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The Twisted Spoke
Categories: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Nightlife Bars Breakfast & Brunch, Bars [Edit]
501 N Ogden Ave(between Grand Ave & Race Ave)
Chicago, IL 60622
Neighborhoods: Near West Side, West Loop
(312) 666-1500
- Nearest Transit:
-
Chicago-Blue (Blue Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 2 am
Sat 9 am - 3 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Music Videos
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
310 reviews for The Twisted Spoke
Review Highlights
"I believe I also had a fantastic bloody mary."
(in 53 reviews)
"Their fried egg sandwich is amazing."
(in 18 reviews)
"the rooftop patio here is what makes this place awesome."
(in 15 reviews)
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310 reviews in English
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Review from Adlyyn V.
Chicago, IL
2/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've driven by this place for thousands of years...... lol well you get my point
I had a hamburger. That hamburger was delicious!! It was the best hamburger I've ever had.
They have a long list of beers. You cannot never go wrong with an excellent hamburger and a beer. -
Review from Kevin W.
2/8/2012
Christ my barnhole is really hatin me today for the hot buffalo wings from last nite. Wipe enough times and eventually mister hemorrhoid is gonna say hello.
So the buffalo wings are great, but spicy as i mentioned. Overall, maybe worth the pain.
The nachos were really good too - nice crisp chips (not soggy), and the pulled pork was moist and flavorful. Good job. Good place to get twisted. (Some occasional drink specials - $3 makers mark this time).
TVs to watch sports too. I like the motorcycle theme. -
Review from Melissa S.
Chicago, IL
2/4/2012
Twisted Spoke is about what you would expect. Gut-busting bar food that is just OK. Drinks are fine. I had some cocktails that were nicely mixed. A whisky list that is truly extensive.
What killed me here was the service. Granted, my group ended up getting a little boisterous as the night wore on, but we weren't being rude. From the beginning, when we were still sober and quiet, we were treated like the staff was doing us a favor by waiting on us. We were waiting for ONE late-comer to our party of 7 and they wouldn't seat us. We stood in the doorway for 30 minutes. At fancy places where food is presented in courses I expect this, but not at a biker bar where we're going to be staggering our orders of drinks and appetizers. No one else was waiting for a table, plus one of our party was obviously pregnant, it sure would have been nice to let her sit somewhere. No one even had the customer service sense to say something like, "Feel free to have a seat at the bar until your party is complete." Instead, it was just, "you can't sit down yet." The lady bartender is the only one who smiled at us or used polite language. The rest of the wait staff was really terse and gave us annoyed side-glaces. It took a long time to get the check, and when they finally dropped it they disappeared for a long time, which was really frustrating. I'm usually a good tipper, especially in a large loud group, but we decided to leave 15% because the service was such crap. I won't be going back if I can help it. -
Review from Jennifer P.
Downers Grove, IL
1/27/2012
Bar food. lots of booze. cool staff. good tunes (if you like the stuff on the heavier side)
not much more to say. I drank, had a killer time, ate some tacos, didn't have an insane bar tab ($3.00 Beam and Diet- they have LOTS of pricier booze but Beam is my go to when it comes to whiskey) but had a nice headache in the morning. Sounds like a successful night to me!
Will go back again and again. I hear they have a killer patio on the roof. bonus points for patios! -
Review from Carol F.
Chicago, IL
2/6/2012
What does one say about a biker bar named The Twisted Spoke - a place where clueless parents bring their toddlers and young children? I love the ambiance (or the pecuilar lack of it) without the screaming babies.
The main event is a hamburger worth writing home about. I love the grilled onions, bacon and provolone cheese smothered upon a juicy, sizeable burger (be careful, they overcook). The pickles and well-cooked fries are a delicious add on to the hamburger.
If you are looking to wash down this delightful treat with a cold beer on tap, ask the waitress to recommend something unusual. They aren't shy in helping you wet your whistle! -
Review from Erin J.
1/17/2012
I FINALLY got to the Twisted Spoke. I've been meaning to go for a few years and it just never worked out until a few weeks ago. We found parking closeby and seating was ample and it wasn't too loud or too dead. Service was pretty decent.
We only went in for drinks, so can't comment on the food, but will say they have an impressive beer list. We had one person who really appreciates porters and stouts, another who likes very lightweight stuff like ciders, and me, a hop fiend. They were out of a handful of beers, which was slightly annoying, as no one got their first choice (not all the same beer) in TWO rounds, but the alternatives were good. We all found something in the couple of hours there, and we'd all return. -
Review from Liz K.
12/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
(A Saturday Night Review)
Reasons why I will never go here on a Saturday night during the winter ever again (when their rooftop is NOT open):
1. It is pretty much empty..
2. They play random 70-80's porn on their screens
(I felt sorry for the random couple that walked in and looked uncomfortable on their "date")
3. They have really loud music...that does not coordinate with the porn (ahaha)
4. Apparently their bartenders do not know how to make good mix drinks after a certain time...I guess a beer it is!
5. Greasy French Fries gave me a stomach ache...
6. They must not turn on their heater...Kept our jackets on the whole time!
7. Did I mention that we were some of the few of the 15 people there randomly watching old-School porn while listening to rock music...not being able to hear a conversation and eating greasy french fries in the cold?
Never again..on a Saturday night..but I will return to check out this brunch thing they have... -
Review from Geoffrey D.
Chicago, IL
1/5/2012
This (along with its sister restaurant in Lincoln Park) used to be one of my favorites in the City. There have been a few disappointing changes to the menu over the years that have seen some of my favorite dishes go by the wayside, but Twisted still serves some of the best bar-food in Chicago.
The turkey sandwich is to die for. That is, if it's still on offer. -
Review from Jon A.
12/13/2011
Not often do two-year old experiences stick. I have a stellar memory, but... really... two year old experiences that involve booze tend to dissipate into the ether. But this one... this one stuck. I've had some stellar New Year's Day experiences but this one takes it. Hungover, we were worried bars would be closed (a massive difference b/t Indy & Chicago). Twisted Spoke came to the rescue.
To mash our hangovers to a pulp, we needed a raucous packed house of hooligans that all agree that the best thing for this situation and to celebrate New Year's is the perfect bloody mary & quality brunching. Twisted Spoke raised the bar with salami, onions, shrimp, pickles, olives and celery salt in their Bloody. A meal in itself, indeed. It came -- no questions -- with a lager back. It was truly a five star Bloody experience.
The buckwheat pancakes and poached eggs were perfect. The gumbo with a poached egg was perfect, too.
The bartenders were holding down the crowd, and all the while able to answer (note: pre Shazam era) my question of what exact song was on the speakers (Velvet Underground's "Success." Please forgive my missing of this song in my upbringing.)
I can see the coldness, the kitsch and the bathrooms to be factors to turn people away, but really the product they put on your table and in your face should overcome any reasoning to steer clear.
Note: roof top deck for warm weather times. -
Review from Carrie S.
Berwyn, IL
12/30/2011
I've been wanting a GOOD bloody mary for quite some time & I've also been wanting to go to the Twisted Spoke....so while my bestie Genny was in town from Austin we decided to check those two things off my list! We grabbed Ceci & headed out for an afternoon of beer, bloody marys, gossip & shopping. Genny & I each had a Mary with salami garnish while Ceci opted for the Maria with chorizo garnish. Each had a pretty tasty beer back too.
We each ordered a different sandwich & cut them bitches into 3 to share. YUM!
1. The 4 Banger Grilled Cheese (with avocado!!!!)
2. The Grilled Portobello
3. The Fried Egg
OH EMM GEE. So damn good, it all was! Drinks included.
We got there in the early afternoon & the place was pretty dead, but we didn't care....we were out for drinks & convo.
I will definately be back to try another Mary or two & to hit up that big ass menu for another tasty treat. Would love to go in the summer also to sit up on the roof. -
Review from magic g.
Chicago, IL
12/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yeah, deli'varance is the best bloody Mary I had in Chicago
Now ... I haven't tried all here yet :)
I found it hilarious for bar tender to ask me if I'm hungry, after handing me drink with: cheese and bacon :) -
Review from Matt H.
Chicago, IL
12/22/2011
I take all my buddies here for brunch after a night out.
Road Rash bloody mary, delicious!!! It comes with a garnish that would pass as a deli sandwich in a small town and a beer back :)
Fried egg sandwich is HUGE and awesome. Bacon, egg, cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, mayo on marble rye. Messy but totally worth it.
The Wisconsin Scrambler is a good plate too.
The burgers are pretty good for lunch and dinner but this is a personal fave for breakfast. -
Review from Arthur M.
Chicago, IL
1/16/2012
This review is for bloody maria only. It's wicked good.
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Review from Oscar G.
Chicago, IL
11/23/2011
This place has massive cleanliness or hygiene issues goin' on in the kitchen. Go there for the beer/alcohol but if you're hungry and looking for a meal, either you line your stomach with lead prior to eatin' here or get a takeout, eat outside the door and then, come in for drinks.
Service is great here, but unfortunately I can't make a request such as, "Could I have my quesadillas with a little LESS uncooked/bacteria infested meat, this time?" when I'm ordering. Have had other buddies of mine get sick after eating too.
The day after: I always wear my t-shirt which says "Got Gas" on the occasions when I can't find my other t-shirt which says "Food Poisoned!".
Don't say I didn't warn you... -
Review from Tom H.
Evanston, IL
12/26/2011
The Spoke is a lot of fun. First of all, it's not a REAL biker bar, it's a Disneyland version of what a biker bar might be. Unless I've been going there (the past dozen times or so) at really off hours, I seem to be the only one in the place who's hopping off a Harley out front. But that's fine, it's a cool place. Good burgers and beer. And parking is really easy, if you're riding--there's all this bike junk out front all over the place, so if you tuck your Harley discreetly amongst the burned out hulks--voila! Instant rock star parking.
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Review from Bryan T.
Glenview, IL
1/11/2012
Coming for up north to see the Bulls, get off at Ogden and get some great bar food and a drink before the game save money and great people watching
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Review from Rachel F.
10/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Have you ever seen 11254 different types of scotch in the same space? What? (Hyperbole and a Half: ALL THE BOOZE!) *I was impressed, and that takes a lot. Yup. Total jerk-face over here.
Ok, yes. Colleen's right to an extent. It's a bit contrived, the motorcycle/metal theme a bit... thematic; but it's also, well... I like it. It's a little dingy and a little gritty with a fantastic beer and booze selection. The dudes working the door have giant metal beards, and people have tattoos. Contrived, but I like it. I guess maybe my experience was particularly rad. Also, I live in Riverwest in MKE, so I'm used to the edgy. I felt pretty at home here.
Our hummus was horse-radishy (me gusta!) and the fried cheese bits with jalapenos did the job of quelling my gut-wrenching hunger. Happy hour on a super empty stomach = no good, my friends. Our bartender was attentive and nice without being annoying. The few windows that were open made an airy, fall afternoon that much more enjoyable indoors. My Deshutes/Boulevard White IPA was fantastic, and again... that beer list. Pretty well thought out, IMHO.
Maybe it's the luster of the spot being new to me in a city that I visit somewhat seldomly, but I enjoyed the Twisted Spoke. Of course, there are hundreds of other place I'll visit before I go back next time I'm in CHI, but I'd certainly return. -
Review from An P.
Chicago, IL
11/14/2011 4 photos
Italian Beef Crawl Stop #4: Twisted Spoke
Climb your way up the steps to the rooftop of Twisted Spoke and help yourself to an icy cold beer on a sunny day. At Twisted Spoke we had beer after beer and no one could escape gazing at the skeleton on the rotating motorcycle hanging outside the rooftop deck. The motorcycle paraphernalia was ubiquitous, with the rooftop accepted. Maximum socialization allowed me a chance to go table to table and snap up pictures of the people I knew and ignore the ones that I didn't!
The roofdeck is really a great way to pass the afternoon away. Time flew effortlessly and little did we know an hour had passed on by. I really like that all of the tables have umbrellas so if you don't like the sun you can still get some shade. Bars with rooftop decks rule! -
Review from Gina S.
The roof top patio is the way to go, weather permitting.
I decided to continued the drinking that began the night before. That being said, I drank my lunch. I went with their classic bloody Mary, no need for an appetizer or food. It was practically a sandwich without the bread; pickled onion & olives & salami, Oh My!
Bloody good, check the foodie photo's.Listed in: Martinis, Margaritas,…
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Review from Andy P.
Chicago, IL
11/27/2011
We love the Spoke. Their beer selection is awesome. I think they have around 15-20 different beers on tap. And they're always bringing in new crafts.
They also have a huge whiskey selection. I recommend going on Wed for half price whiskeys. Templeton is poured out of a cask!
And their staff is great. All of the bartenders are very knowledgeable and helpful. And they're cool to shoot the shit with. We live in the 'hood, so are very comfortable at the Spoke. Some have said they're a little intimidated by the Spoke. You definitely shouldn't be. Everyone there is cool. And no...we're not all tatted up.
I think their food is good too. We've been going to the Spoke for 4+ years, and I'd say over the last year or so the food has gotten really good. Maybe something changed or maybe we just didn't have a great experience several years ago, but the last few times we've eaten there the food has been really good. The burgers are awesome. I'd also recommend the tacos. They make some kind of crazy fried wings. You'll know them when someone orders them. They stink up the whole place...lol. Just open a window. No one will mind.
In the summer, they have an awesome rooftop deck too. That's a great spot for happy hour! And they always have the Chicago teams on the TVs. Definitely a great place to go watch the Hawks! -
Review from Ryan K.
San Diego, CA
1/6/2012
Came here for some food and half price whiskey on Wednesday with friends. I ordered the buffalo catfish sandwich. The sandwich was pretty good until I bit down on a plastic tie closure that you would see on a loaf of bread! The waiter said he was sorry and ordered me a fresh sandwich. As I waited he brought me out some more very salty French fries. The other sandwich was just as good as the first minus the plastic in it. When the bill came they did not take my meal off or discount it. When I brought it to the attention of the waiter he said let me see what he could do. He returned with my sandwich at half price. The sandwich should have been free and the manager should have come over to check on the problem. Would not go back to this place to eat.
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Review from Alessandra Z.
Chicago, IL
11/1/2011
Dear Twisted Spoke,
You move me.
You've saved me.
And you've brought me back to life after many night's where I stayed out way past my bedtime and consumed mass amounts of alcohol.
For that...I thank you. And I love you.
Ok...seriously. I always saw this place and thought - no way..never. But a couple years ago, a friend insisted we go since they serve a very wide range of beers including his favorite. So we did. And I have been a fan ever since.
My favorites: any of their bloody mary's, the Boss Hog (pulled bbq sandwich that will bring you to tears it is so amazing), the Strips in the Buff (boneless buffalo wings with bleu cheese), and the Flaming Lemon Wings (which they bring to your table and set afire!).
This place will cure ANY hangover, I guarantee. Staff is cool. .Service is prompt. Location is easy to get to. How could you not love it? -
Review from Carol K.
Updated - 8/2/2011
Always something new at this place. . . . . .and always something unexpected!
Wandered in last Saturday night in the middle of "Smut and Eggs".
Wait. You don't know about this? Neither did I. But beginning at midnight and running until 2:30 a.m. on Saturday nights, the Twisted Spoke runs 70's and 80's porn on all the TV's and serves it's brunch menu along with it's regular offerings.
Trust me. Leave your prudish friends at home. This is overt and in your face. And on some nights- the people watching the porn are almost more interesting than the porn itself. Yikes!
As for this girl? I'm still not sure if porn and food go together. But it sure made for some interesting conversation at our table.Listed in: Up on the Roof
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/26/2008
Stopped by here for brunch and Bloody Mary's last Sunday on one of those perfect Summer days in… Read more »
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Review from Nam D.
Chicago, IL
10/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Okay this first place I went to when I moved to the neighborhood. I totally suggest the BBQ pulled pork nachos. A large majority of the sandwiches are fantastic and huge portions!
The Biker Theme Keeps ME COMING BACK haha! -
Review from Alyvia M.
8/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
This restaurant is how I spell hangover relief! Between their meat-tastic bloody Mary's, the largest egg sandwiches I have ever seen and the hard rock on the radio... I think I'm in love :)
I hear there's a "smutt & eggs" gathering late night on Saturdays, where they play vintage porn on the TV- sounds pretty funny. We didn't get back to it. The breakfast burrito and tacos looked delicious! I had their meat-filled gumbo with a side of bacon and a poached egg on top. UH I was in the best food coma of my life! -
Review from Mandy A.
7/5/2011
I really dig this place. The menu is a stack of papers on a clipboard, probably three to four pages of beers, one for drafts, one for bottles, one for their aged beers and probably one more that I've forgotten about. The commentary is crass and awesome, probably borderline offensive but if you're easily offended, you probably shouldn't be here in the first place.
I almost ordered the Falafel sandwich just for the description... "balls made of women peas (peas formerly known as chick)" but instead was swayed by the Shrimp Po Boy. Both were obnoxiously large and you wonder who thinks that you can possibly fit a sandwich that tall in a normal sized mouth? Husband decided on the Fatboy Burger with bacon, bbq and cheddar on a pretzel roll.
I didn't try his but it looked good and he said, after trying mine, that he liked his better. Meh, mine was pretty fabulous so he might be biased. The bread was crusty on the outside but easily squishable to fit in my mouth. The inside was chewy and soaked up all of the sauce from the shrimp, which were perfectly cooked and lightly breaded and seasoned. The fries were decent, some overcooked but some were just right. I'm like freaking Goldilocks.
We've since been back and ordered fried bacon, because well duh. It's decent, not crispy enough bacon in my opinion. But I like it CRISP-Y. The side that comes with the bacon is spicy and tart and awesome. Guacamole is also awesome. -
Review from Kyle H.
5/30/2011
Huge beer menu, but our server just didn't know it well. After two IPAs I tried to order were out, I asked her to suggest an IPA from the extensive menu; she went on to suggest a wheat ale and a Pilsener. Okay...
This seems like a destination place for suburbanites who think they're being hip and edgy in the City because of the motorcycle decorations. Nah, it's not edgy.
The BBQ Nachos had an amazing pulled pork on them, but not much else. 4 stars on the Nachos list- wouldn't mind having that pulled pork in a sandwich, but I don't even think that was a menu offering. The menu just didn't look all that appetizing besides the Nachos and a salad with curried chicken...
The rooftop patio is inviting, so I guess Twisted Spoke has three months out of the year over their competition. Skeleton on a motor bike? It's really not that edgy, people.Listed in: Nachos Nachos Nachos!
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Review from Mike S.
Somewhere between 4 and 5 stars.
This bar has pretty much everything going for it: great food, extensive beer list, awesome deals. There is even a $125 Manhattan that is supposedly the best you can find (I would hope so at that price). For the three or four years, I have had to endure my buddy's awesome tales of Whiskey Wednesdays at the Spoke. Considering I got into town on a Wednesday, I more or less demanded that we go.
The deal - Half off all whiskeys on Wednesdays. Maybe it's just because I hail for a ridiculously expensive town, but $3.25 for a Maker's Mark on the rocks (and they definitely don't skimp on the whiskey) seems pretty freaking incredible.
The food - To call this a burger bar definitely doesn't do it justice because everything is pretty amazing. I had such a hard time deciding what to eat here because the menu is so different and innovative that everything looked great. First off, BACON TEMPURA!!!! You have to get it. It's unhealthy and bacon-y and delicious. The BBQ Nachos (tortilla chips with BBQ pork, gouda and cilantro) were pretty tasty as well.
Whether it is food or drink, I really don't think you can go wrong here. -
Review from Michael R.
Des Plaines, IL
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Came here on a Saturday afternoon for lunch, not too crowded. This is not a biker bar in any way, it has a biker theme and was full of hipsters at the bar. The music is kind of loud and was a mix of 70's hard rock B-sides and classic rock. The Bloody Mary was great and they have a huge beer selection. We had a burger and an order of corned beef hash. My burger choice was a classic patty melt. It was a half-pound, perfectly cooked, juicy piece of meat. It had a lot of beef flavor and was tender. The rye bread was thick and lightly toasted. I consider myself a burger aficionado and this burger is near the top of the list. The fresh cut fries were first class, nice and crispy. The corned beef had a lot of big chunks of corned beef and what appeared to be some tiny pieces of sweet potato. The hash was also great and the poached eggs were perfectly cooked. The service was great and the parking was easy.
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Review from Sean B.
11/11/2011
Ok, I will state this up front: I live in DC where gastropubs are everywhere but all of which are a) overpriced compared to the rest of America b) have average at best food. So perhaps I got a little too excited about this place because:
1. Beer prices are reasonable. 5 to 6 bucks for a pint. Anywhere outside San Diego I can get a Stone beer for that price makes me a very happy man.
2. The beer selection is excellent. I admit my West Coast bias might be popping up since they had a lot of West Coat beers (such as the aforementioned Stone).
3. They have a good selection of whiskeys. Plus half off whiskey on Wednesdays?? Makers Mark for $3 on Monday evenings? That alone makes me have to give this place at least 4 stars. If any bar in DC had those kind of deals, it would be a complete and total shitshow.
4. Maybe we chose the right dishes, but the food we had was very good too. I had a pulled pork sandwich and my companion had a spicy fried catfish sandwich. The latter was legitimately spicy and the bread it came on was top notch. I have a hunch North Carolinians wouldn't find the bbq sauce on the pulled pork to be legit (probably a little too sweet and not enough vinegar for them), but I found it to be pretty tasty.
5. Friendly, prompt service.
No, it isn't a legit biker bar. Yeah, the staff might not know shit about the beers (I honestly don't know since I didn't have to ask about them), but they will give you a free sample of a draft if you want, and do people really expect a bartender to know about every single beer the place serves? When the beer list is longer than the food menu? I have to say some Chicago yelpers have some very high standards! But anyhoo...
In short: nice bar with a great beer and whiskey selection and quality food. Definitely worth visiting. -
Review from Mandi P.
5/11/2011
We ventured to the Twisted Spoke this past weekend for the continuation of a celebration of a friend's 50th birthday. I had never been here before, but will most assuredly be returning!!!
We didn't start off on such a good note...our birthday girl was overly intoxicated and there was only 1 bartender (Nikki). So...what is a drunk girl to do who feels the impending sober feeling creeping up...yell the bartender's name at the top of her lungs, of course!!! While the rest of our party slithered out of our seats to the ground in embarrassment, Nikki came over and verbally whipped our girl back into reality and then proceeded to assist us...nicely, too!!!
We tried a bit of everything as far as food goes...cheese curds, strips in the buff, burgers, chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese, and so on. Everything was delicious!!!
The service was a bit slow at the beginning, until Nikki realized we were quite the lushes. She soon kept up with us quite nicely and all was heaven in our little corner. The drinks were strong and decently priced.
We will definitely be returning to the Twisted Spoke for some summer time drinking (not a warning, but a promise!!!). -
Review from Aurore L.
Updated - 4/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
FLASH NEWS FOR BEER LOVERS:
They still have Goose Island BCS - Bourbon County Stout for the ones who are not in the know.
And it's a precious gift.
Four choices, Vanilla, Coffee, 2009 and 2010. My friend and I finished the 2009 batch last night but to my knowledge you can still grab some last year gorgeous liquor.
Beware though; it's strong. Order half a glass and see if you want more.
It's as glorious as J. Lo's ass, Justin Bieber's haircut or a lazy afternoon on the beach.
Go. Now.
And while you are at it, order a cheese steak sandwich.Listed in: Drink, and be merry!!!, Around Ukrainian Village: the…, Suds, Hands on the bun, Mussels in Chi-Brussels
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/21/2009
Twisted Spoke, you look scary.
It's not enough for you to frighten me with the prospect of hairy… Read more »
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Review from Anna B.
7/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am NOT the kind of person you would imaging eating at a biker bar-themed restaurant. I'm vaguely preppy and nerdy, so I always assume I'll get shabby treatment when I walk into a place like this. That couldn't be further from the truth. I have had amazing experiences every time I've gone here and I can't wait to go back and try their garlic lemon wings again!
Everything they have is good and don't be afraid to use the cuss words in the menu items' titles. It's fun!
Probably not ok for kids, unless they are named Gunther and have mohawks. -
Review from Nicole S.
10/24/2011
This place is good for some late night eats! Food was pretty average, unfortunately nothing really stood out . The huge beer list was a little overwhelming, my friend finally gave me a recommendation and helped me decide! It does have a good vibe though and friendly wait staff! Parking might be an issue depending on when you go.
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Review from Dolly V.
Chicago, IL
10/16/2011
Vintage porn and cap'n crunch on cocktails? Uh...yes please. My friend ordered a cocktail consisting of baileys, whiskey, heavy whipped cream topped with crushed cap'n crunch. Tried it. Loved it. But they ran out of the cap'n. Womp womp. At least we had the smut to fall back. Definitely made for some interesting commentary for sure! Think I'd like to come back on a non-smut night to try some other cocktails and items on their food menu.
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Review from Karen G.
Chicago, IL
11/19/2011
The folks at Twisted Spoke need to update their website noting that their Lakeview location is now closed.
Otherwise love the atmosphere and the food! -
Review from Danielle C.
Chicago, IL
6/14/2011
I really don't understand what the hype is about this place. I finally got the chance to go here a couple of weekends ago for brunch w/ my bf. The food here is just bland and greasy. We were seated at a table in the bar section. Our waitress was friendly, but asked us about 3 times if we were done even though we were still eating. I understand it was crowded-but I hate feeling rushed.
The only positive thing: they kept playing Fu Manchu -
Review from Lauren B.
Chicago, IL
8/17/2011
Twisted Spoke gets 3 stars for their inventive and delicious cocktails! The "Cuke Me" cocktail is my favorite.The expansive Bloody Mary menu is also a major plus. I know people have said the brunch here is wonderful...unfortunately for me that was not the case when I dined on Saturday. I hope it was just a one time experience.
A few weeks back I was here on a Saturday night....just in time for "SMut & Eggs" which was fun and funny assuming you have a sense of humor. We even went so far as to ask the staff how they select the smut for each Saturday night, and it turns out they all take turns. -
Review from Pete V.
6/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Like the Chicago naked bike ride last night, this place is mostly hit or miss.
The thing Twisted Spoke has going for it is a great roof top patio. In the summer I don't know if you can find a better patio. In fact, for my money, I could spend all Sunday afternoon up there and be perfectly content.
For all the flack they catch for being a biker bar, which you would think would result in bad service, I've found it to be the opposite. On my two visits, the staff has been friendly and the service attentive, especially considering that they have to walk up those stairs to deliver drinks on the roof.
On the miss side, I think the food (other than the burgers) leaves something to be desired. The sandwich was dry, salads boring, and I just can't get my head around why there are Mexican dishes on this menu?
They do have a solid beer list. Some great microbrews that are generally hard to find like Stone, Tyranena, Dogfish Head, and a reasonable selection of Belgians. The beer list is much, much better than one would expect from a biker bar, where Budweiser is likely the best seller.
I actually ordered a whiskey sour, which was surprisingly good. A strong drink, but well made albeit a bit on the pricey side at $10.
With that said, if you're looking for a good summer rooftop patio scene with a good beer list and burgers then Twisted Spoke is for you. -
Review from marc r.
Chicago, IL
7/17/2011
You get what you came for at this place.
Edgy bartenders that might not really want you there, smut & eggs, a great environment, and if you like sports: they play all the games on huge TV's.
I don't know how I could sum up all the great things about this place, but I will try: 1) food 2) recommendations from the bartenders, whether it be cocktail or beer 3) Templeton Rye from the barrel 4) consistent service
If you really don't like this place: You're doing it wrong, and we don't want you visiting anyways. If you want to come with a notepad & gripe about everything wrong, don't. If you want to have a good meal & watch a game with some of the best beers available, you are more than welcome.
Yes, I am a local.
