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(3.5 stars from 2 rating)
Speak E-Z's 0:3.5

Address

http://www.speakezs.com
2400 Meridian St
Bellingham , WA 98225
(360) 714-0606

Hours

Sat Noon - 9:00 PM
Mon-Fri 12:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Mon-Fri 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Review

A friend from Atlanta once tried to talk me into going out for soul food with him. I was a bit reluctant, being a Northwesterner I was unfamiliar with soul and southern things. His vague explanation as to what soul food was, exactly, didn’t help. After several near misses I finally tried this truly American cuisine and soul food found a new fan in me. As the newly converted I'm eager to proselytize, especially when I find a fine example like Speak E-Z’s BBQ.

Speak E-Z’s bills itself as Memphis style BBQ and rightly so, for advertising itself as southern cooking and soul food would probably confuse other Northwesterners like myself. BBQ is easy enough to understand, and there is plenty of that. BBQ Ribs is the obvious dish one would expect but I would steer (no pun intended) the diner towards the beef brisket or pulled pork (yes!). Tasty, tender, flavorful portions of meat come drizzled in BBQ sauce that speaks of molasses and smoked flavoring. For those expecting more southern fare, the blackened Catfish or Liver and Onions are options but that might be for the more experienced or adventurous than I.

Three sides come with the entrees, which is where we get into the real territory of soul food. Collard greens, baked beans, okra, gumbo, buttered corn and potato salad present themselves as options which, along with the meat main course, make for a substantial amount of food. This isn’t a first date restaurant—there’s no way you’re getting through this meal without putting away a small mountain of food into your hollow leg.

Although one might expect a BBQ joint to have picnic tables with red and white tablecloth, this is not the atmosphere at Speak E-Z’s. Jazz legends look down from the wall across an interior with a pretty sophisticated lighting scheme. Thought and care has obviously been put into the presentation of the food, which borders on fine dining. The crowd is definitely more wine and BBQ than beer and BBQ, and more mature and even mannered than the festive décor would suggest. The recommendation is to definitely try Speak E-Z for a dining experience with a unique menu, quality food and classy presentation.
Written By: Glen Berry
On: 9/19/2004

Directions

The heart of the fountain district, near the intersection of Meridian and Broadway.

Features

Beer and Wine | Dinner | Wheelchair Accessible

Map

User Reviews

George W.
BELLINGHAM, WA
35rating
(1)
(0)
7/20/2009
We have been going to Speak E-Z's for about 4 years now. I don't know what those people have to complain about. The servers are very friendly, helpful and attentive. The food is always good, smoked in their own kitchen.

We got to know Dennis, the owner, a bit. He comes from Memphis and takes a lot of pride in his cooking and smoking. Most of the items are made from scratch, and are fresh and tasty.
Anyway, the food is good, tasty and not boring, the BBQ sauce is the best, the prices are reasonable, portions are very generous, service is good, (lot better than in a lot of other places we have been) and you all should try it and don't get side tracked by someone who has a gripe for whatever reason.
(1)
(0)
Wayne B.
Bellingham, WA
1038rating
(44)
(9)
7/31/2009
The BBQ isn't really BBQ'd it is blanch from using too much propane to cook it with. Where is the pit? Some fancy stainless steel thing in the back. Starting using real wood. Also, cut off the rib tips, they are gross. Serve up your ribs St. Louis style.
(0)
(0)
Sam  Silverman
20rating
(1)
(1)
12/5/2006
First To Review
My family greatly enjoys the food at Speak-easy, unfortunatly my wife is a stroke victim and can not eat out, but she loves the food, So whats my problem?
(0)
(0)
Sharon & Ron
10rating
(1)
(0)
2/10/2009
We have visited Speak EZ's numerous times since opening, have never been disappointed in the food or the service. Having been from the South, and eaten in Memphis on trips there, the best barbecue places there have nothing on Speak EZ's. Dennis is the real deal & I challenge anyone who is disappointed to find any better. We will continue to visit as long as Speak EZ's is here.
(0)
(0)
Keith Poynter
10rating
(1)
(0)
1/1/2009
Every meal I have eaten there has been very good. I spent most of my late HS and college years in the south and can say that Speak EZ is the real deal. Their food is a bit pricey, but I think worth it when one is longing for good southern cookin'.
(0)
(0)
Casey
Casey 
10rating
(1)
(0)
8/21/2008
Not sure where these other people ate who are complaining about everything under the sun when it comes to this restaurant because I had one of the best dining experiences of my life here just the other night. I have been driving past this place for a while now and I noticed the 'all you can eat tuesday night ribs' and I couldn't keep driving past it anymore. I brought my family in and I was impressed by how warm and genuine the waitstaff was. Minutes later, we all had our food in front of us and the ribs just fell right off the bones. No steak knife required! And the BBQ sauce is unlike anything I have ever had before! Absolutely AMAZING! I liked it so much I ordered a pint to go before the meal was over. It is obvious that a lot of love and hard work have gone into this restaurant and I will be back to visit again VERY soon! Homemade delicious food, here I come!
(0)
(0)
Jody
Jody 
10rating
(1)
(0)
8/21/2008
I love Speak-E-Z's and have been going there for some time now. Everytime I go I am greeted by a courteous wait-staff and when I first started going there and the owner found out I was from Memphis myself, he came out to say "hi" and chat for awhile. The food arrived and I couldn't have been more impressed. For those that complain about the prices, I ask you to keep this in mind, it is a family-owned restaurant that cooks food from scratch if you want a cheap, less flavorful meal go somewhere else.
(0)
(0)
Gwen
Gwen 
10rating
(1)
(0)
8/11/2008
This restaurant is the worst. They treat their employees AND customers terrible. The management is ridiculous. I don't know how they are still open with prices they charge.
(0)
(0)
Dave
Dave 
10rating
(1)
(0)
6/5/2008
I love bbq and I really wanted to go there for a long time. Finally went with a friend and it sure wasn't what I expected. The menu explained how the ribs were supposed to be cooked, but instead they seemed boiled then baked in an oven. The wasn't anything special, actually the opposite. I had the pulled pork and it was just boring with no flavor. We gave it a double thumbs down.
(0)
(0)
Bonny B.
10rating
(1)
(0)
4/26/2008
My family and I have been going to Speak E-Z's off and on since they opened and we always enjoy the food. The prices are very, very reasonable for meals cooked from scratch (I can see the beef) and there is always enough food for left overs. Keep up the good work at Speak E-Z's and friendly service and we will continue to come again and again.
(0)
(0)
Bella Boss
10rating
(1)
(0)
3/29/2008
ONCE I WAS IN SPEAK E-Z FOR MY FIRST TIME, AND I'M NOT GOING TO GO THERE ANYMORE BECAUSE THE MANAGEMENT WAS TERRIBLE, AND THE SERVICE WAS NOT WORTH THE COST I PAID. ALSO, THE FOOD WAS TOO PRICY. I WOULDN'T RECCOMEND THIS RESTURANT TO ANYBODY.
(0)
(0)
Susan Kane
10rating
(1)
(0)
3/29/2008
I have never encountered such terrible service and management in Bellingham! I do NOT recommend this restaurant to anyone. The food was expensive BUT not worth the cost. The management was unbearable. Just don't go there.
(0)
(0)
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