Speakeasy restaurant and its sibling music venue, The Big Easy, have long been a part of Petaluma’s dining and entertainment scene. While the restaurant may have faded from some diners’ memories, its lobster mac and cheese recently emerged as a standout in a search for Sonoma County’s best mac and cheese. Featuring sweet lobster, cheddar, fontina, herby breadcrumbs, and crumbled bacon clinging to orecchiette pasta, the dish remains a local favorite and prompted a revisit to see if Speakeasy still holds its charm.
Tucked away on Kentucky Street, Speakeasy offers a cozy, dimly lit dining space with a few tables and a bar. On a chilly January evening, the outdoor patio—popular in warmer months—was not ideal, but inside, the service was friendly and efficient. Early in the evening, the restaurant was quiet, with only a single diner at the bar, but as the night progressed, tables filled, reflecting Speakeasy’s reputation as one of Petaluma’s few late-night dining options. Open until 10 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, it caters to those seeking comforting, satisfying meals after an evening out.
Diners can also enjoy Speakeasy’s menu at The Big Easy, a music venue offering performances seven nights a week, ranging from singer-songwriters and jazz to hip-hop and electro-pop. Both venues are owned by local music producer Roger Tschann, who has successfully merged food and live entertainment.
The food at Speakeasy, crafted by chefs Jesus Ortiz and Angel Chan, is all about straightforward comfort. Ortiz, originally from Mexico, has lived in Petaluma for nearly 25 years and worked his way up from prep jobs at Old Chicago Pizza and Brixx before joining Speakeasy seven years ago. His cooking is not about culinary showmanship but about delivering consistently satisfying dishes that make people happy. Chan, from the Yucatán, has helped introduce some Mexican dishes to the menu, such as carnitas, ceviche, and tacos, while classic American comfort food—mac and cheese, short ribs with polenta, burgers, sandwiches, and grilled steak—remains the most popular. With menu prices that are refreshingly reasonable, Speakeasy offers a welcome break from the sticker shock of $32 burgers and $25 salads found elsewhere.
The menu remains largely unchanged, with occasional specials appearing. For many, the reliability of a favorite dish in a familiar setting is exactly what makes Speakeasy a go-to spot. Sometimes, a big bowl of mac and cheese at a restaurant where nobody knows your name is the most satisfying meal of all.
Best Bets
Braised Short Ribs with Blue Cheese Polenta ($24)
These short ribs stand out among some of Sonoma County’s best, with tender meat that falls apart effortlessly. The blue cheese polenta, rich with dairy, enhances the dish without overpowering it. Even the leftovers are exceptional.
Lobster Mac and Cheese ($18)
This dish delivers exactly what mac and cheese should be—creamy, cheesy, and decadent. Fontina adds smoothness to the sauce, while bits of bacon provide depth. Orecchiette pasta perfectly captures the breadcrumbs and cheese. While the lobster is a luxurious touch, the dish would be just as delicious without it.
Tapas
Perfect for sharing, the papas bravas ($9) and spicy cauliflower ($14) are standout choices. The papas bravas—crispy fingerling potatoes with chili powder and chipotle aioli—are a must-try, while the cauliflower, enhanced with Anaheim pepper and capers, is a surprising delight.
Tacos ($17 for three)
The vegetarian tacos shine with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Soft corn tortillas are piled high with cabbage slaw, avocado puree, and parsley, with options for meat or vegetables. The jackfruit in sweet-sour barbecue sauce and fried plantain with coconut are particular highlights.
Fried Chicken ($23)
This dish brings the nostalgia of a classic TV dinner but with far better execution. Crispy boneless chicken breasts, smooth mashed potatoes, and rich gravy create a comforting, home-style meal.
Cheesecake ($7)
Made in-house, the cheesecake varies based on the chef’s inspiration. Unlike towering restaurant-style versions, this moist, fluffy dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust is a more traditional take, reminiscent of homemade treats.
Speakeasy is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Brunch begins at 10 a.m. on weekends. Located at 139 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, the restaurant can be reached at 707-776-4631 or via speakeasypetaluma.com.
For those seeking a laid-back dining experience with hearty comfort food and a side of live music, Speakeasy remains a hidden gem in Petaluma. Whether stopping by for a bowl of mac and cheese, a plate of short ribs, or a late-night bite after a show, this unassuming spot continues to deliver. Visit today and rediscover what makes Speakeasy a beloved local favorite.
