Moorhead’s Own Speak Easy!

When I’m looking for an elegant meal just across the Red River from Fargo, North Dakota, nothing compares to Moorhead’s own Speak Easy restaurant and lounge! The Speak Easy serves Italian and American fare in an incredible “prohibition era” atmosphere, with menu items such as the Bugsy Burger (a classic bacon cheeseburger) and the Cat’s Meow (shrimp and mock crab served atop wild rice), although my personal favorite is the $5 spaghetti special on Wednesday nights! What I love the most, however, is the 1920’s decor and incredibly warm atmosphere:

 

 

The Speak Easy features a large dining room divided into the “Alley” and a lower portion commonly known as the dance floor with simple tables and plush booths throughout. Here groups large and small have come together for decades to celebrate birthdays, enjoy incredible meals, and even host small conferences and “Whodunit” murder mysteries! In addition to the main dining room, the “Chandelier” room provides exquisite ambiance for those who may find steps difficult.

Where ever you may sit, there are plenty of quiet coves to enjoy more intimate dining in, such as the “terrace”, or perhaps down next to the “Sadie’s Lounge” room, which is generally reserved for private affairs. The staff at the Speak Easy are just incredible, with many of them having worked here for more than 10 years!

 

In addition to the wonderful 1920’s music playing overhead (substituted with Bing Crosby at Christmastime), the prohibition era theme of the Speak Easy is continued with classic pieces of art featuring period personalities, including Charlie Chaplin, Mae West, and even a few gangsters:

 

 

Be sure to keep your eyes out for these characters!

The Speak Easy also offers a wonderful lounge experience, with their classic bar and grand peacock display.

 

Perhaps the most interesting piece of decor you’ll find at the Speak Easy is the authentic Auburn four-door sedan believed to have been owned by Chicago’s infamous “Bugs” Moran in the 1930s. It sits just behind the bar and right next to the large “Big Nick’s Emporium of Pleasure” lounge often used by birthday and Super Bowl parties.

 

If you go, the Speak Easy restaurant and lounge is located just off Interstate 94 exit 1 in Moorhead, Minnesota. They sit next to the iconic Safari movie theater at 1001 30th Ave. South. The Speak Easy open seven days a week, from 11am-10pm (an hour later on the weekend). Call ahead to 218-233-1326 for reservations, and be sure to tell them that you read about the Speak Easy right here on Prairie, Party of One!