So how's that new piano bar downtown?

Wow. Speakeasy opened Dec. 12, and we're impressed. This classy piano bar brings yet another new style of bar to McAllen. It's a jazzy, upscale lounge perfect to relax and hold quiet conversation. Here are our early impressions.

Hot Spots: First Look
Speakeasy Piano Bar
316 S. 17th St., McAllen
(956) 631-7332
www.myspace.com/speakeasypianobar

THE GOOD
>>> The jazz and piano
>>> The conversational volume of the music
>>> The long list of delicious martinis
>>> The incredibly sleek trimmings, could be the best looking bar in town
>>> The huge windows with the awesome view of Cine El Rey's bright lights
>>> Good selection of craft and import beers on tap
>>> Cool VIP room with beads over entrance
>>> Friendly, fast service

THE BAD
>>> No orange slice in our Blue Moon draft
>>> Kind of dead on Saturday night

 THE UGLY
>>> That weird curtain in the men's bathroom that separates the toilet and sink from the urinal

Read our review of THE DIVE down the road. Plus check out these other FESTIVA HOT SPOT reviews.

* THE PATION ON GUERRA, McAllen

* ROOSEVELT'S AT 7, McAllen

 * CLUB KAMA SUTRA, McAllen

* JACKSON'S, McAllen

* SUTEKI, McAllen

* JAVA GIRLS, McAllen

* BIG DADDY'S, Edinburg

* THE HAVANA CLUB, McAllen

* MARTINI'S, McAllen

Also check out:

* City Lights Bar & Grill

* Pier 67

* CKs Bar

* Club Tao

* Smokin Aces

* The Boiler Room

* Buffalo Wings and Rings

* Moonbeans

* Agave Azul

* Desperados Sports Bar

*Hot Spots Entertainment Restaurant

* Bar and Grill at the Grove

* Peppers at Uptown

* Big Daddys Bar & Grill

* Barcode