October 23, 2008
Speakeasy is one of two places that I enjoy going in 5 Points. The beer selection is great, the staff is extremely friendly, and Scottie makes the best damn Bloody Mary ever. The live jazz is a nice touch. It’s as if all of the college bars right outside the door don’t exist!

May 27, 2007
Speak Easy was a pleasant surprise tucked away on Saluda Ave. in Five Points, but largely void of the college crowd that fills much of its neighbor bars- which is both good and bad. Bar patrons often consist of snooty ’intelligentsia,’ but this is more than made up for by the wonderful atmosphere and top-notch staff. The bar is run by a small group of bartenders who really know their stuff, which is most evidenced by the neverending variety of martinis and cocktails they perfect nightly. Tap selection is unfortunatley severely limited by the bar’s somewhat awkward layout (think of a long, narrow hallway), but Speak Easy is consistent in adding many new beers to its selection of over 175, which is set to further increase with the influx of high-gravity beers as recently allowed by SC state law. The live music is amazing, and Thursdays and Saturdays are a particular treat with the crooner’s lounge act and jazz quartets, respectively. Definitely a hidden Columbia gem.