Taste of Athens: Speakeasy

Nested amid the restaurants and lofts that pepper downtown’s busiest street, Speakeasy is one of Athens’ best kept secrets. After ascending a flight of stairs to the upstairs restaurant, you’ll find that Speakeasy’s polished interior reflects the art deco style of the roaring 20s and also features work by local artists. The place is generally quiet with a laid back ambiance that flows through the decor and service, but what truly sets Speakeasy apart from other Athens restaurants is the food.

Chef Patrick Anderson, a Macon native,  got his start at the age of 12, working in the Lake Wildwood clubhouse snack bar. Chef Anderson boasts a diverse background in restaurants, from working under Gary Jones in Rome to the Normaltown Cafe and Macon’s own Jim Shaw’s. Being a Macon native myself, I was delighted to share stories with Chef Anderson from my own time at Shaw’s. After dedicating 6 years at Speakeasy, Chef Anderson became the owner of this hidden gem.

Chef Anderson takes a craftsman approach to his cuisine.  It is clear that great tasting dishes are a priority in this restaurant.  The menu presents familiar dishes, prepared with refined technique, locally sourced ingredients, and creative finesse.  Chef Anderson cited his personal favorites from the menu, including a trout dish served with swiss chard, potatoes, and crème fraîche.  Personally, I love that the restaurant menu is tapas style, so I can get a few small plates to satisfy all my cravings. I highly recommend the duck confit risotto as well as the locally sourced cheese plate.

True to its name, Speakeasy, also boasts a full bar and an incredible menu of crafted cocktails. Bar Manager Adam Reynolds has created a well balanced wine list and a tantalizing selection of house infused spirits. Some of my favorite cocktails are the Tatanka (Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka, Apple Juice, and Lime) and the Rose (Jacqueline Brut Rosé, Rose water, and Rosemary).

The overall experience of the restaurant makes it a fantastic destination for a dinner and a cocktail.  Make sure you check out this rising star at Taste of Athens this weekend and at their location on 269 E. Broad St.

Be sure to check out my original post about Taste of Athens!