and all. It felt like stepping into a Victorian fever dream. The sense of shared excitement made the whole thing even more enjoyable. San Pedro, it turns out, knows how to host a Thursday night.

By the end of the evening, our group agreed: it was a solid 7 out of 10. A few improvements (better cocktails, assigned seating) would make it perfect, but the originality and heart behind it were undeniable.

The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy Experience was a night of eerie entertainment, laughter, and community — a reminder that San Pedro truly is one of Southern California’s most slept-on treasures.

 

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