Speak Rockwall

104 N San Jacinto St, Rockwall
(469) 769-1279

Recent Reviews

tammy dewees

This place is the worst at customer service and the food is Gross the staff is rude except Kristen good luck who ever is reading this.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

cathy musgrave

SpeakSo, I want to provide some information on the restaurant Speak in downtown Rockwall hoping to maybe save you from the horrible experience we had last night. I booked a party of 10 a month ago to celebrate 2 birthdays. We went all out and bought Roaring 20’s clothing to take on the FULL experience of the event and the restaurant. I checked the website several times looking for info on the location, the password, etc. Finally, I called on Friday because I had not received the secret information on how to enter the establishment. So I was told, they don’t do that anymore. Ok. As we arrived at Speak, we were seated and there was a country music singer on stage. Which was weird for the type of place it is. We were told then, that the restaurant is NO longer a Speakeasy and not supporting the Prohibition theme. Not sure why the website was not updated to communicate the changes to the customers.Cocktails- It took 45 minutes to get a drink. Even for them to pour a glass of wine was a 45 minute wait. And, then they brought 1 drink at a time. One girl wanted to switch out the vodka in her drink for tequila and was told NO. The manager said these are hand crafted drinks and they will not change them. Not sure what difference it makes to them if the customer is asking for a different liquor and you’re willing to pay for it! However, once my Lemon Drop Martini was served, it was tasty.Appetizers- The calamari was undercooked and soft and squishy. Awful! I had the meatballs and they were delicious.Main Course- The 4 people that ordered the Salmon asked to have it cooked longer. It was way under cooked. Even the skin was still on the back of it. The manager refused to have it cooked longer and stated it was seared. There were no sear marks. It was totally undercooked and we told her to take it back and remove it from the check. The manager was furious at us. Stomped her feet and stormed off.We did not have dessert as we were pretty much over it by then.The manager behaved horribly. She was totally unprofessional. There was 1 good staff member trying to help us. Her name was Kristin and she was amazing, trying to get our drinks out faster. They only had 1 bar tender and 1 being trained. Which is ridiculous on a Friday night. Kristin told us they were going thru a restart and made a lot of changes. I would say, not for the best. Also, there was another party that after it took so long for drinks and their appetizer was under cooked, they got up and walked out. The manager called the police on them. Because they ordered dinner and told them to cancel it. They were not going to pay those prices and stick around like we did.My recommendation- is NOT to waste your money or time on a restaurant or manager that is not willing to listen to you. I will NEVER go back or send my friends!!!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 1

Booked under the impression that it was a 20's style speakeasy with jazz music and really good food and a dress code, got there and was immediately taken back because the staff are wearing band tshirts and shorts and raggy jeans so dress code is out of the question as my date and I are dressed to the nines,wasn't jazz music playing and the menu had changed to basic bar food with a few upscale items as they said, and after we order and ate was not impressed at all,if this place is going to make it the need to get on the same page,lower the prices and get someone that can actually cook! To say we was disappointed is an understatement,they did adjust the bill but still paid $150 for food that shouldn't have been more than $50 at the most..... I will never go back and recommend you stay away!

Doris Richards

If you're in search of a great dining experience paired with mouthwatering flavors, look no further than Speak Social Restaurant. Formerly known as Speak Restaurant, this cozy spot has recently undergone a rebranding, bringing with it a refreshed menu and a welcoming atmosphere.You are greeted with genuine hospitality and a friendly demeanor from the staff. The service is attentive without being intrusive, allowing you to unwind and enjoy your meal in peace.During my visit, I had the pleasure of trying the Wagon Wheel hamburger.. The house-blended wagyu beef, accompanied by tempura onion rings, house candied bacon, scratch BBQ sauce, ailoi, and American cheese, all sandwiched between an artisan bun, was cooked to perfection and full of flavor. House made fries were served with it. My friends enjoyed their lunch as much as I did. Everyone's plate was clean.The atmosphere at Speak Social has a laid-back vibe, with great lighting that sets a relaxed mood. The music selection adds to the experience, providing a subtle backdrop that enhances the dining experience without overpowering conversation.In summary, Speak Social Restaurant is for those seeking a wonderful dining experience with exceptional food and a welcoming atmosphere. With its delectable dishes, attentive service, and laid-back ambiance, I will be going back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Wagyu Beef

CathyM

So, I want to provide some information on the restaurant Speak in downtown Rockwall hoping to maybe save you from the horrible experience we had last night. I booked a party of 10 a month ago to celebrate 2 birthdays. We went all out and bought Roaring 20's clothing to take on the FULL experience of the event and the restaurant. I checked the website several times looking for info on the location, the password, etc. Finally, I called on Friday because I had not received the secret information on how to enter the establishment. So I was told, they don't do that anymore. Ok. As we arrived at Speak, we were seated and there was a country music singer on stage. Which was weird for the type of place it is. We were told then, that the restaurant is NO longer a Speakeasy and not supporting the Prohibition theme. Not sure why the website was not updated to communicate the changes to the customers. Cocktails- It took 45 minutes to get a drink. Even for them to pour a glass of wine was a 45 minute wait. And, then they brought 1 drink at a time. One girl wanted to switch out the vodka in her drink for tequila and was told NO. The manager said these are hand crafted drinks and they will not change them. Not sure what difference it makes to them if the customer is asking for a different liquor and you're willing to pay for it! However, once my Lemon Drop Martini was served, it was tasty. Appetizers- The calamari was undercooked and soft and squishy. Awful! I had the meatballs and they were delicious. Main Course- The 4 people that ordered the Salmon asked to have it cooked longer. It was way under cooked. Even the skin was still on the back of it. The manager refused to have it cooked longer and stated it was seared. There were no sear marks. It was totally undercooked and we told her to take it back and remove it from the check. The manager was furious at us. Stomped her feet and stormed off. We did not have dessert as we were pretty much over it by then.

leon wilson

I really hate to be a person dropping negative reviews; however, I believe everyone deserves to know that they are being scammed out of their hard earned money to enjoy a show and meal that does not live up to what's on the menu.I'll start with the positive. My wife and I had a reservation last night at 8p.m. on 04/26/2024. You walk in and they have created the experience that you are in the 1920s, attending a speakeasy, password and all. The atmosphere was decent. The service was very good, and even though you could tell she wasn't very knowledgeable with culinary arts, she took care of us very wellBefore I order at any "high class" restaurant, I always ask about items that I'm interested in because of their intriguing nature. If it is an item that I have experience with, like the multiple types of wagyu, I always ask to see the steak before it cooked. I do this to verify the marbling score and that it is the steak I'm requesting. If it is extremely rare to find, especially in the location of Rockwall, TX, then I'm going to question the validity of the item on the menu and make sure that I'm actually getting what I paid for.We ordered the 16oz Kerwee Red Wagyu, Japanese Snow Crab Claws, Roasted Wagyu Bone Marrow Bruschetta, Lobster Thermidor, and Garlic Mashed Potatoes.The Lobster Thermidor, although small for $52, was absolutely delicious. The Garlic Mashed Potatoes were amazing! And the bone marrow dish was decent. The homemade sourkraut was a perfect match to break up the rich fattyness with the acidity.Now for the other items. For the 16oz Kerwee Red Wagyu marbling score 4 to 6. This just simply was not a wagyu steak, especially that of a wagyu. Unfortunately, I forgot to ask to see the steak before it was cooked after my wife ordered it because I had already asked a lot of questions; but I guess not enough. This steak was very flavorful, but it was chewy, and the fat did not render appropriately. This steak is cooked to a nice 137° for a nice medium rare to medium quality. If I'm going to pay $59 for a 16oz wagyu steak, it better be wagyu. I mentioned this to the waitress who confirmed she was new, 3 weeks in, but assured me that it was wagyu. I asked her, "So you are telling me that this is an Australian Kerwee Wagyu steak?" She responded with, "I don't put the orders in, nor do I know where they come from, but I can assure you that our steaks are wagyu."I then asked to speak to the chef, and she said she'd be right back. Two chefs from the back, the line cook type ( that doesn't mean they are lesser cooks, but there was no indication of executive chef versus sous chef. I asked about the steak, and they doubled down that it was, in fact, an Australian Kerwee Red Wagyu even after stating, as well, that they don't put in the orders. One was really defensive, and my goal was not to argue, but to call them on their "bs" and to get them to be honest. They were not, so I'm leaving this review. One of the "chefs" walked away with a guilty grin, as if he knew they were being fraudulent. Here's the thing, I am well traveled and have tried, and cooked myself, a lot of Wagyu. Japanese Wagyu's marbling score goes up to 12 and scores differently than American steaks. Australian Wagyu scores from 0-9+, but they score the same as Japan up to 9. What does this mean? It means that if I order an Australian Wagyu steak at a marbling score of 4 to 6, then it better melt in my hands like butter, I should be able to pull it apart with ease, and it better melt in my damn mouth with out me chewing. It shouldn't be tough fat after a "sous vide" as they claim to do; although, I think they just straight boiled it based on the flavor profile. It should not be chewy either, and I demonstrated this to them as well with the meat I had left.The Japanese Snow Crab Claws are just regular Alaskan crab claws. This place is ripping off its customers. Real Japanese Snow Crab is actually a Japanese spider crab and

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 5

Gallaway

We just went for drinks. We were told the food wasn't great, so we ate out before we came. It was cute. Cocktails at $20 a pop... it's hard to justify it. I understand it's about the "experience", but I have been to a lot of speakeasys... this just didn't quite hit it out of the park. I probably wouldn't go again.

Jennifer

Crabcake, salad, sides, & pie were great. Seabass was okay but the steak was not. It was super chewy & served lukewarm. It's the 1st time I've ever considered sending a dish back but we didn't want to be “that guy”. The waitress was great. The drinks were $18 ea but very good. Slow to come out but they were great. When we sat down, my seat was really wet & figured out the a/c was dripping from above. The tablecloth was visibly dirty/stained, the silverware had water stains, which normally wouldn't be a big deal but spending $200-$250 for 2 people & the restaurant being upscale/fine dining,I expected more. We overheard the table next to us also complain saying sides & appetizers were great but main courses were not. Their pasta was undercooked & the steak was barely touched. The response to the complaint was handled well & I have no doubt they would have handled ours well too. Unfortunate because it's a cool place inside

This was just overall underwhelming. We could have went to a top rated steak house in Dallas for the price we paid for dinner. And the food was horrible. They didn't ask how we wanted our steak. Would not make any changes to the entrees, drinks took forever, and not that this is a big thing but the bartender had a denim jacket on...not really keeping on theme. And the guy they had showing us to our table was missing teeth. We put a lot of effort into our outfits and were looking forward to this night. And it quite frankly sucked. I will not recommend this place to anyone.

Lisa Williams

Food was ok, not close to great and the service was lacking. We were excited to experience this restaurant but were quickly disappointed. Skip it, you’re not missing out.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Wedge Salad, Wagyu Beef

CrystalT

We were the last reservation for the evening, so it was pretty quiet. We had amazing service and staff was very attentive to our needs. quite the experience, we would book again and dress according (20's themed) and earlier in the evening, wasn't sure if there was a live band prior to our reservation at 8:30pm. We had just attended a formal wedding and wanted to try something new. We shared an appetizer which was calamari which was just ok. But our main dishes that consisted of rack of lamb and Lobster Bisque was amazing!

Alicia Smith

This place was amazing! We dressed for the Era which made it even more fun.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Elizabeth Simmons

I dined at Speak in December with my daughter, and the experience was excellent and the place was packed, so I was excited to celebrate a friend's birthday at Speak (week of 4/8/24).This experience will result in our not returning.While the concept is unique and fun, the food is excellent, and the waitress was good, the bartender/manager and policies could be the demise of this establishment.Our party of four ordered cocktails: Manhattan, Whiskey Sours, and an Old Fashioned. Nothing fancy and easy to make. We were informed they could not make a traditional Manhattan because they do not deviate from the drink menu - WHAT??? This is a bar. Our guest was offered their variation of a Manhattan - made with tequila. Not happening. Our guest explained how to make a Manhattan - easy - every bar carries the items - or should. The waitress agrees and leaves for an extended period. Then, an unknown, underdressed man arrives at the table and explains that they do not carry bitters - WHAT??? The guest changes the order to a Manhattan without bitters and a drop only of vermouth - basically, a 2oz pour of Makers Mark with a cherry.My "whisky sour" arrives with liquid not covering the ice - straight whiskey. I sent it back because I do not drink straight whiskey. The place was empty (3 tables); I could see the unhappy and angry bartender as she "corrected" my drink, pouring this and that and never stirring or shaking. I drank what was given to me, but I've never had a whiskey sour with orange juice.When ordering our food, one guest asked if they could substitute mashed potatoes for the Brussels sprouts - NO - you can order mashed potatoes for $10, but we do not deviate from our menu. Potatoes are cheaper than Brussels sprouts, so it would be better on the establishment's bottom line if they allow a substitution for a cheaper item.We get our bill. We were in utter shock! The Manhattan, a 2oz pour, is priced at $25 with an extra $2.50 for cherries. My whiskey sour is itemized as a double shot of whiskey at $18. The guest who ordered the Manhattan was DONE with the charades regarding his drink, but he demanded that they remove the $2.50 for extra cherries. The angry bartender/manager came to the table with this explanation: you got three cherries, and that's extra; he never ordered extra cherries, but she claimed, "You ate them, so you pay for them." UMMMM...didn't order and left them on the side plate for them to throw away.Then, my drink, I was told that I drank it and that I would have to pay for it. I did not order a double, and I did not know it was a double, but this so-called manager's solution to their errors was once again, "You drank it so you will pay for it."This place needs help. It's a great concept, but start by hiring bartenders who can make drinks that patrons want (not on a menu) and managers who know how to provide customer service and properly resolve problems instead of demanding the patrons pay for the establishment's errors.To finalize this experience, the manager followed us out the front door, grabbed the door, and slammed it behind us. Sealing the deal of our never returning.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 1

Mary Benson

It was a cute place and the food was good! We got the crab cake appetizer and seafood fettuccine.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Edward Rottner

My wife and I visit restaurants frequently. Frankly, the food we had with guests, to be fare, was about a 7-8 rating.. The ribeye steak we shared was good, but I’m not sure it was a wagu ribeye, as claimed. Also, the wine, poured from a bottle was as expected. If you are not a cocktail person, I guess the rest is mute.The reason we and our guests will never return, was how strange our cocktail order was handled and the subsequent charges. I ordered a Maker’s Mark Manhattan, a usually standard item. After some delay, we were informed that they only provided drinks that were on the menu, which were some unusual concoctions. After pressing a little, I was informed they did not have bitters and other bar acutrements. Basically, they did not want to deviate from their few standard drinks. It got worse, but you’re already probably tired of my rant. My guests had other problems with the bar. I am 80 years old, and we were just having a small birthday for my daughter. After being overcharged and working that out, the front door was slammed closed behind us.Thank goodness for Zanatas and other local restaurants that appreciate our business and actually want everybody to leave happy. Send Speak to where the sun doesn’t shine!

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