The Speakeasy (CLOSED)

I had dinner at Speakeasy on Oct. 5, 2011. There was a jazz band playing when I walked in, and the restaurant was pretty full. The atmosphere is nice, and the staff is friendly, but the service is really poor. You wait forever just to get a drink, so you know that isn't a good sign. The food is actually good, so it's a shame that the experience is ruined by poor service. Perhaps they are just short staffed, but that is a surefire way to lose business. I probably won't return any time soon. They really need to step up their game. There are several other restaurants in the area that I can patronize, so that Speakeasy becomes a distant (and painful) memory.

The atmosphere is cozy, the service could be better however, very nice waitress . The food is over priced for for what you get. the food was nothing to brag about (it's eatable). Drinks were good!

I guess the key is to order at the bar & you'll get your food in reasonable time. We watched 3 couples who came in after we, get served before our food was ready! When it finally came the portions were TINY, certainly not enough for my hungry hubby (nor for myself for that matter!) & at the price they charge... well, suffice it to say it's a really bad value! I suppose the food was tasty enough, but the potions were so small I hardly noticed! The thing is, other restaurants in the neighborhood have really raised the bar, so in comparison this falls terribly short. Maybe this place is just a drinks and appetizer kind of spot.

I had dinner here with a group of old grammar school friends..This was the perfect place to catch up...Very nice atmosphere, great service and AMAZING food.. 3 out of 5 of us had the Braised Short Rib w/potato gnocchi & sauteed spinach..The ribs practically melted in my mouth..The potatoe gnocchi..fantastic. I have to say that I'm a big fan of Top Chef and really happy Josie decieded to give Clinton Hill a taste of good cooking..Although a bit pricey, it's worth it.. I guess it fits in with the "new" neighborhood of overpriced/unaffordable condos and apartments... I already started spreading the word..try it..you'll like it.

My wife and I go here about once every 2 months and are always pleased. The food is great, the service is nice, and the decor is cozy. It is overpriced and it would be nice if they changed the menu every season as it gets a little old ordering the same dishes. The braised short rib with gnocchi is by far my favorite and highly recommended, only once did i get it on the dry side.

I've come to the conclusion in reading reviews about most restaurants whether good or bad you really need to check the place out for yourself. My experience at Speakeasy was WONDERFUL!! It's a very comfortable cosy atomosphere, it's not glamourous like Blue Water Grill or Sea but it's stylish without pretentious. I met a whole new circle of people that can I honestly say will be my new BFF's and we taste tested from eachother's plates (talk about an experience and we're all from Brooklyn...who knew. I had the Ribeye steak w/ Mash potatoes for my entree (delicious), crap cake for my appetizer (delicious) taste tested calamari, salmon, wings, burger, curry mussels (all delicious) and capped everything off with French Martini's (you know they were delicious). I find you tend to y get what you pay for, so I didn't mind paying the price- my theory is if you mind you probably should eat at home. Good food comes with a cost. and actually I've paid more for less so that's that!

I stopped by last week for a quick satuday morning brunch at the speakeasy. The service and food was exceptionally good. The French Toast was great and you have to try their Ackee and Saltfish . Mouthwatering Good... The food took about 13 minutes to come out which I beleive is standard but i was starving so it felt longer. The manager came over to say hi and treated me to a bloody mary which was great.. Great management, great atmosphere, great food. (I went back for dinner)