We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Spats Cafe & Speakeasy

142 E College Ave, State College, PA 16801-4708
814-238-7010
Website
Menu
Update restaurant details
Ranked #5 of 126 restaurants in State College
Cuisines: Cajun & Creole
More restaurant details
Restaurant details
Dining options: Reservations
Dining style: Casual Elegant
Cross street: Pugh Street
Transit: Frequent local bus service with stop 1/4 block away
Description: 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?
Reserve with OpenTable
Please enter a later date and time
Write a Review

50 reviews from our community

82% Recommend
    23
    18
    7
    1
    1
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Barto, PA
Top Contributor
59 reviews 59 reviews
44 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
68 helpful votes 68 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

I have recenlty had to adopt a gluten free diet and finding restaurants that are not only accomodating but that you feel confident that they understand the cross contamination factor are more than difficult to find. While attending my daughters gradution in State College I used an app on my phone(find me gluten free) and it listed Spat's as having... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by cookingallday for State College
State College, Pennsylvania
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 May 2013

I have not stopped by for a while, but we chose it for my birthday. Love the updated decor, which makes it feel more roomy. The food offers a variety of excellent cuisine, not just Cajun, and includes vegetarian and gluten-free offerings. I enjoyed duck breast and my husband had shrimp and scallops. Noise is a problem for us, but... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Clairton, Pennsylvania
Top Contributor
97 reviews 97 reviews
88 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 48 cities Reviews in 48 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 April 2013

Spat's gives you the feel of the French Quarter without having to go there. The food is always of the best quality, the staff is always on point, and the location is pretty much perfect right there on the corner.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by slasich for State College
Columbia, Maryland
Top Contributor
124 reviews 124 reviews
109 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
35 helpful votes 35 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2013

we went by for a late lunch on a Saturday and we had a great experience. Service was good with good selection of beer and wine. The food is infused with cajun spices throughout. I found a lot of potential choices on the menu including a variety of vegetarian options. The gumbo was yummy and a very generous serving. My... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 11 more reviews by Sujata410 for State College
allentown
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2013

Went to Spat's Cafe at suggestion on my daughter who is a PSU student. Menu a little confusing with Tapas and various size entrees but readily explained by the helpful, friendly staff. Seated at a table by the second floor window overlooking busy College Avenue. Great view and atmosphere. Food was very good with no disappointments among the various dishes... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by cardoc for State College
State College, Pennsylvania
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
15 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2013

I called to make a reservation for a Tuesday night. The young lady on the phone was very pleasant. When we arrived there was only one other table seated and we were seated right beside them, that seemed a little weird since the rest of the tables were empty but I didn't say anything and I suppose they were just... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Senior Contributor
44 reviews 44 reviews
40 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 March 2013 via mobile

First, everything has changed, including the hours, so don't go by any information you find online. Second, if you are set on dining here, then be sure to make a reservation. Third, I hope you like Cajun spice, because the menu has a limited focus. Our food tasted ok, but was significantly overpriced. The service, on the other hand, was... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by DMynar for State College
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
39 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 March 2013 via mobile

My wife and I had a quick impromptu soup course while looking for a place to have dinner. Things were not bad, certainly... but we were not inspired. Moved on to the Allen Street Grille when the menu wasn't quite what we were looking for. Maybe we caught the staff off guard a bit by not having a reservation and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by stevek81 for State College
Altoona, Pennsylvania
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
8 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 March 2013

This place is becoming one of my favorite restaurants. It's located right on a great corner on College Avenue. The New Orleans theme means a fair amount of Cajun and spiced foods, but nothing overly spiced. The tapas are amazing with the biggest problem being limiting yourself to one or two. The Pan Poached Mussels and the Lobster Ravioli are... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
pa
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
12 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 March 2013

Great little place with a New Orleans based menu and decor. Food and service are excellent. Drink menu is also very extensive.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by PaBirddog for State College

Travellers who viewed Spats Cafe & Speakeasy also viewed

State College, The Alleghenies
State College, The Alleghenies
 
State College, The Alleghenies
State College, The Alleghenies
 

Been to Spats Cafe & Speakeasy? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Spats Cafe & Speakeasy, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing