328 E. Main St, Downtown Ottumwa

(641)-631-6361

The days ahead:

Thursday Aug/07: 5pm - 8pm

Friday Aug/08: 5pm - 8pm

Wine Down Wednesday Aug/13: 5pm - 8pm

Thursday Aug/14: 5pm - 8pm

Friday Aug/15: 5pm - 8pm

Wine Down Wednesday Aug/20: 5pm - 8pm

Next on Stage:

What we are all about this time…

Appanoose Rapids 1933’s business concept was inspired by the Prohibition years (1920 - 1933), which marked a highly innovative period in US history. After researching the popularity and trends of cocktails and liquor during that era, we embarked on a journey to recreate the ambiance of an American Speakeasy, with an international flair !

Although we have primarily transformed into a 21+ drinking establishment, to provide a well-rounded outing experience, we also offer a small, tasty rotating menu featuring enough items to create the essence of a restaurant meal, including sweets! !

A new business model in an old space

Our Speakeasy offers a casually elegant setting where adults can enjoy a well-crafted cocktail in the company of friends, neighbors, and fellow travelers. It’s the kind of place where locals naturally cross paths and visitors find a memorable stop to complement their time in Ottumwa—whether as a prelude to dinner downtown or for an after-dinner nightcap.

We connect with our guests through direct text updates, event announcements, and the kind of word-of-mouth that travels quickly in the city and nearby towns, focusing on personal connections rather than broad social media or directory listings.

Our renovated space is located behind the Appanoose Rapids Mercantile (328 East Main St) and offers a cozy and small setting, accommodating about 30 seated and 10 standing guests. Departing from the conventional restaurant table setup, our new space features leather chairs, barstools, and cocktail tables arranged in different configurations.

Come and explore

Our regular open hours are: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 5 to 8pm. To enter our establishment use the rear entrance of the 328 E Main St building, facing the Jefferson Street parking lot. If our Mercantile is open you may also enter through our East Main St entrance.

Visit our Menu or Questions page to know more.

Q: When are you open ?

The Appanoose Rapids 1933 speakeasy officially started operating on August 2nd, 2023. Regular hours are Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 5 to 8pm. However, hours may occasionally vary due to private parties, off-site events, inclement weather, or vacation. For the most up-to-date information, check our homepage regularly or refer to the most recent group text message.

Q: How do we enter ? / What door do we use?

Our speakeasy is located behind the Appanoose Rapids Mercantile at 328 E Main St. You may use the building’s rear door facing the Jefferson St. parking lot to enter (in between Amore Italian Restaurant and Above & Beyond hair salon). However, if the Mercantile is open you may also use the Main St entrance.

Q: Do we need to make reservations ?

There is no “need” to make reservations. In essence we are a private bar, and so we encourage everyone upon arrival to follow a simple first-come, first-seated basis. However, if your party is about 6 or larger it may be a good idea to let us know ahead of time via text message.

Q: How does the speakeasy’s membership work?

Membership is free and designed primarily for effective and targeted marketing and promotion. To become a member, simply provide your phone number, name, and, if applicable, the name of your sponsor. Members are welcome to invite or sponsor interested adult friends and relatives to join.

Q: How many guests could a member bring along?

Any member is welcome to bring as many guests as they wish, provided that they all are 21 years of age or older. For larger groups exceeding about 6 people, we recommend letting us know ahead of time, if possible. Additionally, we encourage all first-time guests to sign up as members, enabling them to receive text notifications & announcements. Membership sign-up is free and can be conveniently completed on-site.

Q: Are you on Facebook or Google ?

No, AR 1933 is neither active, nor listed, on any social media. However, the Appanoose Rapids Mercantile has an active Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/appanooserapids/

Q: How can customers contact AR 1933 ?

• Via text messages at: (641)-219-2780, the same number from which members receive weekly announcements.

• Via email: appanooserapids@gmail.com

• In person at Appanoose Rapids Mercantile: 328 E. Main St, in Downtown Ottumwa, during work hours

Q: Are you able to host private parties or small corporate events ?

Yes! We review and discuss reservation requests with organizers and have successfully hosted several corporate and family mixers on-site. We strive to accommodate all parties as best as possible, given the small size of our operation and the capacity of our premises (30 seated + 10 standing). Our space is also available for rental to members. Call us, or text us, to discuss!

Q: Are you currently serving food ?

Yes. Although there is no actual cooking on site we have a small, rotating, food menu featuring charcuterie, flatbreads, and sweets. The food menu is small but complements flavor profiles found in wines and cocktails.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

MEMBERSHIP

AR 1933 currently operates as a private club with free membership. If you are receiving our weekly text messages, you are already a member. Becoming a member is easy – simply provide your cell number, name, and consent to receive weekly texts. Members are welcome to sponsor friends and family, provided they are 21 years or older. Memberships can be canceled at any time. 

COMMUNICATION

As AR 1933 stays off social media and web directories, the best way to reach us is through text messaging, email, or in person:

- For text messaging, our number is: (641)-219-2780. Members may use this number to make quick inquiries or seat reservations on music nights.

- Emails may be sent to appanooserapids@gmail.com for communications regarding special private events or reserving the space for corporate meetings.

- In person, you may visit us at Appanoose Rapids Mercantile during open hours. Our address is 328 E. Main St. in Downtown Ottumwa.

A FEW SIMPLE RULES 

- Everyone must be at least 21 to enter.

- The dress code is casual elegance, to set an adult ambiance.

- Smoking and vaping are prohibited.

- Outside food is not allowed, except for celebratory cakes or private event catering.

- Guests have always the option to bring their own wine bottles, subject to a corkage fee.  

CELL PHONE USE  

- We kindly request phones to be switched to silent or vibrate mode as much as possible, and to avoid using speakerphones during private conversations.

- We discourage selfies, videos, or live sessions.

AUGUST 2025:

* Note that our food and beverage items may contain nuts, nut derivatives, gluten, and lactose