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    The Speakeasy

    3.7 (70 reviews)
    InexpensiveAmerican, Pizza, Sandwiches
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

    The Speakeasy Photos

    Business Info

    THE SPEAKEASY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    White Cheese Dip With Jalapenos
    Teresa J.

    I'm giving four stars because I know this a local staple for Columbus natives. This is truly a no frills basic family restaurant that has been around for years. I know they are known for a few dishes and they get extremely busy on the weekends with a wait for seating. We had the chips and cheese as well as a Philly cheesesteak. Chips and cheese were okay and the Philly was good, but I have loved a good cheesesteak at other restaurants in town more. Overall, this is a cute place to visit. Booths are hard and old school, but food is priced decently.

    a menu for a restaurant
    Andrea M.

    Speakeasy's menu ranged from American, to Italian, and finally some Mexican. Interesting... Ranchos: The "spicy" taco meat was def doable. The cheese they used wasn't cheddar but a milder form. From the description, it was CCQ (chile con queso) so it's not the hard cheddar version. They definitely don't hold back on the cheese either. There was a heaping portion that's good for sharing. Camel rider: As it's the house specialty and a Columbus tradition since 1976, we gave it a try. It was most certainly interesting. The pita pocket was just a tad different, but it tasted like a (ham and salami) wrap with their homemade Italian dressing dripping thru the opening as you eat it. The scoop of potato salad as the side was so so. Mediterranean pizza: This looked super crispy; however, it was anything but. There wasn't much flavor going on with this pizza either. I suppose the spinach artichoke dip base sounded interesting, but the flavor was meek. The mushrooms, diced tomatoes, provolone and mozzarella cheeses didn't did not contribute much either. Perhaps we should have gotten a different pizza. Let's leave it at that. Definitely a solid 3 1/2 star place for me, but since it was an overall pleasant experience (minus the 20 people group beside us during a pandemic), 4 stars it is.

    Lasagna

    Very very fast servers. There was no messing around. Everything was covered by our waitress. Nothing had to be asked for. The sauce for the pizza and lasagna was very flavorful. Some places just use a tomato saucr with no garlic or oregano. This sauce did not disappoint. The pizza had abite of each topping in every bite. It was a thin crust but very flavorful. The ceaser salad was very good. We will definitely come back to try adittional menu items. This place gets busy for a good reason.

    My sister gets grilled chicken with rice and veggies
    Sarah F.

    One of my family's favorite places to eat. We've been coming here since I was a kid and everything I've eaten here is good. My favorite is the pizza! It is so good!

    This is the camel rider

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    1 year ago

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    4 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    8 months ago

    Been going for years and the food is as good as when it opened . A go to for a great sandwich, excellent salads, and banging pizza

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    9 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    7 months ago

    Been going here over 40 years. Never had a bad meal/service here. Prices are very reasonable. Something for everyone. Highly recommend!!

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Wow - the food here was excellent along with the service, our server was friendly. We will go back for sure.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    This is my first time going here and it won't be my last. I really enjoyed the food in the atmosphere. My mom used to work here years ago.

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    2 years ago

    Please join Dining for Charities again. Good food and benefits charities. When I had the coupons, I always brought a friend.

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    3 years ago

    Usually quick service, the camel rider is delicious and a good value. Pepsi products, full bar, game room.

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    17 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Everything is so yummy! Chicken Philly is my favorite! Great staff too! Also love that curbside is available.

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    8 years ago

    Business owner information

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    Ian H.

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    4 years ago

    Our food , best quesadillas , onion rings , camel rider , vegan. speakeasies atmosphere.

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    18 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    Nonic Restaurant & Rooftop Bar

    Nonic Restaurant & Rooftop Bar

    4.1
    (308 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    LOVED this place. Had my cocktail NA. They were super accommodating and our server was extremely…read moreknowledgeable about the menu. Very clearly took pride in the food. Was told by my colleagues that the Parker house rolls and cinnamon butter was great. I had the summer salad (spring greens, cherries, strawberries, and a HUGE knot of burrata cheese, with an additional grilled salmon). This salad was incredible. Highly recommend! The table shared some deviled eggs. The pickled onions on the deviled eggs was so good. Everyone dipped their fries in the chili crisp oil and agreed it was one of the best flavor combos of the trip. Our server gave us an extra side of it and gave my friend a side of kimchi to add to his burger. Just great all around service and vibe. While the restaurant feels like the height of 2015-2020 design (let's road trip in our sprinter van to a shipping container cottage!), everything feels airy and good to be there

    Later that Wednesday evening, as the restaurant settled into a softer, more intimate glow, we opted…read morefor the main dining room rather than the rooftop. The hostess was warm and efficient, seating us immediately. Our server approached with the quiet confidence of someone who knows her craft--she was direct, professional, and all business in the best possible way. Even as closing time drew near, she kept my glass refreshed without needing to be asked, a small but telling detail that spoke volumes about her attentiveness. The space itself strikes a pleasant semi-formal note--clean, polished, and respectful without veering into stuffy territory. Behind the bar, the bartender was meticulously wiping down every bottle, a quiet display of care that set a tone of genuine pride in the operation. We began with a dozen oysters: six raw and six char-grilled. The raw specimens were on the petite side for the price, yet delivered a clean, bright, and pleasantly saline flavor that let the oyster speak for itself. The char-grilled version arrived with a savory Parmesan crust that brought its own appealing character--rich, cheesy, and nicely caramelized in a way that felt unique rather than derivative. The crab dip, however, was a standout. Far superior to the often disappointing versions we've encountered elsewhere, this one tasted of genuine lump crab meat, folded into a properly cheesy, indulgent dip that avoided any unfortunate "buffalo" detours. Served with crisp crostini, each bite was balanced and deeply satisfying--an authentic crab dip done right. The Korean cheesesteak offered an excellent harmony of flavors: tender, well-seasoned meat beneath a luxurious blanket of melted cheese, punctuated by the bright, spicy kick of kimchi and the refreshing snap of pickles. It was delicious, though for the price, I wished for a more generous filling and a bit more heft to the sandwich overall. The mac & cheese arrived in a commendably generous portion, with a beautiful Parmesan crust on top. Visually appealing, the dish unfortunately fell a touch flat on the palate. The noodles were properly cooked and coated in a creamy sauce, yet it lacked the depth and seasoning one hopes for-- a pinch more salt and pepper would have elevated it considerably. The fish and chips presented a towering mound of fries that carried decent flavor but lacked the shattering crispness one craves. The real disappointment lay in the presentation of the fish: two fillets stacked atop one another, causing the steaming heat to turn the once-promising breading soggy and prone to sliding off. That said, the fish itself was excellent--flaky, moist, and delicately sweet with a lovely buttery quality. It was the unfortunate interaction between steam and crust that kept the dish from greatness. The roads were a little dense, so not necessarily my particular style, but I'm good. The butter that came with them was very unique to say the least. To drink, both beers arrived filled to the absolute brim and proved so enjoyable that I would gladly order them again without hesitation. Overall, the evening delivered solid, thoughtful plates in a well-run environment, with several bright spots that make a return visit tempting--particularly for those oysters and that excellent crab dip.

    Photos
    Lobby
    Lobby
    Biscuits and jam (comes with five, we ate two).
    Biscuits and jam (comes with five, we ate two).
    Happy hour old fashioned

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    Happy hour old fashioned
    The Animal Farm

    The Animal Farm

    4.7
    (202 reviews)
    2.7 mi

    Run, don't walk, to The Animal Farm in Columbus. I've had burgers across the country and this one…read moreearns a spot at the top -- juicy, perfectly cooked, everything a great burger should be. If you're anywhere near downtown Columbus, this needs to be your stop. The Old Fashioned was beautifully balanced, garnished with a gorgeous orange peel, and at $10 it's an absolute steal -- honestly, they could charge more and it'd still be worth it. My wife is vegetarian and had the pasta, which she loved just as much -- great sauce, feta, sunflower seeds for crunch. This place genuinely has something for everyone, carnivore or not. Add in a waiter who was on point the whole meal and that down-home Southern ambiance (exposed brick, string lights, the whole vibe), and you've got a restaurant that nails food, drinks, and atmosphere all at once. If you're looking for where to eat in Columbus, don't even think twice -- this is it.

    Delicious! I was a…read morelittle thrown by the abrupt greeting of "do you have a reservation" immediately upon entering - sorry, don't live here, didn't know I needed one, I see loads of seats? But, other than that our actual wait person was awesome and the food top notch! The hot pimento crab dip is to die for and the Harlot Burger was a definite winner. We also very much enjoyed the banana pudding. Charming place, friendly service and great food...just wish the greeting was a bit more welcoming, still a 5 star experience.

    Photos
    The Animal Farm
    Redfish. A light combo with a hint of pepper, cream sauce. Very yum.
    Redfish. A light combo with a hint of pepper, cream sauce. Very yum.
    Banana Pudding

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    Banana Pudding

    The Speakeasy - tradamerican - Updated August 2026

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