With no exterior signage or visible entrance, Rare Books Bar in Frisco embraces the mystery and intrigue of a classic speakeasy.
Armed with the weekly, book-themed password—shared on the business's Instagram page—guests are granted access to what owners Sheree and Derek Simms describe as an "experiential dining destination," where the atmosphere is as memorable as the food and drinks.
The Simms, who are longtime Frisco residents, launched Rare Books Bar in 2019. The speakeasy is accessed through J. Theodore, which is one of the couple’s Simms Hospitality Group concepts.
“It was so popular out the gate. It was the first speakeasy in Frisco,” Derek Simms said. “We relaunched it with full force with the new hidden door, phone system, booths, everything you see here. We think it is really beautiful.”
On the menu
Rare Books Bar shares a kitchen and menu with J. Theodore. Food options range from bar tapas to entrees.
One of the top selling menu items is their jar of lobster, featuring chopped Maine lobster tail and melted garlic butter served in a Mason jar with grilled bread.
Other popular choices are chicken paillard, which is a French dish featuring a white wine lemon caper sauce, and their French dip sandwich served with an au jus made from their crowd-pleasing French onion soup.
Cakes, which are sold by the slice, whole or as cupcakes, are made in-house daily by their baker who wields a top-secret recipe for butter cream.
“Our cakes are what people crave,” Derek Simms said. “Everyone knows the best carrot cake in the world is made right here. People come far and wide because they have to have a J. Theodore cake.”
Looking for a libation?
One of the inspirations for the Simms opening Rare Books Bar was Derek Simms’ hobby of collecting whiskey. Over the years, the speakeasy whiskey collection has grown to be one of the largest in the area, Derek Simms said.
“We have curated many whiskey flights that have different ranges—you have scotch, bourbon, allocated bourbon, Irish whiskey, Japanese whiskey,” Derek Simms said. “We've created these flights so people who are not super proficient, or are very proficient in whiskey, can enjoy it.”
In addition to whiskey, customers will also find a variety of tequilas, craft cocktails and more in the adults only establishment.
Kasen Richard is the Rare Books Bar mixologist and creates drink recipes including cocktails served on Tiki Tuesday.
“We started really trying to craft cocktails that are truly unique. We came across some really good talent—that has been our differentiator lately—we really invest in people,” Derek Simms said. “Kasen is a very passionate mixologist that knows every brand of every spirit. You can't beat him.”
Making an impact
With a large percentage of repeat customers, including fans of Wednesday evening live entertainment by Brad Ackland, who performs crooner-style renditions of Frank Sinatra standards—the Frisco speakeasy has also become a regular meeting place for book and chess clubs. Other guests choose the password-admittance establishment as a place to meet people they have connected with online.
“[A couple] had their first date here—they met on a dating app,” Sheree Simms said. “He called and said, ‘I really need to propose to my girlfriend here.’ He bought out the restaurant for two hours before we opened and there was a huge proposal party.”
Quote of note
“The setting is what brings them in,” Sheree Simms said. “Then service and cuisine are what brings them back.”
