Southside Speakeasy

I've been coming to the Speakeasy since 2010. I knew the previous owners and I became friends with the new owners before they purchased the bar.

It's been wonderful to watch the changes taking place. It's obvious Raed and Ina have a huge heart for the community, and it shows in how diversified the events and shows have become. They've put so much blood, sweat, tears, time and money into improving things across the board, and I hear so much more is coming!

Rome wasn't built in a day, and in this economy everything costs so much. But it speaks volumes that the Speakeasy has remained open through COVID and so much more, because their customers, staff and friends are so loyal.

If you've never been, I recommend it wholeheartedly! If you prefer smaller crowds, karaoke, game nights - they have nights for that. If you prefer dancing, bright lights, great music, drag shows and community events celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community - they have that! There's basically something for everyone.

The food is always good the vibe are nice. I love the second Tuesday Munch and steak dinner! 🤤

They always have a lot of cool events going on, and everyone has always been kind and welcoming

So been coming here off and on since I moved here in late 2022, I was told the original owners sold to some younger couple and to expect changes. After seeing time go by and the after party for the Pride Block party yesterday, I'm giving up on this place. They haven't made a lot of changes and the ones that I have noticed aren't great, it's less a safe zone for my fellow ace and trans masc from my experience, I've had Lesbian friends complain it feels exclusionary given they don't even have any lesbian pride flags but have the rest including pup even. The bathrooms are on sniffies so don't bother pissing if you wanna be left alone, the leather nights rarely ever have actual instructors and show people how to do stuff like an actual class and I can tell a lot of newer folk are too shy to ask stuff. Idk what the new owners are doing but aside from the staff this place is just not worth it anymore. If you want a more inclusive space id suggest just go to Night Deposit which is owned by a Lesbian and very queer safe, along with having better quality drinks and food, great dance floor, and a lot better week night specials. If I hear from folk that there's been a lot of changes and it's gotten better id love to change my mind, but so far ik too many queers that don't feel comfortable going anymore myself included.

I don't know how to quantify a place like this. I'm not sure I have the mastery of words to capture the vibe. But I do know that it's awesome, and I will go again soon!

The Thompson Burger is the Bomb!
4th Friday's Leather Fetish Night is a lot of fun, and New Years Eve with Owner's Raed and Ina was a Blast!

5 stars! The food is amazing and always comes out hot and timely. Drinks are poured perfectly and the bartenders always know what I want before I even order (guess I’m a regular now). The servers are helpful and attentive. The dance floor is always fun and inviting. Oh and if you have visited the new area, it is wonderful!! I love that there is a quiet place to have a conversation that has class and something different! The new owner have done a great job………..and don’t even get me started on the Saturday night drag show………can I say amazing again? Yup!! Go and enjoy! Highly recommend!

I absolutely love the speak easy. as they provide a safe place for the court to do our shows free of charge to the court so more money can go to charity. the bar owners are extremely welcoming. I really appreciate them. they are really working hard to make it a beautiful space. as they recently upgraded the old show bar into a beautiful space. there is more to come which i am excited to see. this is definitely a destination place to visit as I have always found the people of Salem are the friendliest. So go down have a drink enjoy amazing food maybe enjoy a drag show and dance the night away. LOVE the Speakeasy

For one of the best places to go and have fun they have everything karaoke, dancing, drinking, good food,special events reservations, 😀 👍

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Steak Bites with Horsey Sauce and Texas Toast Does not Include Side, Tots, Deli Sandwich on Wheat

Great vibes and bar food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The Southside Speakeasy is a fun and safe place to meet friends and have a great meal. RaEd has gone out of his way to make The Speak fun and friendly.

Fun place to dance but once we got in they did not let me go outside for fresh air. They said I could go out to the smoking area, I don't smoke. When I went out there it was all cigarette air. It's already a small venue, they should allow people to get fresh air.

The night I went, the DJ and dancer were killing it! Cheesy tots were most excellent, Speakeasy punch was divine. Service was perfect. Looking forward to going back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

$26.00 for two burritos and two large cola's ?

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 2

It is 1:35am and as of 35 minutes ago my 21st birthday ended. My friends decided to take me here and spend the night of my 21st tearing it up and I will honestly not spend all that much time thinking about nothing going to another bar, speakeasy anything of the sort. I am not that confident of a person but I spent over half my night on the dance floor with my friends, chatting it up with other people etc. The atmosphere is so pleasant it's crazy but in the absolute best way possible, the lovely people behind the bar and in the kitchen are absolutely fantastic and them alone made the experience so much better. I would highly recommend this place as someone who aligns with the lgbtq+ community because oh my.. (not that this was expected BUT) Not once did I get a weird look for being myself for once. Good drinks, food, atmosphere, people EVERYTHING. 10/10
P.S; Writing this after being brought home drunk as a skunk by my best friend so you know it's real.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5