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Spats Cafe and Speakeasy Reviews List
Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Since opening in 1987 Spats Cafe and Speakeasy receives yearly recognition as THE BEST DOWNTOWN fine-dining restaurant in State College and most recently awarded BEST VEGETARIAN MENU in Central PA.
Soft Jazz and Blues rolls through the rich New Orleans decor lending to a casual elegance just perfect for either a romantic interlude or a business dinner.
Cajun/Creole specialties and truly professional table service complete the picture....a delightful evening in NOLA! Won't you join us?
See more Spats Cafe and Speakeasy details
Soft Jazz and Blues rolls through the rich New Orleans decor lending to a casual elegance just perfect for either a romantic interlude or a business dinner.
Cajun/Creole specialties and truly professional table service complete the picture....a delightful evening in NOLA! Won't you join us?
69 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 69 reviews
5 stars
(34)
4 stars
(27)
3 stars
(7)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(39)
- special occasion(33)
- neighborhood gem(28)
- romantic(23)
- good for groups(20)
- notable wine list(13)
Spats Cafe and Speakeasy Reviews List
Review 1 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Reconnect with friend
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Your restaurant is a great place to reconnect with friends and remember old times and plan for new."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food. Great service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Group of 9 business colleagues from across Pennsylvania. Universal raves for Spat's food and service. All of them said, "I'll be back.""
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 3 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Spot Downtown
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of THE best in State College. Sit near the window, get the duck and cornbread app and the crab and crawfish hot pepper pasta. Save $ at lunch if you need to. The hot sauce rules."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 4 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
In state college there are
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"In state college there are few options, Spats at least has decent food ad can get you your food within an hour.. better than many of the other places. The food is good, think bland cajun, but given how few options exist, we go there often for lunch. We would go for dinner but dinner prices are outrageous for the location and general cost of state college. If you go, go at lunch."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2004
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Review 5 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food but a little pricey.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food but a little pricey. I had the blackened duck and my son had the Red Jambalaya. We both enjoyed the food very much."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
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Review 6 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Sometimes it gets a little
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Sometimes it gets a little loud that you have a hard time hearing your own conversations with your friends. Besides, it is a great place and great food."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 7 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Spats cafe is the best place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Spats cafe is the best place to go for dinner at State College."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 8 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was great. The waitress
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was great. The waitress was nice and helped one guest who can't eat anything containing dairy products. She wasn't able to keep up with all her tables though so our service wasn't great. It was good. We'd go back."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
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Review 9 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
By far Spats Cafe is the best
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"By far Spats Cafe is the best dining experience in State College. The food was delicious & service was prompt & friendly. We have tried to dine there several times, but there was a wait for a table. Open Table made making a reservation simple. I would definitely recommend Spats & will definitely done there again."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I've been eating at Spats
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I've been eating at Spats for 13 years. In this day and age, a restaurant that has been in business that long, with essentially the same type of menu is not that common. Never had a bad meal here."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I wish I traveled to State
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I wish I traveled to State College more often so I could eat often at Spats!! This was my third or fourth dining experience and they provide seriously good food and service...every time. The foie gras appetizer was so divinely rich and tender, and although I didn't intend to eat the baguette slices under the foie gras I couldn't resist how deliciously well the buttery drippings saturated the bread. My main course was also wonderful, a spicy rich cajun pasta with crab. The petite portion was perfect. Great service. I will return...but probably not soon enough!"
Dined on 04/08/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 12 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
spats
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Heard so many good reviews from friends, but was extremely disappointed with the service, the server didn't even tell her name or explain the specials. She gave us melted sorbet. Didn't ask how our meal was so i couldn't even voice my opinion about the flash fried calamari! The calamari was sub par and bland but the blackened duck breast was extremely good and would be the only thing that could get me to go back. The bill was a little too steep also."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
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Review 13 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
My boyfriend and I go out
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My boyfriend and I go out to eat very often. We travel all over the world and have an acclectic taste for good food; especially cajun. Every time I go there, I seem to have very slow service, with an unattentive waitress. I have been to New Orleans and do NOT consider cajun food to be full of black peper. You'd think the waitress would have asked how our meal was and noticed that my boyfriend didn't even touch his $30 dish. Obviously the cook is not from New Orleans and does not know cajun cooking. The cook from Duo spent over a decade in Louisianna and surely knows his stuff. I will not be coming back to Spats again."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 14 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food is innovative. There
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food is innovative. There is an option for a smaller portion on some of the food entrees which is nice for a lighter meal."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 15 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great upscale State College Dining!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent food, atmosphere and service. Definitely one of the must try upscale State College Restaurants. Highly recommended!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 16 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
my first ime - food was great!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"my first ime - food was great!
i will be back!"
i will be back!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 17 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A meal at Spats is always
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A meal at Spats is always an enjoyable event. No one has such an inventive menu and they never diasppoint. The new remodel is very well done and the room looks brighter and seems to sit more guests. Keep up the good work."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 18 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I went to Spats for a nice
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I went to Spats for a nice dinner with my boyfriend because I wanted to treat him. The staff weren't very friendly, but the food was prepared quickly and was delicious. I would go back again."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had a lovely time, the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a lovely time, the food was delicious ! Our server was attentive for the most part ( she forgot to bring the sorbet between courses, so we ended up having it as dessert ;-)"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I am a huge foodie - willing
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I am a huge foodie - willing to anything and everything especially of different cuisines. Spats was the first time going to a Cajun/Creole restaurant, and now the cuisine is definitely in my good books! I've been to Spat's twice...one time was in the beginning of the year for lunch and the second time was just recently for dinner. I enjoyed my meal both times. However, I would like to the say...the first time our waitress was not really friendly and seemed to have a bit of an attitude. The second time, although this waitress wasn't not rude, she wasn't very hospitable either. Our experience would be much more enjoyable if we were greeted and assisted by more friendly servers. Thank you."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 21 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food, possible slower service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great food right downtown. They've updated recently and it's a cozy room for a nice dinner. Even if you're not into creole food, there are plenty of options. Service can be a little slow but grab an appetizer or salad/soup (they give you bread) and a drink and, even delayed, you won't be disappointed with the entree."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 22 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We went on a week night at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We went on a week night at 8:00 so the restaurant wasn't crowded. The acoustics are such that it was pretty noisy, but not obnoxiously so. The food was very good.... not in the category of "to-rave-about", but much better than average. The menu is interesting and different from anything else in State College. The atmosphere is great... colorful and vibrant. Tables are close together, so it could be romantic if not crowded... otherwise, it would be difficult to have a very private conversation. I would recommend it to me friends."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 23 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Not much Cajun/creole in this
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Not much Cajun/creole in this part of the state but it was very good food and great ambience"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 24 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Dinner Date Spot
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"You won't find any ordinary food here. Everything is delicious and unique, serving mostly Cajun and Creole inspired dishes. If you're looking for a special spot for a nice dinner or for a date, this is the place to go. I love the atmosphere. It's like a quite little speakeasy (as it is aptly named), and there is a definite social atmosphere inside, but it is still quiet enough for a romantic time.
This place doesn't stick out like a sore thumb on College Avenue, so it's not heavily traveled, which I find to be a positive attribute. For those of us who are aware of it and its quality, it's a special little place."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Place!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The entire meal from start to finish was excellent. Service is unmatched! Dishes were well prepared! Love the atomsphere. Have been to Spats many times before and will be back for many more!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 26 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good Food Requires a Bit of a Wait
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our group loved the unique menu options.
The Po Boys and daily specials were the table favorites.
The Po Boys and daily specials were the table favorites.
However, service for our 8-person table took 50 minutes. If you go with a group, look at the menu in advance and order immediately."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 27 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My husband and I went to State
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"My husband and I went to State College last weekend to support our daughter at THON. Needless to say we did'nt get into the BJC. GO THON!!! The weekend would have been a wash if we hadn't gone to Spats on Saturday night. It diffenitely met "Nawlins" standard. Our meal was excellent and the service impeccable. We will be going again. Hopefully we'll get in during gradution week. I would recommend this resturant to anyone and already have."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
My main issue with this place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My main issue with this place was the waitress. We ordered an appetizer that never came. I asked for no shrimp in my jambalaya; it came with shrimp. And then at the end she did not offer us a dessert menu. She did not even ask if we wanted dessert. She just brought the check. The food was delicious. Especially the potato leek soup. The portion is kind of small for what you get but this place is nice for a special occasion."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 29 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very high energy on this occasion--
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very high energy on this occasion--Valentine's Day. I know it can be quieter during the week for those who prefer a more low-key scene. Cosmopolitan feel in small college town. Excellent food and menu!!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 30 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Open table's website told
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Open table's website told me to call and ask if their menu changed because our reservation was on Valentine's day, and when I did the woman who answered the phone was quite rude and acted like I was a total idiot for asking. Then, when we got there, someone had cancelled our reservation. They had a table for us, but it was clearly the worst one in the place, shoved back in a corner by the bar. Our food was quite tasty and the wine and service from our waitress was excellent. Then, we paid our bill and left. Later, I found our receipt from that night laying in my car, and realized we had been overcharged for our meal. Not a place I'll be going to again any time soon, especially given the prices"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 31 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was great. Great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was great. Great jambalaya, great cheese and grits, great collates greens and amazing catfish. However the service was not too great. The server took nearly 30 minutes to get to us after we were shown our seat and after she apologized for that she forgot to bring our bill after we were finished."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 32 for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Stopped at Spats Cafe & Speakeasy
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Stopped at Spats Cafe & Speakeasy for a night out and was very pleased. Our server was quite attentive and the quality of the meals was quite enjoyable. Would highly recommend and will return soon."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2003
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Spats Cafe and Speakeasy
Based on the average of (37) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate