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    The Speakeasy

    4.1 (73 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM

    The Speakeasy Photos

    THE SPEAKEASY ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Side salad
    Phyllis B.

    I had heard of this restaurant for years and was really looking forward to going! We were taking my mother out for her 81st birthday. When we arrived it wasn't very busy yet. Just a few small tables. Our drink server was very nice & friendly. Our primary server was not. She didn't smile and seemed stressed. We had the salad and they were good. I had the Sacramento Strip. It was cold. The bleu cheese butter didn't melt or soften. I didn't send it back because it would've ended up over-cooked. My side was the broccolini with Bearnaise sauce. I discovered I do not like Bearnaise sauce, lol. The broccolini was over cooked. My mother had the New York Strip and she liked the flavor but it was also tough. My husband had the smoked rib eye (the special). He really liked his steak and it was perfectly cooked. The restaurant charges an extra 4% for credit cards (with we knew in advance). They also do not accept out of state checks. It was expensive for a mediocre meal.

    Onion rings.

    Love the vibe. And the food was even better. Can't say good enough things about the food. Onion rings are flat out amazing.

    Caramel custard dessert
    Will C.

    I learned of The Speakeasy via word of mouth. I finally had an opportunity to go when my family made the trip from Omaha to Kearney for the high school cross country state championships on October 22nd. My dad, brother, and I drove the half-hour or so south to the location in the evening and arrived just before 6pm. The outside of the building is as-advertised: rustic and in the middle of nowhere. I walked in excited to try owner Ryan Puls's expertly-prepared steak. The hostess asked if we had a reservation, which we did not. She informed us they were turning tables all night and would have to ask the owner if he could squeeze us in. She came out and said we could eat as long as we ordered the prime rib. We'd come a long way and decided to stay. We ordered drinks, and the hostess took our appetizer orders. After a while, the drinks came out, but the waitress informed us Ryan yelled at her when she tried to put in our appetizer orders and that we'd only be getting the prime rib. She apologetically handed us a baguette and butter to tide us over. She then took our order (it didn't take long) and did not give us the option to choose any of the several delicious-sounding homemade toppings or sauces the menu advertised for its dishes. Luckily, we could order sides with our meat. My old fashioned had good flavor but was watered down by gas station-quality ice. The baguette was good. The meat, creamed spinach, and caramel custard dessert were GREAT and the sole source of my stars. In summary, if you want respect from the owner then place a reservation. I left feeling like a chore instead of a guest even though my meal was delicious. I also expect the little things like quality ice in my old fashioned from an expensive restaurant that holds itself in such high regard. If I'm in the area again, I'll be back so I can eat exactly what I want, but my rating will stand for these reasons.

    Deliciousness
    Amber M.

    My husband and I are new to Holdrege and wanted to find a classic place that we enjoy. I can't even begin to tell you how awesome our experience was. We came in on St.Patty's day and even with them serving 50 in the back we got our food promptly and everything was DELICIOUS. We decided on the specials which came with clam chowder soup. I finished my soup after my husband and that's saying something since I normally finish in half the time he does. It was THAT good that I truly savored every bite! Then our main dishes came out and they definitely hit the spot! If you are coming through town or a local you have to stop here for a bite to eat! It is well worth it for the quality and taste alone! We will definitely be regulars!

    an aerial view of a farm
    Gary F.

    In a restaurant founded long ago and far away in the fields outside of Holdrege, Nebraska, one can enjoy the perfect steak and classic ambience for which old school dinner clubs were known. The added plus is the place is haunted by the likes of Faceless Fred; slain by a jealous wife for his flagrant philandering. I went for the ribeye medium rare with the added joy of their perfectly executed Brussels Sprouts. The Speakeasy is cool, dark and rich with tradition not to mention exceptional Nebraska steak. I've already plotted my 680 mile return to a new favorite "haunt".

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    1 year ago

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    2 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    9 months ago

    Great service - great FOOD! Always come when we're back in the area!! Never disappoints - out in the middle of nowhere and always busy.

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    2 years ago

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    8 months ago

    Food was great but prices a little steep, service always with a smile and usual it started getting a little noisier as the even went on.

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    1 year ago

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Always a good time. Come early for drinks at the bar. Save room for dessert, if possible.

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    6 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Wonderful mussels and very cool place off the beaten path. Great staff and nice atmosphere.

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    16 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    Ask the Community - The Speakeasy

    The Speakeasy - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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