Speakeasy

The ‘Speakeasy’ and its twisted sister the ‘Big Easy’ are circling the drain. This once charming hole in the wall is digging its grave with gross repeated ABC violations, while the seemingly cocaine addled, inebriated staff bully their customers. Is it any wonder that the food quality is nose-​diving to devastating proportions? Anyone else notice the gut rot, GMO effects of their food?
Poor communication between the owners Amber and Roger has the staff confused about the rules. Some staff happily accommodated small substitutions in food orders while others berate patrons for having asked. I left the establishment after being drunkenly bullied by Danny– one of the servers, for asking to sub goat cheese on an enchilada. I had always ordered my food in this fashion and had never had a problem before. The way in which he reprimanded me for my request was inappropriate, aggressive and made me feel extremely unsafe. It was a confusing and horrifying encounter.
I learned that this kind of behavior was encouraged and condoned by the owner Amber after she recently interrupted a meal with a friend and instead of apologizing for her employees behavior, she began berating me about the incident with Danny, exclaiming emphatically that I shouldn’t ask for food substitutions– while subtextually insisting that I should somehow enter into a bizarre power struggle with her instead of enjoying a relaxing evening out with a dear friend.
It became clear to me in the encounter that the initial incident was entirely provoked by her strange decision to target me and deny my food request. Her uncompromising, dismissive, and belittling attitude towards me was shocking and unprofessional. I don’t know her personally but I was able to connect the dots that she targeted me due to her own personal issues with dominance and control. As I understand, Amber has acquired a reputation as a bully, particularly towards younger, more vibrant women.
It is no secret that this kind of dysfunctional behavior has become commonplace. Many of my friends have ceased their patronage, as they too had come to experience the establishment as a toxic den of negativity that encourages alcoholism in the community, and offers dining experiences akin to assault. I wonder how long it will take for ABC to get wind of their over serving alcohol to patrons, serving clearly intoxicated patrons, serving to minors, and allowing staff to drink on the job? These people need straighten up, start following the rules, treat their customers with respect, and remember that they are dependent on the satisfaction and safety of their customers, not the other way around.

Fun atmosphere, great food. I haven’t loved the music the few times I’ve gone, since I’m not really into bluegrass, country etc. So for me the prices are not worth it, since I’m there more for the entertainment than the food. But the food I did have was excellent.

Speakeasy is a unique late night, small plate restaurant that is a beacon for people who want to eat dinner in Petaluma after 9pm. On a Thursday night, our party of 4 was able to be seated fairly quickly, although there were still many patrons inside and out. (Seating is relatively limited inside.) I ordered the Taco Trio ($ 12), which comes with crispy sweet & spicy pork belly, braised short ribs, and tomatillo chicken. Each taco was garnished with cabbage and avocado purée, and each was very flavorful, but the pork belly was probably my favorite. I also got to try a bit of the beef burger ($ 10) and fried chicken ($ 15), which were both tasty. The fried chicken was juicy, and came with two large pieces. The fries that accompany the burger were amazing: crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, perfectly-​salted steak fries. Hope to visit again to try the tapas and starters.

This place. I’ve only been here twice and I’ve ordered basically the same thing both times because it’s that good! They’re open late, which is amazing. Kinda small inside, but I believe they do have larger outside seating.
My first time in, I got the veggie taco trio, and it was so good. The jackfruit taco was my favorite. Super saucy and delicious — literally tastes like pulled pork in BBQ sauce. I’m not even completely convinced that it isn’t pulled pork… The tempeh taco is also really good. The third taco (coconut something) was alright… Interesting texture and flavor, but I was wanting something more savory… We also ordered the brussel sprouts (no bacon), which were surprisingly spicy, and pretty greasy, but still tasty.
The next visit in, I got the first two tacos (jackfruit and tempeh), but sub’d the third for a fish taco. The fish taco was good, but honestly, not quite as good as the first two. Next time I go I will probably get two jackfruit instead. Or maybe I’ll branch out and try something new. Maybe not :)
The service was good both visits… Our server this last time gave us some samples of a couple beers which was really nice.

This place is closer to 3.5 stars but has a few issues. The food is good but nothing spectacular nor very daring or innovative. The service is sloooow and somewhat uneven, several forgotten items and the timing of the delivery left a lot to be desired. All that said it was fine for what it is… a fun, upbeat, outside patio with lots of local color. Reasonable beer and wine prices and decent to satisfying food. I probably won’t return on my own (because there are so many great choices around) but if someone wanted to meet there I certainly wouldn’t object.

Edamame hummus with pumpernickel toast was brilliant! Lemony and delicious, really surprising! It’s now on my list of recipes to attempt to recreate at home. Croque madame was normal/​good, satisfying. The coffee came in a cute mini French press.
We were here for brunch and sat in the patio, and had a pleasant time.

Good food and very creative. Whenever Im in town I come here. Love the beer pairing.

Went to Speakeasy for brunch. They have a quaint outdoor area with tables that are nicely sized for 2 people. I got the croquet madam and My husband got the lobster Mac and cheese. Yum!
As we waited for the check I watched one of the waitresses cough multiple times in to her hand then proceed to serve food. I get it people have to cough but please wash your hands. Yuck!

Super cute small place with patio seating too… They only serve beer and wine, but they let us sample a small flight before choosing our beer. Our waitress was super friendly and even went over to The Big Easy to make sure we could still get a sour beer because it was after their posted closing hours. For a late night food place it was really delicious food. We ordered the edamame humus with pumpernickel bread… The humus was almost flavorless, but the pumpernickel bread was really good (a little greasy) and a unique vessel to eat the humus with. We also ordered the pork belly tacos and they were super flavorful and not too fatty or heavy. And we ordered the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and pork gravy with bacon jam… My personal favorite. We arrived at 10:30ish, on a Friday night and didn’t have to wait for a table inside, but there was a steady stream of people coming in. If we lived closer I would definitely be a repeat customer.

Where do I even start!!! We were a huge party and I have to say, it’s a pretty small place. Service was great! The lobster Mac & Cheese was to DIE for! The chicken, minus the pork and bacon sauce was fabulous ! The veggie burger and veggie tacos were also a huge hit! Wine was OK, not great. They don’t have a really big wine selection. What I love about them is that there open until 2am!
Great place ! Great location and excellent service!

Stopped in here with friends for a quick bite before a show at the nearby Mystic Theater. The beer selection wasn’t massive, but was comprehensive enough that there should be something for everyone. Same could be said for the dinner menu; just a handful of items on the menu, but I was especially happy to find that there was more than one option for my vegetarian friend.
We (OK, mostly I) started with the Almond Crusted Goat Cheese with lavender honey and grilled baguette. It was melt-​in-​your mouth delicious and the lavender honey was a delightful touch. Although this appears under the heading of Tapas & Shared Dishes, it’s quite a small portion and could really only be shared by no more than 2 people — and so delicious, you won’t really want to share anyway.
I followed it up with their Pomegranate Chicken (pan sautéed dark meat chicken over steamed long grain rice). As I told our server, that was probably one of the most delicious things I’ve ever put in my mouth. The chicken was tender and savory, and the pomegranate was prominent but not overpowering. While there were many tasty-​sounding options on the menu, I would have a difficult time not ordering this delightful dish that would be difficult, if not impossible, to find anywhere else.
It’s a tiny little place with a tiny outdoor patio, so I’d recommend making a reservation if you really want to eat here.

The first time I went to Speakeasy, I was having a bad night, the staff went out of their way to ensure I had everything I needed and then some. They gave me several samples of beer when my first choice was out. Had the lobster mac n cheese… it was phenomenal! Good size chunks of lobster in a rich creamy cheese sauce, and topped with bread crumbs and bacon bits, hard to go wrong! Super filling as well, I couldn’t finish my serving (but it made great leftovers).
Next visit, I sat outside during the summer, great atmosphere, and they have heaters in case it gets chilly. Had some more lobster mac, and topped it off the decadent maple bacon donuts, very good as well!
Just recently, visited again, it was a little chilly even sitting inside (to be expected in a small place, with the door being opened frequently by customers), but it all was worth it when I had the biscuits and gravy! Holy moly, so tasty, a little spicy from the sausage in the gravy, but in the best way possible. Topped with a perfect sunny side up egg, and spooned over flaky bidi hits. Definitely my new favorite! Beats the socks off of the biscuits and gravy served around the corner at Della Fattoria.
This place is definitely a regular stop for me!

Driving through town on our way to Jenner and my GF found this gem on Unilocal.
Small in size but big on great service and atmosphere.
My GF is not a wine person but she tried the mead and chose a glass with her dinner.
She had the lobster mac and cheese («delicious, rich and filling») and I had the hanger steak which melted in my mouth and was unbelievable at $ 16.
I only wish we traveled through Petaluma more.

Came by this weekend and with all the cold air, it was nice to sit inside with a heated area across from the bar.
We started with the soup of the day, the enchilada app, an order of tacos, and the steak beef pannini (on foccacia).
The place itself is small and quite cozy. You can fit about 15 – 20 maybe if you pack it in. Outside sitting is available. The staff was friendly and swift. The food was priced well. not overly priced for some delish small plates. the enchilada was amazing… yum yum. and the steak sammie was nice. fresh greens added a perfect side. I tried the tacos, and it was a good taco. great spices, sauce, and meat.
Definitely want to come back and try more.

I love frequenting Speakeasy. Its best on a warm day so you can sit outside and people watch.
Their menu changes fairly often — they have a great selection of salads. If you want a staple the fried chicken or the enchiladas are fantastic. If they have crab and mango salad on the menu, try it. Its so good.

This place is a favorite. I am in love with small bites that you can order lots and lots of, and try everything on the menu, and I think I probably have had everything on the menu — at least the summer one.
The lobster Mac & Cheese is my favorite, with the crab cakes close on it’s (lobster) tail. ha! Great beer and wine menu. The small dining room is alway packed and their staff is knowledgeable and friendly.

Hooray! I love Speakeasy!
Came for the MIL’s birthday last night and she didn’t know where to go in P-​town so I pulled up my bookmarks and here we were! I guess i must have overlooked one detail… it’s mostly outdoor seating. The hubby and MIL didn’t seem to mind, but even next to the heater I wished I had brought a different jacket.
That being said, I love their patio lights, and the al fresco dining is nice in the little courtyard. Our server was nice, attentive without overbearing. Another tip– if you find yourself wanting a cool night it seems the Jazz club across the way shares the kitchen/​bathroom and when i went to go wash my hands the music sounded great.
On to the noms! For starters we shared the taco trio– and I had the chicken which had a great taste. I also had the house cab by the glass, and i forget whom it was from but it was so good I ordered another. MIL had creamy asparagus soup, and i was definitely eyeing it.
I had the wild grilled salmon on a bed of bacon brussel sprouts and burre blanc. The hubby went for braised short ribs on polenta with blue cheese crumbles and I think the leftovers tasted better the next day! The MIL had the veggie tagine and I wasn’t too crazy about it.
Lastly, we shared a chocolate chip cheesecake, and of course it was amazing. I’m glad to have found this little gem in Petaluma, and I definitely want to come back and check out the rotating menu!

EVENT: went on a day get away during the weekday. It was Tuesday night and didn’t have work on Wednesday.
LOCATION: super cute outdoor seating and also a small indoor seating area with a bar inside.
SERVICE: excellent!
FOOD:
(1) Lobster Mac & Cheese, $ 13 — cheesy, cheesy! 5 stars!
(2) Hangers Steak, $ 16 — sweet potatoes with some greens 5 stars!
(3) Donuts for desert — excellent and came out fresh from the frier! bacon and syrup! 10 stars!
DRINKS — it’s a bar/​restaurant — so tons of drinks!
(1) Zin — 5 stars, excellent!
**OVERALL: must get the DONUTS!!! 5 stars!

SPEAKEASY IS STILL OPEN, AND DOING WONDERS FOR THE FOOD SCENE IN PETALUMA.
(It is the «Speakeasy» restaurant in Novato that has closed (…which is why the Speakeasy in Novato should have used a different name when they opened a restaurant so close to our Speakeasy, which was opened first.))

We went here for lunch, the menu is small, but has a nice selection and the host and server were lovely and accommodating. The outside setting is nice for a sunny day break from everything and suited us perfectly for our lunch/​rest stop in the middle of our travel. We were confused at the beginning, because the overall look (especially of the inside seating) wasn’t very appealing, but we did not regret sitting down.
We craved an hamburger and been served a perfectly cooked, full of flavor burgers.
They use grass fed beef and the quality of meat makes a difference. The burger is juicy and full of smokey flavor… we added the avocado to it and loved it. We also loved the thick fries next to it.
The prices are very reasonable, but the portions are on the small side. If you like big portions you’ll have to treat these burgers as sliders. Then the price is higher. For us, one burger with a side of fries was the perfect size of lunch. We also ordered Edameme Hummus as a shared appetizer just to see what it is. it was a delicious green hummus served with yummy toast cuts, and it is recommended.
The table next to us had a colorful plate with sandwich and salad, and they swallowed their chicken wings in a few seconds… we were full so we did not tempt to order those wings as well.
I believe I’ll make it a habit to stop here every time I’m in the area.