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At Speakeasy, A Good Beginning Is All You Need

by Kimberly Nogi
11/28/2007

While appetizers used to be served before dinner, they have now become the main course.

Tapas restaurants have become increasingly popular over the past few years, and the local Athens favorite, Speakeasy, is no exception.
Nestled between The Tavern and Harry Bissett’s New Orleans Cafe at 269 E. Broad St., Speakeasy is one of the hottest restaurants on the Athens dining scene.

“People have a great experience when they come here,” said Patrick Anderson, Speakeasy’s manager. “It’s a great atmosphere and people have fun. It’s certainly affordable fine dining.”

The practice of serving “tapas,” a selection of entrées in smaller portions, dates back to 16th century Spain. Plates or thin slices of bread were commonly used to cover wine to protect it from fruit flies. Bartenders began to place small snacks on top of the wine glasses, and the “tapas” (coming from the Spanish word “tapar” which means “to cover”) eventually became as popular as the wine itself.

Typically, guests choose multiple tapas to share.

“It’s like hors d’oeuvres, but it’s actually a dinner course,” said Brittany Boudens, a sophomore pre-law student from Marietta. “I love eating tapas with friends because the sharing aspect makes it a really social meal, and it’s always a lot of fun.”

Speakeasy offers a variety of dishes that complement its extensive wine selection. Favorite tapas include fried asparagus with a roasted red pepper sauce, warm spinach dip served in a honey wheat bread bowl, white pizza with artichoke hearts and parmesan cheese, seasoned beef tenderloin kebabs and Anderson’s favorite, lobster manicotti. For dessert, try the fresh fruit served with white chocolate fondue or the specialty cheesecake which changes daily.

Anderson said that the preparation of tapas is a culinary challenge.

“Instead of worrying about just one entrée, we virtually have to prepare three different dishes for every person and get them out in a timely manner,” he said. “The execution can sometimes be difficult.”

Obviously, Speakeasy has learned to overcome this obstacle as evidenced by the large clientele it draws from university students and Athens locals. The relaxed and trendy ambiance provides the perfect locale for a romantic date or a fun evening with friends. With an average price of $10-20 per person, dining at Speakeasy is well worth the price.

“Eating at Speakeasy is different, but in a good way,” said Graham Jackson, a junior history and accounting major from Marietta. “The smaller portions are really appealing, especially when you’re splitting them with someone. Between the laid back atmosphere and excellent food, it was well worth the money I paid.”

Speakeasy is open for dinner seven days a week from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.