Speakeasy isn’t a roaring-bar-crowd place, nor is it solely a booze hound’s watering hole. It’s more mature than most of the college bars and the regulars are a little older. For 21-and-older students (especially jazz lovers) interested in a quiet, intimate night, it’s one of the best venues around.

Speakeasy is only open Wednesday-Saturday and music is the main draw. Each Wednesday is open mic night (musicians, sign up at the door) and Thursday-Saturday, the bands vary. Speakeasy keeps the band schedule on their website up-to-date and provides links to artists’ websites there as well.

This Thursday, check out Reggie Bui Trio. (music on the website)

Much of Speakeasy’s draw is that it is definitely a jazz venue first and a bar second. The interior – a deep, narrow space – has great acoustics and the stage is against the front window. The bar runs along of one of the long walls, and there is enough seating for about twenty people.

Two-person tables are situated along the other long wall, and there is a modest open area with a handful of larger tables between the stage and the bar.Parties of eight or more won’t have trouble finding seating together, provided they arrive early enough. Speakeasy tends to fill up on weekends.

There is a small outdoor section as well – the action is inside, but patrons can compromise between music and a breath of fresh air.

The martini selection is so extensive that it requires its own menu – music lovers don’t go thirsty between sets. These drinks range from the old-school Appletini to the inventive. Think: Victor’s Revenge, Caramel Apple, Prozac, Stockholm and Strawberry Sombrero. A full list is on the website.

Beer enthusiasts may be a little disappointed in Speakeasy, as they only carry 18 brews (most of which are the Budweiser, Coors and Michelob lines) and no microbrews or Foothills varieties. But the author implores them to give the shaken drinks a chance; they’re worth it.

And if hunger strikes, try the “Breads and Spreads” – crisp, warm bread with made-in-house spice purees like garlic bacon feta or chipotle basil peso. Can’t decide on just one? Try the Bread and Three Spread sampler ($9.95). These are great compliments to liquor.

For something heartier, check out the Shrimp & Grit Cake ($8.95), the Chicken Turnover ($6.50) or the sushi menu – while they only serve five different rolls, Spicy Tuna and California are among them.

You’ll get these and anything else in a professionally fast manner, as well – Speakeasy bartenders don’t need to look at bar books for ingredients and the wait staff is sharp. During a heavy night, the order-to-table wait is rarely longer than three minutes for drinks or 15 minutes for food.

The bar staff isn’t comprised of college kids looking to moonlight, either – they’re trained professionals who’d know the difference between a Martini and a Bradford or a Dry and Dirty. The quality of staff compliments the upscale atmosphere.

Speaking of atmosphere, don’t roll over, turn off the alarm clock and waltz in. There is a modest dress code (nice jeans, okay; jeans with holes, not allowed – no “hot pants,” no curse words or offensive slogans. You get the idea).

Speakeasy charges a $5 cover on Friday and Saturday to see the live music. They accept cards at the door for cover – a nice detail so bar-goers don’t have to make an ATM run.