Eh. I came here for hangover brunch Sunday. A friend kept raving about it so off we went. I waited 10 minutes for my coffee. My friends who got bloody mary's both got their drinks way before I did. Not a good first impression. I ordered the eggs with bacon, sausage, and home fries. I can't put my finger on it, but something was missing. I doused my food in salt and pepper but it still didn't taste right. The bloody's were tasty though, and I'm really picky about those. I've been here before and I do know their burgers are delicious, but I'll probably never come back for brunch again.
(2)
Anna B.
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.
(4)
Ayako M.
Dude, seriously now. You can get MF'ing Elvis French Toast (yes, that's bananas and peanut butter sandwiched between slices of french toast deliciosity) and a beer! AND you can enjoy these two wonderful things on a huge rooftop patio....::sigh:: it doesn't get much better than this. Service could be less ambivalent, but they're not flat out rude.
(4)
Kim G.
This place is still awesome. I have been back so many times. I have taken everyone from my 87 year old gramma (twice, she asked to go back) to my early 20s friends, and they all love it.
(5)
Jeff T.
Great gumbo. Service is weak
(2)
Sebastian F.
The drinks and the food are good, but the music was really inappropriately awful. It was some moody teenager growling screaming shit. Ruined the experience for me. Liked the porn though. And the poppers are good. The breakfast of champions - sooo good!
(3)
Reyna H.
Whiskey and more whiskey is all I have to say...oh and really ridiculous porn on Sundays. (Yes they play nasty, spicy porn on their TV's so if you have a faint heart...stay home & make your own porn) They have a pretty lengthy bar menu and selection of whiskey...along with whiskey on tap. I have yet to make it here on Whiskey Wednesday, and when I do: watch out! Anyway, they play metal music in the area ( just like many other bars in the west loop) , yet it's a great late night place to grab a drink, some food, and apparently watch a lil hardcore porn!
(4)
Miglissa M.
Ok this was my 1st time trying this place and I absolutely LOVED it and will definitely not be my last time!!!!!! I had the lunch special which is fantastic who else has a lunch special for $10 bucks you get a half pound burger with anything on it. I got mine with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoe, jalapeno, grilled onions, BACON and their house bbq sauce which is delish!!!! The Bruger comes with fries and a beer or fountain drink I mean it honestly doesn't get any better than this! i'm a huge fan and I will definitely be coming back. Their patio which is on the roof is an excellent place to sit on hot days!
(5)
Bryan H.
Freakin Great bar! The people, food, and atmosphere are top notch! My wife and I love to belly up and see what is new on tap. I LOVE the hash and eggs and a bloody on Sundays. I miss the spoke!
(5)
magic g.
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 :)
(5)
Julie Z.
I really, really like it here. I've only been in the summer and I sat outside. Great atmosphere. I had the shrimp po' boy...huge and super tasty. My bf had the buffalo chicken sandwich which got 2 thumbs up. Our waitress was super cool too. She gave great recommendations for beer and came around to check up on us appropriately...not annoyingly.
(4)
Irene G.
Been here quite a few times now (only during the summer for the rooftop seating) and no complaints. The fatboy burgers are phenomenal and love the wide selection of bloody marys. Definitely one of my top places to grab a bite with friends in the area.
(4)
Carol A. R.
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!
(4)
Ashley I.
I came here after church today. The bar has an industrial, biker theme. We ate on the bar side, and it was pretty busy. The food is very reasonably priced! We got the pulled pork nachos, which has a sweet sauce and melted cheese. The breakfast tacos are simple, but tasty. The burger is huge, and you can add a ton of toppings for no change. I would love to come back in the summer and eat on the rooftop patio.
(4)
Ania G.
The food is average, I once got a really bad stomach ache after eating their fries, they seemed to be cooked on very old oil. The place is also dirty and a bit smell, I once took a glance into the kitchen on my way to the bathroom, never going back again.
(1)
Mysel O.
Drinks were poured heavy and the po'boys are delicious! Alex the bartender was super cool. He gave my boyfriend a complementary shot of his favorite whiskey. The only thing I didn't like was the menu was so limited.
(4)
Dustin H.
Go for the burgers. Topping options are SOLID, and the prep is perfect. Service is just ok, and yes the atmosphere is very bikery. One thing to note, due to their liquor license, everyone in your group must have their ID. We were turned away on one occasion because a coworker didn't have his wallet. Regardless... yeah, good burgers.
(3)
Melissa H.
Not nearly as good as it used to be. Menu changed some, but the shrimp po boy was still on there, so being my favorite sandwich ever, I ordered it. It was so soggy and just gross. Friend ordered shrimp BLT. Shrimp was very good, but the sandwich over all was very soggy and the Bacon was basically raw and inedible, ruining the whole thing. Also, I don't know why they seem think grape tomatoes belong on sandwiches, because they don't. Hoping they can step it up an be as good as they used to be, which wasn't very long ago.
(2)
Shereene M.
Food was eh. Place is cool. We sat on the rooftop because that was the main reason why we were there. It's cool but nothing amazing. We got these flamin garlic wings and had the craziest presentation with the fire and all. Then we tasted it.. :/
(2)
Jaime S.
I've been going to this place for years but recently took my boyfriend here as a brunch compromise: I wanted tasty bloody marys and he wanted something deep fried. The mexican offerings and 1/2 pound burger are really the way to go in terms of food, and the 8 different bloody marys along with over 120 beers make it so there is something for everyone. On the Sunday we went, there was some PGA tournament on TV and no heavy metal, which kind of put it into the top 5 places I've taken my bf to eat.
(4)
tara j.
Their PoBoy sandwich was excellent,I say was because they are using different bread which isn't as good as before,their fries were skimpy. I ordered a salad and it was just lettuce and a couple of tomatoes with a tomato vinaigrette dressing that was very spicy and for 8 dollars it wasn't very impressive.
(3)
Thomas C.
Been going to Twisted Spoke since 1996 and loved, loved loved every single bite along the way. Used to be small and cramped, then they had rooftop dining and now they have an expansive bar, through it all they've maintained the great burgers, wings and brunch that have made me a big time fan of the spoke. their spirit selections now are just off the hook. Now that the weather is getting nice, have to get back here.
(5)
Karen D.
Love this place! Drinks are excellent, food is great and very reasonably priced. Love the rooftop!!! Always a favorite.
(5)
Dani W.
Driven past Twisted Spoke for 6 years now and finally went in for brunch. Great chill place for a drink and great food. I had the breakfast burrito and requested my eggs to be extra hard poached on the side... sounds simple, right! Well that's is just what I got. A+ to our waiter and the chef! You can't believe how hard it is to get a hard poached egg at a restaurant. My husband had a burger and fries (homemade) and said it was delish. We also had to tried the banana fritters and panko bacon, totally unique flavors. We will for sure be going back and looking forward to warmer weather to try out the rooftop patio.
(4)
Cheryl B.
5 stars for the Bloody Mary & bourbon list alone! YUM! This is my go-to spot for a Bloody Mary. The rest of their brunch is ok, the chilaquiles are pretty good. Great cheese curds. Wednesday is "Whiskey Wednesday" and the bourbon menu is 50% off - bit hit with my husband and some of our friends. Great beer list too! Bar food is typical bar food. Good nachos, chicken tenders, etc.
(5)
Zach J.
Yea the burgers are good here but far from being the "best." I enjoyed my food the atmosphere is kinda neat. They freakin overcooked my burger which pisses me off. It was not severly overcooked, I ordered Medium Rare they gave me Medium. Not a huge deal but if you are the best you better cook it right, C'mon there is a breakfast diner in my neighborhood that gets it right every time! Why can't Twisted Spoke!? I do not have a ton to say other than it was pretty good, but I have had better; therefore, the hype about it being the best is utter B.S. I can name a few places that have a better burger such as: Country House of Clarendon Hills, or Nana Organic in Bridgeport. This is NO "biker bar." It is more for motorcyles of the 40s which is stll cool. No REAL bikers are gonna come in here just yuppies on their crotch rocket Kawasakis that think they are "outlaws"
(3)
Marisa C.
Good neighborhood hangout with rooftop deck. Food is good (not amazing) and service is decent. I noticed that the rooftop deck was kind of dirty though (tables not wiped, napkins on the ground). In my opinion, G&O is a better spot.
(3)
Ajay H.
THE BEST WHISKEY BAR IN CHICAGO!!!! Shut Up!!!!! THE BEST WHISKEY BAR IN CHICAGO!!!! Shut Up Again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok, so you're still intelligent and reading - Cheers! All I can say is that if you get the Fish & Chips, then you will experience the Best (and I mean BEST) Tartar sauce, beer, whiskey and whatever else you will ever want from a place that happens to serve it all!!
(5)
John H.
Great environment, good food, awesome bloody marys. They have a standard bloody made with vodka and a bunch or other cool ones with rum, tequila, etc. I've tried a few of them and they were all great, perfect place to turn a hangover into a good afternoon.
(4)
LuCretia T.
This was a great place for drinks after work on a beautiful day. Chilled on their rooftop. The drinks were great. My mint Julep was very strong and could have used a bit more lemon. My friend had the whiskey sour and it was delish! Scenery was ok, but there is not much to see on Ogden. We ordered guacamole, chips and cheese quesadillas. They were bland and lacked flavour. We added salt to the guac with hopes to resurrect to no avail. Other people ordered massive sandwiches as well as wings that smelt delish. I would definitely try those if I visit again.
(3)
Daniel C.
I went to Twisted spoke as part of my chicago burger club monthly event. I had been before but considered it unremarkable. For a large group (16) they were able to accommodate us on either the roof or in the back room seating are which was nice. We picked indoors which was good because a monsoon opened up before we were done eating. Our table ordered a few appetizers including the bbq nachos, chili and the guacamole. The chili comes out in a 9 inch skillet and is a huge portion that includes 2 cornbread muffins. The chili was delicious. I'm not a take leftovers home kind of person but i definitely took the extra chili home and had it for lunch the next day which was even better the second day. We all got the fat boy which comes with free add-ons of cheese, onions, grape tomatoes and lettuce but also offers $1 add-ons of bleu cheese, chorizo, avocado, bacon, and fried egg. Some rock and roll style burger places blast loud music which is tough to have conversations over but Twisted spoke did not on this Tuesday which I appreciated. Overall, a great memorable experience my second time at twisted spoke.
(4)
Daniel N.
The food here is awsome! But that said it is for an older crowd. I was there a Saturday night. Early 30 s , mid 30 s . Oh and they play old school porn flicks lol. not as interesting as it sounds lol. They Could go Heavier With THE liq. this is a good place to have a couple of drinks and a snack.
(3)
Michael R.
I visited Twisted Spoke about a month ago and got their lunch special with burger, fries and a drink. It was only $10!!!! Such a great value ! The burger was good and I would probably go as far as saying it's the second best burger I've had in the city, so far. It's not super close to a train, but if your drive you should check this place out. Also, there is a hilarious spinning skeleton riding a motorcycle out front.
(4)
George H.
Great drinks - they have an incredible whiskey selection and the food here (for bar eats) is great! Love the tempura fried bacon!
(4)
Alexandria T.
The first time I went to Twisted Spoke was last summer for brunch and had an awesome experience. They had an awesome po' boy, amazing Bloody Mary's and great rooftop seating. I never got around to reviewing it then, but if I had, my review would be much, much better. We headed to Twisted Spoke after Pitchfork to grab a drinks and bite to eat with some friends we met up with after the show. It was around 11pm, and there was an insane wait. We were attempting to order drinks at the bar while waiting, but the bartender ignoring us and cleaning glasses that she didn't need at the moment instead. They somehow were able to seat us right away, which we were relieved about. The server warned us that the bar was a bit backed up when we sat down. We had just come from the bar and didn't think it should be that bad. We ended up waiting about forty-five minutes for four beers and one neat pour of whiskey. We placed an order for cheese curds, guacamole and BBQ nachos, which took just as long as the drinks. I don't know if they were slammed from Pitchfork or what, but the amount of time it took to get drinks was ridiculous. I really liked Twisted Spoke before this visit, but they really need to get it together. When we left there were even more people than when we arrived waiting for tables. Like I said, I don't know if it is typically like that, but man, it was insane.
(2)
Adam K.
Headline - It has so much promise; it should be great. It's not. Have driven by Twisted Spoke on many occasions. But, never stopped in. Tonight, the wife and I came in for dinner. Let me start with the good: 1. Great location 2. The bar is well-stocked, with a great assortment of beers on tap. 3. The rooftop is really nice. Lots of seating. Good views. 4. The BBQ Nachos were killer. Definitely a must have. Now, let's talk about the bad: 1. The burger was greasy. I mean really greasy. As in greasy enough to turn a toasted bun into something soggy. 2. The po boy was not fresh. A basic rule of "fish" is, it shouldn't smell fishy. My po boy did. Not good. Also, similar to the burger, a toasted roll was rendered soggy. In this case, it wasn't because of grease, but because the slaw was so plentiful. 3. The bathroom was disgusting. It's a health hazard waiting to happen. I get that it's a "biker bar", but cmon, the bathroom can't be a toxic war zone. 4. Service was meh. I'd put it on the slow side, not the worst, but worth mentioning. This might be a good place for a great cocktail, but I can't recommend the conditions or the food. A real disappointment.
"Broken Spoke" After coming here almost weekly for years, I was surprised on a recent visit to find a drastically cut down menu. The staff explained that the kitchen was abruptly closed for three days last month and upon reopening that this is what they are now serving. Gone are most of the signature Mexican dishes that held up one side of the old menu - no more tacos or burritos - sadly, even the remaining standards have been thoroughly mangled. My typical order used to be chicken tacos or a burrito, but left to the limited options, I went back to an old favorite - the BBQ chicken sandwich. The breast itself was dry and about a half the size of the prior offering and inexplicably they have abandoned their delicious brioche bun for an oversized dry, almost stale style of bread - maybe to compensate for the smaller chicken breast. Either way, it was terrible. This was all heartbreaking and I left wondering if this was just a bad day, a change in owner, manager, chef or all of the above. With a sunny spring day at hand, my wife wanted to go for lunch outside the following week and suggested the Spoke for some fish tacos. I explained that they were no longer on the menu and tried to describe my experience from earlier this week and she scoffed at the possibility it could really be that bad. So we gave it another try... Shockingly, the second experience was even worse. We tried a burger and against hope it showed up on that same inedible bun the chicken sandwich arrived on during my prior visit. Instead of a regular sliced tomato it came with a pile of grape tomatoes that spilled off the patty like a fistful of marbles. The salad which used to be a generous portion of crisp greens was an undersized and wilted mess. At $8 it is the certainly the worst value in salads in the city. I took notice at the tables around us and the amount of uneaten food on peoples plates is notable, typically sandwiches and burgers picked apart, to eat around the dry, oversized buns. Read other recent reviews - post May 1 - and they are all on this same theme. The staff are polite and apologetic about the changes and customer disappointment. I know most of them from my literally hundreds of visits to the Spoke. They reported that there has been no change of ownership or chef, just a willful act of abuse on a very loyal customer base. As we were leaving, there was a table full of police officers eating lunch and it was all I could do to not stop and report a crime. I caught myself, because at heart I am a capitalist and respect a business owner's right to change the product as they see fit - whether to cut quality, reduce portions or raise prices. I do however also believe in freedom of choice, and like many other regulars will be choosing to not return to this shell of a once great establishment.
(1)
Chris G.
Horrible service. Have a great selection of whiskey but bar tender couldn't help me with a selection shad to wait 10 minutes for someone else who knew what they where doing. Got seated on roof where they serve food and smoking is allowed. Have been waiting a little over 20 minute for server to great us. She had time to take a shot with another table but not even meet us yet. Awful place do not come here!
(1)
Emily L.
I'm giving this place 4 stars as I felt the drinks and appetizers were totally awesome!! we ordered the pork nachos which was delectable with the perfect amount of cheesy meat and tangy sauce. I have to deduct a star for the ketchup--which sounds silly--but the ketchup was a thick spicy sauce that I accidentally slathered on my burger before tasting. Overall the vibe at the bar is relaxed and the drink and beer menu were totally on point.
(4)
Antaash U.
I've passed by Twisted Spoke on almost a daily basis for nine years. Perhaps I was intimidated by the biker feel the exterior of the restaurant exudes? In my defense, I haven't been to any restaurants with a skeleton riding a motorcycle spinning on top of the roof (not your typical weather vane). Either way, I regret letting my prejudice keep me from one of the best brunches I've experienced in the city. Twisted Spoke is comfy in its own, very rock and roll skin. They put their own spin on traditional brunch items, which really sets them apart in my opinion. I ordered the Chila-Killas. One of the best chilaquiles I've had outside of Mexico. The tortillas weren't soggy and overpowered by the ingredients on top. There was the perfect amount of heat so the additional hot sauces that came out with the dish weren't even necessary. My friends and I shared the fried cheese curds...D-LICIOUS! We also shared the banana fritters, which were thin banana pancakes as is the traditional Jamaican way. I love that I got to travel to Wisconsin, Jamaica and Mexico on a delicious culinary journey without leaving the near west side! I know I'll be back because so many things caught my eye! Also, they have a killer rooftop. Not so good during Chiberia but definitely well worth the wait for the blissful Chicago summers! Twisted Spoke exceeded every expectation of mine and I can't wait to go back and work my way through their menu!
(4)
Joe L.
Best Manhattan I have ever had. That's really saying a lot because I can not really drink them. This place has a kick ass whiskey list, sets wings on fire when they are brought out to you. Nice rooftop deck. Burgers are great. Just a cool modern, trying to look like a scary biker bar.
(4)
David W.
A different twisted spoke then it use to be. Different crowd, different employees and just higher prices. Motorcycle theme throughout but don't think any bikers come here anymore. Kind of miss the clark location now.
(3)
Brian S.
The Spoke is a veteran of the old Chicago brunch scene with the same super tasty bloody marys. However, it is need of a few upgrades with the neighborhood changing. The food is typical bar/tavern fare, consistent with a large selection of fried item but nothing jumps out at you. Go for the bloodys and everything will taste and look better - even you!
(3)
Rod C.
Chill crowd. They have micro brewers on tap. Nothing you would see or know but always good to try new great tasting beers! We came here on a Saturday and they had 70's porn on! Big plus! Totally unexpected. People are cool about it. Enjoy your beer and enjoy the porn. Arrgh thank you!
Twisted spoke got it twisted.. And not the good, Keith Sweat-kind of twisted. My friends and I were looking for a beer and a bite in the area. It was fairly nice out and I suggested we do the rooftop every chicago mag raves about. Our server was cool and the biker vibe was strong. We ordered drinks, the jalapeño poppers, cheese curds, seared tuna sandwich, couple fat boy burgers with egg and bacon, wings, and a shrimp po boy. My friend asked if her po boy could be on another type of bread and the server was hesitant, saying she wouldn't get the full experience with less shrimp. Umm, how does a diff bread = less portion of food? Just put the rest on the side or something. When our food came, poppers tasted just like the frozen ones you get at target, cheese curds were barely cheesy and had the grossest salad dressing as a dipping sauce. My tuna 'wich tasted exactly like the tuna steaks I buy @ Trader Joes (2 for $7) that I make with with way more seasonings. Her po boy was blah. I had a bite and felt like the shrimp was 99% breading with dried out lettuce. My hubby and his friend loved their burgers, so I guess this is a strictly burger and beer place. That's cool. Over the course of our meal, we asked for extra utensils, glasses and finally the bill. Each time we needed something, our server was missing and another server with a pretty stank attitude assisted us but took an eternity. I get it. Bikers are badasses and the vibe is supposed to cater to beer, burgers, machoness, etc. But if you're gonna have 20 other menu items, make them a little better, ok? There's definitely better rooftops and food spots in chicago. Don't get it twisted!
(2)
Bobby G.
I should stop going here, except when I'm really really hungover. The food and mood are damn heavy. Or if there's room on the patio in a sunny day. Then I'll go. Because, patios and 2.50$ mystery beers are my jam. The mystery beer is usually Blatz! which is also good. But still, heavy.
(3)
Marcus H.
Where to start? 1. We didn't see a server for about 20 minutes and another 20 minutes to get our drinks. 2. One side of the rooftop got service regularly and promptly while our side didn't. 3. Here's the kicker, IT WASNT BUSY. Whenever we did see our server, he kept mentioning that "their system was down." Still doesn't explain the lack of service to one side of the room. There are better bars in the area. Don't waste your time.
(1)
Katy S.
Unfortunately this place just didn't do it for me but I'll try to paint you the entire picture, both good and bad. The good: Nice rooftop to eat outside! Funny bathroom signs. The bad: Service was slow and awful. Prices were a bit much for the quality of the food. Weird location; no nice view. The ugly: My meal. I ordered the shrimp po Boy. The shrimp was wayyyy too fishy, tasted bad. :( they give you a massive amount of Bread too. The side of fries were bland, zero seasonings. The apps. We ordered jalapeno poppers and cheese curds. They came with some strange sauces that didn't match! Honey mustard for cheese? No bueno. Overall, glad I came, saw, and conquered. But skipping this one next time.
(2)
Raj R.
Average, ok, decent. Etc. is what I can describe this place as. No big Cons. But no significant Pro's either. Not sure the biker bar title is accurate- a few pieces of Junk motorcycle parts strewn around is all.
(2)
Ruggy J.
I think in the four our so days I was in Chicago, I went to Twisted Spoke three times. More than likely because it was on the way to the Pitchfork festival that I attended, but mostly because it's an awesome bar and restaurant with a pretty dope rooftop. The roof is prime for a sunny brunch. With killer chilequiles and a really good bloody mary complete with a beer back, it's the perfect way to start off any weekend day in the city. Downstairs, the decor is littered with motorcycle paraphernalia (hence the name) and the bartenders were all quick and talented. Oh, and they definitely carry Malört. Whether or not you should actually be consuming that disgusting spirit is one thing, but if you want a unique taste of Chicago, you know where to find it.
(4)
Robby K.
An entire menu of Bloody Mary's and amazing bar food prepared with skillfully elegance. this place is just soo solid. the tempura bacon is amazing. the wings are way good though i wish the original buffalo sauce was spicier. i've been here a bunch and love the rooftop patio in the summer. chill motorcycle vibes. real hip spot to mingle at the bar or enjoy a meal.
(4)
Gina B.
I used to LOVE their fried egg sandwich. But on a recent trip I discovered their newly revamped menu featured an imposter under the same name! Toasted marble rye now replaced with soggy Texas toast, scant bacon, mayo absent, onion absent, unnecessary cherry tomatoes added. Why Twisted Spoke, why? The perfect egg sandwich I used to try to replicate at home is GONE! At least I had a mimosa to console me. I remain hopeful they'll return it to classic form in the near future.
(3)
Brianna B.
Lots of whiskey-based cocktails (in fact, if you want a cocktail and don't like whiskey, this might not be the place for you). My rye/blood orange soda/angostura bitters cocktail was good. The space was kind of loud. Overall a fine place to grab a drink if you're nearby, but I'd probably just as soon try out other bars in the neighborhood next time I'm in West Town.
(3)
Kaylyn W.
I've gone here a few times now, brunch and dinner. I'm a huge bloody mary fan and I would have to say that there are interesting choices here. I tried my friends bloody mary that had some wine in it and I wasn't a huge fan. There's also an amazing beer selection to choose from (love). I ordered the flaming lemon garlic wings and little did I know that they actually light them on fire. They were crispy yet wet with the delicious marinade put on them, and were still good after taking them home and popping them in the oven. I would say they would be my go-to suggestion for any first time visitor. The deep fried bacon. I mean come on, it's deep fried bacon. If I could eat this every day all day without getting fat I really would. I've also tried the buffalo chicken sandwich. The chicken had the perfect amount of batter and was extra crisp after being deep-fried. I prefer a little more kick than others-- there was the perfect amount in this sandwich. The fries were just okay, a little soggy for my taste. Check out the amazing rooftop!
(4)
Christopher M.
I can't give it 5 stars quite yet because we have only had Bloody Mary's here, but they were awesome. We will be back to try the food for sure, but if you need a Bloody head here. A few different kinds, all of them great. 304/365
(4)
Heather L.
Look here. You are NOT looking at a bloody mary fan. To be fair, I gave V8 juices plenty of chances throughout my childhood. And after one or two sips, I'm consistently appalled that tomato soup can be sold as a beverage. Fast forward a decade or two, and Twisted Spoke provided the setting for one of those life-changing culinary moments of "wow, this isn't bad." TS bloody mary's are complex and savory, with a reasonable price-tag so you can try a few. I can appreciate the meal-in-a-drink quality of some of their concoctions: The gherkin pickle, cocktail onion, bacon, salami - everything fits in a highball glass. There is practically no room for the average bar-food that is also served.
(3)
Geoffrey D.
The menu has been completely overhauled. Our waitress confirmed that the regulars are not thrilled. Unfortunately, this is now off my go to list for bar food.
(2)
Christina M.
Walked in and was told 10 mins for outdoor seating. Restaurant was clean Portions were huge. I had 3 bloody Mary's, I loved all of them! We sat on the deck. Super awesome. Had a phenomenal time. I can't wait to go back! Fried egg sandwich Please share.
(5)
Michael F.
5 stars for the service and vibe. Eduardo said it would be a 15 - 20 minute wait for upstairs, and he was spot on. He handled everything with class and good vibes. All you could ask for. Similar experience with our server upstairs. 4 stars for the solid beer selection. 3 (maybe 3.5 stars) for the guacamole. Want to go back for a burger. And to enjoy the rooftop and quality service again.
(4)
Veronica T.
Loved the service and the food was awesome. Must come back! I was so full! My guy was in heaven with po boy. Fries where awesome. Chill spot. A must go!
(5)
Kat C.
I've been going to this place since it opened because I have lived in the area for most of of those years so I recall it being a great place for a drink (especially a bloody mary) and a meal (meatloaf Mondays!). Today, we went to the roof and they were playing tunes from a streaming music service with COMMERCIALS (unnecessary and obnoxious), a hungover waiter (which was actually fine cuz he admitted it) and meh food. Overall it's going down and I don't think I'll be back unless I'm forced to meet a friend there. Management might try to get the vibe back that it originally had because it's gone now.
(1)
esteban g.
Wait, regulars! They changed the menu and axed the weekday lunch special! Too bad I didn't find this out until I was almost finished with my (now, $20+!) burger! The rolls are now bigger and dry, no more cut tomato slices, some kind of grape tomato mix, and, at least on mine, two tiny bacon strips that didn't even cover the burger. I did get to talk to the manager, who was cool and explained things are in flux, the cost of beef, and listened to my love of my regular meal. But then, he didn't even bring up a small discount or comping my drink. Oh well... Big things: grilled cheese is gone, fish and chips are gone. Bottom line -- this won't be on the lunch playlist any more. Big bummer. Yes, change happens, but for regulars, this doesn't necessarily mean for the good.
(3)
Dustin G.
I recently visited Twisted Spoke for a friend's birthday dinner. The first thing that struck me was the decor. They've really run with the biker theme and it kinda felt like I was stepping onto the set of Mad Max...in a good way. The staff was a wonderfully pleasant group of black-haired hipsters who gracefully accommodated our large group of hungry revellers. First, I must say I enjoyed my food and especially my drinks, but I want to return for brunch as it seemed like more of a brunch place. Then again, isn't everything in Chicago? So, I'll withhold a fifth star until I'm able to sample their fare in the light of day. However, the food was really good. I split an order of the spoked mussels and a shrimp po' boy with my friend. I usually wouldn't order a po' boy this far north but was encouraged to do so by a native New Orleanian. The mussels were excellent. They're steamed in bloody mary and it was so good. I wanted more bread to soak up all the sweet juices. The sandwich was pretty good. Not the best po' boy I've eaten. The batter on the shrimp was a little off. Too crispy. Also, I didn't really like the fries. The best thing I had was the Naked Bloody Mary. It's a deconstructed bloody mary made with heirloom tomato juice. It was so good. I can't describe how good it was. It was like biting into a fresh tomato at a farmer's market. I also had a Bloody Franco and it was good although I'm still on the fence about cold chorizo as a garnish. I tried sips of the Road Rash and Delivrance. Both were very good, too. You get a beer chaser with each bloody which I absolutely love. In short: I'd love to go back again. I'd order different food...or maybe just a double order of the mussels and probably as many bloodies as I could drink.
(4)
Elizabeth A.
The extra star is for our great server. I'd heard great things about Twisted Spoke from my good friend. Since I live down the street I figured I'd check it out for Sunday breakfast. Unfortunately, TS did not live up to the hype. First, when we asked for lemon with our water one of the busboys brought us 1 lemon held in his bare hand. If we hadn't stopped him he would have dropped it into my glass. We had to tell him to bring back the lemon wedges on a dish or a napkin. Next, my friend ordered the bacon tempura. When it arrived it did not look like the dish she remembered. Turns out TS changed the recipe. She sent it back. When or entrees arrived one friend's biscuits and gravy was cold, my other friend's order was wrong, and my poached eggs were overcooked. Our server fixed everything and even comped our drinks. Still the food was disappointing after such a big buildup. I hope they go back to the old menu and recipes soon.
(2)
Jessica M.
Fun outdoor terrace seating with a biker theme. I had the chili-killas which were just OK, I've had better. The corn beef hash was pretty good. The bloody Marys looked good at the table over. Overall the food is forgettable the place has potential.
(3)
Ry O.
Twisted Spoke has gone down-hill quite a bit over the past several months. The menu has been parred down significantly, and two of our favorite dishes removed from the menu. The rest of the menu is pretty basic and underwhelming, and burgers remain your best choice. The drink and whisky selection is still solid (though no less than three of the drafts we attempted to order were out). Service has always been spotty, and it's gotten to the point where I don't want to go there anymore (I've been here MANY times over the years). The last visit (which is typical of most of my visits), beer was never offered to be refilled, check took forever, and server only appeared to take our order and bring our check. It wasn't even that busy. If you're looking to drink on their rooftop, this is still probably a solid pick.
(2)
Michael A.
Sat at the bar for brunch and had a great day of people watching. Chilaquiles were delicious. Just the right amount of food and every bite delicious. This place has a ridiculous Spirit and Beer menu. Service was great, barstaff was very friendly and a delight to chat with. I missed out on the bloody marys, but you should see these things. Straight up legit. Next time I will be getting one of those. Good place to be at listening to the escapades of Saturday and starting off your day on the right foot. I have been plenty of times to just chill on the rooftop deck and enjoy the sun and a cold beer.
(4)
Jim T.
Went to the Twisted Spoke with my wife and father-in-law for Sunday morning brunch. This place has a pretty cool biker bar vibe and their menu has a "cure your hangover" theme that is pretty funny, with a variety of Bloody Mary selections to back it up. I went with the classic, extra spicy, which was a fine drink, although I was too full to sample the meaty & pickle-bristled garnish that accompanied it. We arrived around noon and found that the restaurant was busy, but not to the point where we had to wait long for a table. It's not a huge venue in winter. In the summer months they have a roof-top patio, so I'm sure there will be a lot more elbow room when the weather warms up. It does get fairly crowded, though, so I would recommend against bringing large groups without reservations, small kids, claustrophobes, or chainsaws. The food is good. It won't take you on a mystical journey or anything, but the items we ordered were solid, tasty, and hit the spot. I went for the much-lauded fried egg sandwich, and I wasn't disappointed. It's messy, so I wouldn't recommend ordering it if you're on a first date, wearing a tuxedo, or both. My wife did the same, but on a pretzel bun. I have to admit that she won brunch that day, and I will probably do the pretzel bun thing the next time I'm there. My father-in-law had the steak and eggs and loved them. The steak was flavorful and well cooked...which is to say they did a good job cooking it (he ordered it medium). We also had the banana fritters, which are more pancakey than frittery, but still very tasty. Our server was professional and attentive. As I said, it was busy, but we were frequently visited for coffee & water re-fills. My one complaint is that whoever was in charge of the music that day didn't seem to get the theme. Whenever something like Hendrix, Zeppelin, or Sabbath made an appearance, the channel was quickly changed to something decidedly more wimpy. At one point they played R. Kelly. R KELLY?!? This is supposed to be a BIKER JOINT! Take that "I Believe I Can Fly" crap somewhere else! Whatever...I still had a terrific meal. I love the atmosphere, and my wife and I will definitely stroll in on a Friday or Saturday night for a couple of drinks. We live nearby and will definitely visit again.
(4)
Colleen C.
Oh, I dunno. Ok, well yeah I do...I guess. This place is sort of, not my style. Twisted Spoke is almost sort of awkward to me. Like, OK. I get they are catering to the biker clientele, bike culture, etc. However, this place is just a little too "kistched-out" for me. I get it, handlebars everywhere and bike decor, but it's all just a little too...contrived. "Chicks" and "Dicks" to mark the bathroom? C'mon people, seriously. Even I think that is lame, and that is a hard note to hit with me.... My salad was pretty awful. I know, salad at a bar. I know. But, if it's on the menu, it should be decent. Not so much. God, how I loathe soggy, warm lettuce with Cesar dressing. It's just...the worst. Service was good, our waitress was very friendly. I was there for a midday meeting, so it wasn't crowded. The patio would've likely been a better choice on a summer's day....perhaps avoiding the food altogether and just basking in the sun, though that generally clears about any problem imaginable, right? Eh, skip it. Better options in the 'hood. The saving grace was that this meeting led me to my first ever visit to Sip Coffehouse and Garden, my newest, favorite place in the whole wide world! (across Grand)
(3)
Mary Ann C.
Love this place and have been coming here with my husband for the last 11 years! The fried egg sandwich is one of the most delicious creations ever! Also, love the wings, poppers, and brunch menu. Fun spot with great service!
(5)
Melissa B.
I LOVE me some Twisted Spoke!! Unreal bloody marys (a LOT of options) and the one i had came with a beer chaser! YUM!!! That itself was spicy and almost felt like a meal. I also ordered the Mexican eggs - YUM!!!! All of my favorite flavors - spicy chorizo, eggs, veggies and cilantro. I was in Heaven!! It was served with breakfast potatoes and bread and jam. Outstanding - i just couldn't finish it all. So much food!!! We ate at the bar and service was excellent. Love the decor, love love - will definitely be back!
(4)
Karen G.
This is a pet peeve of mine but this was a bit extreme. Spraying the table next to us with cleaning solution directly on the table rather than on the rag itself ruined a rather decent appetizer. I could taste the solution in my mouth and we started coughing. Considering this isn't the cleanest restaurant based on the restroom and a quick peak in the kitchen it was surprising that this is what bothered me most. To be fair this happens at most restaurants but this was so much spray and such a strong odor that I won't be back anytime soon.
(2)
B C.
Went in the other night. Hadn't been back in a while. What happened? The food was really mediocre. They took Caesar salads off the menu. Bummer...and weird. The shrimp PO boy used to rock but they ruined it by getting rid of the Cajun Mayo, putting these disgusting (soo bad) roasted tomatoes on it, strange flavored lettuce, and seriously skimping on the shrimp. Did the chef lose a taste bud? They had chicken and cheese quesadillas but were complaining about making them without the chicken for my kid. No beer specials. I don't know, for the price, the food was really weak. The waiter knew we were not happy. Did he get a manager? Nope. That, I will have to assume is because they just don't care....and neither do I.
(2)
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.
(5)
Mandi P.
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!!!).
(4)
nicole m.
The bloody marys are amazing. I go there for that. Only that. I mean, I know the whole biker thing is cool and the porn n' eggs is a great late Saturday night concept. I really want to give them more stars, but although the food isn't bad, the service really subtracts from the enjoyment I might otherwise experience. Service on many occasions is slow/apathetic, and the hipster attitude/vibe that they cultivate there always makes me feel like I'm not cool enough. I went there with a friend to eat one night and they sat us in the dark section by the bathroom, and we were the only ones seated there the whole time, but there were many people in the restaurant. It gave us a very twilight zonish outpost-on-another-planet type of feeling. I also ordered take out one weekend afternoon and when I got there, starving, to pick it up, there was no order for me. Oh the humanity. Not only that, but the manager (I'm assuming) told me that what I had ordered (the sloppy eggs from the online menu) had not been available for about 3 years. The girl with whom I spoke on the phone hadn't bothered to tell me that when I ordered and no one bothered to call me to let me know. Apparently they just threw away my order, hoping I wouldn't come to pick it up. I tried to hold back tears (you know how anything will make you cry when you're hungry?) as the guy with dead eyes shrugged a disingenuous "Sorry." They could not have possibly cared less. I have been back very few times, and only for drinks, since then.
(2)
Mikaela R.
Best bloodies in Chicago. Their weekend brunch menu is perfect. Go here if you're hungover (before 3, after that they stop serving brunch) and you won't be disappointed. The staff is very friendly too!
(5)
Tanya K.
Went on a Sunday for brunch. One star for the rooftop. Minus one star for the nasty tasting eggs and that's really saying something because breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I love brunch but not here. Minus another star because the place looks dingy. Minus an additional star for the shitty, pretentious hipster service. Last but not least, minus a star for the hair in my eggs. Eggs should never have hair in them, feathers maybe but not hair.
(1)
Rich Z.
Its been a while since I had been to The Spoke (almost 10 years in fact) mostly due to living in Wisco. I had some friends in for a day/night of revelry and debauchery. Got there about 2pm, was seated and 'watered' fairly fast. 3 words to describe the start of the day-TEMPURA FRIED BACON. Bloody's were spot on, I had the breakfast tacos, one of the guys had the Mesckin scramble, and one had a fully dressed fat boy. PHENOMENAL. So much so that we were talking about it all day. Finished up the day(evening ) with Smut and Eggs. the Corned beef hash is the best in the city BAR FREAKING NONE!! The owners, Mitch and Cliff have really gotten it right.
(5)
Mark S.
The Bloody Marys are pretty good, but if you want a decent burger don't go here. We sent our burgers back because they were so overdone and they brought out replacements that were just as bad. For $12 I expect more. The fries were terrible too.
(1)
Keith A.
Do you like whisky, rye, or bourbon? Do you like beer? If the answer to both of these is a resounding yes, then you need to run, not walk to the Twisted Spoke. The last time I was here was in my pre-yelp days. I've well been overdue for a return trip, so the opportunity finally presented itself and I jumped all over it. The vibe was really relaxed and it was gorgeous outside. Being that I came on a staurday night, a wait for the rooftop wasn't unexpected. Since my friend and I knew we were gonna be there for a bit, it was time to order up some rye. My eyes darted around at what was up there, so naturally I went for the more rare ryes. The best part was that the prices were extremely reasonable considering I wasn't messing around with what I got. When the rooftop table was ready, it was beer time. I loved the range of beers on their list. They still had some hard to find stouts on tap along with having a good range of styles. Twisted Spoke is a massive win in my books. Even more dangerous is that I was told they do half off whiskeys on Wednesdays, so if you want to sample stuff that is über hard to get, this is ground zero for that. Needless to say, it won't be anywhere near as long before my next trip.
(5)
Dylan M.
Not sure why I haven't written a review for the Spoke before this but it's past due. It's a great places to meet up before a united center event. Easy to find free parking and leave cars to carpool over to your event. Beer lovers will be lost in their HUGE selection of beers there offer on tap/bottles/cans. And the food is awesome. Constantly awarded for best cheap eats they offer a large variety of yummy foods. Oh can't forget to give a shoutout to the tunes crankin in the bar... always rockin. And in the summer a great place to hit the rooftop for brunch. Bloody Mary with a beer back could be lunch in itself with the amount of things they stuff in those thangs. The only thing I have constantly encountered over the many many years I have been here as a fault are the bartenders service. Not sure if because they feel they have to keep their tough edgy persona up or what but often times they are not friendly or service oriented and ignore u seemingly purposefully. Whatevz I keep comin back so no biggy.
(4)
Giancarlo G.
Bar is good, if you are drinking you're ok. If you are coming for the food stop and turn around. They USED to have a good menu with lots of options. For some reason unbeknownst to me they reduced it to less than a page. I understand if all the favorites were left in but they weren't. Somehow in this place the patty melt was taken off the menu and now a can of cheese and ritz crackers is. Unacceptable. Literally a can of cheese whiz and boxed ritz crackers for 15 effin dollars. GTFO. Where is the culinary expertise in that. Not coming back.
(2)
Chuck T.
I used to be a regular visitor....It's bad now. I won't be back. Fired. It's pretty much what it always was, a pretend biker bar. The food was pretty good, but the new menu is terrible. The music is dumb loud. I'm a musician. My job is loud, but if you have to yell when you talk at a bar it's silly. Not hip. There is nothing cool about twisted spoke- it's just bad.
(2)
Jay N.
We went on a weekday for lunch so it wasn't that busy. Parking on the street can be difficult but based on the intersections, there are plenty of places to park your car. We were seated promptly and it is decorated with motorcycle memorabilia along with bottled beers. My wife had the burger special that is only $10 for the burger, fries, and a beverage, which includes the cheaper draft beers or a soft drink. I went with the shrimp po boy and upgraded for $2 for onion rings and chose one of their draft beers (I was off work). The service was attentive and gave us advice on some recommendations based on our preferences. The po boy on baguette instead of a french roll worked since the shrimp was pretty tender. The onion ring upgrade wasn't worth it based on quantity. Overall, a nice place for lunch
(4)
Klassic C.
Pretty regular/ bland food to me but my hubby loved the burgers the drinks where different I'm not a big bourbon fan so that was an experience in itself we went after hours and the porn was the hairiest porn I've ever seen in all my years .... I gave it 3 stars based on my hubby love of the burgers and the fact they play porn
(3)
Zach F.
Nice little place. Food was good, but not great or memorable. But it was also really reasonably priced for what it was. The bartender on Monday night was friendly and helpful. They also have a pretty good beer list, and when I was there, they had Parabola on tap and it wasn't on the list. Bartender was letting me and other guests taste beers if we weren't sure. Will definitely be back.
(4)
Sarah S.
Great burgers Slow service.. Not sure why, but it is Good specials on drinks and they aren't light handed
(4)
Marcee W.
Beautiful sunny Spring day, rooftop desk, good friends and bloody Mary's with salami and cheese! Heaven! Although I was surprised by the two poached eggs on top of the gumbo, it was delicious. My friend both enjoyed bleu cheese burgers and home-cut, seasoned fries. Waitress was pleasant and attentive and the biker atmosphere made me long for the feel of the wind in my hair.
(4)
Shannon W.
Cool spot! I just had lunch here with my sales rep in Chicago, service was great and the food was really tasty. When she first told me it was a 'bikers bar' I was a bit apprehensive, but it was totally chill and I was very happy with everything. I wish we could have had a drink as they had a ton of beers and a variety of liquors, but we just stuck to water. Anyway, I ordered a buffalo chicken sandwich with a soup as a side (extra $2). The soup was awesome & the sandwich was very tasty. I like that the server checked up on us a few times. She was great. Prices are very reasonable. I was told they have an awesome rooftop, I'd love to check it out when the weather is nice.
(4)
Sandra T.
Holy Mother of Sandwiches! I'm a huge fan of Buffalo chicken. This is hands down the best buffalo chicken sandwich I've ever had. Perfect balance of sauce and blue cheese, fresh bread and quality chicken. And say HELLO to tempura bacon! YUUMMM!!!! Rooftop seating is very relaxing, service was friendly and timely. I hate bloody Mary's, but almost wanted to try one after seeing tray after tray of them brought out. Will I go back? Oh Hells yeah!!!
(5)
Rosie H.
I honestly don't get the appeal of this place. I came here with a group of 4 for brunch and we were seated at a dirty table and handed nasty paper menus. I'm fine with paper menus, but the whole point is that you can reprint them often, no? It took our waitress 15 minutes to approach our table and she immediately asked what we wanted, no small talk although she was more than happily chatting up other tables. Odd. We had our orders ready b/c we'd been sitting there so long. However, it turns out that for brunch, only one page of the menu is actually available. Would have been nice if someone had explained that to us when we sat down. The food took forever to come out and was mediocre. I guess it wasn't the worst meal I've ever had, but I got the feeling that the people working there could have cared less that we were spending money in their establishment. I don't make a habit of paying people to treat me with total indifference.
(2)
Rizzle M.
Came here at 12 am for burgers. The Fatboy. Huge and delicious (that's what she said). Exellent beer selection, ridiculous whiskeys, and out of this world bloody mary's. This place is a must. Cheers!
(5)
Bryan R.
Where do I begin?? We had a big group. We called a week in advance and confirmed that we'd need a table for ten. We called 30 minutes before arrival, and the person on the phone confirmed that we'd have a table for ten on the roof. When we arrived, the roof was full, but we didn't think that was a big deal. They placed us in the back. No one came for ten minutes, and when Sarah, our waitress, arrived, she left immediately to get us waters (which she would not be back with for another ten minutes). We finally ordered, and they brought out everyone's food but ONE person in our party. The waitress asked if she took his order. He said yes. She then said, "Well, then I swear I put it in. I put it in!" Okay, Sarah. We don't care if you put it in or not...just go get the burger. Five minutes later, they arrived with the wrong burger. The man in our group politely let the server know it was incorrect. He took it back. He returned, ten minutes later, with another burger with the wrong toppings. The man didn't want to cause a fuss, so he took the burger and started removing the onions with his hands. The waiter (in a red ball cap) then came up and said he needed to take the burger back because it was meant for someone else. The man in our group said, "But I just took the onions off WITH MY FINGERS." And the waiter goes, "That's okay." He turns around and takes the plate to another table. We were so in shock that, unfortunately, we didn't say anything in the moment. Sarah then returned to say that they DID bring his burger out, and that someone else in our party ate it. We were confused. The man then simply asked to have his burger made to go, because by now an hour had passed and everyone was finished eating. We set up our cards - writing our names on the receipt and putting them in order - to give them to Sarah to charge. NOTHING was offered for all of the horribly service. I personally do not think the man who never got his food should have had to pay. We did not even get an apology. Lastly, it took Sarah THIRTY MINUTES to charge our cards. I will never be returning to this restaurant and I am sure no one else in my group will as well. Their standards and service are horrific, and Sarah was beyond incompetent. I'm not one to leave reviews like this but I'm so angry that I had to say something. Don't go here unless you're comfortable knowing another customer may have touched your food before you.
(1)
Kayla L.
Decided to try Twisted Spoke for my birthday brunch on Sunday December 7th. We got there around 12:30pm and the place was pretty packed. We had a group of 12 with us. The hostess was very nice and she explained we needed to wait for a table so we can go to the bar and order drinks while we wait. The bartenders weren't very friendly but then again they where probably just very busy. I was amazed at the size of the Menu. They have so many options and they even have a menu called Hangover Hospital which is cool. I ordered the Road Rash Bloody Mary and I have to say I was not impressed. They have about 5-6 different types of Bloodys. I am a HUGE fan of Bloody Marys to. I tried other Bloody Marys that my friends ordered and I was not impressed with any of them. In fact, some of them had to order something else to drink because it was not good. As soon as we got sat our waiter was awesome. He was on top of it the entire time! The food is pretty good, not amazing but good. The fried bacon with tempura is great, I would order that again. I got a hamburger and was not to impressed, it tasted like any other hamburger. Everyone else at their table really liked their food. I do like the atmosphere it's a fun place. I would go back again but not specifically for the Bloody Marys but probably to try something different off of their food menu.
(3)
Al D.
Brunch fanatics be like "Oh em gee Bloody Maryz!" Otherwise, everything here is fried and dripping in grease. The bacon in the burger was fried with the burger; soft, greasy and tasting like nothing. Yuck. For a place that used to be in Wrigleyville, there's nothing truly "biker" or "edgy" about it. And I think they still do "smut n'eggs" occasionally. Keep it classy guzzling your 500 calorie BM...
(2)
Mario J.
Just had one of the worst experiences ever at a restaurant. My wife and I ordered a chicken sandwich with onion rings and a burger with a side salad. The chicken was a mystery piece that was mostly fat and grizzle. The onion rings were weren't really onion rings, they were shoestring onions-not as described on the menu (which were filthy and disgusting to even hold). The burger was served on a giant stale bun with a side salad that had absolutely no flavor. My wife's warm beer with extra head arrived after the food. The pickle was very good, but that's about it. I have never written a review on the internet, but I felt compelled after this experience. All of this was brought to our servers attention very politely, and she said our bill would be adjusted. After another 15 minutes of waiting, the chicken was removed off of the bill ($14), and so was the side salad ($2). The complaints about the burger however were not timed properly according to our server so it could not be removed from our bill. So....$30 for 2 beers and a few bites of barely edible food....bad deal.
(1)
Taylor P.
The food has changed... Menu is half the size and more expensive. The quality is gone and mixed. Service. What happened?
(1)
Karry L.
So, after years of fruitless searching I've finally discovered a legitimate reason for the continued existence of brunch: to subsidize things such as half-off whiskey Wednesdays, which is basically what it sounds like (it sounds like angels). They don't fuck around either: the selection covers bourbon to scotch to Japanese to more obscure types, and includes bottles at every price point, from Ten High to both flavors of Gentleman (Kentucky and Virginia) to Black Maple Hill to the legendary and rarely-spotted Pappy Van Winkle (4 different vintages, even). There's another thing called "the Butch" where you can pay $2 and receive a randomly selected shitty beer from their cooler; think somewhere between off-brand Schlitz and Steel Reserve. At some point, these two "shot girls" from Jim Beam made the rounds to offer samples of their new honey whiskey mixed with pink lemonade. It was uncomfortably sweet, but I also got a free beehive-shaped shot glass and an eyeful of cleavage, so it wasn't a total loss. My friend ordered nachos with what appeared to be pulled pork piled on top. It didn't look great. There's apparently other food here during non-brunch, after-work hours, but those details fade quickly into irrelevancy. There is a $4 glass of Weller Special Reserve with your name on it, and you have a job to do. Recommend if: you feel compelled to sample the entire family of whiskeys that start with "Old..." (Crow, Grand-dad, Forester, Fitzgerald, Bardstown, Overholt, Pogue, Ezra 101, et al).
(5)
Doug N.
Hidden jewel. Great bloody Mary's. Very unique bloody recipes. Roof top dining is recommended. Po boy is one of the best I have had. The brisket barely fits in your mouth iris so huge. Fantastic. Ask for Colleen P
(5)
Bodie S.
Twisted Spoke is easily identifiable by the giant, spinning motorcycle on the roof of the building. This place is right down the street from my friend's apartment, so we decided to eat here before I headed back to Indianapolis. The place is really interesting--it has a dive bar feel, but also a restaurant-like atmosphere. There were people drinking downstairs at the bar, and we opted to sit outside on the upstairs patio. It was a little chilly/windy, but nice when the sun came out. The easiest way to warm up is with alcohol. I ordered a fine craft beer, an IPA if memory recalls, though I can't think of the name, and enjoyed the overlook of the westside while we looked through the menu. I ordered the meatloaf sandwich, which consisted of tangy meatloaf on garlic buttered Texas toast covered in spicy mustard. The sandwich was out of this world. I enjoyed every single bite of it. The meatloaf sandwich was accompanied by coleslaw, a load of fries, and a pickle. Arguably, and technically, it was a perfect meal. I loved everything about it. I will absolutely return to this place to eat, drink, skip rope, play backgammon, or talk horse trading. I definitely recommend Twisted Spoke for your anything and everything.
(5)
Steph U.
Super disappointing. I came in to look at the menu one day and got super excited to try this place out. When I came here, it was unorganized, which ended up messing up our whole meal. We were told there was a 15 minute wait for the patio upstairs, so we decided to wait. We were told we could wait in another dining section and order drinks and whatnot. We decided to order some appetizers, but this turned out to be a horrible mistake. We told our server that we were still waiting to move upstairs and we wanted to make sure that if we moved before we got our appetizers that they would go to the same place. Our waiter told us that it'd be fine, so we went ahead and ordered. We ended up moving a few minutes after that, and once again told multiple people (the host who was reseating us and our waiter) that we had ordered appetizers and we wanted to make sure they would be sent to the right place. I'm not sure what ended up happening, but after the host re-sat us, we never got a new waitress or any silverware. The only reason we had water was because we brought it from downstairs. After waiting a good 10-15 minutes of no one coming over, we called over a random server and told her that we were ready to order and we wanted to know where our appetizers were. She took our order and said she'd check on our appetizers. Our food ended up coming before our appetizers did, but we still didn't have any silverware. The food was mediocre at best and I ended up sending mine back, because it was really overcooked (I ordered the seared tuna sandwich -- it even says on the menu that it's supposed to be very rare). Our appetizers tasted like microwaved crappy college junk food. When I was initially trying to send back my food, I had to flag down a different waitress, because I had no idea where our waitress went and WOW, she was a mean b***h!! She was super rude and obviously annoyed that I had tried to ask her about my food. I tried to see her name tag, but I didn't catch it. She had dark hair, tan skin and looked maybe Filipino or maybe hispanic. This waitress alone is the reason I've dropped this review from 2 stars to 1. There's no need to be so utterly mean! Anyway, she sent over our waitress and I showed her that my food was overcooked and I asked to not have them make a new one. I ended up splitting my boyfriend's burger with him and that was one of the few redeeming qualities of this restaurant. Our waitress seemed busy, but she tried to be attentive and friendly and she took off my sandwich off of our bill, which was nice. She was blonde, but I don't remember her name either. I think overall a lot of what happened was a misunderstanding and miscommunication, which sucks, but nothing could change my mind about this place after that one rude waitress. Oh also, the seating outside upstairs is strange. The tables are very small and I guess you're supposed to sit with a bar in between your legs? TL;DR: Rude waitress and bleh food. I won't be coming back. If you're forced to come, get a burger and try to get the blonde waitress.
(1)
Brittany P.
Was not impressed with this place. I had heard about it from a few friends so decided to give it a try for some Sunday bloodies. Service was extremely slow, not attentive, and seemed like the waiter kept ignoring our table. Maybe this was a one off time, but looks like a few other yelpers have had the same issue. They do have a decent selection of bloodies, but meh nothing I would return for.
(2)
Carl G.
My father and I ventured out to this restaurant in search of some good eats. Unfortunately, what we got was mediocre at best. My father Philip Vincent Grueger IV ordered fish tacos that he said tasted like Filet-O-Fish from the Golden Arches. One thing I must note is that while going to the bathroom, the door for the Men's room was labeled "Dicks", which I felt was very offensive. I ordered a cheeseburger with cheddar cheese cooked medium-well, and some fries. The burger was a bit over-cooked, and the fries tasted like nothing. The only thing that was good about Spokes was the service, as it was very fast considering the large crowd. Us Gruegers are forgiving people so I may be back to give those nice folks a second chance but the first experience was quite subpar. There are better places to eat in The Chi.
(2)
Sarah S.
I bookmarked The Twisted Spoke forever ago after seeing it on Chicago's Best. They showed the deep fried goodness items I knew I had to try plus various Bloody Marys I knew my friend would appreciate. I finally went a couple weeks ago and am really glad I did. Street parking is a bit rough to find but that's the parking option. The atmosphere is super chill and kind of biker meets metal. We had no issue getting seats for a late weekday lunch. I was happy to see they had 5 Rabbit on tap but only Vida Muerte which is not my favorite from the brewer. $6 for a bottle and I guzzled it right down! I tried a bit of my friend's Road Rash Bloody Mary that they are famous for - oOoO spicy! Going here, I had a goal to try all the deep fried items I had seen on Chicago's Best so we had a feast of appetizers! Tempura bacon $5 - Amazeballs. I've had deep fried bacon before but having it in tempura batter is what makes this the best deep fried bacon I've tried. It melted in my mouth and was a fantastic spin on the swine candy. Fried cheese curds $6 - Delicious! They use Wisconsin cheddar cheese which is a bit different than the usual cheese curds. They were very deep fried, maybe a tad too much, but man were they good. Ooey, gooey, yum. Wild Ones $8 - Loved this. Deep frying + Mushrooms = Healthy, right? Deep fried mushrooms in 4 varieties, I believe it was. One of those varieties was portobello which are a personal favorite of mine! Yum! All three of these deep fried goodnesses were served with at least one dipping sauce. I'd get any of these apps again, but I have my eye on the grilled cheese for the next time I stop in. And yes, there will definitely be a next time!
(4)
Some G.
DANGER DRINK HERE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!! Careful what beer you drink. I had their porter and had a massive migraine the next day
(1)
Benjamin A.
Good whiskey selection with over 400. Good place to watch a ball game. All the food looked amazing. I've never seen so many bottles of whisky. I can't wait to go back in the summer to enjoy the rooftop patio. Really enjoyed the burger I ordered.
(4)
Sarah R.
I cannot say anything bad about this place! Amazing Bloodies and the breakfast was fantastic! Great tastes. First timer in Chicago and so glad we came.
(5)
Mike B.
Chila-killas (w/ home fries instead of rice and beans) were great and the bloodies were pretty good. However, the service was terribly slow.
(3)
Amy R.
I was so ready to be madly, head-over-heels in love with Twisted Spoke. Id heard for ages that it is the best brunch EVER with amazing bloody marys and a fun, weird vibe. I had been trying to get there for ages, but schedules never worked out. Finally today, after all the anticipation, waiting, and downright jonesin for a Bloody Mary, we went. WE WENT. ...and I didn't love it. I HATE WHEN THAT HAPPENS. We got there around 11:00am on a Saturday and didn't have to wait - in fact, the place was kinda emptyish. Which was fine by me, because we were starved. A server swung by right away, and my friend ordered a plain old Bloody Mary, but I wanted to peruse the options prior to ordering. When he returned, I ended up just getting coffee, because all of their zany Bloody Marys are made with liquor other than vodka, which makes me want to throw up (tequila + tomato juice?! Get out of my FACE). So we went on to order our food, and because I had heard such AMAZING things, we tried a bunch of stuff. Pre-meal, we got the deep fried bacon. Oh yeah, you read that right. And it is EXACTLY what you're thinking. Tempura battered, deep fried slices of delicious bacon, served with a sort of Asian dipping sauce, and a tangy radish-based slaw. This is a 5-star plate of heaven. Being tempura battered, it doesn't feel greasy or disgusting, which is bizarre, because you're eating DEEP FRIED BACON. The sauce was delightful, and the slaw was the perfect, palette cleansing accompaniment. It was perfect. Then I ordered chilaquiles, and my friend got the biscuits with heart attack gravy. The dishes looked lovely, but the flavor was just so/so. My chilaquiles had a red sauce without a ton of spice in it, and I felt myself reaching for the salt more than once. The biscuits and gravy were pretty standard, but my friend added Sriracha sauce to make it worthwhile. Then we split the banana fritters, which were PARADISE - deep fried pancakes PACKED with banana goodness and a sweet, fluffy texture, accompanied by butter and syrup. I coulda eaten a mountain of those. In fact, maybe that's the way to go - order lots of their small plate items and share - since that's what we loved the most. From the drinks to the service to the food to the decor, most everything was just fine here. Maybe my anticipation had set the bar too high. Maybe my brunch palette has officially moved into snob territory. Maybe the Twisted Spoke is just ok. I probably won't be back to find out, but if you're in the area and jonesin for brunch, you wouldn't be doing yourself a disservice to check it out. Oh also, if you write an honest, 3-star review about the service and experience here, you get a nasty message from presumably the owner, not sure who, insulting you and your review. Tread lightly!
(3)
Rachael Z.
I've been here numerous times, and it's amazing every time! It's typically a Sunday for a Bloody Mary and brunch, so my review is based on Brunch alone. FOOD: I love that they have a specific brunch menu; they have some very inventive items with a mixture of flavors, but there's not really anything here that's not good. I've had the shrimp po-boy (great shrimp, fixings and bread), but ever since trying the burger, can't stray from from that. If I so much as mention this restaurant to my husband, he drools thinking of the burger - lots of toppings, and he highly recommends an egg on top! They do it best here. The fries are delish, and the ranch dressing (request it on the side) is homemade and awesome. DRINK: Bloody mary's are incredible here. They use sriracha, so it has a good, bold spice to it. Lots of salami, cheese and veggies! PRICE: Totally reasonable, and you'll have leftovers. Or at least you should...portions are huge. If you're hungover like many of my trips, you may not have much to bring home! LOCATION: Kind of a goofy spot, but there's definitely nothing competing near-by. Parking is easy to come by and you can stop by Starbucks across the street on the way out.
(5)
Leah B.
Writing this review after going to this place several times and having the same type of experience. I don't know why I keep going back. Probably because it's close to where I live. Food is so so. Average. Nothing to write home about. But what I do believe is worth writing about, is the consistently awful service. The servers and bartenders both, just out and out rude. The first few times I came in I thought it was like some sort of "Ed Debevics" thing like the staff is supposed to be rude on purpose. After asking, and finding out that the rude attitudes are not a "staged" thing, it just made me think, why is EVERY staff member so miserable. The only explanation I can come up with is the ownership and management. Usually when there's a consistent problem, it starts from the top and trickles down. It's just a shame that our amazing neighborhood of West Town can't be home to a welcoming and friendly eatery. Hopefully these guys will shut down soon and someone worth doing business with will open in their spot.
(1)
Mark H.
Cluttered with biker paraphernalia from the skeleton on a motorcycle down to the handlebar doorknob entrance and finally the metal serving dishes, the decor is blatant in keeping true to its theme. The location is in an awkward point of the city where the street juxtapose in strange angles not the usual perpendicular map like structure that encompasses most of Chicago. This triangular corner is as confusing as the nature of this joint. I've tried this place out several times. The conclusion is if you're looking for a good dive bar with an excellent whiskey selection and a decent staff in attentiveness, this place is it. But, if you're looking for decent, quality food try elsewhere. Their famous burgers were nothing to brag home about especially at $ 14. Gimme a break. The staff was a hit or miss. The seats were uncomfortable. The pours were very bartender dependent. Overall I can see this as a tourist haven. I'm surprised they don't sell t-shirts there. For someone looking to add this place as a regular rotation, all I can say is Twisted Spoke is a cleverly named but in most cases what you do w/ a twisted spoke...you throw it out?!
(2)
Aaron Jae M.
Had a great time here. Was going with a friend to get his tattoo at Great Lakes Tattoo (right down the street from it, on the same block) and decided to eat here while the artist made a sketch for him. I heard they were great for bloody marys so I tried one. I got the D'liverance which I thought was a good bloody mary, just not for me. It has scotch in it, which was just too much of a peat smoke flavor for me. I think next time I will stick to the classic. I also had their shrimp po'boy which was delicious. I wish the bread was a little softer since I'm not a fan of fighting through my bread to get to the rest of the sandwich but all in all it was a great sandwich with a lot of flavor, accompanied by some delicious french fries. P.S. If you get a tattoo from Great Lakes Tattoo, Twisted Spoke will give you a drink on the house. There are some limitations on this, no idea what they are.
(5)
Brandon S.
Have been here twice since the beginning of Spring, both times we had horrible service, both times same server. The waiter literally came to our table a total of three times both occasions. I want to like this place because they have a great beer menu but that doesn't matter when your server only comes enough to be able to order one. Both times my gf and I got seated in the back just behind the hostess stand and got the same server. He acted like he didn't give two shits either time. On our second visit, our potatoes came out cold and the egg sandwich was barely warm. Not sure if it was the kitchen fault or our server let our plates sit there forever. I could tell the food would have been good if it was warm. Also on our second visit we sat right across from the waitress area from the bar. Each bloody mary is made by the bartenders but the waiters use their hands to place the meat, cheese and etc on top of the bloody. I'm not a germaphobe, but you can't help to think where their hands have been while serving. Use some utensils!! Overall, great beer menu, food would probably be just good if not cold and the service from the one server was horrible. It will be a number of months before we come back........but their beer menu rocks!!!!! :(
(2)
M K.
I think this is the type of place you drink at. This was my mistake, but that doesn't mean the service should be nonexistent. I went here the other night for a sandwich and it was awful. The chicken on the sandwich was burnt and had no flavor. It did look like a cool place to drink, I just wouldn't order the food. I also had to wait 15 mins after I was done eating to ask the person cleaning my table to get me my check. This would not be a problem usually, but the whole place was empty I felt like the waitress was just ignoring us.
(1)
Ryan R.
This place has great wings. Try the flamin' lemon pepper. Yes, they actually come out on fire. They are absolutely excellent. The brew on tap...micro brew and a very large variety. This place is a little loud (because it's small) but the service is always friendly and the food is always good. Four stars because I asked for three different beers...listed on the menu...out of stock. The last beer I requested was a blonde which was good. I would have rather the pale ale. Anyway, try this place if you are in the city. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Marie B.
Having grown up in Chicago, it's a surprise that I have not been to this location. I had brunch many years ago when their Wrigleyville location was open. We came to sit outside of Memorial Day. Their patio is great because it's outdoors and 80s in Chicago and thats it. We sat down and the waiter did not come to offer us a drink/food menu till about 15 min later. When he did come, he had to ask another table if he could have one of their menus to give to us. Besides that he was not in a good menu. Ok, fine we all have bad days, but the 10 min continuous wait for drinks is not acceptable. I ordered a classic margarita at the bar and when we arrived to our patio table and asked for a classic margarita the waiter explained that since it was not on the menu I wouldn't be able to order it. I explained that I ordered it at the bar and he asked for the bartender's name. What?? When you see the bar you'll first note the vast amount of liquor that they have. How can they not make a classic margarita? Regardless of that, the drinks were below average. I would not return.
(2)
Lily Z.
I came here with a bunch of friends for dinner. We ordered a variety of things and I was getting "hangry," which means so hungry I was getting angry. We ordered the tempura bacon, jalapeno poppers and fried shrooms as an appetizer. The only thing that stood out was the dipping sauce for the jalapeno poppers. I wish there was more because everything else seemed boring and lacked spice. I enjoyed my shrimp po'boy. There was plenty of shrimp and I do have to agree with other Yelpers that the bread was a bit tough. I didn't mind going carb free! Boy didn't like his burger. He said it was very bland. The only complaint that I have is that we were a table of 6 sitting at a table of four. I know you can't do anything about people who take forever to sign the bill, but it was ridiculous watching people walk past multiple times and not pick up the bill when it was done and ready for 10 minutes. While I was waiting for someone to finally notice, they kept switching the channels. I understand if it was an honest mistake, but we came here specifically to watch the Bulls game and made it clear before we sat down, again when the channel was changed, then for a third time when the channel was changed. Aside from that part of the meal, service before and after was nice. They communicated constantly about where we were seated and provided a shot of half and half when a friend couldn't handle the roasted jalapeno. I'm not pleased with how the meal turned out due to the fact that I couldn't eat until I had proper elbow space. However, the service was nice when they were paying attention.
(3)
CJ J.
Service seems to have improved over the past 6 months. Still a good drink selection, with good bloody marys and ciders available. Food is consistently good, but nothing to go out of your way for. Last time I was there, they had a tomato salad dressed available that was AMAAAAAAZING. Think slightly chunky bloody mary mix with a bit of a kick to it, but not so spicy it was out-of-place on a salad.
(4)
Jamie N.
Sat at the bar and had Jillian as our server/barkeep. Food was good. She was amazing! Great time yet again at twisted spoke. Left smiling and satisfied!
(4)
Megan S.
We decided to hit up Twisted Spoke after a Hawks game. So glad we did! The place has a dive-ish vibe and the service was great! Try the Shrimp Po' Boy. It was seriously delicious.
(4)
tim d.
Recently went to N'awlins. Did tons of research before we went to find the best Shrimp Po' Boy sandwich. We settled on Killer Po' Boys and The Parkway. They were so damn good. Fast forward to Dec '14 at Twisted Spoke here in Chicago. The Shrimp Po' Boy here is better. The shrimp are larger...that batter is better...the bread is from D'mataos (just can't compete with D'amatos bread anywhere in the country....Bari found that out the hard way.) The sauce is perfect. Again...and I have since read reviews from others....possibly..THE BEST PO BOY IN THE U.S. (so, in the world unless some bastard in Bali is banging out Po' Boys "off the grid" that are "off the chain")
(5)
John S.
Went here before the blackhawks game with my sister. Place was packed but that is to be expected before a game. Like the whole biker theme here. Favorite part of the decor is the door handles made from motor cycle handle bars. Very crafty. Service here was very good considering the crowds. I found the food to be ok but nothing exceptional. The burger like others said is very greasy. You may want to ask for extra napkins. I liked the cheese curds but wish they came with marinara sauce. The tempera bacon was quite messy and actually too greasy for me. That is saying a lot because I like fried foods. Over all found the food to be good but nothing special. If you are in the area for a game it is a good choice for the speedy service and close location to the UC.
(3)
Kati H.
What can I say. SUPER crowded on a Sunday at noon, which only means I'm at the right place. -killer bloody mary -awesome corned beef hash -delicious biscuits and gravy -shitty service...but I understand. The servers were overwhelmed and that's ok. Will definitely be back to try a burger!
What a great place. went there for brunch and was so very satisfied with the meal the service and the beer. what should have been a 30 min eat and scoot turned into a 3 hour awesome meal with friends. the Place is bright and inviting. i would say medium loud with a pretty good music selection for the classic rock crowd. Had Chila-Killas and it was a magical home cooking journey. went awesome with a few pints. Will certainly be back for more. Can't wait to try what else they have cooking.
(5)
Mike J.
I'm limiting this review to whiskey, and specifically to Whiskey Wednesdays. If you don't know, the Spoke serves half price, full size pours of EVERY damn whiskey they carry on Wednesdays, all day and night. Whistle Pig 11 for 12.50...Pappy van Winkle 23 for $15? And the cheap stuff is a steal. The staff is wonderful...knowledgable, friendly, and they'll leave the bottle if (like me) you like to read about what you're quaffing... Sean Thompson, manager, is a great person; if you're lucky he'll be able to talk for a bit, but he's usually too busy because this isn't an under-the-radar place...it's popular, because it's GOOD. Go there, have 4 like I do. Call a cab, your wife, a friend, or your friend's wife,, whatevs. This is the best place in the city to spend a comfortable Wednesday evening.
(5)
Derrick P.
Stopped in for a drink last night. Great whiskey list with over 400 to choose from. Also great service and atmosphere.
(4)
Brian S.
Good food, good beer list. Delicious cheese curds.
(4)
Nick F.
I was visiting Chicago for fun a couple weeks ago and we stumbled upon this place on the internet. We saw that they had over 500 whiskeys and being into whiskey, we decided to give it a go. It happened to be Whiskey Wednesday which means half price whiskey. Terrible news if you have been drinking most of the day and all through the Cubs game (They sell cocktails at that Wrigley Field joint!). Anyway, the place was great, I loved the humor in their menu selections as well as their absurd $125 Manhattan, which I asked the bartender about and he said that people have actually ordered it in the past. We also enjoyed the bartenders company as we got quite a bit of time to chat with him on a slow night. Ill definitely be visiting Twisted Spoke again on my next visit in the Spring!
(5)
Travis W.
It was my first visit but hopefully not my last. We popped in here for a brunch on Saturday and just looking from the outside I knew we were entering a pretty cool spot. The entire building being clad in iron and the skeleton riding a motorcycle on the roof pretty much tells it all. It's got a bike bar feel obviously but the crowd is way more diverse. We sat at the bar and it had to have been 40 feet long and backed with more liquors than I could have imagined even existed. After deciding on a bloody mary - of which they had like 8 to choose from we ordered our food. Everything on the menu looked delicious. I decided on the gumbo and wasn't let down. The blood mary was incredible in and of itself but the gumbo hit the spot.
(5)
Emilie N.
It was a Friday night. My boyfriend and I were interested in trying something new in our neighborhood. I suggested "that place with the skeleton riding a motorcycle." We thought it would have a cool biker theme inside to match. As soon as we walked in, it hit us. The "oh-my-god-this-is-actually-for-bikers" feeling. We're talkin' leather vests, boots, and all the "Mom" tattoos you can imagine. It was crowded and we felt, as normal non-bikers, that we had trespassed. We slowly backed out and went to Mahoney's instead, which was alright. But the review doesn't end there. Later that evening, as we were driving by (around midnight) we noticed something unusual in the windows of Twisted Spoke. Actually, "unusual" is an understatement. "Raunchy" works better. The very very large screen TVs were showing VERY hardcore porn. Our jaws dropped and our tires squealed as we turned the corner. Needless to say, we are happy we didn't dine there.
(1)
Colleen W.
This is a not so hidden gem. It's pretty hard to miss the place, and I'm glad we didn't pass it up! It was a gorgeous day so we sat up on the rooftop which is filled with picnic tables, trees...it feels like vacation up there! The vibe of the place is super laid back. The menu is funny. There is a lot of tongue and cheek humor to describe the food items. Nothing gets me like a cheese curd that is WHEY better than the rest... :) And while we're on the topic, the cheese curds were awesome. So were the fish tacos, served with a mango salsa, avocado, and grilled fish in a "build it yourself" presentation. The curried chicken salad was just OK. The beer list is extensive and the staff is very knowledgeable. We will absolutely be back!
(4)
An P.
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!
(4)
Adam K.
Dude, I used to live literally next door to this place. This neighborhood is great, you have the mafia, a biker bar & a sex dungeon all on the same block. Not to mention some of the best damn bread & toffee down the street. When I was living near here as a very young man with a baby, I remember walking across Grand ave very late, holding my infant daughter. There were 2 bikers outside of twisted spoke. This guy revved his engine super loud, unnecessarily loud, then ROARED an inch or two from me and my baby. I never wanted to strike someone so badly, thankfully my baby is ok but she could have seriously been injured from some prick on a harley. Kind of had a grudge against this place ever since. Enough prequel, here it is: The good: They expanded their menu, they used to have these AMAZING corn fries for like a year that were great and came with a strange dipping sauce. Now they have like 35 different kinds of burgers, sandwiches & salads. The menu is very large, the drinks are all different also. They have fish tacos for us trying to squeeze into a size 18. Their rooftop is one of the best in the city IMO. Love the spinning freaky ass skeleton. Service seems to have really picked up. Scruffy looking dudes but they live to serve you. I left a 25% tip. Smut and eggs: do they still do this? I hope so, it was so weird and radical. You get to watch 70s porn and eat eggs at like 3am. This was my " I am too drunk to go home" spot. Tons of bikers. The harley kind. The bad: Fish tacos are kinda bleh. The Smokin Salma bloody mary was really gross, the cold cheese pieces were all I remember, and they were awful. I want to try some others though. The scruffy dude waiter forgot I asked for another tortilla, but they were kinda dry and hard so whatever. Tons of bikers. The harley kind. Worth trying if you have never been here, and I will hit it up on occasion, but they need to tighten the bootstraps a bit more and I will be in here puking up eggs at 3am on the regs. Hey that rhymed!
(3)
Kevin W.
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.
(4)
D K.
Perfect spot to have an extremely extended lunch sliding into a long enjoyable evening. Can't beat the 10 bucks deal: burger, fries and a drink (cheap domestic beer or soda). Very extensive whiskey and bourbon selection, 6 different Papi van Winkle!
(4)
Celina B.
I haven't reviewed this yet? No way! I had an art review to do for school so I dragged my boyfriend downtown to the art museum with me. He wanted to make a day out of it so he researched places with good bloody mary's. He found this little gem. We walked in, not really sure what to expect and sat at the bar. There were a few different bloody mary's to choose from. He of course had the one with bacon in it and I thought I would regret my decision of not ordering the same but mine was just as delish! (However every time I go, I now get the one with bacon and hickory vodka.) I'm pretty sure I was hangin' a little bit and that's always makes it hard to pick food when you're feeling like that. As soon as I saw corned beef hash and poached eggs, it was the easiest and best decision I've ever made. The corned beef has was NOT out of a can or anywhere near that. REAL corned beef! SHREEDED! REAL! with decent sized potatoes as well. it was AMAZING! Also a pretty good portion including 3 poached eggs with toast and a side of their potatoes. Our bartender was so nice! After our bloody mary's my man tried walbanger, and i tried a cock smasher. She had served one to someone next to me and it looked amazing, and with a name like that how could I pass it up? It was great! And loaded with alcohol. Let me remind you this is around noon. With so many good drinks being served up we couldn't stop trying them! My boyfriend walked down the street to get some cigarettes and I had let her know that we were actually celebrating our "anniversary" as well that and I ordered us some very small glasses of champagne with strawberries. Not the place you'd normally get this but she was so accommodating. After that we ordered their wings that were literally on fire. AWesome! At that point we realized we could not go to the museum, it was already night time and we crashed at a hotel in the city. Woops! =) Have been back a couple times since then, even with family, and no one has complaints. Can't wait to go back here again!
(5)
Diane B.
Always delicious and we always look forward to a great meal and drinks with our friends. Consistently good service... can't beat that.
(4)
Kimberly J.
Came here because it was a beautiful sunny day and they have a rooftop deck. Cool atmosphere. Picnic tables on roof with umbrellas.......a good start. However, it unfortunately went downhill from there. The service really stinks. Had to flag our waiter, who was busily texting, while sitting behind a tree by the waiters station, probably four times. No menus, no silverware, drinks were empty, please bring check, etc. Asked what he suggested out of several menu items we were interested in......said he didn't really care for any of them, but didn't suggest anything else. Had tempura bacon, and the batter was delicious, but inside was very under cooked, fatty bacon. Fail. Caesar Salad with steak, very good. Fried egg sandwich, sloppily thrown together and really greasy.....meh. Great fries. I say to management, if your staff can't be relied on to prioritize your customers before their need to text, you need to re-evaluate your policies. Once when I needed something, I poked my head in the wait station, where he was bent over, elbows on counter, texting, and said 'excuse me' to get his attention. He said, "yes?" without even lifting his gaze from the screen. Really? For $60 lunch, I can go a lot of places. This won't be one I patronize again.
(2)
Pete V.
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.
(3)
William L.
I went here for some pre-Hawks game grub and drinks. I definitely dig the style of this place, lots of cool vintage bike stuff and the entire feel of the place has a "right of passage" type feeling. Hard to explain, but it's boss. The food is damn good, the lemon pepper wings are outstanding! If you go to Twisted Spoke and don't get them, you're silly. They aren't too spicy but have a great pepper taste. For the entree, I had the meatloaf sammy with fries and my cohort had the falafel sammy. Both were really good and I had plenty to take home for lunch the following day. Service was spot on, drink specials were okay, beer list was impressive. I'll definitely be back again soon.
(4)
Daniel O.
First off I have to agree with other yelpers and say, the rooftop patio is fantastic. Great laid back summer vibe; picnic tables, a nice breeze, trees... The food is good, a step above traditional bar food; comical menu descriptions are a nice touch. I ordered the ceviche, and was pleasantly surprised. However the service was completely disengaged, drinks would run completely empty and we would have to chase our waiter down for refills? Furthermore, at one point he brought the wrong beer, shrugged and says, "I thought that's what you said", and then didn't even offer to get the right one? Well I didn't feel like starting a scene, so yea I drank it. In the end, decent place, but in a city of great food, nothing exceptional...except for the rooftop patio.
(3)
Marc R.
Rode up on my bicycle with a friend and saw the prettiest girl in Chicago standing out front in an amazing blue dress. So far so good, but she hopped in a cab and was off to someplace better than the Twisted Spoke I bet. What I found: A fairly run of the mill bar with typical but overpriced bar food on a good but pretty remote corner. They charge extra if you are going to split a burger! Now, that seems just mean! (Note: I stand corrected here. It is $5 to share a "double" burger because I was informed that Fonda and Nicholson came in one day and ordered the double then hustled the server for free buns to make a second burger! Easy Riders or Free Riders?) Cool: The rooftop picnic table seating is good and might be worth doing if you are visiting a friend around the corner, and the beer list is long, Not so cool: The server did not know much about the beer at all. I ordered a mint julep and it came up and was not made right. It was more like a mint gimlet. I sent it back for some sugar, and it was ok, but if the servers don't know the beer and the bartender can't make a drink unless the instructions are written on the bar, how did they get a permit to serve booze? Just wondering. Not so yummy: The food was pretty basic and uninspired from what I ordered - quesadillas -- and the options for vegetarians was pretty bad. They call Chickpeas here "Woman peas" -- how macho -- well it is a biker bar. All the Honda and Kawasaki junk parts make the point that this place is for tough guys in pink polo shirts and boat shoes! My suggestion, is that you should keep riding PAST the Twisted Spoke even if you find yourself on a Harley Davidson Fat Boy at the corner of Ogden and Grand, but if you see a pretty girl in an amazing blue dress wearing a pair of pretty wedges, pick her up if you can get her to talk to you. If you are visiting someone who lives here and all the little Italian places or nearby cafes are closed, and you must have a roof, well, the breeze was nice.
(3)
Anna P.
My only problem with this place is that it doesn't have a solid 4 stars on Yelp! C'mon people, what more could you want?! The decor is awesome, the service is great, the beer list is phenomenal, and the food is excellent. Added bonus is that you get the heavy metal music and high-quality beers and burgers of similar places (*cough Kuma's cough*) without the agonizing 2+ hour wait. PLUS the menu itself is hilarious - it's full of little puns that I, as a half-Canadian, totally appreciate. Come hungry and thirsty, be adventurous with the beer list, try the Boss Hog (delectable BBQ pulled pork!), and leave full and happy and a little drunk :)
(4)
Santiago A.
At the risk of disagreeing with Colleen C. and forever being banned from Yelp ;) I will go ahead and disagree. The "Chicks" and "Dicks" lables on the bathroom doors are great [upload pics] if for no other reason than they list who is a chick... and more importantly, who is a dick (i.e. Mayor Daley and Mayor Daley, the sequel). That right there is both funny and hits the nail right on the head. Besides getting on my good side right off the bat when I went to go wash my hands, I like that they have a quality beer selection. They hit all my favs so I could throw darts at a board and still come away happy. Ommegang, Gumballhead, Allagash White, Original Sin, etc etc, they are all here. Food is pretty good, too. The pulled pork and the meatloaf sandwich are both good choices. They fries that come on the side are "da bomb." Music is pretty good, if you don't mind mostly metal, and I don't. Finally, the rooftop patio is pretty sweet. All in all, I was glad I dropped by and will definitely swing by again. I see Melanie S. and Nishan P. liked it, too. Maybe they can come with... or even convince (read: kidnap) Colleen C. and bring her along ^_~ p.s. If i remember correctly, beers are $2.50 on Tuesdays. woo!
(4)
Bri A.
If you only plan on ordering beers at this place, you should be fine. If you want certain shots or cocktails, go elsewhere! I came here with a few friends on Saturday night. It was around 11pm and the place was pretty dead, but the rooftop was busier. We sat upstairs and the waitress promptly handed us menus and took our drink order. It took her a good ten minutes to bring our drinks. We ordered a few appetizers (guac and chips and quesadillas) to split. The food was good, but nothing exceptional. I ordered a 7&7 (Seagrams whiskey and 7-Up). It tasted ok but I later found out the drink was made with Canadian Club. That is fine, but at least tell me! Ordering a 7&7 is not the same as ordering Canadian and 7-Up or whiskey and lemon lime soda! At least they charged accordingly. At one point, I ordered a round of shots since it was my friend's birthday. I told him to order whatever he wanted. What he ordered was a girly and common shot. The waitress said, "Sorry but the bartender won't make a shot like that. He is a big, burly guy and would refuse." Wow, I didn't realize the waitstaff speaks for the bartender! We ended up just ordering shots of whiskey. At least he wasn't too macho to pour that! Now, if they did not have the ingredients to make the shot, or the bartender telepathically told the waitress he did not know how to make it, we would have understood.
(1)
Michael W.
Always a fan of this place. Great beer selection and always good food. I would recommend this to people who like some adventure. The regulars here are biker types that rub elbows with yuppies sometimes. Great vibe and this guy Alex the bartender is a straight up super cool bartender.
(4)
Bex F.
Sixteen years, really? That's how long I've been going to Twisted Spoke? Jeez louise. I guess that makes it hard to review. I remember going when it was just a tiny little joint when I lived nearby. For years I thought they had the best burger in the city. Then they expanded. The food and service went sliding downhill so I stopped going for a while. Snarly, apathetic or rude servers and disappointing food. A few years back, went again and things had seemingly gotten worse so it wasn't until last week, several years later, that I was back again. And I must say, the food has improved and the service we had was much better. The hubs had the chicken tacos and loved them. So much so that all night he kept mentioning how great the tacos were. I had the Fatboy with bacon and BBQ sauce, my usual. Much better. I wouldn't say it's the best burger in the city but it's back to being good. The fries, eh, haven't caught back up. We sat on the rooftop patio which of course is always nice. It is a bit kitschy but, ah well. Better to have some sense of humor than none at all. Added back to the rotation list, thanks. Good, as it was a drag avoiding it.
(4)
Nishan P.
There she sits a-smokin' Reefer in her mouth. Her hair hanging northward, As she travels south. Dirty on her Harley, But her nails are clean. Super-powered, de-flowered, Over-eighteen Irene. Why was this little ditty floating around in my head? Perhaps it is because Twisted Spoke is intended to be a biker bar. The biker theme permeates through the entire establishment from the graveyard of motorbikes that greets a visitor out front to the skeleton on a vintage motorcycle that rotates above. The menu boasts several kinds of Bloody Marys. Mine, the Bloody Franco, had chorizo (yes, the meat), an onion, a pepper and a clove of garlic. The drink was a little too different for my tastes. On the other hand, the Fatboy (a delicious, juicy, half pound burger) really hit the spot. Wait a minute, I think I get it now. A big hamburger, a blood red drink: very reminiscent of that grisly third verse. Ground around like hamburger, Layin' an a splat. 'tis Irene, her sheen I seen, In pieces crumpled flat. Oh, the feet were in the bushes, Her toes were in her hat. Stark-raven, un-shaven, Motorcycle Irene. My apologies to anyone whose appetite I may have just ruined.
(4)
Melanie S.
I went here Friday night for dinner with my Yelp partner in crime. I've been to the Wrigleyville location, but I'd never been to this location. As expected, same set up, although this one is smaller. Maybe Wrigleyville has more bikers than River West, but I doubt it. We got there around 8:00 and perused the beer menu. Since they were out of the Half-Acre's Ginger Twin beer, I opted for an Original Sin (my new obsession) and she got her default drink, a Stoli razz and soda. My friend and I ain't no salad-eatin' bitches. This is but one of the reasons why we get along so well. We decided to get an appetizer and burger to share. We ordered the buffalo chicken tenders and a Fatboy. The tenders were delicious and had the right amount of heat, and the portion was so large that we couldn't finish them. The burger was quite good, not Paramount Room-good, but perfectly fine. The accompanying fresh-cut fries were so hot and crispy that I couldn't stop eating them (sorry Keri for not leaving you any). The service was friendly and the food was good, so I'm sure I'll be back. I especially want to try the "Smut 'n Eggs" at midnight. Good clean fun.
I'm a big fan of Twisted spoke. Yes, the Pub has changed quite a bit over the years but I actually like it better looking back at things. I've been going there for 5 plus years now and I love that it has maintained many of their same employees. It makes for a great neighborhood bar. Their food is terrific and did I mention 1/2 off Whiskey Wednesdays..... which is amazing!!! The manager and bartender Shawn is a great guy and I hope to make it there tonight for 1/2 Whiskey Wednesdays.
(4)
Amanda N.
The wait staff was incredibly nice. We had to wait a bit for a large group of us for Sunday brunch, but the staff communicated to us about the status of our table. I hesitated about bringing my 2 year old, but they had high chairs or booster seats and chocolate milk. It was great. Do I have to mention how amazing the bloody Mary's and French toast are? Great service.
(5)
Jennifer P.
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!
(4)
AJ M.
Came here late after a hawks game. This is deff one of the better places to go before or after a game around the U.C. The layout inside is a little awkward cuz its kinda on a curb. Atthough the inside is full of motorcycle themed decorations which makes it unique. I heard the food is great. Although all i had was a Fatboy which was dissapointing. Sat at the bar and the bartender didnt seem to want to help us at all. Overall the outdoor seating seems nice and gotta go back and give them another shot .
(3)
Jill L.
Very delicious! Great chicken wings. Not a fan of the bacon tempura. If the bacon was more crunchy would have been a favorite. The salad was amazing with it. My husband said the buffalo catfish sandwich was one of the top five sandwiches of all times!
(4)
chris q.
Cliff from Twisted Spoke was so taken with my review that he's been writing me personal Yelp messages to insult me and tell me how ignorant I am. "This reminds of the time when I went to the Chicago Diner on a packed Friday night and told them to make me a steak. They said no, so I yelled at the top of my lungs, "You guys SUCK. If you really cared, you would go to the store, buy some meat and make what I want, not what you actually serve." Then there was that time that I went to Luc Thang and demanded some sushi. They explained that they don't make Japanese food. I got mad and said, "Hey, you're all Asian. I know you have some raw fish back there. Make me some damn sushi." They wouldn't, but because I was stuck there with a group of friends, I decided to get some Pad See Ewe. That's what all the ignorant white folks or kids who like sweet stuff without a hint of spice would order. It isn't really what I wanted, but I still feel like I got screwed. Everyone else had more than me. They suck too. By the way, 90% of the bunch options are some variant of eggs and come with homemade hash browns. I can't quite imagine why it would be so difficult to find an appropriate meal to order. I guess we will just have to go on sucking another 17 years without you." I guess I hurt his feelings. And apparently Cliff doesn't understand what constitutes "vegetarian." It's also my fault that his servers are unable to explain the restaurant's substitution policy. Yes, it is entirely my problem, not Cliff's, and I'll solve it by avoiding Twisted Spoke and letting everyone I know how terrible the place is.
(1)
Mindy S.
I have never been let down by an experience at Twisted Spoke. It was a hot summer Sunday afternoon, about 1pm and I wanted a greasy burger to satisfy my hunger pains after competing in a triathlon. I was thinking Kuma's, but I did not want the 2 hour wait. My amigas, who had also competed, wanted breakfast food, so we needed a place to accommodate all of our ravaging hungers. I don't remember who came up with the idea to go to Twisted Spoke, but a quick call revealed that the wait was short and we could sit outside, and they were still serving breakfast. Perfect! Their rooftop patio is simply amazing on a hot day. One of THE BEST in the city. The Fatboys (their burger) almost make me speechless, they are so good. On this particular visit, I topped it with everything good (bad for you), and had a side of onion rings and was completely satisfied. I thought I was dreaming the perfect dream while eating it. I believe I also had a fantastic bloody mary. I particularly want to point out that every server I've had has been attentive, informative, and enthusiastic. I've always had my water refilled quickly and I've never had a bad service experience. I've since been back at least one other time that I can remember and loved the experience just the same. If you don't live in the area, Twisted Spoke is worth the trip - trust me!! Parking is abundant in the area, the Grand bus drops right off, and the Chicago and Grand Blue Line stops are the closest L stops.
(5)
Catherine R.
I love the breakfast burrito but decided to try something new this time. Eggs w/brie, carmelized pears, (good) home fries, and sliced ham. And sitting on the roof was perfect on a lovely summer morning. The service was great. The only thing I'd change is that they need to get english muffins. I give it 3.5.
(3)
Jenna S.
OMG the Bloody Mary's!! Seriously, the best Bloody Mary I've ever had! It was made with homemade mix, a lot of pepper, and GARNISH! The garnish included some ham, salami, carrots, olives - I know, right? Insanity! Seriously delicious (and there's a veggie option for the vegetarians out there). I love Bloody Mary's and this is seriously the best one ever. AND they have a lot more going for them, as well. We went on a Saturday night and I was surprised that there weren't very many people in there. It is at a weird intersection (Grand and Ogden) with not much else around it, but I was still surprised. Their website posts drink specials, which is why I suggested we meet here in the first place, and they actually have good weekend specials. They had $3 Jameson cocktails, which is a steal on a Saturday night. Their beer list was great and they had a full bar with an experienced bartender (she was making great cocktails all night). Food was also excellent. They had a full menu, but I was a little disappointed that the prices were pretty high for standard bar fare (hamburgers, fries, etc). The bar itself had just recently been remodeled so everything was very clean and modern. There's a bar in the front with a few window tables but mostly bar seating. In the back there's tables and another bar. There's also an upstairs, but I'm not sure what goes on up there. There is an ATM, though. All in all, seriously fierce liquor, service and Bloody Mary's.
(5)
Doris D.
This is comfort food at its finest..you want cheese curds, you want greasy thick burgers, you want BBQ nachos, they got it, and its artery clogging at its finest. Bacon tempura for God's sake..enough said... Fast service, super cool staff, and great music. One star down because as the self described "bloody mary queen" of this city, I was not impressed by two of their six different types of bloodys. Nope...sorry..no amount of salami, shredded cheese and olives can make up for the right ingredients to make a solid bloody. This place feels grimey. And I like it.
(4)
Valerie D.
Best bloddy marys I've had in a long time. The roof top deck is a great place to sit on a sunny day and the corned beef hash is AWESOME!!!!!
(4)
Michael R.
Changed review to five stars, I've been back several times and had a great experience every time. The sausage gravy and biscuits blew me away. It was also a fun place to watch the Bears game.
(5)
Mark M.
Went here for a couple drinks and had a great time. Huge selection of good beers and the bloody Mary's were amazing
(5)
Kerry B.
Went here for lunch and had a great experience. You can get a fully loaded burger, fries, and a beer/soda all for $10. The service was very nice even though they were super busy she took time to make sure I got what I wanted. Great draft list and there are so many whiskeys, bourbons and scotches it truly blows your mind!
(4)
Chris d.
"Draft: No Crap on Tap" Right after seeing that on the menu, I knew I was in for a treat. So sick of all these other places that glorify horrible beer like Bud, Miller, etc. Also, it's annoying to have to go to some lame, upscale yuppie joint to find decent beer. About time a place has the right combination of quality brews & attitude. Our server was cool, knowledgeable and willing to take his time if we had questions about the menu. He never made us feel rushed. The sandwich & fries were good & so was the beer. No complaints whatsoever. Just a really cool place overall. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Andy P.
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!
(4)
Lauren B.
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.
(3)
Matt H.
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.
(5)
Griffin B.
I'm shocked at the amount of negative reviews on this place. This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite places to get a burger in Chicago and has a MASSIVE beer list. The staff is always extraordinarily friendly, the atmosphere is great and the food, as I've mentioned, is fantastic. Granted, it's more of a restaurant/bar with biker flair than a full on biker bar, but who gives a shit? I'm not going because I want to get hit in the head with a bottle and have my foot run over by a Hells Angel who hasn't showered in three days. Falafel sandwich? Yes, that's mine, thank you. Their outdoor seating area is great. It gets a bit packed in the summer but there's nothing better than having one of the hundreds of beers they have with a Chicago breeze hitting you. I've only hit up their brunch once and LOVED it. It's truly a carnivores delight. If you're too uptight about having waitstaff with tattoos and going to a place where they show porn on tv while you eat, then get your order to go. Otherwise, shut up and eat your fucking burger.
(5)
Marco D.
The twisted spoke seems to be an establishment that cannot decide whether it's a bar or restaurant. Unfortunately, you get the filth of the bar atmosphere with a restaurant component thrown in. As far as the food is concerned, I think it is pretty normal bar fare. The kind of thing that you'd order to keep yourself from drinking on an empty stomach. As with most other reviewers my main complaint is that the place needs to be scrubbed with bleach and then scrubbed again, with a good sanding between scrubbings. The tables, condiment bottles, menus all have a film of slime on them. I think that the price makes this place just ok rather than good. And the filth makes it a place I'd drive past to get a meal that was cooked under sanitary conditions. However the rooftop seating is quite nice. A Good place to drink, I'm not too hip on the grub.
(2)
Dustin W.
Headed over to the Twisted Spoke during Chicago Craft Beer Week for the Goose Island Twisted Goose event featuring Bourbon County beers from GI. The place was absolutely roaring when I arrived around 6:30pm for the event, and why wouldnt it be for such a great tasting event. I never actually even made it around the bar area as it was 5-6 deep, but I used my inspector gadget skills and safely secured a two person table that was overlooked in the back dining area next to some really kind folks (scored my first sailing invite ever!). I didnt eat anything, but all of the food looked and smelled delicious, and the people I asked said the burgers and fries they had were outstanding bar fare. I came for the brew and they certainly delivered. This has to be one of the finest beer collections in Chicago hands-down. They actually have a $200 beer you can buy shots of. i wont even describe it suffice to say that its barely beer, hardly liquor, and only for the weirdest, snobbiest elite beer advocates. Proabaly one of the more undescribable fluids Ive ever tasted. I was also shocked to see on draft, Gaverhopke Den Twaalf Quad : Holy Grab yourself, you wouldnt know it contained alcohol until the 12% ABV creeps up. And of course for the main event, all the beautiful black stout. The new MEN in town: Big John: Brewer's Notes: Inspired by the epic skyline of Chicago, Goose Island's brewers set out to craft Big John; a tall, bold slugger of a stout that stands out vividly against the little soft beers out there. Epic amounts of roasted malt and an addition of cacao nibs give Big John a massive chocolate flavor and aroma. With a body as substantial and black as the building to which it pays homage, Big John is sure to inspire a sense of awe with every sip. Recipe Information: Style: Imperial Stout Alcohol by Volume: 11.5% International Bitterness Units: 60 Color: Slate Black Hops: Columbus Malts: 2-Row, Munich, Chocolate, Caramel, Roasted Barley, De-bittered Black Serving Suggestions: Preferred Glass: Snifter Cellaring Notes: Develops in the bottle up to 5 years Nightstalker Brewer's Notes: A heavily-hopped imperial stout, Night Stalker is a heavyweight of a beer. It delivers a formidable punch of hops and rich roasted malt notes to the nose in a silky body that's as dark as night. Recipe Information: Style: Imperial Stout Alcohol by Volume: 11.7% International Bitterness Units: 60 Color: Midnight Hops: Mt Hood, Simcoe Malts: 2-Row, Munich, Chocolate, Caramel, Roasted Barley, De-Bittered Black Serving Suggestions: Preferred Glass: Snifter Cellaring Notes: Develops in the bottle over 5 years Lazarus Born out of the second runnings of Bourbon County Brand Stout, Lazarus isn't your standard "small beer". The deceiving alcohol blends with the roasted malt and the chocolate sweetness packed into the body of the beer. The Classic Grumpy Geezers : Motor Oil Love Bourbon County Stout 07, 08, 09, 10 Bourbon Couny Coffee Stout Honey Badger Bourbon County Vanilla Stout
(4)
Nam D.
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!
(4)
Megan L.
Oh Twisted Spoke, why has it been so long since my last visit? I promise not to stay away this long again! Normally I go for a burger when I'm at Twisted Spoke, but I was there on a (very hot) afternoon so I felt like having something a little lighter. I settled on the chicken tacos, which was the perfect choice. Very tasty and WOW did they pack a lot of chicken in them! There were three tacos, but seriously they probably could have made another three with all the meat in there. Definitely gonna get those again. And of course, I had to get a Bloody Mary - I mean, it's just wrong not to have one. Twisted Spoke's are just what a Bloody Mary should be - they have a lot of flavor, and don't taste watery when you add the vodka. And yes, they have plenty of vodka in them - despite a big lunch, I left with a little buzz. Mmmm, now I want a Bloody Mary...
(4)
Jason H.
w00t! I think I found my bar. Billions of beers (prices range from $2.40-$125/glass), billions of bottles whiskeys and other assortments of booze that can be drank straight up. $2.50 taps on Tuesdays, cool ambience, amazing rooftop patio, not overly trafficked. Good food for the soul (the homemade chicken wings with blue cheese is pretty bomb-diggity). I hope to move close to this bar and become a regular... o yeah i forgot to mention the sweet 'mascot' a full sized skeleton on a motorcycle.
(5)
Rachel W.
Biker bar vibe, unique, funky, awesome food, awesome drinks. They have this sweet roofdeck that is great for the summer. We come here for work lunch during hte summer. Huge sandwiches, great brunch, awesome chili. Their fried egg sandwich is amazing. Add avocado and split it because its enormous. One of my faves. Easy to find street parking.
(5)
Patrick G.
Read very closely & then transcribe into your own journal/diary: Go to Twisted Spoke on Ogden, get the fried egg sandwich and a bloody mary (comes with a draft beer side car like all bloody marys should). If you have been here and not done the above then it could be proven in a court of super important people that you have not been here. I was a regular at Twisted Spoke when I lived in the neighborhood. I was there before it was renovated, during its renovation and for a year or two after the fantastic, major renovation job. I always promised myself that I would explore other options on the menu --- I did once, think it was gumbo, pretty good -- but I always want/need/love the fried egg sandwich. Best I have ever had. Their bloodys are very serious too -- note: after having the "road rash Mary", ask them for a "bloody salma" for your second drink. I think that's what its called as it may not be on the menu. Its a bloody mary with latin flair; chipotle (?) vodka and chorizo or andouille sausage (I cant remember for probably obvious reasons). Their beer menu is impressive too. The bartenders are usually very tough gals but always sweet & knowledgeable when you get talking to them. Criminy, now I want an effing fried egg sandwich.
(4)
Carrie P.
Smut and Eggs....need I say more??!! It seems strange that I would be lured to this place over the promise of porn and brunch but its true. It can seem a bit intimidating when you see it from the outside as it is badged as a kind of biker bar but the staff and food are as good as a 4 star establishment. I also love bloody mary's and our entourage tried many of the ones they have on their bar menu....AWESOME!! They are creative and delicious....and CHEAP...only $8 for a good sized Bloody Mary and a side car of beer. The other drinks are just as good and affordable...the gutterslut and absinthe Manhattan we hits among our 4some. The bar staff of 2 were wonderful...very friendly and fun and really knowledgeable about the huge range of whiskys they carry. We would be back on saturdays just for those 2...:) Now the best..the food....it was outrageously good. We had poached eggs and corned beef hash...and our friends had the fried egg sandwich....they were so delicious!!! The food is high quality and done perfectly....this doesn't seem like bar food at all--I would love to try all the items... We will be back again and again.....the porn was what it was..porn..but I have to say it was made even better with good drinks and awesome food :)
(5)
Paul C.
This review is for breakfast only. Great spot for a Sunday brunch. A huge list of bloodies, for my girl. They have an amazing gumbo with a poached egg in it which is the perfect hangover cure. So delicious. Better gumbo than they have at Heaven on Seven, in my opinion. They do have a skillet with bratwurst in it--don't get that. Had that my first time visiting Twisted and I'm surprised I came back a second time, it was that bad. Great for Gumbo-awesomeness and Sunday morning drinking.
(4)
John W.
Hmm, what more could be said about this place?? The biker bar that isn't really a biker bar... 1st off, everything on the menu is greasy and deep fried. That being said, I love their falafel and the tahini but the hummos isn't that great. I hate their fries too. The bar area works a lot better now that it is in the front and way bigger than what it used to be in the back so that's a nice improvement. They have one of the best patios in the city...Well, its actually a rooftop deck with a great view of the city which on its own makes it worth going here. They also have a good beer selection so you should be able to find something you like. They also have Beam and Coke on tap...Or at least they used to and people still order Beam and Cokes. For drinking when it's nice out, this place rocks and if you like greasy bar food then this is also a place for you but if you are looking for something healthy go elsewhere.
(3)
A W.
Can you say Twisted Spoke is no joke?? Well, I'm sure you can actually speak it, but like. . . you know, the figure of speech and what-not. Yea. Seriously though. I think the whole grimy rough biker theme is pretty fun. It reminds me of my younger days riding motorcycles with the boys, stopping at different bars. Ah, nostalgia. I immediately felt comfortable walking in here. The staff fits (and actually most of the people sitting at the bar) with the tough look as I'm sure many would want to think twice before pissing them off, but they are actually quite friendly and offer great customer service. We came here to end my neighborhood tour as a party of 6 for brunch. It only took as long as setting the table up for us to get seated. Yay! Our fantastic waitress ( I hate that I forget names) was there shortly after to take our drink orders. As the menu before us was extensive, she was very understanding about us needing more time. Even after we got our drinks it still took a little bit to place our food order, yet she was patient and genuinely pleasant the whole while. The names of some the menu items may have you cracking up a bit. Like my drink, which was the Gutterslut. It had sass (sauza gold), was dirty (martini type dirty), and had some pucker (triple sec; sweet & sour mix). I can see the name, lol. For food, I had French Toast, which was sliced Italian bread soaked in this batter with orange liquer. Came with a ripe generous slice of cantaloupe and I got a side of meaty long strips of bacon to go with it. It was sooooooooo fantabulous!! Oooh, wait, gotta keep it tough. It was bodacious?? Yes?? I'm not a fan of any vegetables in juice form really or anything with the word 'bloody' in the title, especially followed by a female's name, for that matter. However, 3 ppl ordered different Bloody Marys at the table and they looked quite attractive. They all came with skewers of meat, peppers, and/or cheese, as well as a little chug of beer. I drink neither, but I still thought that was awesome. I liked my food and drink, exceedingly. It seemed everyone else, from the way they emptied their plates, liked their food as well. The place has great energy and setting. I'm definitely coming back to this place.
(4)
Justyna Z.
Great rooftop. Great atmosfere. My shrimp sandwich was just OK, but I will give this place another try.
(3)
Elaine C.
ohai, pls for you to add more pork, beer and cheez to my morning cocktails. kthnxbai
(3)
Steve M.
It's all about the bloody mary at Twisted Spoke. And, the roofdeck if the weather is nice. Take a healthy dose of vodka, add bloody mix, plenty of pepper, then take a skewer and affix a cocktail onion, slice of salami, pepperoncini, ANOTHER slice of salami, and a green olive. Top with shredded parmesan, and add a Pale Ale side car, and you're in business. They're seriously amazing. One star off for inconsistent service, and the SUUUUUPER annoying bikers that showed up and basically crowded our table while yelling and F-ing w/ the staff. (Not the Spoke's fault.)
(4)
Steven M.
FATBOYS FATBOYS What you gonna do, what you gonna do when i come eat you! So much indulgence whenever I eat here. The Original Bloody Mary is a great start, along with some tasty tempura bacon. I like that you can also go high or low on your beer's price. A Badass burger on a pretzel bun is how I always close it out though. Big and juicy, stacked with cheese, bacon and BBQ sauce.
(5)
Danielle O.
This place had delicious food, a wide variety of whiskeys, and unique and tasty drinks. We also had a friendly server, Tim, who really did seem to be trying his best with what turned into a confusing birthday party of about 25 on Saturday at midnight. I appreciate his effort, but when they hunted down and kicked out my friend for having an expired ID, everything started to go downhill very quickly. It just seemed like they got nervous when noticing how many of us there were and so decided to throw some of us out. Then, as nice as the server was, he started to lose track of the orders and so just threw checks together. I don't know if he screwed up or was just hoping we wouldn't check out the itemized receipts, but either way I was not happy being charged for about 7 extra drinks. This was an interesting place, but it was definitely hyped up and did NOT live up to the standards set in front of it. I have for sure experienced better.
(2)
marc r.
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.
(5)
Nikki C.
I love to hate on this place because it sucks for me that i actually like it. The rooftop on sunny summer days kicks freakin culo, the service is sometimes hit or miss, but the cold beer, the burgers and big gob of nachos always hits me right where i need it when I find myself here time after last time after last time ever again. Yes, I will be back to spend my money here, i will hate myself afterwards, in fact I hate myself for even thinking about this place.(big history with me and the owner so yes there is more to my review), but Twisted Spoke the restaurant, the bar, the place is bigger than he or I, and deserves the credit where its due.
(3)
natalie v.
I would have given them a four star review, but my burger came to me medium-well rather than medium-rare like I ordered it. I hate when meat is over-cooked. It was still good though. I love their french fries. I was there with 3 other people who loved their meals. Apparently, bathing in their biscuits and gravy would be great, so said one of my brunch-mates. The bloody mary comes with an elaborate garnish of meat, pepper, olive and onion. It also comes with a tiny beer! I love snacks with my drinks. Always a plus. If it had been just a tad warmer today, I'd have asked for a rooftop table. I've never eaten up there. I will one day. The service here is good. Prices are right. And you leave full. And definitely with enough alcohol in you. I was never a fan of the Twisted Spoke that was open in Wrigleyville for like five minutes. I've always been true to the original Twisted Spoke. I will continue to be true to it.
(3)
J S.
My favorite things here are: amazing home-made French fries, portabella fingers, and bloody marys. Note that as is often the case, the bloody marys come with lots and lots of meat as garnish, which could be awesome or bad depending on your opinion of meat. They also have $3 jim beam from a barrel on tap which is pretty amazing. Never had a problem getting street parking here, either. Check out their outdoor seating above, and if you like both smut and eggs... well be sure to ask about that. :)
(5)
Beth M.
It would be nice if there were more actual bikers at this bar, but I'll take what I can get! They play a lot of rock that I wouldn't hear elsewhere. Whiskey Wednesdays are awesome - half-price on all whiskey! I can splurge on something nicer without emptying my wallet. The beer selection is huge; there are probably three dozen on tap at any given time plus a page of quality bottles. They'll give you a taste of any of tap beers so you can pick what you like the best, which is helpful when they have a special offering, such as the Stone Brewery run they had recently. The staff is generally friendly and helpful in recommending beers, whiskeys and more. Recently my boyfriend accidentally knocked over his beer. Our server quickly wiped up the mess without a scowl and even replaced the beer! What nice service. I heard rumours that there isn't anything 100% vegan in the place, but I'll get the fried portobello sandwich without the cheese & mayo. So greasy and delicious. The fries are made there too, so they're a lot better than the typical reheated frozen ones offered at other bars. I tried the falafel sandwich (without the yoghurty tahini sauce), which wasn't as interesting. I do like the vinegar-based cole slaw that comes on the side. I think it's enhanced with booze...
(4)
Tom H.
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.
(4)
Kyle H.
I'm not a huge fan of a lot of the food here. Some of it is good, some of it mediocre and some of it (like the fries!) just sucks. Some of it, however, is awesome. The fried egg sandwich is amazing. I really like the wings (but I like most wings) also. The burger is good but too big for me (I like burgers more for toppings than meat, so sue me.). The fries are just... I just don't like them. They taste like all ends, if that makes sense. I know they're probably hand cut or whatever, and that's why they're like that.. but they seriously taste like the burnt ends at the bottom of the pile of fries that you try to avoid. The whole pile tastes like that. But I digress - the less fries I eat, the better for the size of my ass. The drinks are awesome - the bloodies are to die for. The beer selection (bottles and draft) is phenomenal. The whiskey selection is also awesome, but I tend to keep to my classics. Which is what WHISKEY WEDNESDAY is for!! All of the whiskies are HALF PRICE. So you can drink something that you wouldn't normally be able to afford, which is always fun. It's not just Whiskey Wednesday, their other "happy hour" type specials are also a good deal. I've only been around to see Saturday night transition into Smut and Eggs once, and it was a hilarious surprise, although the porn itself was from like, 1968, all grainy and full of body hair. Always appetizing, always entertaining. Gross. ;)
(4)
susan m.
I can now say I've been there and done that and move on. From all these reviews, I think the quality is what you are looking for. I am a foodie and overall, I was unimpressed. Nice people. Nice rooftop. My Smokin Salma bloody Mary was in insult to Salma. The home made mix was very tasteless. The chorizo in it tasted like freezer-burned meat (old). I have never had a problem finishing a bloody mary before. The lemon chicken wings looked good and were also pretty tasteless. They were the type of leftover you only eat because there is nothing else in the frige. The burger was just "burger." The tempura bacon WAS good. I only wish the drink could have complimented it. I didn't drink the beer and I would guess that and the whisky are the focus here. I didn't drink enough to like this place. Sigh. I wanted to.
(2)
Erika G.
I loves me the spoke. Had a taste for wings last night, and popped over. They have the perfect sauce, tangy/sour, but the wings are a bit fatty - need to be broiled so the fat drips off. Otherwise good, though. I've been here for breakfast before, and it's all about the WISCONSIN SCRAMBLE, yes, I like brats! Is it wrong? And the Bloody Marys - they may be the best in the city here, with the salami and the spices . . . mmmmm . . . I want one right now! And the rooftop is fab. Oh, and the place is free of attitude, I've always found the biker types to be extremely friendly.
(4)
Jade T.
Observations. - Is Twisted Spoke truly a biker bar, or just a bar with a biker theme? (I think it's the latter.) - Large menu. The one on their website is just a few pages of the real deal. - BEER BEER BEER BEER! (Shouldn't bikers NOT drink?) - Not too vegetarian friendly. (Bikers, who sport metal and leather EVERYTHING, aren't known to be loving of vegetables.) - Moderate prices. ($9 for a Portabello Sandwich? Not bad for the portions.) - The Jalepeno poppers are mini-sized and great for sharing (12 for like $6?) I would totally bring my imaginary children here too.
(3)
Michael P.
So now this is apparently the third time they've re-decorated since I've been going here (used to go when it was a dump), and the food tastes the same as always - incrediblissimo! (THAT'S RIGHT! I made up a word!) Maybe it's because they've never updated (i.e. cleaned!) the kitchen. Whatever, the food was fantastic today for lunch. A few years ago I saw a minivan with the standard three snotty kids with the blond Moe haircuts unloading, I thought, "there goes this place, the suburbanites think it's "city cool" to go to ..." But nope, despite some (good!) upgrades (the beer menu mostly) this place has stayed true to the food. Chicken burrito - six flags! Side of fries with all the little extra potato crunchy bits - six flags! Side of their housemaid BBQ sauce - six flags! Burger and BM (bloody mary) for Flowers - six flags! What else can you say about a place with over 150 reviews and a 4/5 star average? Six flags - more flags, more fun!
(5)
Eric M.
Strong drinks and giant sandwiches? I'm in! I'm not sure of the exact name of the drink I had but I'll call it Adult Rootbeer. It's apparently some form of root beer distilled in a way that it becomes alcoholic. It was outstanding. I ate the shrimp po boy which is a must have. The place is rundown and the staff can come off as though they don't care, but I'm still happy to go back again.
(4)
Jim B.
Many moons ago I lived down the street from The Twisted Spoke. We ate, drank, and we merry. The place was always fantastic. I returned last week to the vastly different, but still the same place with a friend for a late dinner, and again, the spoke did not disappoint. In a packed room, the staff was quick and courteous, offering us a few table options. The food was fantastic. I don't see the need to wait in line for hours for a burger and fries when theirs tastes so good! I will return.
(5)
Brandie T.
The flash 'intro' leads to a porn-worthy splash page. I thought for a moment the site had been hijacked by hackers and I was being led to a porn site -- c'mon, I'm at work here people! ... wait ... this is for their restaurant ??!? ... THIS IS THEIR "RESTAURANT" MAIN PAGE ?!? Now that you have the "attention" of the average horn-dog, they'll come and spend any amount of money for the ... "food", especially if the website is an indicator of their potential experience. The office ordered lunch one day at the request of a co-worker as their choice of eatery that Friday and being a fan of meat loaf -- I noted they had a meatloaf sandwich on the menu -- WORST . MEATLOAF . EVER. My MOTHER could do better ... and she could KILL some food! But ... because the splash page is NOTEDLY gratuitous sexual .. a man would have effused on how 'delicious' it was. Porn me up beh-beh! yeah ... NO. no amount of sexual innuendo is going to enhance bad food. Not impressed.
(1)
Brad B.
Twisted Spoke, I love you. There, I said it. Even more than ever before because you now serve Stone brewery's beers - on tap even. The food = good for a bar. The ambiance = a great place to get your drink on with friends. The location = kinda sucktacular because of its lack of proximity to a train that actually takes me someplace I wanna go. But, whatever.
(4)
Raj S.
I want to like the Twisted Spoke more than I really do. It's fine enough place to hang out and have a drink, but I don't exactly get the appeal. The place has this sort of tough guy biker motif going, but it's most full of locals, bicyclists, and hipsters. They have a great craft beer and whiskey selection, but so do so many places in Chicago these days. Apparently the bloody mary is quite good too but personally I've never understood the appeal of that particular drink. The food oscillates between nothing special and subpar. My last visit I had to the shrimp po' boy, which they claim is some sort of house specialty. I don't get it; it was salty, the shrimp were breaded and deep fried and still tasted kind of fishy. I used to live much closer to the Twisted Spoke but nowadays I don't see any compelling reason to schlep down there. I'd stop in for a beer if I was in the area.
(3)
Mahsa T.
Great artery-clogging food. Fried egg sandwich was delicious! Wings were also awesome. My Bloody Mary was good but kind of scary-looking with a bunch of salami hanging off of it. This place has the tough biker-themed look down pat. Service was slow but friendly during lunch.
(3)
John T.
So It's a Saturday night and I was kinda hungry. I convinced my girl to get out of bed for "Smut and Eggs" . Anyway we get down there and start out with some nice beers..Well that was the only thing nice about this place. She orders a garden salad and it comes with a rock, hard, stone crouton on top, inedible by even a garbage disposal unit. It'd probably jam. I order the chicken tacos after the first bite I was wondering how long this plate was sitting around. Did they cook these things? The rice was ice cold along with the black beans. After 30 minutes looking around for our server Matt, I tell him of my problems with my food, He tells me the rice and beans are supposed to be cold. Really? Then he asks me if I want them to heat it up for me. I agree and he takes it and a few minutes later he returns with the food the same tempeture. Did he rest it under the heat lamps? I tell him I dont think I should be paying for this and he replies "Well you already ate some of it." and we tell him' That was due to the fact we were sitting around waiting, wondering when and if he'd return to check up on us. To sum it all up. Twisted Spoke...one of the worst dining experiences ever. I don't think I could ever go back..and I wonder who did they pay to give them good reviews? I guess the Bloody marys are ok..But there is a place over the Wisconsin border that blows theirs away. Nothing exceptional here but exceptionally horrible food and service. I shall not return.
(1)
Stephen F.
You gotta like the attitude in here. Horror movies on the TVs (sometimes porno, I hear) and the randomest schlock you can imagine scattered about. Good selection of drinks served without an attitude. Truly awful greasy bar food to sop it up. Had a very memorable night here last year. Good times.
(4)
Frances C.
Alright, look. I'm pretty much over this place for a number of reasons. It's not that they're too pricey or that the service is bad or even the ambiance--all of those seem to be in order, but it's just so ....whatever. I've been here a couple of times, usually when my 1st or 2nd choice brunch spots are busy and I can't get a table. So, I figure I could at least get some basic brunch essentials here and it just ends up being the last resort. And it's not like I get anything that fancy anyways--eggs, meat, toast, coffee. Done. There's just no WOW factor there and the breakfast sausage doesn't work, it's Italian and just doesnt do anything for me. Plus, the part that really irritated me last time I went there was the fact that I was watching the staff eat breakfast in the kitchen. They were in plain sight from my seat and I don't know...something not cool about that. So, whatever Twisted Spoke.
(2)
Vanna T.
Burgers are where it's at at this place. Fresh halved grilled jalepenos and the most amazing fries. Green Goddess dressing (their closest thing to ranch) is honestly the reasoon I go. Bathrooms are rather gross, and you leave feeling pretty greasy after eating that burger which is the reason for the 3 stars, but the burger is bomb.com and service good.
(3)
Jamie O.
Twisted Spoke as a bar, 4 stars for a spicy bloody mary; Twisted Spoke as a restaurant, 2 stars for poor ingredients and taste. If you are looking for a hangover cure, go here. jamieott.wordpress.com
(2)
Simma Down Na H.
Found out about this place from "Check, Please?" I couldn't wait to try it out...so I came to this place one week later. Tons of drafts and whisky. Friendly service. You have got to get the nachos with pulled pork!!! So good! (I love being American) I got a burger (don't even ask me what it was because I was buzzed by the time we ordered) but it was delish! This place left me and my date really satisfied!
(4)
Amy T.
This is, by far, my all-time favorite bar. I don't know why - it makes no sense that it ought to be, but it is. No, Nancy N., nobody solicited this review. I've been going there weekly for the past few years, as I work nearby. They have some great specials (a dozen beers - draft and bottle - for $2.50 on Tuesday, half off whiskey on Wednesday) and there is not any food on the menu that isn't good. I think their bloodies are the best I've ever had, and the Genny back is a nice touch. I'll admit that the service here can be a little challenging. Their bottle list is outrageously overpriced. So drink what's on draft, and bring a little patience (especially on the roof in the summer, my favorite outdoor haunt).
(5)
J J.
Good food. Great beer selection. Whiskey 1/2 off Wednesday's. Need I say more?
(4)
Ryan K.
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.
(1)
Alma V.
Really cool vibe, reminds me of home in Milwaukee where we know how to do brunch and eat well! Sadly, Chicago still can't figure out how to do the bloody Mary, and nor can this place. Shredded cheese? gross! The sausage is nice, but no one in this freaking city puts Worchester in their bloodies??? WTH? A bloody mary basic needs:Worchester or steak sauce, splash brine (usually from pickle juice), splash beer (preferrably dark like a stout), celery salt, hot sauce, lemon/lime pre squeezed,pepper! Shaken and then poured, and with a beer chaser coming standard! Chicago only puts tomato juice with vokda and hot sauce, sick!!! You are so close to Wisconsin and you can't get creative? We even do rosemary infused bloody mary mixes, or we add dill! And a real block of cheese versus shredded cheese please! Maybe some shrimp! Okay, aside from my bloody Mary rant, the food was good, super brunchy and hangover friendly, and the bar was banging! Cool style, good atmosphere, great taps! Def a gastro pub when it comes to the booze! Please, be the first to make the Bloody Mary the bomb like we do in Milwaukee! In fact, copy Hollander, Beneluxe, and Comet for ideas on banging bloody Mary's! please somebody listen!
(4)
Mike M.
So help me jeebus if you don't head over to this place, I will be very sad. The lemon wings are a must-order. They light them on fire. And then they taste good. Following the fire-lighting. Also: if you need veggie comfort food, you must order the fried portabella sandwich. Vegetarians can eat an occasional heavy meal, you know! And this one isn't even that heavy. The portabella is breaded just right, it's fried deliciousness, the bun is perfect... just go and eat it right now. Do it. And the bar staff, while tattooed to the point of intimidation, is very friendly.
(5)
Nisa D.
Hmmmmm where to start!! I been wanting to try this place for the longest and it was a total disappointment :(.. Got there and the place is dirty from floor to tables, we got seated and we looked at the menu and it was falling apart unable to read it with all the stains on it. I decided to go with the grill 4 cheese sandwich, ughhh worst sandwich ever no taste at all i mean how hard its to make a good grill cheese and it came with some cabbage type of salad and that was awful as well. Waiter just dropped the food and came to drop the bill that was it! definitely not going back
(1)
Ray K.
Went for drinks just for the roof top deck. Great space. No tv's up there so if you want to watch the game outside, try another place. Great beer selection, want to go back to try the food.
(3)
Tom D.
Was there Saturday. Terrible service . A inept bartender cost a bar so much money over the course if a day, week, year. Waiting 20 mins at the bar with zero service. It was busy but not packed. Love their food but had to go down the street. If I was the owner I'd be firing people.
(1)
Jack P.
I would have given two stars, but for the fantasic, creative bloody Mary's and the nice bartenders. Don't know how they get so much food on top of a cocktail. I have had brunch or breakfast here twice and thought the food was just average. And for some reason I thought it would be some authentic Biker Bar, like a Hop Leaf or an Old Town Pub is authentic ;not a gimmicky uber-faux, overly-decorated place that you might find in a suburban mall.
(3)
Kelley B.
For a place known for their burgers... not the best I had... actually not good at all. The burgers weren't cooked like we had ordered them, and the frys tasted like the oil hadn't been changed for quite awhile. Won't go back for the food, ever. The only redeeming quality was the beer list and the bloody marys. If you want a good burger, go to The Lockdown. I've never been disappointed there.
(2)
Jessica M.
I've only had brunch at the Twisted Spoke, and I've only had the Fried Egg Sandwich. But I had to write a review to say that: This is the BEST FRIED EGG SANDWICH I have ever had. It is absolutely amazing. I am literally am obsessed with getting back there to have it again. Go now.
(5)
Dolly V.
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.
(3)
Zoran O.
Its seen better days - really miss the small BAR there - it has really changed over years - not sure why!? The only addition I like is the the roof top eats - they is fun with a few people. The food Is still good and the beers are ok too - both lost a little bit from what was a few years back - but I will still go back for more.
(3)
Erin P.
Mussels, mussels, mussels! 135 reviews; the majority mentioning the amazing bloody marys (which come with so many accompaniments you could make a meal out of the drink) or the smut 'n eggs porn nights on the weekends. But the only ones mentioning the amazing mussels are from the girls I went there with. How did you people miss this winning appetizer made flavorful and spicy with the (famous) Twisted Spoke bloody mary mix and bacon? Next time you are catching sun on their rooftop patio, (and drinking) make sure you add an order of mussels to the mix!
(5)
Denise O.
Ok, so I havent been to this place in a while. But I wanted to review it anyway because its a great little place. I used to go to the one in Wrigleyville, but they closed it down, thankfully there is still the one on Odgen. This place is a little divey, looks like a biker spot with all the deco, but I've never seen a biker there. The people are friendly and the food is pretty good too, especially their bufalo wings. Mmmmm WINGS!!!! Although my favorite thing about Twisted Spoke is definetly the Bloody Mary. They serve, in my opinion, one of the best bloodies in the city. Its most definetly a meal in a drink. They put a skwer of meat, olives,peperoncini, onion... the works! Its big, hearty, spicy, tasty, and they even give you a little beer chaser too! They have a decent beer selection and usually have good deals on drinks. Overall a cool place to hang out if you like to keep it low key.
(4)
Joy S.
Hey this place was awesome. The Harley and Honda parts decorations were cool! The server was very nice and a little kinky! The food selections were extensive but I wasn't happy with the bland guacamole I ordered. Next time, I will try something different. I love the roof top seating! Definitely worth going again. Next time, I am going to put a little note on the bathroom wall. :-)
(4)
OldIrvingPoodle H.
The fatboy.. Do it! Smut at midnight on Saturdays! Neighborhood gem for all cultures, types, and favors!
(5)
Sarah F.
The Twisted Spoke is one of our brunch stand-bys, especially in the warmer months when the rooftop patio area is open. Brunch menu is skewed more toward savory than sweet options, and is heaven for those who need a daily dose of chorizo (you can find it in the breakfast tacos, breakfast burrito, or the "chila-killas"). If you're vegetarian or craving something on the sweet side, go for the Elvis toast, French toast with peanut butter and bananas. We usually fight over who's going to order it. Shame on you if you don't make room for a bloody Mary. And you do need to make room - their several versions are topped with a veritable salad of garnishes and come with a beer back. They're well worth $8. If you're not a bloody Mary fan, the extensive beer list might also draw you in.
(5)
Melissa S.
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.
(2)
Steven W.
Great drinks: the $8 you pay for your Bloody Mary is well worth it and I doubly appreciate the accompanying sidecar of beer (go for the Bloody Queen which is made with gin and garnished with shrimp). The Fried Egg Sandwich truly is something to behold: if you are on the cusp of needing something substantial like a burger to curb a hangover but don't want to overdo it, then it will more than satisfy your craving for mayo/cheese/fat/everything-under-the-sun without leaving you feeling too full. The corned beef hash left a little something to be desired: although I'm certain the counter argument is that it is "real" corned beef hash - whatever that means - where I am from authentic corned beef hash comes in a can, costs $0.99 and closely resembles dog food. It tasted gamy (I am not sure if 'gamy' is particularly right in this context, but let's just say my first thought was "what the hell...is this rotten?") and I ended up staring at a Fried Egg Sandwich across the table for the rest of my meal. Otherwise a fine spot for brunch. R.I.P. DIMEBAG
(4)
Skp S.
Terrible execution on the food and drinks. We really wanted to like this place. We're foodies. Great looking place. Very nice staff. Great sounding menu... Very creative, but the food is so poorly prepared. The tempura Bacon was actually soggy beer battered Bacon. The bloody Mary sounded magnificent but tasted horrible. Also had the seared tuna... The most unbelievably bland sandwich accompanied by soggy fries... Yet they looked and tasted burned. Every single thing we had was terrible except for the caper berry slaw that came on the side of the plate with the Bacon. We could look past one of these items being sub par, but come on guys... Not one thing we ordered was even average. Just a waste of time and money. It's hard to understand how someone could design such a cool spot and even cooler menu and then completely blow it on the execution. We felt it was just so poor that we were compelled to write a review. And typically we like to only write about places we love. Never coming back for a second chance on this one. Currently down the street trying a second meal at another restaurant.
(1)
Brandon C.
This place has great food and Whiskey. If you are a Whiskey fan dont get what you want, tell the bartender what you like and have them do it. I had a brand that Cliff the owner recommended named "Ancient Age" and it was awesome. $5 too! I liked it better than Johnny Walker Black, not Blue. The food seems revolve around 3 things: 1) Boss Hogg (BBQ pork) 2) Burgers 3) Fried Egg Sandwich (easily feeds two! AWESOME!) Thumbs up all the way. Brandon
(5)
Michael W.
Solid burger. Always a great beer selection. The music is an acquired taste. One of my wife and I's favorite places when neither one of us wants to make a decision for dinner.
(4)
Amy H.
Here's the thing...I grew up where Harley Davidson's are made. I used to ride with friends and, yes, I have worn chaps in my lifetime. So, I don't really think the bike culture is cool, or hip, or a novelty, which is what Twisted Spoke seems to be saying. This place really bothers me because I feel like I'm in a dive bar/gas station but they charge $6 for a bottle of Miller Lite. No thank you! 3/8/07 ETA: I was contacted by the GM of Twisted Spoke through Yelp. It appears that I was charged incorrectly for my beer and she offered to amend the situation by sending me a gift certificate. Bottle beer at the Twisted Spoke is $4 and not $6. Make sure that you are not overcharged!
(2)
Jess V.
"I feel like a delicious brew. Let's head to Twisted Spoke for one." Next thing I know I have woken up the next morning with a slight headache and flashes of sitting at the bar and trying new beers-- all delicious, all over 10 percent ABV. I don't mind the headache, because it's from too many good beers, not too many bad beers. And I know I had a smile on my face the night before. Twisted Spoke has such an incredible draft list that all I can do is recommend you go tonight to try several. But please make sure you don't have plans for the following early morning. The male bartender with square glasses is very kind, and always willing to help you choose between the two or three beers on your list. Sometimes he will even give you a sample to help you decide. The food here is delicious as well. I crave their guacamole and chips, and the quesadilla is delicious. Don't get me started on the shrimp po' boy, because I'll tell you how bad it is for you and how good it tastes. If you come on an early afternoon, the Road Rash Bloody Mary is a necessity. One of the best bloodies I have ever had. I left off a star due to sometimes shoddy service. If they are really busy and understaffed, it can take 30 minutes to get a bill-- at the bar-- for two beverages. But overall this place is great and generally the service is good.
(4)
John M.
we came for breakfast on a saturday morning. the table we sat at was seriously out of whack. water was everywhere. we told the waitress and she said "yeah our tables suck." this was beyond the sugar packet shim solution. we ordered off the breakfast menu--i went with the hash, my girlfriend got the breakfast burrito. my hash was pretty flavorless. not really crispy at all. it did have big hunks of brisket, but that too was flavorless. same for the girlfriend's burrito. she added avocado and doused it in cholula and still no flavor. our waitress was nice and quick on the coffee refills. overall i would not go back for brunch. maybe drinks and burgers are a different story?
(2)
Teresa C.
Fatboys (burgers), bloodiest, brunch and fine cocktails! Our watering hole in the shire.
(5)
Phil P.
Okay. Why the five stars.... because they know how to cure a hangover. Yes it the beat place to go when you have one, for sure. The food was tasteful, fattening, and priced right. I love coming here on Sunday mornings. They have one of the largest drink selections I have seen in the city. Tons of beers to choose from. Bloodmarys are awesome and they serve them with a shot of beer. The outdoor seating is perfect. Very diverse crowd. Service is topnotch. Friendly bartenders and wait staff. Oh and they play smut videos at times - I think early in the AM. Never seen it but they advertise it in their menu... Different that for sure.
(5)
J T.
Consistant and good. I have eaten here more than 100 times and frankly have never been bummed in doing so. I really am a fan of the spoke. Thanks for all the great years in my hood.
(5)
Kerri A.
Let's address the fact that my most recent reviews have both involved places with the word "Twisted" in it. That's twisted in and of itself. Twisted Spoke: a hidden gem of a semi-biker bar with picnic tables on their rooftop and attentive staff? Don't mind if we do! It was a nice cooler Thursday evening and we sat on the rooftop and sipped on the drink special of the day, a $5 Gutter Slut Margarita. Heck yes. Tequila was plentiful in that one drink. I ordered the chicken tacos - but really had a hard time deciding because everything on the menu sounded kind of awesome. I chose wisely - they were delicious. A slightly twisted take on your typical Mexican restaurant tacos because the tortilla was slightly crispy. The waiter laughed at me when I overzealously said "YES" when he asked I'd need sour cream. Their menu is sheets of paper attached to a clipboard. Oh simplicity, I adore thee. All in all, it was such a cool place. Any time you can sit outside, on a roof, at a picnic table and witness a skeleton riding a motorcycle as decor spinning around at the corner, you take that time and enjoy it.
(4)
Kate F.
Do NOT get the bacon tempura or fish and chips. Absolutely disgusting. Horrible breading and completely overcooked. I live across the street and was craving fried food, so I went there...big mistake. I wasted $40. Stick to their brunch...fantastic.
(3)
Adrian W.
Lucero being played on their speaker system. Decent line up of taps, though no Guiness. Bartenders were solid, I mean, they were very observant and willing to dole out samples of anything - vodka, beerz and wine. My gripe comes from the ridiculously large televisions here. For being a 'biker' bar, I wouldn't expect something outta BroDawgCentral here. I'd come back to try the food and perhaps the Allagash.
(3)
David K.
This place is more of a 3.5 but not quite a 4. It's allegedly a biker bar, but the only people that looked like bikers (whatever that actually means) were the employees. I was there for lunch and everybody was dressed business casual. They have a pretty extensive beer list and a decent food menu. Everything on the food menu is around 10 bucks and they have the pretty standard bar food (burgers, sandwiches, apps, etc...). I ended up getting their lunch special which is a burger (you can have lettuce, tomatoes, onions - raw or grilled, grilled jalapeno, bacon, and cheese added on to your burger. Avacado - which the Twisted Spoke calls the little green orb - is also available for a buck more), fries, and a drink (pop or the cheap NASCAR beer). It was $10 before taxes and tips, so not a bad deal. It's a half pound burger so its a pretty decent size. They have an upstairs patio that has a pretty good view of downtown. Service was friendly and attentive. This actually seems like a place where business meetings would occur, at least during lunch.
(3)
Majel K.
I keep trying, and keep being disappointed. The drinks are usually unnecessarily expensive, unless you randomly get a special, which isn't always brought to your attention. The food has always been subpar (to me anyway). Too much Iceberg lettuce and less than delicious turkey on the club sandwich; it pretty much fell apart immediately. The cole slaw is insanely vinegar-y, or something. I guess if you just get a burger, you would be fine, but plan on blowing $80 for two people to eat and have a couple drinks. Bartenders are usually nice enough, I've never had a problem with service here. It's just too expensive for what it is...
(2)
Jen H.
This place has a crappy gay joke on their menu. Wish they didn't- I would love to come here again but don't want my money to go to a bunch of homophobic folks.
(1)
Nicole S.
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.
(3)
Ms G.
Best Bloody Mary - anywhere - repeat - superb Bloody Marys. Tremendous food value, too. Monster burgers and much much more. Most nights there are excellent drink specials. This place is not to be missed: thanks to my Seattle friends who nagged me to go out of my way to try it. Note! Their website is WAY out of date. This is the only Twisted Spoke, the one up North closed some time ago.
(5)
Michelle M.
Eh. I had been here before for lunch and thought the sandwiches were great. There are much better brunch places in the city. I ordered the chilaquiles. They were probably the worst I ever had. I often order this as a brunch item. There was nothing on the tortillas! No meat, no eggs, nothing. I also ordered a cinnamon bun to share with my guest and I could tell it was either frozen or made quite some time ago. I do have to say that the bloody mary my guest ordered was great.
(3)
Brian S.
I have more and more fun every time I'm back.
(5)
Suzy C.
For the food, i would give this place three stars, but it gets an extra star for the following three reasons: 1. Their bloody mary is AWESOME. Best in the city, in my opinion. 2. You never have to wait for a seat for Sunday Brunch. If you do, it's never more than 10 minutes. 3. Good portions! The food is pretty decent here, nothing to complain about too much. The chorizo breakfast burrito is great, as are their non brunch foods like their burgers. It's just good consistent food, nothing too spectacular. I love going here for brunch because i absolutely love the bloody mary's here. That drink is worth it alone. It even comes with a great beer chaser. If you are craving pancakes, this isn't the place to come, but otherwise, I would recommend it for brunch.
(4)
Hannah G.
My first experience at this fun biker bar was for breakfast. I had 2 Smokin' Salma Bloody Marys - spicy, packed with parmesan cheese and 2 chunks of chorizo - a recipe for happiness in my book!! Then I had some Mexican-style egg scramble with tortilla chips in it that just hit the hungover spot! :) Breakfasts here have yet to disappoint me. Most recently, my friend and I went for a late dinner / snack. She ordered the Bloody with smoked bacon or something in it - and Woa! It was so smokey, I couldn't really tell what the drink was supposed to be! We ordered the flaming lemon garlic chicken wings which were pretty buttery and rather disappointing. The fries were hyped up on here, but I didn't think they were anything out of the ordinary. We also ordered the portabella mushroom sticks (something like that) and again not wowed. I didn't like the breading on the mushrooms, didn't really do anything for bringing out the flavor of the 'shrooms! Conclusions: good bar if you don't like packed places and prefer a laid-back vibe. Food wise, I think their forte is in the morning!
(4)
Brittany B.
Seriously, this is my favorite place! So excited that I'm going to be moving right nearby it! I love this place in spite of the whole biker theme...not really my thing, but it's such a great place! In the summer, the roof top deck is absolutely amazing. I could spend all day up there sampling drinks from their witty menu. They have a great selection! In the winter, the interior is a little chilly... no "coziness" at all...might be the stainless steel tables and lots of slightly drafty windows and high ceilings. Everything I have ordered here has been awesome. I love the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs (with real corned beef!) for brunch. They truly do have phenomenal bloody marys with crazy garnishes and a beer-back. The burgers! Oh, the burgers. The pretzely bun, the perfect selection of toppings! The juicy beefy goodness! You don't even need to go to Kuma's Corner for the perfect yummy burger We always seem to have the same waitress, Selma, who is super nice and perfectly paced in her service! Love yah Selma!!! Great value! great food! I could live with out the "theme-y-ness" of it, but it's worth it!
(5)
Kush D.
3.5 stars in my book. The food is very unique, but sometimes the service (on the terrace most notably) can be a little off, though friendliness from the staff is plentiful. I've just had stuff forgotten a few times...though it won't stop me from coming back. The tempura bacon is over-the-top...and delicious. Burgers are good, probably not in the top echelon though. I do like the flexibility in constructing my own burger monster, however. Beer selection is good, though my first choice always seems to be gone. I don't hold this against them though, that's probably the reality of having craft beer from all over the country. My next visit, I'll hit up the whiskey off the cask.
(3)
Colleen R.
I've only been to the Twisted Spoke for lunch, and I found that despite its attempts to be edgy (see: bathrooms labeled "Chicks" and "Dicks"), it was pretty tame. A couple spoon-feeding a baby was seated next to us. I'm assuming the crowd is different after midnight on Saturdays, when they turn on the old-school porn. Appetizing. My menu had dribbles of someone else's food on it, so I quickly ordered the first thing I saw -- fish tacos, my old standby. They were pretty good, and generously portioned, so they became dinner that night, too. Judging from the rest of the reviews, it looks like I'll have to give brunch a try sometime... maybe when I'm in the mood for a little attitude with my bacon and eggs.
(3)
Jon E.
I've had most things on the menu by now, and they're all good. Especially memorable are the deviled eggs. They're actually kind of amazing. So is the shrimp po' boy. The meatloaf is really good too... and these fries are addictive. Great now im hungry, and I just ate here last night. I go here for whiskey Wednesdays... and now I'm an educated lover of the spirit. I already loved a good bourbon or scotch before coming here, but at this point I've sampled so many I can actually have an intelligent discussion about the refined world of whiskeys. My plan is to come here more this summer and enjoy the food on the roof deck, I seem to always find myself saddled up to the bar...
(4)
Melissa H.
I like my meat. And I prefer it to not come out a of a can. That's why I love the Spoke's version of corned beef hash. Big ole' chunks of fresh corned beef, delectable potatoes, perfectly poached eggs. So yummy. And I wasn't even hung over! And a big plus - the bloody marys. What could be better than taking in the nectar of the gods, complete with a stick of salami shoved down in the glass? Nada. Nothing. Zip. It's like heaven. Meat heaven.
(4)
Christina R.
It was past midnight on a Saturday, rainy and cold, my boyfriend was hungry and annoying. As usual we couldn't decide where to go. When I mentioned the Spoke, he sulked. Until we drove by...PORN! I don't think I've ever seen him turn such a 180. Yep, every Saturday late, Smutt N Eggs. Old school cheesy porn on two flat screens viewable from the street, a fabulous liquor selection and a side of eggs. Or how about a meaty cocktail? The food is great and I always enjoy the crowd. Tempura bacon, need I say more?
(5)
Andy M.
About the only good thing about this bar is that there are not any bikers ever here. This is a bike themed bar and resteraunt with about average bar food. There is a nice view from the roof top and they seem to serve some bloddy mary drinks that only women like. They do have a great large beer selection for men however and this place is OK. It is overrated in popularity and has a bad location if you are looking to park a car.
(2)
Kimberly K.
I've eat here a few more times now and have to say the food is just okay. The drinks are good and strong and interesting though!
(3)
Bryan T.
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
(4)
Jamie A.
My favorite restaurant in Chicago. But I'm not fancy. If you like heaping helpings of greasy, fried food, the Spoke will speak to you. I love, love, love the shrimp po'boy; I wish more restaurants - outside of Heaven on Seven - had this. Their falafal is a close second fave. They also have a kick ass brunch with a world-famous bloody mary (you can even buy their mix!). But I prefer their ginormous mimosas. Can you say "hair of the dog"? Service is hit-or-miss. Sometimes you'll get an easy going biker chick; sometimes you'll get a d-bag who can't even be bothered to look you in the eye. But the eye candy and grub is worth it.
(5)
Dylan F.
I like the fact that this place has a biker motif but other than that it's forgettable. The food was mediocre at best. The fish was coated in so much batter and grease it made my girlfriend ill. My tacos were dry and bland. The beer list is decent doesn't distinguish it from the countless other bars offering tons of microbrews. We sat on the rooftop which has a picnic table set-up which feels more appropriate for a county park. Hard to "lounge" at a picnic table. Also, there is no view of anything worth looking at. Our server was a greaseball and a putz and mumbled. Finally, I left my credit card (admittedly my fault) and instead of being there when I called back 10 hours later it was gone. A call to Amex revealed that 800 dollars worth of charges had been put on it around the city during that time. I'm not making any accusations, but the entire experience left a bad taste in my mouth.
(2)
cj h.
Reasons for poor review. 1 Place smells like a cleaning agent that brought me right back to grade school when Little Susie Adams puked. 2. Douche bag cry baby bartender having a bad day, is that some how my problem, I guess it is. Stay home , you're in the service industry. 3. Strip the menu down. Limit choices and do them well. Really? a bar that cant do wings.
(1)
Tim S.
I've been meaning to write a review on Twisted Spoke - after the first time I tried them. Time passed, I forgot but I've been there twice since. Guess that may tell you something. They are pretty freakin good. I would start by saying the restaurant itself has a cool biker vibe with a fantastic upper deck with outdoor seating. The service there has been consistently great, too. Each time the server has been attentive, WHITTY and on the ball. They definitely make you feel comfortable. They also seem to know the menu very well. Each time I've been there, I've been with roughly 4+ people. Everyone has always been pretty pleased with what they ordered. A couple things I'd really like to highlight are: Blood Mary's: Don't worry about ordering an app if you are getting one of these. If you are a bloody mary fan you will appreciate these, they are spicy (in a great way) and are garnished with pepperoni, cheese and onions. They are also served with a beer chaser. Jalapeno Poppers: I have never like these. Hated them everywhere I've ever been, with people that have ordered them and forced me to try them. Glad I was forced here. They were awesome. I actually ordered them the next time I was there. I could probably itemize a few more for you (chicken wings well done - the mixed drink menu!) but keeping your attention span in mind, all in all, I really like this place. The food and service is terrific - consistently . I'm going to become a regular....maybe I am already. I would go with the OMG on previous reviews.
(4)
Lili V.
Currently, I'm drinking a horrible margarita. It costs the same as a drink from Maria's, which are drinks that do not make you cringe as you drink them. The waiter also showed up 15 minutes after we sat down. Girl from a neighboring table threw a menu over. When the waiter did show up, we couldn't make out a word he said. Do NOT order the chicken curry salad. Just take the halsted bus down to Maria's.
(1)
Shayna N.
Bloody Mary's were excellent! garnished with salami, olives and peppercini's it was not too spicy, or too heavy on the tomato juice, instead flavored to perfection! Fries were excellent. the bacon and egg sandwich was hefty and delicious, unfortunately the burger was seriously under cooked. Service was at a slow start, but once we got our waitresses attention everything was fine. i will definitely return.
(3)
betsy b.
This place will cure any hangover....but since I'm not getting those these days I wasn't overly wow'd by this place. Sure the chille-killas (or whatever they call them) were good but they were drenched in cheese and instead of using tortillas they used chips. My husband had the gumbo which he loved once they took the nasty eggs off that he didn't want. I'd give this place another shot because the menu is very interesting...and once the baby vacates my belly I need to try once of their bloody mary's.
(3)
Brent W.
Maybe a 3.5 but rounding down due to their identity crises makeover. It'd been prob 2 yrs since coming here and was defo surprised that they completely removed the bar in the back and now have a sizable (and nice) rounded bar w. massive sleek flat screens hanging above, in the main room. These eye catching TVs intermixed w. the old skool, dusty and weathered biker paraphernalia that make up most of this bar's decor, make for a place that screams, 'whaddya want me to be!?'...whatever the patron's make of it, I suppose. Either way, we sat top shelf on their upstairs patio, which has been left unchanged (thankfully). I honestly never go on about service, unless it's particularly bad or good but must make mention on this experience. 1st off, the server who brought our waters (not our server, mind you, as he was waiting on other tables) appeared to be so completely blazed I don't know how he was able to place one foot in front of the other...yes, the dude w the rat-tail. Wow, straight blunted! Three folks in our party ordered bottles of beer, I, being the odd one out chose their "Perfect" Manhatten, which was made with a "rye" whiskey, the total proper and old school way to make it (i rarely see this and usually do Maker's myself, so had to give it a try). Well, over 15-20 minutes later my drink arrives (right when our mains arrived, we'd finished our app). It took 10 min for the beers ffs, and when they arrived I asked if there was an issue w my drink?...our server stated that all four bartenders were convening, trying to figure out how to make it!?!! Huh?! Whiskey. Touch of sweet vermouth, a bit of bitters and a cherry?! What's to figure out? Well, it arrived "up" in a martini glass, so maybe that was the confusion, I don't know but it was heavy handed on the Sweet Vermouth, even after I told them "light on the SV". Oh well, at 15 dollars, cannot reco. They also have a $125 Manhattan cocktail, I kid you not, but opted against it due to our shit economy, had America been in better shape, maybe i would've pulled the trigger. The food: Not bad, not great. Chose the smoked Turkey BLT which was served on a Brioche (v good) with nice smokey bacon and turkey. Buffalo chicken sam was not the greatest and the buffalo sauce was pretty bland. My buddy's Bacon, egg, tom sandwich was "excellent" and all fries did the trick.
(3)
Stacy T.
Fun biker bar feel for a Saturday brunch locale. The food is pretty decent and the ambiance is minimal, but its a fun laid back place to enjoy some bloody Mary's and fill your stomach. The bloody's are freaking insanely good. I mean we are talking it hits most of the major food groups and needs a beer chaser kinda good. Hope you like meat with your Mary cuz they do pile on the salami! The steak and eggs wasn't anything out of the ordinary and my steak was a bit overcooked. The banana pancakes were only ok, but the good company more than made up for any disappointments. I hear the smut and eggs is quite the combo of breakfast foods and 70's porn that comes on around midnight.... appetizing...hairy porn chicks always make me hanker for a huge plate of eggs.
(3)
Evan E.
Great beer and great burgers. Never had the certain type of beer your inquiring about? Ask for a taste! They want to make sure you enjoy your beer which is awesome in my book. I have had sub par service on more than a few occasions though. The breakfast was just OK as well. For me, if I want an even better breakfast near by, I will go to the Breakfast club. Wednesday is half price whiskey.. So yeah, best night to go imo.
(4)
Todd H.
This review starts with a simple story. I used to hate bloody marys. I hated them. I found them detestable, just the smell of the tomato juice would make me want to hurl. Now keep in mind that I am not a picky eater. I'll eat anything, I'll try anything, very little grosses me out, but there was something about the consistency/smell of bloody mary mix that I just couldn't stand. Over the years I tried to like bloody mary's just because they seemed like something that I should probably acquire a taste for (I like brunch, I like drinking, I like drinking for brunch, etc.) so I kept trying. Choking down a bloody mary here and there, I'd always try to get one down at least a few times a year, occassionally having one that was palatable but still kind of gross. Then, I had a Twisted Spoke bloody mary. And I didn't just choke it down, I actually sort of liked it. I went back a week later, and I tried another one, went down smoother this time, and I didn't feel like puking at all. Another week, another bloody, this time I actually kind of enjoyed it. The next week I was actually looking forward to it, and now I absolutely love them. To the point that it cured my aversion to other bloody marys, I can even put down an airport bloody mary now. But the best one I've ever had is at the Twisted Spoke, (incidentally the only one I ever had that came close was at the Palazzo in Las Vegas). So there's the Bloody Mary, that in and of itself would cause me to recommend the Spoke, but add in the awesome beer, and completely unique and most extensive whiskey selection I've ever seen, not to mention the food is great , and it really takes the Spoke over the top. Also a point about the waitstaff. When I first moved to the neighborhood (about 5 years ago) I went to the Spoke a few times, and kind of hated it. The waitstaff was indifferent at best, and mostly rude and too cool for school. Since the renovation (where they smartly moved the bar to the front of the house) there seemed to also be a personality makeover with the staff. Everyone there is super nice and friendly, and I always feel welcome going in there, and really enjoy my time there.
(5)
Jess S.
So stopped in for 1/2 price Whiskey night. I didn't know what to sample (of their fine selection) so I stuck to 7 & 7's. But, the Jim & cokes are now $3. That is all. Long live half-price whiskey night!
(4)
Scott H.
A truly memorable place for stellar comfort food and a draft (and can/bottle) beer list that might bring a beer snob to tears. I love coming to the Spoke both in the middle of a lazy weekend afternoon and late at night. This place hits on all cylinders anytime you find yourself in the neighborhood. Start with a great burger or pulled pork sandwich and a craft brew on your first visit and you'll soon find yourself returning to delve deeper into the large and inspiring menu. Can't get back here enough, really.
(4)
Erin F.
I wouldn't say 5 stars based on food alone, but I'll bump it to five because we did get served by a new bartender who made me happy to add the fifth star. Tamara was an amazing bartender. She made wicked bloodies, came across as fun and friendly, and made my first experience at the Spoke memorable. Great job Tamara!
(5)
julie q.
Last time I was here, it was about 10 years ago and I was suffering from a horrendous hangover...Enter bloody mary. Now I live down the street and we were searching for brunch and mosied on in. First brunch - Bloody Mary and Breakfast Tacos. Score! Pretty good, fast service...Next brunch was Bloody Mary and Wisconsin Scramble. The brats tasted like soap. Home Fries were good. Hubby had the Biz and Gravy. This is the main reason I'm yelping. I hope the manager/chef sees this and really thinks about these next few lines. Making biz and gravy takes patience. You cannot, I repeat, cannot, brown sausage, add spices, skim milk, and a teaspoon of flour to a skillet, let it "simmer" for 5 minutes and call it Biz and Gravy. It JUST DOESN'T WORK. So, if you go for brunch, do not get the biz and gravy unless you like milk and sausage soup with a 1/2...that's right, A HALF of ONE biscuit. Otherwise, knock yourself out! TS is decent...Bloody's could use a bit more worstechire and celery salt...and a lemon and lime....Wow...no wonder i gave this brunch 3 stars.
(3)
Izabella d.
baaaah, stupid steve the hungry hound. why on earth would this burger joint get a higher rating than kumas? we were curious what the rational was... so we headed for burgers and beer to twisted spoke. we sat down quickly , it seemed to be a slow night, i ordered the gutter slut, a sugary not too boozy cheap margarita, and opted for the classic burger with cheese and a side of onion rings. my fellow dinners went similar routes getting a burger and fries,, and the lonely vegetarian the falafel plate. the food came out within 10 minutes of being ordered.. which can be a plus or a minus.. in this case a huge minus! the burgers were meant to be medium rare,, but were really just seared on the outside with an inch of raw ground beef on the inside. on top of that they were bland, and didnt have much going for them except the pretzel buns.. the fries were also lack luster, my friend couldn't stop saying that they tasted like they had been fried in old oil.. by far the worst part was the falafel plate, with the stale little balls assembled amongst leftover vegetables and stale-ish pita. (and it cost like $12). at the end of the night, with 3 burgers, 3 beverages and the veg dinner we paid $80. it just felt like a major waste of money.. and we could have been eating a million better burgers almost anywhere else in the city.
(1)
Tim Y.
The only redeeming value of Twisted Spoke is that the bloody mary has enough meat and garnish to fill you up. Thank god for meaty cocktails - I skipped over lunch after noting that everything in this place is covered in a greasy goo, food and furniture alike. I wasn't expecting "clean" but I certainly wasn't expecting to leave feeling like I needed to shower in lye to remove the skank of the place from my soul.
(2)
Helmut S.
I'd give it five stars if they added some additional waitstaff because the service can get slow at times. That said, they have the best burgers in town. While they offer a large selection of beers I find it hard to pass up their phenomenal bloody marys.
(4)
Nicolas H.
One of the best bars I've been to in Chicago. Not only do they have a ridiculous beer and alcohol menu, but the food is pretty damn good and reasonably priced. I went all out and got the bacon tempura along with the fried cheese curd. Both were fried perfectly and delicious. I washed it down with the Two Floyd's/Dogfishead collaboration beer, nuff said...
(5)
Chelsea V.
I went here last night, and was clearly very impressed. I'd heard about this place from friends who go solely for the bar scene (not so sure what that means, actually, given all the reviews on here are about dinner), and I wasn't expecting too much from the food. Turns out I was totally wrong. But first off, the bloody maries - amazing! I typically am reluctant to order a bloody mary because I find it to be a drink that teters on the edge of absolutely disgusting; if not made perfectly, just straight up gross. These were perfect. The garnishes involving slices of salami-ish meat and lots of cheese only helped matters, but the drink itself was delicious. I would have and should have had two, if not out with my parents. Needed to make both a good impression and not spend all of their money. I ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich (a menu item which has consistently confused my brother at all restaurants it is offered, unsure if it is made from buffalo or chicken) which arrived with enough food to almost definitely share. It is a giant piece of fried and hot-wing sauced chicken on a bun with lettuce, tomatoes and onions and a side of blue-cheese dressing. It comes with lots of fries and a little cup of coleslaw. Honestly I didn't care for the slaw, preferring mine to be that disgusting creamy stuff to their more watery, sweeter version served here. But it was all good. And I saved half for lunch the next day! Score. Service was good, not too chatty but friendly enough. The only downside is no dessert, but honestly it saves us from ourselves on the calorie front.
(5)
Risto D.
went there on monday afternoon. after watching check please on tv and the reviews i was expecting much more. i had the italian steak cheese which was way too greasy for me. i had stomach ache for quite a while after that. my wife had the grilled cheese sandwich and she wasn't happy with it either it tasted like cardboard. sorry i will not go back again
(2)
James E.
This is a GREAT place for brunch - especially if you're lucky enough to have good weather and can sit on the top deck in the sunshine. Our two favorite dishes are the Elvis Toast (French Toast with peanut butter and banana) and the egg sandwich - both are divine! I highly recommend either or both, but don't think you'll want to share. You won't. They are that good. The Bloody Mary's are also really good, I agree. Or at least so I've been told by my friends. I don't drink Bloody Mary's, but everyone tells me these ones are good. The coffee is also really good. Which isn't worthy of earning an extra star on itself, but it's interesting how many restaurants overlook the importance of good coffee. Also, the service is usually really good too. I'm glad the weather is getting nice because I can't wait to go back!
(4)
lois c.
What is it with the Chicago food shows--they tend to lead you astray. I thought this restaurant would have large portions and tasty food. I went there for brunch. The home fries were burnt and had no spices or seasoning as the menu had stated. The soda was flat. The hash which was homemade consisted of a about a tablespoon of corn beef (I am stretching the amount) and burnt potatoes, again, no seasonings. The french toast was okay, however, it was cold within two minutes. I spent almost $20 for a meal that was not tasty. The waittress was very nice, however, that isn't enough to make one come back. Don't make a wasted trip to this restaurant.
(1)
Yuly M.
2 Stars. 1/2 for the cool knowledgeable bartender, 1/2 for the cool skeleton in front on the bike and one full star for their huge selection of beers. (Draft & bottle) They were out of gumball beer boooo. So i decided to try this beer called hop stupid. Apparently its so new that its not on the menu, but its sooo good. Also had three floyds alpha king and avery IP. Both my kinda drinks. I stopped remember ing after that. What I do remember was their cheese fries beeing pretty gross. The guac I must say was pretty good but turned brown by the time I left ewww but thats what happens when it sits out. I enjoyed sitting on the rooftop but didnt enjoy waiting forever for our drinks to arrive seeing how it wasn't packed at the time I went. Supposedly on Saturday nights after midnight they have porn playing on the tvs downstairs but I havent witnessed so dunno. (nothing wrong with that) I probably wouldnt go back unless in the area.
(2)
Michele R.
The chilaquiles is AMAZING here! I get this and a bacon yes I said BACON BLOODY MARY when I go for brunch. I've had a pulled pork sandwich and it was huge and I could only finish half. Very moist and delicious too. I swear by this place on brunch and don't be afraid of the menu...they've made their own recipes on basic foods like biscuits and gravy have a "kick" to them. You can't make this food at home and it has me coming back again and again.
(5)
Heather K.
Best hand-cut, skin-on french fries I have ever had. No shit. Plenty of booth seating, and an extra room for pool. Domestics run around $2.50-$3.50 (average $3), depending on the specials. Whiskey is half price on Wednesdays. The vibe is kind of edgy, but not in a cheesy 'Exit-esque' way. Late at night, there may be porn on the monitors ("Smut and Eggs"). Aside from the porno meals, there are some other quirky things about this place, such as the fact that they run a Twisted Spoke Softball League. Oh, and did I mention the french fries?
(4)
Jesse A.
The Spoke is not really as wheelchair accessible as the votes on this site suggest -- the ramp on the Ogden side is really steep and not in a straight line. The bathrooms are accessible, however, but getting inside on that ridiculous "ramp" is a big challenge. Apparently this is the fault of the City of Chicago regulations for such things... sigh... Watch out for the Bloody Mary's if you're a vegetarian: one comes with salami and cheese floating on top. Actually the owner of the Spoke contacted me and defended his bloody mary's, and this is such a fantastic quote that I'd like to list it here: "any bloody mary worth drinking is not vegetarian. Unless the drink is made with just tomato juice and vodka (which, as I noted, is not worth drinking) virtually all bloodies have worcestershire in them which contains anchovies. It is true that ours may be a little over the top, but we feel that this is better than trying to fool people. " Crazy, but such enthusiasm and intense defense of salami filled bloody marys is admirable. I'll go back, for sure.
(3)
Janet E.
This is an ok place if you are looking for sandwiches/burgers/fries type food. During the summer they have the deck open for seating. They have some vegetarian food on the menu but not much. I remember getting the catfish sandwich. The fries were delicious. You cant miss this place with the skeleton riding a motorcycle!
(3)
Ted F.
Wost. Service. Ever. On the plus side, the food was mediocre at best. Uninspired burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries and the like. Yawn. You can get better food at McDonald's for a whole lot cheaper, faster & served with a smile. But the service... wow. It set a whole new low for us - we weren't just being passively ignored, our waitress seemed to be actively doing things just to spite us. Food went back several times for glaring omissions and changes requested twice during ordering. When we finally had enough, we asked for our tab. Normally this is when you show customers the most prompt service, to get their money and get them out the door. No such luck here. We were left for nearly 15 minutes without a server in sight. We almost left without paying. Never again. Eat anywhere but here. I suppose this place might appeal to you if you're a brain-dead Harley aficionado with more money & time than sense. It seemed overly kitschy, dingy & downright dirty when we were there. Think a cross between the floor of the Mutiny's Men's room, the "atmosphere" of Ed Debevic's crossed with a redneck biker bar and you're 90% of the way there.
(1)
Syngin A.
The Twisted Spoke has a special place in my heart. I wanted to seem cool when I first started dating my boyfriend so I brought him here for the porn and eggs breakfast special. It was actually more funny than sexy because 70's porn (cue that special music, DJ) was on the tv, and we ordered hamburgers. I'm not sure I could swallow eggs with that much hair on tv. The people were really friendly, and other than the decor, I'm not sure what part of it is a biker bar. It is populated by the neighborhood locals, i.e. yuppies and college kids. It is definitely a relaxing and chill hangout in the summer, and I just love this place.
(5)
Lee M.
great place for lunch. the fatboy burgers are awesome and comes with a choice of drink which includes select domestic bottles. the beer selection is one of the best in the city, so many to choose from. food is great but service can be slow at times depending on the time you are there.
(4)
Purnima M.
I really like this place, much to my surprise! We were walking by, looking for somewhere to pass an hour's wait for a table at Butterfly Sushi, and the skeleton on the motorbike outside was an immediate draw! Thankfully, this is so much more than a biker bar. They mixed some mean drinks - the absinthe cocktail and mardi gras specials were pretty potent! And I was truly impressed by their range of beers - they've paid special attention to local and regional microbrews, and have some hard-to-find ones on the list. We ended up nibbling a bit too, and they have some of the best, most gourmet, jalapeno poppers I've tried, although that seems like a contradiction in terms :) We'll be back, and not just while we're waiting on a table elsewhere. The only downside was they were renovating, and the space seemed a bit cramped. I'm sure this is just temporary though.
(4)
candace l.
Oh how I miss this place. I used to live right down the street so it was a natural choice for brunch (their breakfast tacos? YUM) and cocktails. The service has been up to par and they have a great rooftop patio that's a hit in the summer! Oh, and my friend swears by their bloody mary's as being among the best. But veggies be aware as I learned the hard way: They use beef stalk in their recipe.
(4)
Jerry M.
As everyone knows, I'm a burger girl. Oh, you didn't know? Well now you do. I LOOOVE me some burgers and I'm a total snob about them. Twisted Spoke doesn't have burgers - they have fat boys, which is a bit sexist because they'll probably make me a fat girl if I ate them daily, not a fat boy. Unless they have some funky hormonal mojo in them that'll make me a boy, since all the cows are doing it, you know. The burgers were good, but it fell apart on me. Granted, I'm a legendary messy eater, so I'm not sure if I should even be counting this against them. And the burger was good, big and juicy. And apparently during this visit I discovered that I'm a beer snob as well. They have tons of beers to satisfy the snobby beer girl I am. And while this may appear to be a total punk, biker haven, I feel that's more for appearances for the tourists who want to pretend to take a walk on the wild side without getting dirty because there were the 2 cops sitting a few tables over. How was I going to talk about my illicit activities with them eavesdropping? Not that I have illicit activities to talk about, but still.
(2)
Paul C.
This was supposed to be a relaxing lunch and it ended up being all I hoped for and then some! The wait was minimal. My friend and I were just deciding if we should get a beer while we wait and then they sat us. FOOD: I had the Turkey and Swiss. It was so friggin good it was relatable to a Monte Cristo with no ham. Fries were nothing to write home about, but the sandwitch just used them to be more delicious. DRINK: I do not drink Bloody Mary's but my friend Chris had one which appeared to be the greatest drink on Earth. Not only did it nerly have a sandwitch on top, but it came with a beer. Now thats a drink!...or a meal? I had some deliscious tap brews. I was shocked I had never tasted Half Acre and it is from Chicago. Now a trip to their brewery is in order, because I severely enjoyed it. ATMOSPHERE: It was a lunch crowd on the Saturday before St. Paddy's so try to imagine that. There were families, rockers, scenesters, hipsters and idiots wearing green beads.... and we al got along. The staff was very nice. I had such a blast we ended up having 5 rounds of booze, which meant 5 Bloody Mary's for Chris. HA! Can't wait to go back with my fiance and other friends! I hear "Smutt and Eggs" is a good time.
(5)
Gene W.
It's actually kinda hard for me to get drunk here because I can't stop eating. I come more often for the Boss Hog (an amazing bbq pulled pork sandwich) than I do for the booze. That being said, they have some decent beers on tap. Great music and a friendly staff help make this one of the less intimidating biker/rock bars that I can think of, though there are certainly a lot of characters at the bar on any given night. What do you expect from a place infamous for it's Smut and Eggs?
(4)
Dan E.
I had guests in from out of town and we were driving by this place. It was lunch time and of course they wanted to go here which was allright with me because I've always wanted to try this place. Our party had the chicken burrito, fried egg sandwich, bbq chicken sandwich and patty melt. All in all, the food here is good but I would not go out of my way to eat here. For lunch, the crowd was sparse. I'm sure in the evenings its wall to wall people and the alcohol flows abundantly. I'll be back but at night. I give it 5 stars for atmosphere and alcohol and 3 stars for the food.
(4)
G R.
Always good and reliable, didn't want Italian or Mexican, just a burger or may be a BBQ beef. We go here often enough and it's pretty consistent overall. My husband had a "fat-boy" burger and said it was good, I had the Kobe BBQ beef. Mine this time wasn't that great a bit fatty. I don't know why the wait staff just can't write your order down though. Don't they have paper and pens? There is a Staples up Ogden now. I say this because, sometimes they just get the order wrong. Or tonight, the waiter forgot what we ordered. Came back a few minutes later, "umm, what was that that you wanted?" You're kidding right? No, so we repeated it. I think he was maybe at the bar before his shift. He asked my husband about every side, "do you want, lettuce, tomato, cheese, bacon, etc. Well, it was no on the bacon, burger gets there with a whole bunch of bacon on it. The bus boy was great, friendly when he brought us our food, kept our water glasses full and cleared plates right away when we we're done. So overall, good reliable food from friendly folks. Just please get some paper and pens, please. When your hungry the last thing that you want to see is your waiter come back several minutes later, and ask what was that again? Does anyone remember the old Spoke? Before the first remodel, they're doing a second one now. I miss that Spoke!
(3)
Chan K.
The Spoke offers a decent selection of beers on tap and good whiskeys behind the bar. It's the only place I know where you can find Jack Daniels on tap. The are in the midst of remodelling, and the place is a bit in disarray. The service and food is average. The falafel was surprisingly yummy though.
(2)
lauren p.
After a recent visit, it has been determined that the issue with the taps has been resolved. The fiance decided to give it a shot since they completely remodeled the bar, and he was pleased with both of his drafts. I stuck to a bottle, because I am extremely unforgiving. Don't listen to anyone who says the food isn't good- the food is great, you know, for bar food. Good burgers, Good chicken ceasar sandwich, good chicken tacos. When we were there last Friday, they were actually featured on the Hungry Hound for their shrimp po'boys, and I gotta tell you, it looked every bit as good as the one I recently had in NOLA. Also the fried egg sandwich is probably the best hangover cure ever. Don't expect 5 star dining, and you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Jenny C.
Good burger, good fries, hot jalapeno. Enjoyed the $10 lunch time deal where you get a fatboy, cooked and served to your order, fries and a drink, either a domestic beer or a soda. Loved the whole theme of motorcycles in a graveyard. I spotted two Kawasaki, a Yamaha, and Honda. Parking was a pain, as usual in that part of town, plus the construction continues to add a level of street driving difficulty. Worth the trip and the parking.
(4)
Greg O.
I am moving out of state, and man am I going to miss Twisted Spoke. We live in the neighborhood so we walk over often for dinner. The pulled pork nachos (add guac!) and the buffalo chicken sandwich are amazing. Top that with a good beer menu, very good brunch, $3 Jim Beam drinks from the barrel every day, and a really nice rooftop deck. Highly recommended.
(5)
Steve R.
It's still ok, but much like the Exit I think this place has morphed from being an example of its true niche identity to a sort of living exhibit for those who were interested to see its niche but didn't really want to be IN that sort of environment. It's like the Disney Pirates of the Carribean ride...there may be some common piratey-looking elements but it sure as hell ain't nothing like dealing with the actual pirates. That said, the food was decent and the beer selection was good enough. I wouldn't call it a destination but it's fine for what I needed it for, sort of a pass through place. No need to avoid but it ain't no biker bar. i think those only exist in central illinois now.
(3)
Angela T.
Very quirky, fun place. The fatboy burgers are to die for. Prepared exactly as we asked for them and the order was exactly what we told the waitress we wanted. There were families, early 20 post-partiers and couples dining at the same time. The biker-bar theme is great and carried throughout the menu and the staff - however, everyone was professional and good at what they did. A definite repeat in my book.
(4)
Scott W.
Amazing Shrimp Po Boy
(5)
Colin B.
Great neighborhood joint..... Always has a kick ass beer selection......any place that actually puts Left Hand Brewery's Milk Stout on draft gets 3 stars automatically from me, because you just don't f-ing see it...... But what truly makes this place win is the chicken wings, something I discovered purely on accident. I have been searching for good chicken wings in West Town since moving into the area 9 months ago...... The search ends here! For those of you trying to track down a good wing, throw this on your hit list and don't forget to sample the brews....
(4)
David M.
My co-workers and I go here for lunch at least once a month and the food is always phenomenal. It's one of those places where you force yourself to finish your meal even when you're full, because the thought of that delicious food hitting the bottom of a garbage barrel makes you sad inside.
(5)
Brent D.
I really wanted to love this place as it was a stone's throw from my last apartment. I just can't give it a glowing review. Where it does shine: the patio, the beers, and sometimes the service. Unfortunately the small bar area and average food brings down the average. (Keep in mind that my experiences were pre-additional bar space) Still, if you can grab a patio spot on a nice day, its a great place to knock a few back. Skip the less-than-flavorful food. It's not terrible by any stretch, just very average. The waitstaff can be fun, or surly, depending on the day. I like that aspect of the place.
(3)
Alex C.
Great food. I love the cheese curds to start cause they're chewy cheesy fried goodness. A bloody Mary is good and filling. The ambiance is cool, and the rooftop is fun on a weekday afternoon. Sometimes the staff can be lacking attentiveness, but not always. Great whiskey.
(4)
Amy T.
I'm quite surprised by some of the reviews. Came in here with few of my friends for a late lunch randomly, only because the resteraunt we were going to a block down was closed. We were very surprised how good The Twisted Spoke was! This place seemed to be set up as a biker bar, but it was also set up as family friendly. With rooftop and back room seating you can bring your family to seperate from the bar. Overall, staff was very friendly and helpful when it was time to choose a beer and food. Service was very quickly, it probably only took 10 minutes or so from the time we order to the time our food came out. Normally, "bar" food like this, is normally greasy and sits in your stomach. I was shocked how it didn't! I highly reconmend pretty much anything on the menu, but especially the burgers and slice homemade fries. They are to die for! Also, the meatloaf sandwhich and shrimp sandwhich were also a tasty treat! The only con that I have was that the menu was kind of confusing. Set up on a clipboard the papers were mixed up between food and drinks. A little bit more organization is need. Pricing is fair. Not too exspensive. And nosie level was average.. Wasn't too loud! If your in for a tasty meal then I highly reconmend the twisted spoke!
(5)
Val B.
Note: I haven't been back here recently, and I read they had a makeover recently. This review is for the place *before* the makeover. I've been eating here for many years now and have loved it 4 out of every 5 times. I love their fries, burgers, breakfasts, and even their falafel platter. The bar area is cool. I attended a Smut and Eggs event once about 6 years ago which was pretty interesting...not sure if they still do it (Saturday at midnight, serve breakfast and play porn on the TVs). The rooftop patio is pretty cool in the warm months. Staff are usually pretty quiet and just do their job which is a good thing. The atmosphere feels cold in the main downstairs area, but it's all cool. I really like this place. It's a different, fun place to take visitors rather than Ed Debevics or something. Check it out! I will be back many times, I'm sure. By the way...the owners of TS also used to own a place down the street, Bone Daddy. WHY DID YOU CLOSE THAT PLACE??? IT WAS SOOOO AWESOME! Oh well. I can still get great BBQ at TS, so I'm a happy girl.
(4)
Eve A.
BEST Bloody Mary I have EVER had, ANYWHERE! best rooftop, fast service, very good fries and very good all else It is always fun to be there and I have never had food I did not like! For 10yrs!
(4)
Joanie S.
God love the spoke. You know you're gonna get to sit, in the summers you get the roof, and the Boss Hog (pulled pork) sanwich is always good, never lets you down. Open late, good to go for beers after going to the nearest theater (see my review for The Building Stage). I love this place. And you can get the cheap mysetery beer, wich is an exciting endevor.
(4)
Grace G.
Twisted Spoke is a very fun place to be. If you want whiskey, you are at the right place. And if you want a good burger, you are also at the right place. I love sitting on the rooftop in warmer weather and most definitely will be back up there in a couple months. It's a great place to meet friends for dinner and drinks before going out for the night (or for ending the night too)!.
(4)
Joyce P.
There is a reason why they need to use porn to get you in on a Saturday night. We walked in for lunch on a Saturday afternoon and no one was by the door and they didn't have a sign as to whether you wait or seat yourselves. The bartender seemed to ignore us as did the other workers. It seemed apparent that is it wasn't their job then they weren't going to assist the patrons. A woman came from the back up front and literally looked around us to look outside and look for someone. She completely behaved like we were invisible. So we decided to seat ourselves. The picnic tables on the roof are uncomfortable and hard to eat at. I'm sure they are fine since for boozing. We get our menus and I'm pretty excited about the selection. After deciding between a few selections and waiting a long time the waitress comes and apologizes that she was sorry and she didn't know anyone was at her table. Which I guess is understandable since we sat ourselves. She then tells us that the items we want to order off the menus (which were given to us just 10 minutes wrong) were not available. We could only get the brunch/breakfast items. It was 1:10 in the afternoon! She said we could also get the fat boy hamburger (thought the menu says it is only available M-F and it is Saturday) or the BBQ or grilled cheese. The kicker is that the menu is a series of pages printed off a printer and put in a clip board--not a laminated professional made one. Why not pull the 6 pages of the menu out that we can't order from? Or why not have the person who gives the menus say to wait for the waitress to explain or that we can only get brunch? It seemed again like no one waned to do anything that wasn't their specific job title. Since I had to look at my menu longer she took my husband's order and then came back for mine. Instead of waiting for my order she put in his and so his food came super fast and to be polite he waited for my meal. The waitress again apologized that she had instructed them to wait for order. During this time a group sat down next to us. I could overhear them talking about how slow the service was and after they all decided which appetizers they wanted the waitress informed them they could not order them. The group (rightly so) was confused as to why they couldn't order appetizers in the afternoon. My food came and I ended up ordering something I wasn't excited about because I didn't want eggs and don't like breakfast food so my choices were slim. I didn't finish my burger or fries. The food was better than average but not worth any special effort to go out of my way for--especially considering everything else. I have no interest to see what else they have to offer. If you want to waste your money on waitresses with pink or overly blonde hair and tattoos and a skeleton spinning on a motorcycle out front then go ahead. But that's all you're paying for. P.S. This is the 1st time in a long time I went to a sit down restaurant where I was neither greeted or said bye to.
(1)
Michael B.
We have been going here for work weekly and love it. The BBQ nachos are great for starters and I love the buffalo chicken sandwich! Overall this is a great spot to grab good bar food. We also like eating outside when the weather permits, which is nice.
(4)
Maria B.
I don't venture this far for brunch normally, but this place is a treat. I'll actually leave my north-side hood to brunch here. We usually only go places we can stumble to in the morning, but I'll gladly drive on over for their bloody mary's and corned beef hash.
(4)
Ken R.
I've had brunch at the Twisted Spoke twice now, with both experiences being great and the second one even better than the first! First off, the bloody mary's are fantastic. The brunch is great too. The Fatboy burger with a slice of brie on top was exactly what I needed on a Sunday morning. Finishing that off with their banana buckwheat pancakes, and I just had myself a great Sunday morning! The decor of the place is also something to take in and it definitely adds to the experience. The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because I haven't been to enough brunch spots to justly declare the Twisted Spoke to be as good as it gets. What I can say is that it's definitely in the running. Great joint! Check it out.
(4)
Katrina H.
Fills my TUMMY UP!!! .. I've always gone to get a sandwhich and Fries to go in the winter.. and to sit down on their rooftop eating area during the summer. The amount of food that you get is well worth the money. Two people could share! .. The food is always delicious.. don't let the bikers scare you away! It can be family friendly during lunch time :) My kids enjoy their food as well :)
(4)
Ms. R.
I've been here twice. Once for breakfast and once for dinner. The atmosphere is okay, very laid back. I ate breakfast awhile back, but from what I can remember it was pretty good. Think I had a breakfast sandwich and a bloody mary. Had dinner a few nights ago. We shared guacamole and chips - the guac was pretty good, but the tortilla chips too greasy. My boyfriend had the shrimp po'boy; had too much bread, not much shrimp. I had the chicken curry salad which was quite good, but the pita bread served with it seemed stale. Ehh, it's an okay place, but probably won't frequent it too often since it's out of the way.
(3)
Katie S.
I do enjoy the rooftop here on pleasant sunny days, cold beer and sharing some nachos with my favorite people. Too bad the weather isn't so generous with many days like this, but the ones we are lucky enough to get I do cherish=) Beyond the attempts to look cool, it's still enjoyable when you're surrounded by the best people you can hope to find. Oh! I guess the meds are kicking in=) LOL
(4)
Naomi L.
UPDATED REVIEW! the server was smiley, despite waiting on a table of cops which I am sure were not going to heaily tip! The decor is spotless and unique. There is allot of love going on at TS. Falafel was great- Fries are a little cold each time. Chicken Sandwich good. Drinks excellent!
(4)
Frida G.
I've ordered a few quick breakfast fixes here a few times and I wasn't really impressed with the place. The decor is pretty cool, but I really think they can amp it up with the food a bit more. For the prices that they charge, I can get twice the food somewhere else and the flavor at Twisted Spoke isn't at all unique. On their menu, their breakfast dishes indicate "Served with some fruit". Well, that's a lie. It's really just ONE slice of canteloupe.
(3)
M. J. W.
I can't believe someone gave the Twisted Spoke 1 star because she has bad taste in men! Well, it is what it is, I guess it's their fault on t hers. I'll be fair to the Spoke in my review, the hamburgers are pretty darn enormous and cooked to order, the fries are just salty and crispy enough, but have on occasion run across some soggy batches. Nothing worse than that. The service is a little aloof at times, but they are really busy it seems whenever I go in there. The roof patio is good for a group who wants to pounding some drinks - but the service is really, really slow up there. I recommend eating in the main room is your there for lunch or dinner. The drinks are never strong (my last Jack and Coke was almost all coke and ice) and the bar always seems to be overrun with regulars, so if you're looking for a new hang-out, I recommend somewhere else. In all, the atmosphere is always friendly, it's pretty easy to find parking nearby and one of the best hamburgers on the west side.
(4)
Laurie S.
So many beers to choose from your head will spin. Many eclectic cocktails. Cool decor. Had a BBQ chicken sandwich that was really tasty. Bartenders were friendly but not very at tentative and that is why I give this place 4 stars instead of 5.
(4)
Carinne C.
After moving to West Town, I have gone to Twisted Spoke several times. The first time, I loved it. Subsequent visits have not been as successful. Gripes are as follows: - Music is annoying loud. Not all the time, but on random evenings the hard core music is headache-causing. - Staff is uninterested in working. I get it, you're a cool biker bar with attitude. But you still work for tips, and I'd love another drink. Please stop avoiding me. - Food is hit or miss. I generally order the same thing (boneless buffalo) and it can be amazing. Unfortunately, it can also be tasteless. And on one occasion when my husband picked it up to bring home, it contained plastic wrap. So, if you're in the neighborhood and starving, go for it. Don't go out of your way to get here though - there are better places all over Chicago.
(2)
Sue K.
Picnic tables on the rooftop in the summer. Bloody Mary is like a meal in itself - shredded cheese inside, and garnish has salami on it! Served with a beer chaser - what's not to like?
(5)
Caroline S.
Been here twice. Love burgers, but try to maintain a low annual quota since I consider them an unhealthy splurge. So I save the orders for establishments that are known for their burgers. All I can say is, "DRY, DRY DRY". The first time I went a few years ago I thought maybe they were having an off day. Then I returned earlier this summer, and had the same experience. I ordered it medium rare, and it was medium well, and beyond dry. I advise you to skip this joint and fill your burger quota elsewhere. The staff is pretty clueless too, seems like they have high turnover.
(1)
Anjee J.
Went here for breakfast. I think you really do have to be very hungover/still drunk from the night before to enjoy their food, because otherwise you will leave feeling sick to your stomach. Its really, really greasy and anything that was fried will be overpowered by the taste of bacon fat. Furthermore, you could probably whip up something better at home. Their peanut butter and banana "stuffed" Elvis toast was just 2 soggy pieces of subpar French toast with a tiny bit of generic peanut butter and thin slices of banana slapped inbetween! I make tastier French toast using Wonder Bread. Bleh. I wouldn't come back here, even if they do play some good music. There's dozens of other breakfast places in the area that are cheaper and much better. I could live without the punk rock/biker aesthetic, just give me some food that actually tastes good, plz.
(1)
Cassie K.
My roommate and I stopped in on our way to another event. The beer list was pretty great, the service was slow but once someone noticed me sitting there, it improved drastically. The salsa and chips were delicious and the jalapeno poppers were awesome. The windows were all open and the view is pretty cool.
(4)
Moe f.
Great place for beer and a bite. Extensive beer list. Great burgers. Excellent brunch in which I reccomend fried egg sandwich and a Bloody or two.
(4)
Amy M.
I went here last night with some friends around 10 pm and let me just say... yikes! This is a poor excuse for a restaurant. I am really surprised to see so many positive reviews about this place because we did not have a good experience. Our server (not sure of his name, but I'll just refer to him as Handlebar Mustache Man with the glazed over look in his eye) was by far the worst server I've ever had. He was rude to me right off the bat after he carded me for my Diet Coke because "Ummm.. this is a BAR, not a restaurant..." OK, fine. All he had to say was that we had to be 21 or over to be in there since no one carded us at the door. After his attitude, I decided I didn't even want to order food from them since their server was rude to me and probably would have spit in whatever I ordered. Most of the other people at the table ordered food and most of them were not satisfied with their food. My friend ordered a basket of fries, which she shared with the rest of the table. I find it difficult to refer to them as "fries," however, as they were really more like burnt potato nuggets. Not very appetizing. My other friend ordered a grilled cheese and some burnt potato nuggets, but between the server spilling drinks over her food and the low quality, she left the bar less than satisfied. When coming back to the table to "check if we needed anything else," he would stand at the end of our table and just hold his arms out waiting for someone to ask him for something. And when he came back to deliver drinks, he would never remember who ordered what and would just hold the drink out for someone to grab, meanwhile spilling drinks on whoever was in his path. Obviously, Handlebar Mustache Man was the main problem at this establishment, but I would not recommend going here if you are looking for good food or good service with a friendly atmosphere. If you want an unfriendly staff and low quality food, then this place is for you!
(1)
Sharlene K.
This place is one of the staples of my competitive eating training. Why? Because their double fat-boy burger is a monstrous beast of unparalleled proportions (at least in Chicago). The price of their burger includes all the fixings including grilled onions, bacon, and cheese. Fantastic onion rings, and flame lit whiskey chicken wings are wicked awesome. I don't go there for a love of bikes because really, it's kind of tacky, but the food portions are great. Some days it's all you can eat meatloaf (which I wish was ketchupy rather than gravy-based), and other days it's breakfast buffet with porn (don't bring your kids for Smut and Eggs). I don't know where people are getting this bad attitude from, maybe it's the other location they're talking about and mistakenly putting it up here, but these guys are freaking great. Once, my friends and I were there, and we were totally bummed. His bike was just wrecked in a car accident and he was downing whiskey shots to calm down and the waiter brought us extra shots on the house. The other great part is that they play fantastic music. I mean, Death from Above 1979? That's some sweet stuff right there.
(5)
Zach H.
OK, so this place is kind of corny due to the degree which they take the biker bar theme. It just feels forced and franchise-esque. I mean, if all those movies I have seen are true (aren't all movies?) bikers dig off-the-beaten-path dives with trashy bartenders and nothing but the cheapest ale possible on draft. But Twisted Spoke is clean, in a convenient location, and the staff is all friendly like. Anyways, aside from this dissonance I got from the aesthetic and ambiance, this place is pretty dope. All I have ever gotten there is bar munchies type food-- wings, poppers, fries, cheese curds, etc.-- and they have all been fantastic. They got a decent selection of brews and other drinks at reasonable prices as well. I have heard brunch, lunch, and dinner here are all pretty tasty as well. I'll be back to try one of those options out sometime soon.
(4)
Corey G.
Loved this place. Great atmosphere and drinks. The bartenders were all cool.
(5)
Josh S.
Here's the deal, I'm a big fan of the atmosphere and the bar, but for some reason the food always leaves something to be desired, not bad but nothing to write home about. The service is fine and the liquor/beer options are endless. I would recommend hanging out for a night and enjoying the endless possibilities at the bar, but don't travel too far for the eats.
(4)
Kristi C.
I was told that this place has the best bloody mary's in the city, so I had to check it out for myself. YUM! They are loaded with meat, cheese and other pickled goodies. I've been here twice-both times were on a Sunday when I was nursing a hangover. The ahi tuna sandwich with fries, 2 bloodys and whatever beer they had on special put me on the right level to start all over again...too bad I work Mondays!
(5)
Gavin G.
I used to frequent this place when i lived on Grand right down by it, but haven't been there in a year or so. the food is decent, a bit above "bar food" and the decor is cool. it's what i'd call 'biker-themed' but is far from a real motorcycle bar. i don't think i've ever seen anyone there that looked like a member of Motorhead or that guy in "Raising Arizona" who gets blown up by a grenade towards the end. good selection of draft beers and bottled as well, there was an assortment of strange foreign cheap beers that was the special for quite a while. surprised there hasn't been much mention of their Smut'N'Eggs. there's a regular who's got a large collection of pornography and they have screenings of his selections after midnight on saturdays. you can order from the brunch menu and "take in a porn flick filmed sometime between yesterday and 1970" according to their website. yes, it is for real hard core porno, and likely to be from the late 70's or early 80's, meaning wild hair on the performers' heads and other nether locations. in the summer the rooftop patio is killer.
(5)
Laine K.
If you're in the market for the perfect brunch place to cure a hangover, this is THE PLACE! So start off with a substantial Bloody Mary that's has a great spicy kick and is garnished with salami, olives, pearl onion, pepperocini and lots of shredded Parmesan. Sip and let the tomato-y tastiness wash over you. Now order just about anything on the breakfast menu and soak your mouth and stomach in the flavors of fantastic that seem to absorb your hunger. Crispy potatoes and perfectly melted cheddar with fluffy scrambled eggs, mushrooms and just a few too many undercooked onions. Throw in some sliced brats and send it out with a piece of toast that tastes rich and buttery and a side raspberry jam and you have a wonderful Sunday afternoon meal with friends. I definitely recommend this place. The decor is pretty cool and they have some theme nights (Smut & Eggs night?? Sounds interesting.)
(4)
Eric W.
I went in on Sunday with my family. It wasn't crowded at all. Busy but not crowded. We sat down around noon & they were still offering breakfast. I asked the waitress for an opinion She gave me one ++. I can't stand when they say everything is good. Even if its true most people would still have a favorite. I ate there fatboy burger Good Stuff! My favorite thing about the place is they have tons of unique beers. 5 bucks a beer 10 for a big burger w/ fresh cut fries. My only complaints were a Med cooked burger that I thought was medium well. But who wants to spit hairs & I think my fries were over cooked a little not inedible just a little darker than my linking.
(4)
Furry P.
My 5 stars are for BRUNCH. So much fun! I loved the ginormous mimosas (16 ounces!) and hand crafted bloodys. The menu is eclectic and tasty.. I had the fried egg sandwich and it was TO DIE FOR. Loved all the waitresses with plenty of ink, pink hair and no attitude. Not your typical blah fare. Make the trip, you wont regret it. I have no idea what the place is like as a "bar" but with a huge selection of beer on tap, couldnt be all bad.
(5)
Bruno R.
Good beer list, good service, but if you want to eat go some place else, food here is disgusting (greasy, badly made, bland, etc). They show porn on the TVs at night, which is just gratuitous = not fun.
(1)
Chris R.
Not what it once was years ago before the big build-out, but still a good place to go grab some drinks with friends. The roof desk is great for lunch (or brunch on the weekends) alfresco when the weather permits... Food is OK, some things are better then others. The meatloaf sandwich is consistantly good, and the fries are awesome. Pulled pork is good too. Oh, and they have quite a selection of whiskys...which is good....'cause I love me some whisky!
(3)
Heather S.
Great food and atmosphere. I am a big fan of the rooftop deck in the summer. It has a great view of the spinning skeleton on the motorcycle! The interior decor though stark has a sense of humor. Dont miss the Portabella Mushroom Burger - it is delish.
(4)
Jason L.
Home of the original Fat Boy burger. Whisky specials, wings, and even billiards if you have time to kill after a great meal.
(4)
Ted C.
The first time I went here was a few months ago and I loved it. A friend and I went for a late lunch on Friday on the rooftop patio-a great place to go if the weather's cooperating. The Bloody Mary alone was a meal in and of itself. The Fatboy burgers are awesome because they're so customizable-kind of like a Fuddrucker's without the suck. I haven't been there for the infamous brunch but I will one of these days.
(5)
Niki C.
Came here with the band & another band for lunch after a hard night of singing & boozing. I have no idea what we ordered, but what I do remember is that we had a great time in a cool setting. Great after a long night, if you know what I mean....
(3)
Gail C.
yeipeeee! (oops, meant yippee) This place is a great place for a burger and draft before a hockey game! I had a fatboy with provolone. Damn! Thick, juicy, fries with just the right amount of seasoning on them... Also, couldn't forget the floor show. There was a really, really drunk chick at the bar. Making out (falling all over) this guy! Everyone was watching. Food A+ Floor show A+
(4)
Timothy M.
This place has cheap drinks: $2 whiskey & coke (Early Times). Fun during baseball season, they usually have the Cubbies on one TV and the Sox on another. Also awesome: the rooftop! I'm a huge fan of the neighborhood (the restaurant sits on the intersection of Grand and Ogden). Cool views. They also get props for the cool motorbike props and pictures of badass Brando. Two things I don't like: 1) The interior feels very stark (yes, I know it's a biker bar, but sitting in a restaurant/bar shouldn't feel like you're at the garage waiting for your mechanic to fix your Indian). The dining room is too spread out and the metal/grey decoration is cold and uninviting. 2) The bruch was a massive dissapointment. I love breakfast and bloody marys on Sunday, but the breakfast burrito was average and my partner's Wisconsin breakfast was mediocre too. Plus babies screaming and being placed in the smoking section wasn't too much fun for me either. Twisted Spoke's much-hyped bloody marys? Try Silver Cloud for EXCELLENT bloody marys -- even with the ham and cheese, the bloodys here were just about average. I would give it 4 stars if it wasn't for the last time being so blah.
(3)
david b.
Ah the spoke - they are adding a bar which means even more seating - stick with chicken tacos (corn tortilla) you won't go wrong. bartenders are cruel to tools so try and look pierced. jim beam and soda tall with lime for 250 - yes i'll have another #$#
(4)
Young D.
This is one of my favorite weekend brunch places. The steak and eggs are perfect with texas toast and potatoes, the grilled cheese sandwich is one of the best I've ever had, and the burgers are amazing and come with a bunch of add options for free. But the drinks. The Bloody Mary is AMAZING. It is perfect. They bottle and sell the mix they use, which I have bought, but you can't replicate the shot of Guiness or pickled veggies, olives, meat and cheese they load you with. It's truly just so delicious and the beer chaser isn't some icky beer. It's something pretty nice from the tap. Whether you're at the bar, at a table or on the roof, it's super relaxing and delicious.
(4)
ness y.
order one of their bloody mary drinks for a healthfully balanced, low-carb meal-in-a-glass. surprisingly not busy the night i went - thursday.
(4)
Frank S.
Really cool looking bar.Awesome buffalo wings. Hardly ever crowded. Parking is hard no lot. Love the atmosphere laid back kinda like biker/punkish Nice change of scenery great for food but i wouldn't make a night out of it. Once again great food.
(4)
Michael R.
The rooftop is a great place to get lunch, nice beer offerings, but service and menu are average at best. Nothing really bad to say about the place, but I wouldn't go out of my way to stop in.
(3)
Jessica L.
Some friends brought me here the other night for a few drinks. Being an out-of-towner, I had no idea where to go and was pleased with their selection. A great list of beer and some good bar food, as well. I appreciated that it wasn't overpacked and a scene on a Sat. night.
(3)
Jessica L.
Check out their "RIDE TO SAVE BREASTS" fundrasier this month for breast cancer awareness month! best bloody mary ever!
(5)
Christopher H.
meh. Not great. Decent selection of beers/whiskey.
(2)
Blackie L.
Hadn't been to the Spoke in years, but went the other night before a Hawks game. Gotta say, the food was really really solid. Steak burrito was good, as was the chili and gumbo. Fatboys looked like they're still good, as a few went by the table. Three of us ate and we were all impressed. I remember liking the food, but it seemed to be better than I remember. Plus the beer list is pretty impressive. It's one of those tried and true spots that you used to go to years ago and forgot about... well time to go back and check it out again!
(4)
Zack M.
I have had good burgers here roughly 10 years ago, but my most recent visit awarded me with a well done and dry burger despite ordering it medium rare. The bun was lacking any king of moisture too. Maybe the fact that the server seemed stoned out of his gourd had something to do with this.
(1)
Jo Jo B.
Ok, this is an update because Cliff E. from the Twisted Spoke asked me to review my last review after their remodel. So here is my new opinion of the new Twisted Spoke. I have been there a few times since the remodel and I hate to say it my opinion has changed somewhat. Their food is awesome AND (this one is for you Mr. Cliff) their kitchen appears to be much cleaner than it was. I never disputed the fact that the Spoke did not follow sanitary guidelines, but I only go by what my eyes can see and a few times I saw a somewhat unclean kitchen. I am glad to report this has now changed. On the other hand, the Spoke has lost it's biker bar appeal and has chosen the path of keeping up with the Jones's. Ugh! High Def TV's in the Spoke and now sans pool table WTF! Why they did not keep what was unique and different from the rest of these bars I do not know. (Money maybe?) Now I feel it has lost it's character. I really do miss the local crowd and appeal. When I went there after Lollapolooza I was bored there except for their exceptional choice of Smut and Eggs that night. Where they find their vids from I do not know, but it's all about the action and not the acting right! Whoever picks these knows a thing or two that's fo sho. ;o) Oh I wish the Spoke would go back to it's original way, but I feel they will continue with their upgrade and for that I will take one star off. I will still continue to go there, their deck is nice and the staff and food are always above par. Their beer selection and back bar is awesome, you can definitely find your favourite bevie there. Now if anyone from the Spoke is really paying attention to what I am writing, please bring back the old school charm will you! OLD REVIEW It is hard to find a decent bar in the West Loop area, but the Spoke is not that far from there and it is a fun place to hang. I like the food here, decent, for pub grub and it is reasonably priced. I agree with the comment below about the kitchen. I think it could be cleaned up a little. They have a nice beer selection but sometimes you can have issues with their beers on tap. Usually when you mention this to the staff they are more than willing to exchange your drink for something else. Their Pool table is not that great and you only have a small area to play. Be prepared to ask a few peeps to move while taking a shot. The Spoke. A local bar, nice crowd. I would give it 5 stars if they corrected the negatives listed above.
(3)
Audre L.
bikers brunch is good, and the bartenders are really nice. i like this place a lot for a laid back bar type brunch
(5)
Kristin C.
I like Twisted Spoke on Ogden much better than the one in Wrigleyville. This is a place where bloody mary=meal. I love it! The salami and mini-onions = hangover bliss. The food here is OK for me. . .nothing really sticks out as being awesome except for the burger - top notch. I think I usually get the chicken sandwich as well but it's not so memorable. The service is just OK as well. Last time I was there, everyone seemed hungover and annoyed to be working.
(4)
Phillie P.
Wednesdays are half off Whisky. Need I say more? May I recommend "Fighting Cock". If the name scares you, there's Jamesons. For $15 you can get SMASHED.
(4)
Bad Ass Chic K.
for the last 10 years whenever i would visit my dad in chicago we would say we are going to go to the twisted spoke. we never did. he died a year ago. i went back to chicago this past new year's to hang with my step-mom on the first of his birthdays that we have without him. my cousin phil took me to twisted spoke for brunch on my dad's b-day. we missed him terribly and knew that he would have had the BEST time downing super yummy eggs and spuds and scary-ass watery road side coffee. we would have laughed at THE friendliest bad service known to mankind while he tried to set me up with our hottie waiter. and then would have happily gone with us across the street to starbucks and sold-out with a cup o' mass consumption, and yet tastier, joe. next time i am back in chi-town i am going back for a burger and a beer and maybe a tequila shot at their 'smut & eggs' event. my dad would have loved that too! i miss you d, and i made it to the twisted spoke...wish you were there!!!
(4)
Anne P.
This place is delicious and its a ton of fun. They usually have a line for breakfast but the food is totally worth it!!! The decor brings the place to life with its fun biker vibe.
(4)
Eric W.
Great dive bar, especially since the remodeled it. The Fatboys (burgers) are great and both the chicken and steak tacos rock. But above all, Whiskey Wednesdays is what makes this place the best bar in town (at least on Wednesdays). The bourbon selection is fantastic and everything is 1/2 off. Service isn't great, but if you're not in a hurry (and why would you be at a dive bar) the bartenders are pleasant and there's a good crowd for people watching.
(4)
Gfiddy F.
So many great beers.
(5)
Nicholas G.
I used to live a couple of blocks from here, and as a regular I thought this place was great. (That seems to be a theme for me, I find a place in the neighborhood I like and keep going until they have to be nice to me..) I think the meatloaf sandwhich is delicious, and love the burgers too. I never order bbq, but that's in protest over the fact they closed Bone Daddy (don't even get me started about how much I loved that place.) After BD closed I made the switch to the Spoke and can't say I was disappointed. Since I lived close by I tried to always go when I didn't expect it to be crowded, and usually sat at the bar. One of my fondest memories is the guy who was ALWAYS at the end of the bar reading science fiction novels. I felt as if I'd arrived when he finally asked me what I liked to read. Great place, great atmosphere.
(4)
Beatrize N.
The place was a bit of a mess because of construction and the seats all torn up but the food was amazingly good. Their Fatboy burger lives up to the hype but I definitely would recommend that you get it medium rare instead of well as it as I did. It was a bit too crunchy and not juicy enough, but still good. The fries are amazing as they are hand-cut and really crispy, just like I love and the drinks. Fresh squeezed orange juice screwdrivers and amazing bloodymarys. The bloodymary is an appetizer just by itself.
(4)
Steve D.
I am going to slide into first person plural here, people. Your mileage may vary, but it probably will not. Our beers at the Twisted Spoke on Ogden run the gamut. Our draft handles change occasionally. One Saturday, I noticed He'brew Origin Ale on for the first time. We recently put on Flossmoor Station's Gandy Dancer Honey Ale. The beers on draft are craft brews. If you must have the behemoths, they're available in bottles. I posted a recent directory of our beers on beermapping.com 's forum. What I typically have at the Spoke is the 'pot-luck' (or elsewhere as the 'mystery beer') known here as the "Butch's Beer Special". The language describing it is such: "We carry 56 good beers and one that really sucks. It's usually best not to ask too many questions like 'What is it?'. What it is is only two bucks." But this is hyperbole. Except for one beer which was, in my estimation, unquestionably stale and must have been bought by the Einhorn Bros. from the distributor which was allowing it to go away [and if you have read about Larry Bell's situation - you *know* how rarely this happens] to another distributor. Because the other beers that have turned up in this special have been great beers from Lakefront, Victory, Left Hand, Mac Tarnahan's, Anchor, *New Belgium*, and once [I do not have to make this up.] even Affligem Abbey Ale. Food: Our hamburgers (Fatboys) are really, really good. I noticed we have begun serving them on a pretzel roll. Despite that, I have tried some of the other items on our menu. The Kobe Steak burrito, and the BBQ chicken sandwich (available with the BBQ sauce developed when the Bros. had the lawsuit-attracting 'Bone Daddy' restaurant up the street [It is now a plebian sports bar called 'Mahoney's'.]) are very good. The French Fries are superb. I've been detected scarfing the remains from other diners' plates. And at 11:59 pm on Saturday, you can again order from the breakfast menu. I think the Wisconsin Scramble is the best option there. Bring the kids. What I show is better than anything they'll find on the Internet. O.K. That was a wisecrack. Bring the kids some other time. Transit: We're 3 blocks away from the Blue Line "L"'s "Chicago" station. (Walk south-southwest down Ogden Ave. It would be a five block walk if you exited at "Grand".) Parking is available on the side streets south and east of Grand & Ogden. If you're exiting the Kennedy at Ogden, continue the additional block south of Grand and turn left [east] on Fulton. There should be spots on Fulton, Elizabeth (a one-way northbound street between Fulton & Ogden), or Racine. This is a great place. We have migrated over to the new area facing the southwest corner. The old bar area will become a dining room. We now have Dish Network dbs as well as cable (for the tube televisions). The two Pioneer DV-400V DVD players can provide separate programs on each of the large flat-screen TVs. So for awhile, you could see one movie on VHS on the tube TVs, and a movie on DVD on one of the flat screens.
(5)
sarah s.
It's a fun neighborhood place is you wan to get away from the shi-shi-ness of most of the west loop, but the food is chronically mediocre. The Bloody Mary is, however, fantastic and comes with enough condiments to make a meal. Everything else makes my tummy hurt. The fried egg sandwich is yummy as hell. But, again, tummy ache.
(3)
Lauren H.
Really, 2.5 stars. I was meeting a fellow yelper and got there early. I waited a while at my table on the patio before anyone came to the table, yet people who came after me promptly got water and menus. I was basically ignored for 5-10 minutes even though the waitresses walked right by me several times. Finally a waitress brought water. I had to ask for a second glass for my friend (she should have asked if I was expecting anyone else) and for menus. My friend came shortly thereafter and our orders were taken. She ordered chicken tacos and I ordered a fried egg sandiwich. My food was pretty good, but I think she found her food kind of bland. It took 30 minutes between ordering and getting the food, and then the waitress came back only once to see if we wanted anything else, and we had to flag her down for the check. The patio is not so large nor was the food so exceptional that I can excuse the service; it really needs to be stepped up. The patio is large and well spaced, so the place does have a lot of potential, esp in summer. The downstairs also has a cool shape to it too. Also a minus was the bathroom--it smelled like a pool locker room, way too much bleach or ammonia, and no ventilation.
(2)
Evelyn C.
I came here this weekend after not visiting in about 2 years. The decor was the same with all the bike parts and what not everywhere. Usually I only got beer here, but since I was there chatting with friends I decided to get some food. The food was okay, borderline blah. The cheese curds had no flavor, like they were frozen and not cooked all the way. There were served with spicy honey mustard? That flavor combo was not working for me. I then ordered the pulled pork nachos. They were okay. The bbq sauce on the wings is the same as on the pulled pork but it is semi-heavy in flavor so it overwhelmed the nachos. A couple of friends got a burger and a sandwich and they looked very tasty. The fries were good. I was drinking Oberon but it was pouring weird and was really cloudy. The service was okay, we did have to flag people a few times. The bathrooms could of used a good cleaning.
(4)
Cathy B.
Great selection of beer but the food is nothing to write home about. Burgers are alright but the fries are bland. One of my other friends got a buffalo chicken sandwich and the chicken was soggy and hardly had any buffalo sauce. No ranch either. There are better places in the area, don't waste your time!
(2)
Seth F.
I'm a beer drinker and homebrewer. This place has a good selection of regional micros, national micros, and imports. The food though, ugh, the food. I read the menu and I think, what a wide selection of potentially interesting items. Yet every time, whatever I order, its just sub par, mediocre, banal, etc.
(3)
George G.
I love this place. They recently redid they bar to give the place a facelift. The food is decent but nothing fabulous. They have smut and eggs late night on the weekends which is always fun. The booze flows like water here which always makes for a good experience. The staff is always nice but a little tough because after all it is a biker bar. Go have some drinks scream your head off and enjoy.
(4)
christine r.
when i'm all greazed out and hungover, this is the spot for a great breakfast and bloody mary (which can be a meal, in and of itself). the bloody marys are tasty, but also somewhat weird with all the shredded cheese in them. haha. it tickles my uvula. that might not be a good thing. they serve the marys with a beer chaser, usually something like point, or something just as hideous. before i spend a day in studio, i love to drag myself over here for a plate of breakfast tacos. ask for the bloody mary with gin - you'll get a funny look but it tastes so good. lunch/dinner food is good, too. order the bbq pork nachos for a face full of delicous (and if you're okay with not pooping for about a week - they're LOADED with melted gouda). please, for the sake of your health, share these nachos with others. the waitstaff can have a tendency to be pokey, so i don't recommend this for someone in a hurry. of course, if you're hanging out around grand/ogden you can't really be in a hurry, anyway - right?
(4)
Philip P.
Went here years ago but I still remember the biker atmosphere and having a menu that presented me with too many good choices.
(3)
Anna J.
the rooftop patio here is what makes this place awesome. what i love about it is that it's kind of a secret. on a beautiful friday night in the summer...this is the place to be. the food is pretty good...it's not off the chart. pretty standard bar food. the vodka lemonades are fantastic!! not to sweet not sour. perfect and a little bit to easy to drink if you know what i mean ;) the beer list is great. awesome happy hour place.
(3)
Bobby D.
Not a bad biker-style restaurant at all. The Gazpacho is great. The Steak Tacos are good too. Nice when outdoors in the Summer, And not too bad indoors either. Quite a bit of motorcycle memorobilia in this place too.
(4)
Rebecca T.
Got Hangover? This is your place. I highly recommend the sloppy, gooey, greasy, fried egg sandwich. Fixes you right up... well, that and the multiple drinks you consume over brunch.
(4)
Chocolate H.
Different types of beer, rooftop, and good food what else do you need. To bad the neighborhood it is in is boring.
(4)
Julie M.
Definitely a favorite!! We live a block from the old location in Wrigley and I think we're subconciously moving to the east village so we can continue to order from here often. Although, they caused me a little bit of embarassment when I took my entire family here when they were in town for my graduation. We were looking for some late night food and ending up unknowingly coming for smut-n-eggs!! Once we got our delicious food, I got over the uncomfortability of watching "porn" with my dad. We looooveee the fried egg sandwich, the turkey sandwich on texas toast is really good, and the wings are great. I see others have commented on poor service which we avoid by ordering takeout.
Great food, but don't go in there starving because it may be a minute before someone gets to you.
(4)
Kathy S.
I've always loved Twisted Spoke from day one, it's a stand-by that I keep going back to again and again. Their bloody mary is one of my favorite in the city, especially alongside their breakfast burrito. Normally, I probably wouldn't review a place like the Spoke, since it has been around for a while and either you love it or you hate it (and I think most love it), but I had to give a mention to one outstanding server, Dino. So, five stars for Dino (you rock!), and four overall for Twisted Spoke.
(4)
Fred P.
I have been going to the Spoke since it had a patio in front, right on the corner of Grand & Ogden-since day 1. Even with the new, tendy bar up front (and clientele), this is still one of the best eating & drinking bars around. The new "big" bar houses one of the best bourbon and scotch selections anywhere in the city - their beer selection isn't too shabby either-I do miss the decal-laden cooler that sat in the dirty back bar. They've dropped a few menu mainstays, but the burgers and fries are still incredible, as are the tuna sandwich (w/ginger and water chestnuts), Boss Hog and BBQ Kobe brisket, The brunch (hard to go wrong with any dish) and, particularly, the reknowned bloody marys are over the top. Smut-n-eggs is still around on Saturday nights, although there are fewer "trench coat" types in the house. There are two outstanding service pros still there from the back bar days: Dino, who knows his clients, his menu, drinks and music really adds to a genuine experience without pretense, and a tattooed, purple-haired bartender who is very cool and pours a great drink - I forgot her name, but she always remembers me...my kinda place. I was informed by another friendly Yelper that Dino has left the Spoke and the bartender's name is Nicole.
(5)
scot o.
the great rooftop deck was why we used to come to this chicago icon. it's awesome up there on a summer afternoon. but the spoke just sucks more than the roof is cool. more suck than roof cool. terrible wait staff. order two drinks at a time upstairs in the summer. they NEVER get to you. and avoid the food at all costs, except the burgers. even their salads suck. over priced. too loud and a bad makeover. we liked the bar in the back better. what happened to you spoke. you used to be cool.
(1)
n r.
This place gets FIVE STARS for having the best bloody mary's in the city. Hands down. Where else can you get a meal in a glass? Spiked with shaved parmesan cheese, black pepper and garnished with a hunk of salami, a pearled onion, and a green olive, these things are a (tasty) meal in and of themselves. Not to mention the PBR "back." A little shooter of PBR draught comes on the side. This is my brunch spot. I never stray from my bloody coupled with the best Fried Egg Sandwich...to die for. Fried egg, smothered in mayo, melted cheddar, sliced tomato and thinly sliced white onion, oh and how could I forget, crispy BACON on a marble rye sammich served with home potatoes. IT IS THE BEST. If I get good service from the fully-tatt'd cast, it's a bonus. If not, I still get some cool artwork to stare at. :)
(5)
M M.
The rooftop in the warmer seasons rocks! Great view, great service and the food ...man.,..love me some bbq chicken from Twisted Spoke!
(4)
Stephanie D.
My first visit to the Twisted Spoke was during a lunch a few days back. A co-worker and I decided to give it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised. I had the turkey BLT (minus the T) and it was awesome. GREAT FRIES here!! My friend had the shrimp po-boy and was in love with that as well. Our server was slow and kind of rude... The decor inside is fun and the crowd is interesting. There is a pool table by the bar... Parking can be challenging, but they have a an outside roof-top patio that is awesome during warm days.
(4)
Michael S.
Really great place. Good "fat boy" burgers and beers. Really good place to pick up some old fashion heart attach food! Also I heard they change the channel on all the TV's on Sat night. Not sure what thats about... The bloody mary's are great! Try it out!
(5)
Ethan S.
Twisted Spoke means one thing to me: hangovers. I go there the day after drinking for some great hangover food. The appetizer section of the menu is pretty can't miss. Their nachos are very good, the cheese curds (may sound disgusting) are fantastic, and they have very good quesadillas. I graded them down from 4 to 3 stars for two reasons: First, their service is pretty bad. When we were in yesterday, they took our appetizer orders and brought them out and we had been finished with them for a good 10 minutes before we even placed our orders for the meals. Also, good luck trying to get a refill of anything. Second, on weekends they don't open up their full menu until after 2:00 PM. Their breakfast is not as great as the rest of the menu. It also should be noted that this place does not allow you in without a 21+ ID. This can be annoying if you are in a large group with a bunch of hungry people and either one person forgets their ID or someone isn't 21.
(3)
Allison W.
Waited two hours for Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout to be tapped tonight and sadly it was sour. All six people of my group were completely turned off. We came just for this beer and it was BAD! Luckily the bartenders took it off our bill and gave us a shot to ease the sourness of our tainted pallets. Would go back but be careful about shelling out $10 for a glass
(3)
joanne y.
went here for the first time tonight. on the menu it says they serve corn fries but was disappointed when our waiter said that they have discontinued serving that item (but it's still on the menu). so, i got the guacamole and chips instead. it was not $7 and some change good and the chips they served with it were really greasy. i ordered the shrimp po' boy sandwich and that was really tasty. definitely worth the $10 and some change. the reason why i gave it 4 out of 5 stars is because my friend said his crazy bloody mary with meat and cheese in it was definitely worth that extra star.
(4)
Sarah D.
I can not remember what I ate but it was good. Everytime I have been there the food is good. We went for brunch once and while I know that it is laid back and all when the waitress sat down at the table I was a little turned off, just a little too close for comfort. Bloody Mary= A+++
(4)
olivia p.
3.5 stars. came here before a bulls game so had to have a drink and a fatboy burger. had a vesper. a very strong vesper. =) burger was good. don't know what else to stay. reasonably priced. heard good things about other things on the menu, so would definitely go back and try some other dishes. if burgers were the only thing on the menu though, there are other burger places i like better.
(3)
Brad C.
Stopped in here with a few friends after Coal Fire Pizza for a couple drink. They have some great out door seating on the roof, which was the main reason we went here. Half the beers on the menu they didn't have in. They also kicked us out pretty early, which I understand it is a restaurant. I'm not sure I'll be making it back in, from the sounds of it there food is hit or miss.
(3)
Ren H.
What a fun place to have a drink! We came in and sat at the bar for a while just ogling the huge exotic beer collection! The decor is really funky and their outdoor patio is huge! Great place to come with a group of people.
(4)
Jonathan K.
cool bar. rooftop which is always good, made the place for me. their menu is fun and unique too. they have a biker theme here, so it has personality. their bar is stocked with a huge selection...
(5)
Sara P.
You just cant go wrong with the huge servings and great service. Okay, so the service isnt always great, but who's perfect? The rooftop patio is a perfect summer hangout to sit back and drink ... this is where we come to revive after a long day of moving or hanging out on the beach. the bloody marys are meaty ... literally And if you are driving the neighborhood always has parking.
(5)
bill s.
Man this place is awesome. It's totally badass. I've been there probably at least 6 times now and every time that I've been there the staff was beyond great, friendly, and helpful. If you have a taste for a Corona they don't have it but you'll be pleasantly surprised to have a Sol which is a beer very similar to Corona. The Fatboy Burgers are a burger person's dream. They come prepared with several types of cheese and maan are they great. The Bloody Eggs are also excellent. They are eggs mixed with all kinds of bloody meat fixins'. That might sound disturbing but it's delicious. The Portobello Mushroom Burgers and pretty awesome too. Their fries are not the regular kind, they are the better kind, sort of like Rally's fries. MMMMMM...They are open until 2 am, they have a nice bar, plenty of neat things on the walls.. like a picture of Marlon Brando for instance, and they have Twisted Spoke merchandise available.
(5)
One T.
When I first moved across the street from this place all I could think of was the Wrigleyville Twisted Spoke and that place makes me queasy. But then one day my boyfriend and I were starving and wanted instant gratification, so crossed the street we did. I recommend the Portabella Mushroom Burger it's vegetarian friendly and extremely delicious. The waiters are nice and friendly, but not overfriendly, they let you be while you're enjoying your meal. And if you just want to get a drink they're one of my favorite places to get a gin & tonic. I don't recommend coming on a weekend day though, it's overcrowded with tourist-types and families. (Oddly enough).
(5)
Tina T.
Gosh I love this place! Haven't been at night but we go for the biker brunch. Not the healthiest meals but it does cure a hangover. Did find a good egg breakfast without meat, so there are some good things for vegetarians and non meat eaters. For the hair of the dog, try their Bloody Marys served with a beer chaser, with a side of coffee. Their upstairs deck is cool; love the music and atmosphere; it is a little disturbing to see how yuppified it can get there; although I'd bet it's not too yuppie during the "smut and eggs" porn breakfasts late night (perhaps a little too crazy for me)
(4)
Liza O.
i went for brunch after hearing good things about this place. I ordered a pear bellini, which was sort of weird, but ok. Points for actually serving it in a champagne flute, which most places fail to do. Service was prompt and polite. My friend wasn't too impressed by the coffee, but it served it's purpose as a source of caffeine I guess. I ordered the mexican scramble and my friend ordered the breakfast burrito. The scramble was good, nice cheese. And the burrito was proclaimed to be the best ever. So points for twisted spoke there. I was also impressed by the nice selection of beers. Definitely need to come back and drink some of those in the summer on the roof.
(4)
Edward H.
Twisted Spoke is a place where riders come to chow down and nerds/yuppies gather to feel bad ass. As the name implies, there's a biker theme to this establishment (no not the ones you pedal) - from the handlebar doorhandles to the various bike parts on the wall. The staff here are cool and knows how to treat ya right. The food quality here is consistently good. I love coming here for their Biker Brunch menu - the star of the show would have to be their fried egg sandwich (3-4" tall, thick fried eggs, cheese, thick slices of bacon, mayo, thick slices of toasted buttered bread, ... and I think there was some form of lettuce and tomato in there). Basically a heart attack on a plate... but it's so good that you'll forget all the exercise and visits to the cardiologist this baby will require afterward. They've also great BBQ sandwiches such as their pulled pork (free range pigs... go figure). Falafels aren't bad either - quote from their menu "made from women peas - the peas formerly known as chick." Elvis french toast is good stuff as well (french toast + PB + bananas = CRAZY DELICIOUS). *+10pts if you can tell me where I ripped that off from.* Warm weather will allow for a sunny meal out on their upper story deck. Saturday midnights feature their Smut & Eggs - that's what staff shirts say at least. All in all, Twisted is just a kick ass place to be.
(4)
Brandon H.
Best burger in the city, hands down. Great beer selection and great service have made this a monthly stop for me & my friends. Do yourself a favor and try the BBQ Nachos. Holy crap.
(5)
Kate H.
Great place, but I don't know how I feel about seeing so many yuppies hanging out in a 'biker bar.' I grew up around the backwoods biker bars of the Midwest, and this place is pretty authentic in its atmosphere (greezy old aluminum tables, and multiple pieces of biker paraphernalia), but not so much in its clientele. Either way, they serve great brunch. Try the Road Rash -- their spin on a Bloody Mary. Instead of being served with a sprig of celery, though, they use salami, green olives, and hot peppers on a skewer for the garnish. To top it off, it's served with a beer chaser. The scrambles are awesome, as well as the buckwheat pancakes.
(4)
HK L.
it pains me. really, it's like having to listen to some bullshit five year old shit that's hip again in you little sister's car. awful. i live in memphis, work in dallas, kill time in tulsa. as you can read, it pretty much blows. now and again i get to take the metal hot dog on the company dime to the big, bad city of chicago. let's cut to the chase..... when i do; i go to a bar called the twisted spoke on ogden and something. it's pretty fucking cool since i'm a motorcycle afficianado, nacho lover, and drinker. normally when i go in there's a bunch of hot rocker chicks that remember me (that's why you get five stars). and me? i kind of dig that. however, today i'm told that the short abrasive blondie (yeah right) is not working the normal days. listen. and hear me later. i only get to roll in that bar twice a year. please discontinue w/ the getting rid of the hot chicks. i can get nachos anywhere, hk
(5)
Myron M.
Like Hogs? Like burgers and beer? Twisted Spoke has it all. There's something for everybody on their delicious menu but the portions are HUGE so you better watch what you ask for. You can peruse the motorcycle memorabilia while you suck down a beer in this diner styled eatery or hit the roof and catch some rays while you chow down. I suggest the weekend brunch specials. The bar area is a bit cramped but good for a drink or two.
(5)
Johnna B.
I've been going to the spoke for many years... way before the remodeling and improvements. The food is good. I like their tuna sandwich. Sitting upstairs on a sunny day is the best. Great bloody mary's and Stella on tap make me happy. The waitstaff is okay... the bartender's rule. I have spent many hung over Sunday's ponied up to the bar. By the time I leave... my hang over is gone... replaced by a nice buzz and a smile.
(4)
molly c.
blah. i don't really like this place. enough said.
(3)
Clark K.
been there many times, great bloody mary's and fried eggs and sunday porn!
(3)
Doug H.
Whiskey Lover's Paradise. It had been a couple years since I had been to the spoke when they only had that little length of bar in the back that wasn't that inviting. I went there recently to meet some friends on Whiskey Wednesday. OMFG!!! I can't tell you how much I was surprised. Yes, the bar is in front and longer now but that's not why. The whiskey selection was the best I've seen in Chicago. Yes, there may be some bars that carry more of the standards of scotch but who wants the same old same old anymore? Wednesdays are 1/2 all brown liquor. Even if it's not brown yet. Even if it's not whiskey yet. I tried a 41 year old Scotts scotch from 1964 for $16.50, my standard of Glen Fiddich Solera Reserve and I couldn't resist trying out a single malt spirit. Yes, SPIRIT!!! What scotch and whiskey are before they are three years old. Ever had whiskey straight from the still? It's a young taste that's only found in spirits. I was so impressed that they not only carried this rare booze but they had a surprising selection of it. The Spoke also has an impressive selection of whiskey, bourbon and scotch (my fav.). Jonnie Walker Blue... yes, but who cares. There's so much more high end it make Blue look like McDonalds compared to a back yard BBQ. I'm going back as soon as I can to expand my ever growing scotch tasting history. Oh, and the cheese curds were yummie.
(5)
Denise N.
i am a firm believer in the old adage. " Don't Yuck my yum" with that being said i will not say "yuck" to Twisted Spoke, but I sure as hell am not saying 'yum'. I'm thinking about settling on a "WTF, eeew." this place got rave reviews from everyone. the bloody's are supposedly the best in town. the burgers made with love. not so. the bloody's were ok. the burger took for freaking ever and it didnt taste like anything, not even with all the condiments that i put on it. Two stars 'cause someone else says that there's Jack Daniels on tap. I'm a Jack lovin' kinda girl.
(2)
Mo L.
I've only been in the city about two weeks, but as far as finger food / pub food goes, this place holds its own. I recommend the cheesy nachos and fried portabella mushrooms. There is also a nice selection of beers on tap. However, the service is only fair to good. You'd think they'd be happy that my group ran up a huge tab, but if they can't keep up with the customers, their attitude shows.
(3)
Jonathan S.
This place has been great in the past, but it can be hit or miss for brunch. For example, today our group had to wait over 2 hours for a table and after being seated it took them nearly 45 minutes to bring us our food. One of the orders was forgotten, so one of our party was not able to eat until over 3 hours after arriving.
(3)
Lindsay M.
great food amazing staff always sweet. wide variety of amazing drinks, beers and great food. i've eaten there many times and always have great, great food never a problem. many of the negative reviews are from people who clearly have a negative personality and are just angry people!! It's a bar/restaurant that has a bikes all over the place if you're expecting a classy place maybe you came to the wrong place! im just saying the place plays porn on saturdays and thats alright by me, not to mention half priced whiskey wednesdays!
(5)
kate s.
i miss the wrigleyville location!!!!!!!! Pulled pork is delicious!
(5)
Tobia C.
Strangely enough...this motorcycle themed bar/restaurant has the best Bloody Mary that you are going to find. Salami, pickles, and cocktail onions garnish the drink...served with a beer back. The food is decent...but it's not going to make you write home (do, however, write a yelp review). The roof deck makes it all the more enjoyable in nicer weather.
(4)
Tracy M.
Great outdoor deck upstairs! The BEST fried egg sandwhich (one of the main reasons I come here). Good specials. Tons of drink options. Most of the food is good but not great and service is wishy washy (sometimes good and other times not).
(4)
Elizabeth C.
If anything go there just to sit on the roof during nice weather. Food is execlent, and service is good. And there's a pool table so you have something to do while waiting for a table.
(5)
Tom S.
I've been going here for a very long time. Just went for breakfast after a long bender at Three Floyds Brewery in Indiana. I had some sort of gumbo omlette skillet thingy. It was pretty damn good. I was losing faith in this place...I'd see those little fruit flies buzzing around and the food wad just blah. So this visit really brought it back. The road rash bloody mary was exactly what I needed, and who else has Surly beer on tap? Or Founder's Kentucky Breakfast?? Double-friggin'-yum. I'm not one for eating outside...it never made sense to me that you pay to eat somewhere and end up outside with the bugs, dust, and wind blowing shit all over the place. If you like that sort of thing...go upstairs and save the air conditioning for me you moron. I went for smut and eggs once...by accident. It was a little odd sitting next to beautiful women and acting like hardcore porn wasn't on the television, but it was alright after a few drinks. I'm not sure how it's gonna work with the new bar setup, but I intend to return soon. Porn or not.
(4)
Amanda L.
Food is terrible, service is slow. I've gotten dirty dishes here. I only stop here when friends are dying for one of their drink specials. I'm not a snob but this is definitely not my kind of place. Just feels dirty, especially on the grimy rooftop.
(1)
Jennifer C.
a staple. good beer selection, nice tunes, and a rooftop deck. the clientele has really switched to the SUV stroller mommy types, but it's still a good place to hang.
(5)
Theresa K.
i love twisted spoke! they have the best weekend brunch and the best decor! it's fun, rock'n roll, motorcycle theme/restaurant with plenty of food, drinks, and attitude! cheers! if you plan on going, don't miss out on eating brunch on the rooftop.
(5)
Mark P.
Decent bar food. Enjoyed dinner and brews on the rooftop during the summer.
(3)
Adam K.
hands down the best bloody mary in the city. outside of hopleaf, one of the best beer selections around as well. the burgers are excellent. the rooftop pushes it over the edge. in the summer, this is one of the best places in the city to have a drink.
(5)
Arthur M.
There was a fire across the street from me. It was ninety degrees and a roof deck burst into flames. Folks in the hood treated it like "bring your kids to a fire day." youtube.com/watch?v=Dzrn… My companion and I walked past the emergency vehicles and smoke column billowing into the dusky sky... to the Twisted Spoke to eat. Waitress and busser on the roof top patio were on point. We split the buffalo wings and caesar salad. The wings were small to medium size crispy on the outside. The sauce started with a fire-y flavor and finished with a note of sweetness. There was lots of celery, carrots and jicama on the side. I think the blue cheese was Robo Coupe-ed the same way as the caesar dressing. The salad had anchovies and instead of croutons, toast points. It was generously dressed. To drink I had the cheap margarita and $2.50 draft special Boulevard beer. Companion had bloody mary with meat and pickled string beans and scotch instead of vodka. By the time we got home the fire was out.
(5)
Andrew P.
Just had lunch there a few days ago. Had no idea that they offer a tremendous lunch special that consists of a DAMN GOOD FULLY LOADED FAT BOY (ie burger), very tasty french fries and an ICE COLD BEER for $10. I had half my burger and got pretty full (ie bloated) after finishing my beer. Their beer list is top notch and they always seem to offer great specials for people looking to save a few dollars. This place is one-of-a-kind and it's quickly becoming one of my favorite places to have lunch in the West Loop.
(5)
Caroline A.
I came here for drinks with a friend, and thought it was okay. It is super casual, very loud and feels a little grimey, but a nice change of scenery for me. There is no wine listed on the menu, but they do actually serve a Shiraz. My friend ordered it for me while I was in the ladies room (which was not scary, btw), and it was pretty decent. They have a very extensive wine and liquor list. I will have to try their brunch menu.
(3)
Ashley E.
This place is absolutely perfect! From service to food to bloody Mary's, this place has it all! (Started following them on twitter and I received a free bottle of their bloody mary mix!) My husband and I shared the bacon tempura, biscuits and gravy, and the corn beef hash!! Phenomenal! Our bartenders were very helpful and let us sample some beers! Not sure of their names! They were both bearded and one has dreads! The barback was even on key with teaching us about the Bloody Mary mix! We are from Cleveland and will definitely be coming back!!
(5)
Adlyyn Z.
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.
(5)
Angie M.
The Twisted Spoke on a diet? Can it be done? Hells yes! Now, if you're not watching the calories do yourself a favor and get the Big Boy. It is The Twisted Spoke version of a burger and based on the one teeny bite I had of my dining partner's Big Boy, I can categorically say it's pretty fucking phenomenal. The burger comes on a huge, soft roll, has tons of toppings and is served with a mammoth pile of fries. Yeah, pretty much the most awesome lunch you can imagine. But if you're one of those people who can gain weight in the blink of an eye (much like myself), the garden salad topped with grilled chicken is a pretty good bet. My salad was heavy on the yummy veggies like red onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, celery and cucumbers, didn't come with cheese and was served with pretty tasty balsamic vinaigrette. Granted it's not a Big Boy, but hey. You take what you can get, right? Service was lovely on a cold, rainy December afternoon, so no complaints there. The bloody marys and mint juleps came out in a jiffer and our food was served with lightening speed. Our server didn't even scoff when we literally paid for our mostly liquid lunch with a huge pile of singles earned at my triumphant win in the You Swoop money booth. Um, $52 worth of singles. Trust me; I had to assure the poor waiter that I wasn't coming off a shift at the strip club...
(4)
David S.
This fat boy enjoys the fatboy burgers at the Twisted Spoke. Always juicy and flavorful to the last bite. I also like that they have Green Goddess salad dressing available.
(4)
Carrie S.
So i returned again with another bestie, Mandy (yes, a girl can have more than one!) who was in town from Texas for our nephew's first birthday in April. Once again we craved bloody marys. SO DAMN GOOD. We also ordered a couple apps. Portobello mushroom fries that were outstanding, with a yummie little dipping sauce (that I can't quite remember exactly what it was) and cheese fries.....that were ok. Once again....i will be back for more bloody marys....if fact, I have a craving as I type this!
(5)
Terry S.
I love the Twisted Spoke, to some the place may take on a intimidating,hardcore. sorta biker like appearance.[revolving motorcycle with skeleton atop)but once inside you"ll encounter a very pleasant staff and fun atmosphere, let me keep it simple..Great selection of beers, Huge selection of Bourbons..some totally unique signature drinks,and a selection of not just one but several different Bloody Mary styles , which go perfect with a Sat and or Sun brunch hangover. The Menu is equally impressive with a delicious lunch or dinner selection..kinda cajun/barbecue id say! Fun place to take a date..great place to hang with friends! Twisted Spoke has it all..
(5)
J P.
This is a classic three-star review. Twisted Spoke is exactly what it makes itself out to be- a kitschy breakfast place with a cool rooftop deck. Pretty fun place to go- nothing super special about their menu, their drinks, or their service. Was not a bad experience. Nothing mind-blowing. Would return if it was convenient for a large group to meet there.
(3)
Erin J.
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.
(3)
Omare V.
I highly recommend the Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich! Before I came to this place I thought I had a better PP BBQ sandwich, but I was mistaken. This place has the best one so far. The fries were good, but the only thing was that the coke was flat. For $11 you can't beat that! In fact most of the things on the menu are around $10 dollars. I'm coming back soon!
(4)
Jon A.
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.
(5)
Samuel M.
I am a proud American and I respect the hamburger, so I've felt like a fool for having missed out on the Twisted Spoke, which has appeared on various "best of" lists in the city for over a decade. While I enjoyed myself here, burger-wise, I was not missing very much. Burger ($11 base, $12 with fried egg) is in the "build your own burger" style. I went with lettuce, tomatoes, bacon (not an extra charge, which was a pleasant surprise), raw onion, and a fried egg, on a pretzel bun. So much about this burger was so very mediocre. Most egregiously, the patty, which I ordered medium rare, was medium well at least, with rare flecks of pink peppering an otherwise grey mass of beef. It had a decent flavor, however, despite the crumbly, overcooked consistency of the patty. The pretzel roll was very bready and at times overpowered the burger. Otherwise, the bacon was crispy, the egg was not overcooked, and the fries were pretty good, but on the whole, this burger was solidly below average and not really worth trying. Service was also consistently off; I erroneously got cheddar on my burger despite not asking for it, it took us 20-30 minutes to get waters, and we were brought honey mustard after asking for dijon. However, the waitress was attentive and pleasant enough that these misses did not disturb me. After a pretty uniformly panned review of the burger, why does Twisted Spoke earn three stars, which I usually reserve for restaurants that at least give me something good to say about their food? It has a great beer list (including Half Acre Akari Shogun), and the roof deck is awesome. Seriously, I could have eaten a hockey puck on a bun up there on a nice day and still enjoyed it. These factors alone make the Spoke a worthwhile experience. I'll be back to drink and probably to try the wings, but I'll skip the burger.
(3)
Christine S.
If The Twisted Spoke were a guy, we'd be dating... Or at least doing it (ya know, just in case he wasn't looking for something serious). As you can see with my other reviews, I LOVE THIS PLACE. Again, Nikki, 10 fucking thumbs up, you rock! My beer will never go empty, and my stomach will never growl when you are around. If you like Lemon and you like Chicken Wings, you've GOTTA try the Flaming Lemon Wings. OMG, mouthgasim! And, they light the damn wings on fire at your table (think saganaki). The hummus, is thick and wonderful. They serve it with cut up pitas, celery, carrots, and jimica. Everything I've eaten here so far has been delish! Damn it, now I'm starving.
(5)
Wendy A.
For Brunch: Lavache Poire. Yes, please. Anything that has brie cheese and cooked fruit, seriously. Yummm-eee. Great bloody mary's. I wish they were just a tad spicier.
(4)
Nicole M.
The rooftop here is beautiful, not what you'd expect looking at the place from the outside (or from the inside). The breakfast was great, my only gripe is that the service was a little lackluster. We had to ask for coffee a few times until it finally came right as we were filling out the check.
(3)
Michael E.
Twisted Spoke is a great place that is (a) low key, (b) full of character....and most times "characters" (c) great staff (d) attentive bar tenders and (e) great food........that is code for "it'll make you fat because it is so good" *wink* In addition, and this is important for this time of year, is a nice deck on the roof. My visit last night......I was going stir crazy sitting around watching my injuried foot heel so I had to get out.....this was a great place to have a few beers, enjoy the weather and do a little people watching. I've also done Sunday brunch here and the Bloody Mary's are some of the best. They come with a beer chaser too which is a deal in my opinion. There are several other bars in the area, so you can actually make a night of it just within walking distance.......and a recently open venue and one some Yelps just tried out is Borders Tavern, just around the corner on Lake.....but I digress. TIP: For you folks on a date.....go up on the roof and if you can, try and get the small table just to the right of the corner of the building that faces out to the Skeleton on the Motorcycle....great view of the street...you can sit side-by-side with your backs to the deck and just drink, talk, and watch the rotating dead guy and watch the sun set......or just turn around and view the entire deck.
(4)
Benny J.
The food is great here and the bloodies make it a great Sunday lunch spot. Haven't been there in good weather yet but the outdoor rooftop looks pretty awesome!
(4)
B V.
Walked in. Asked for food menu. Sat down for 15 min. No one came to my table. It was 4:50 pm with 5 other people there. Won't be back. Thanks.
(1)
Chuck W.
I came here for brunch and had the gumbo with poached eggs. Admittedly, it was the only gumbo I've ever tried, but it was delicious. As a huge beer fan, I also had a fun time checking out all of the rare bottles along their shelves. I'll have to come back here and try a bloody mary some time.
(4)
Kevin J.
Bartenders and staff were dicks. I just asked for a drink. Why the fucking attitude?
(1)
Nicole S.
OK, tempura bacon?!!? Banana fritters!?!?!? Amazing bloody Mary's with a side car?!?! And a wonderful and fun waitress to top it off. Like Yelp says "Woohoo! As good as it gets!? I have been to Twisted Spoke a few times over the years and sometimes as I drive past I wonder....is it still good? Are the bloody Mary's still killer? And every time I go back in the answer is yes, yes, YES! The staff is kind, courteous, helpful (we added a few chairs and bodies as our brunch progressed to lunch and almost to dinner time) and an A+ on the prompt service. Our waitress was amazing and remembered to check in with the vegetarians at the table (beware the bloody mix has beef stock in it - who would have thunk it?!) and for food allergies. So nice and thoughtful. I think we will be bringing more and more people back here. I want to be sure they stay a staple in the neighborhood and, frankly, it doesn't get much better than tempura bacon.
(5)
Oscar G.
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...
(2)
Jenaia F.
Went to the Twisted Spoke for the first time this Friday. My husband, being a Chicago native and a huge fan of the Spoke, insisted that we give it a go while in town. Everything from top to bottom was fantastic. The bloody mary was one of the best I've ever had!! They also had an impressive beer list and food menu. While the service was excellent, the food definitely stole the show - not what I expected at all. Everything that we ordered was delectable and next time we return I'll definitely have a tough time ordering knowing how good everything was. Between the 3 of us, I got a chance to taste the following: -Pulled Pork Sandwich - Delicious, not too sweet. -Steak Burrito - Recommended by our waiter and it was perfection on a plate. Very tasty. -Meatloaf Sandwich - AMAZING!! The meatloaf was so light and it was served in between 2 thick slices of garlic bread. Who does that???? Apparently, the Twisted Spoke does and they do it well. Will definitely be back again next time I'm in town.
(5)
Larry V.
This place is great for lunch, dinner, drinks, etc. Great burger options, as well as, other favorites (pulled pork, fish tacos, etc). The bar has a big variety of whiskey options. As the weather gets warmer, enjoy the upstairs deck for food and drinks. The staff is always good, and this place is a favorite.
(5)
Aurore L.
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.
(5)
Elizabeth W.
This is quickly becoming my favorite brunch place in the city. Their brunch menu has a wide variety of classic breakfast, fatty hang-over busters, and delicious burgers. And their bloody mary's are to die for! I went here Sunday with my sister and I ordered the Road Rash Bloody Mary and the heart attach biscuits and gravy. Delicious, filling, and exactly what you want on a sunny Sunday. I will be back again and again. 4 stars becasuse sometimes their service can be a little slow or the waitstaff a little distracted.
(4)
Mandy A.
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.
(5)
Alessandra Z.
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?
(5)
Kaybee K.
i think my favorite thing about twisted spoke is the consistency. that's always the hardest thing to find at any restaurant and it's a very comforting thing when you do find it. i usually go here for brunch and always leave happy. they'll tweak your orders to make you happy without scowling at you. their bloody mary's are served with salami and a beer back. that's one of my favorite things when ordering a bloody and not a lot of places in chicago serve the beer back. but they all ought to. says me. there food is typical average bar food fair with their own twist on it. [get it, twist..] they do have eggs and smut on the weekends. it's fun, old porn. the only thing that makes me uncomfortable about it is the old men that go and creepily watch and then stare at the girls at the bar. because of that, i normally just stick to brunch at this place. i LOVE their roof deck. it's spacious and just straight up awesome.
(4)
Linda M.
I've eaten here a few times and have always had a great experience. My only critique would be to update your beer list! I asked for about 3 different beers and the server kept coming back to tell me they were all out! Their outdoor patio is great on a summer or fall day. I will be back.
(4)
Sara A.
What more can be said then the 172 others reviews? Well for starters, the bloody mary's rule. They are good. Not great, but good. Served up in a pint glass, how they should be, with an eff-in smorgasbord of salad toppings and MEAT! Yes Meat. Damn you Chicago, you make it very difficult to be a vegetarian in the city. Seriously, I would come here just for these hangover helpers. The Elvis french toast, stuffed with peanut butter and bananas is frightfully delish. My friends had the burger and steak and eggs, which was too small to be called a steak, it was more the size of a cow's ear. There is always a wait, unless you are an early riser. The wait staff ok, kinda grumpy guss-es, which is expected given that its a biker bar. And the music way too loud for a hang over hang out on Sunday mornings.
(3)
Sean B.
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.
(5)
Claudia D.
Again, the husband and I visited The Twisted Spoke following cardiac rehab for lunch. All that treadmill work creates an appetite. What keeps calling to us is the Seared Tuna Sandwich. The Seared Tuna Sandwich is never dry. The thick rare tuna, perfectly seared on the outside, is stacked in ciabatta bread with swiss cheese and grilled onions as well as a mango tomatillo salsa which is to die for---upgrade the plate with a salad and the balsamic vinegrette. The husband and I share one of these making the total pre-tax price only $6 each. I love it. The chicken tacos are very good as well---especially if you ask for extra pico de gallo instead of the black beans, and then mix the rice and all of the pico de gallo into a rice salad---then use the scrumptious tomatillo salsa which contains bits of ripe avocado as a salad dressing. We share that as well. These are the only heart healthy items on the Twisted Spoke menu, that we like. Notice---both contain cheese---which the wait staff can have omitted if requested. Today, the husband had an Allagash White draught. I splurged and indulged in a Koningshoeven Quadruple Trappist Ale at $11 for an 11.5 oz. bottle---heaven! Pueblo AKA Pablo AKA Paul was our wait person. As always, superb service and attention to detail.
(4)
Casey P.
Tried the Mescen scramble and the breakfast tacos. Both were pretty underwhelming. Both dishes said they came with chorizo, at the twisted spoke that means a light dusting of chorizo particles over your eggs. The food had absolutely no flavor. The only way I can see this being good is if you are either drunk or very hungover which seems like the crowd they cater to. If you go there stone cold sober, I would think about going somewhere else.
(1)
Niraj G.
Really good brunch spot. The rooftop adds a nice touch on a summer day. The "Chilla Killas" was fantastic and a must try for veggie lovers.
(5)
Kevin M.
My food was cold in the first place - cold fish and black beans. They forgot the tortillas with my fish tacos. My waiter (the bartender) disappeared and I waited over five minutes to be able to tell anyone my food was cold and that I needed tortillas. When I got the tortillas there were only three and they were soggy, dripping with grease. I still got charged the full price, $12 which is a little much for what is served in the first place. They forgot to charge my card after taking it from my area, which was another five minutes of waiting around ready to leave. It was a Monday night after 8pm and I was 1 person. It was a very standard order on an apparent non-busy night with two bartenders staffed. I'll come here again, just not on a Monday.
(1)
Grace N.
Come for the bloody mary. Stay for the fatboy burgers. Leave because the metal chairs are killing your butt. Great brunch items, the scrambles are awesome and I LOVE the Texas Toast and the jam. Seriously, I was upset because they didn't bring the jam once, it's some darn good jam. I'm leaving a star off because the waitstaff is lackadaisical (don't they WANT my money?) and the weird porn night on the weekend (Smut n eggs) grosses me out.
(4)
Samantha J.
have been here a few times and was very disappointed with the food. the biscuits and gravy is more like biscuits in soup. however, the bloodies are excellent and make up for it!
(3)
Haley S.
My boyfriend and I grabbed a burger here today on our apartment hunt. Good burgers, friendly service...just remember to tell them no mayo, my boyfriend forgot and could barely eat his. I don't get the whole midwestern gross mayo thing. Ick.
(3)
Angela S.
If they could just improve the food slightly this would be one of my favorites. The service is awesome. And the atmosphere and vibe is super cool. But the food is lackluster.
(3)
Philip V.
Went to try out the burger. Have been checking out all the great burgers in the city, and this was on a couple of lists. Easily found a place to sit on a Saturday evening. Loved the decor (motorcycle stuff everywhere). Terrific beer selection: had some more obscure Bells and Great Lakes choices, two of my favorite breweries. Oddly, they also had Genesee Cream Ale, which was nostalgic. It's not good beer, but it's one of the very first beers I ever drank back in the early 90s in my late teens in upstate New York. A nice touch. Was a little turned off that the whole burger thing was build your own. I really like the idea of a burger place crafting what they feel is the perfect burger, whether it involves a fried egg, or their home made ketchup, or their locally sourced bacon or whatever. But, no problem. I constructed MY idea of a great burger and it was absolutely great. yummy fries, too. Not sure I'd place this one at the top... but man, it was perfectly done (medium rare for me)... I do like the egg a little more runny, but... I have to say, I need to recommend the starter we had: BACON TEMPURA. whoa. I mean, whoa. Deep fried bacon. Absolutely amazing. Great place. Will be back.
(4)
Matthew B.
First of all one of the best beer selection I've ever seen in a restaurant/bar huge craft selection on tap and in bottles. If you can't find anything here to your liking you have problems. Secondly Bloody Mary's are done here very well, from the moment it arrives you are in awe as it is done very well in it's presentation and everything after that follows. We went on a Sunday afternoon and were seated right away. This place just has the right feel of divey that me and my wife like in a bar/restaurant feel. But other than that feeling the food and beer/drink selection is top notch. We started out with the cheese curds. Some of the best that I've ever had, done extremely well just the right amount of breading plus they give you a cheese dipping sauce lol some cheese for your cheese why not!!! We both went with sandwiches one of us having the pulled pork and the other having the shrimp po'boy. The pork arrives with a tremendous amount of pork that my wife was able to scrape off some from her sandwich and pour it over her fries(hand cut fries btw) with the left over cheese sauce and make a version of pork poutine fries(Twisted Spoke if you would like to put that on the menu as a app just put her name on it that's all :) ) the pork was very good my wife liked the fact that the bun did not get soggy at all, Seriously there is enough pork on there to make 2 sandwiches very good sauce and pork would definitely get again. I had the shrimp po' boy and it was very good also. The shrimp tasted so fresh, all the ingredients blended seamlessly together to make a great tasting sandwich. The bread was slightly toasted and crispy which again held up throughout the sandwich. We also got the boneless wings to go and the word on those were that they were some of the best tasting wings. All in all would definitely go back, the vibe in the place is awesome, great food and drinks what more could you want in a place? If you are in the area stop on in we for sure will be back again very soon
(5)
Kristy F.
VERY GOOD. Ordered a single patty fatboy with chedder, onions, lettuce, bacon..etc. Will likely return...someday.
(4)
genevieve b.
So I have to start this review by saying that I love this place. I got there a lot, and its casual, laid back, the liquor selection can not be beat anywhere in the city, and they have amazing food and bloody marys that make me come here about 3-4 times a month. Usually the service is fine, if a bit slow, but I have never cared since its not fine dining, its a bar... and so I've never had a bad experience, at least until this past Saturday at brunch. Ok, I used to wait tables and I know what an absolute horror brunch can be for servers... but on this occasion I really felt like our waiter couldn't wait until we left. We sat on the patio (which I love) and we received menus, and water right away. Great. We sat there for at least 25 minutes (was watching my watch because I had an appointment later) and the waitress who was also working out there went and took two other tables orders before anyone had even approached us. I didn't realize there was another server out there since I hadn't seen anyone else so I asked her and she said she'd send out server over. It appeared to me that he was new at serving since he didn't greet us at all, apologize for the wait, but rather launched into what do you want.... not good. I ordered coffee and a bloody mary and every time he put a drink on the table, he put it on the very edge of the table closest to him rather than putting it in front of me. I waited tables for years and this was so irritating I couldn't stand it. I asked for more coffee and he picked up the cup from in front of me, filled it, and then set it again on the very edge of the table closest to where he was standing so I had to then reach over to pick it up. Its a small thing but it is just bad service. Food was great as always, but I noticed that he was much nicer to other tables that us. My girlfriend and I were just out for brunch, we weren't begin bitchy or rude thought I was a bit annoyed at having to wait so long to be acknowledged, but I guess since we were bothered he stayed away from us as much as possible instead of apologizing which goes a long way with me. I'll definitely come back... like I said I love this place, but I feel like this service was too bad to not mention. :/
(3)
Casey Z.
Three words: try their wings. My boyfriend absolutely loves wings, so much so that he has become somewhat of a wing snob. We stopped into Twisted Spoke to grab a quick drink and an appetizer and naturally we decided to go with the wings. They were incredible. They make their own sauce and are very secretive about it. If you are wing fan, you have to try this place.
(4)
Al G.
It wasn't bad at all despite being limited by the Sunday Brunch menu, which pretty much seemed to limit the normal menu, if I'm not wrong. I had the gumbo with the poached eggs super satisfied with a side of potatoes. My girlfriend had the eggs smoked pork and peaches with a hell of a slice of Brie cheese. Both dishes were great, and would return just for them. I definitely want to plan another trip to try the full menu. I'll get back then, hopefully just as good if not better experience. The service was o.k. Could have used more water or ice in the water, when they were around they were somewhat pleasant. But not bad...
(4)
Kevin C.
The menu caters to hangovers on Sunday. In search of a Bloody Mary and a hot breakfast plate then park your Harley here. They have 8 different bloody's to choose from and long beer list. Any whiskey or scotch you could ever want with Jim, Jack, and Jameson coming from the barrel. The dining room full of folks trying to get back to sea level. I opted out of breakfast since it was almost two and went for a burger. Standard, medium-rare, could have used a little more seasoning, but it fit the bill. And the mussels with a roasted tomato broth were awesome but needed additional bread (who in the city serves mussels with an ample amount of bread?!). Our waitress was a rock star and by no means was rushing us even though there was a 30 minute wait. She was straight up about menu items in question and truly made the dining experience pleasant. They will be packed on Sunday. The bar will be full and when groups get called for their table the vacant seats will surely be sniped instantly. Don't hesitate, just go, before its too late. Bloody's are popular, you'll see beer side cars everywhere, and that's a good indication. Biker bar, biker dudes, biker beers...you get the point. If you can't find the booze or beer you are looking for then you need to leave. Jameson from the barrel will change your perspective and having it from the bottle will not impress you. A solid option on a Sunday afternoon, or stop in for half off loud mouth soup on Whiskey Wednesday, and you may find yourself sticking around for an extra beer.
(3)
Natalie T.
Cant get enough. Love the patio. The bloody marys are, hands down, best ever. I have been coming back for years for them. This summer we have chosen twisted spoke's patio as our brunch "spot" to bring our out of town guests regularly. Noone ever leaves dissappointed! I highly recommend the bacon tempura and jalapeno poppers to start. Entree-wise the chillakillas, fried egg sandwich or four cheese grilled cheese (add bacon) are all personal favs. Don't be intimidated by the sounds of the concoctions some of their bloody marys: there is not one bloody mary that will let you down. Awesome beer and whiskey selections, also! I cannot rave enough about how much I love the Twisted Spoke!
(5)
Ryan K.
Had brunch on the rooftop with friends and a total of four kiddos. I had the Chila Killas, which is a Mexican egg scrambler with peppers, cheese, and baked tortillas, it was really good. Friends had the burgers which as many other reviews have stated are excellent. Kids had French toast and grilled cheese which they loved. They only have one item on the kids menu, grilled cheese, but our waitress Thelma let us order single pieces of French toast rather than ordering the full adult portion, yes this place is kid friendly. Everyone loved the atmosphere and we had great service. Will be back again soon.
(5)
David C.
Don't let the cadavers on bikes fool you!!! I love going to this place for brunch on Sundays and having their AMAZING Bloody Marys!! The bloodies come with bologna, an onion, cheese...and a sidecar of their beer. The food is not half bad and I always seem to get the breakfast burrito with a melon slice. I also come for the rocker\biker vibe. My server is always a badass Phillipina who is very attentive and always so nice. I also hear they play porn during the night bar hours. My kinda place! Lol...
(4)
Kenny O.
Favorite place to go to in my neighborhood. I like to stick with the breakfast tacos, breakfast burrito, jumbo chicken burrito, or burger if I'm feeling fat. I see a few people complaining about unhealthy food on Yelp... if you want to eat healthy, don't eat out. Simple. Not like they advertise themselves as a healthy restaurant. The staff is very nice and the food always comes out quick even during busy times. I would just suggest avoiding breakfast rush... cause aint nobody got time to sit there for an hour+ in the morning.
(5)
Jen K.
I love this place. They have a phenomenal beer menu, with hard to find BCS usually available. Not many places can boast that...so barrel-aged beer lovers, head here! The bloody marys are really good. Not the best in this world, but really good. I like the flavor of parm cheese in it, but sometimes it becomes really annoying to try and fit the shredded cheese through the straw. The brunch is great...usually potatoes are served with breakfast food as a cheap filler but have zero flavor. Not here! They were one of the best parts of the meal! The corned beef hash is a perfect hangover remedy. Basically, I mix the hash, the potatoes, and the poached eggs together for one big breakfast mess. The blood mary washes it down, and I'm cured! The only complaint is that this place could stand to expand, especially in the bar area. It gets very, very cramped. This place is always busy, too. There is NEVER any good parking, prepare to walk or park illegally. So get there early, have some barrel-aged stouts to comfort the soul, and you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Nichole M.
This is definitely a unique bar/restaurant. Our server was super friendly and helped us with the beer selection and food menu. I was pleased with both. Plus they play really good rock music! The food is quite good. The brisket was the recommended dish, but I'm not a brisket gal. Everyone else at my table had the brisket and loved it. I had the buffalo chicken sandwich which was delicious and also extremely messy. Totally worth it. Had a really good time with the music, beer, food and service accompanying my great company.
(4)
Mike W.
Had lunch at the spoke today with a couple of friends. The service was great and the food was good. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Lena D.
I love spoke but was disappointed having breakfast there last saturday. My friend and I ordered scrambles and if it wasn't for not wanting to waste food, we would have likely sent back both. So sad I love lunch, dinner, snacks there but was so darn disappointed. Red potatoes were just all pepper and tasted still uncooked. The Mescin scramble I had was so dry and lacked any flavor for having chorizo in it. Coffee was great and the toast but think I'll definitely stick to lunch or try something else. Super bummed.
(2)
Paul M.
If you love bad service, mediocre food, has a funky whiz/beer odor, and won't sell a plain grilled cheese to a Mom, then this is the place for you. If any a place is in need of an appearance on Bar Rescue, the Twisted Spoke is it. I have been there a ton of times over the years and have always had a great experience until last Sunday. Stopped in w/my wife and teenage son. Typical dive bar which I love, but that funky dive bar smell of beer and whiz permeated throughout was the first time I'd experienced this at the Spoke. It was slow and there were plenty of staff just stading around talking to each other. It took a while for our server to get to us. My son and I ordered the burgers and my wife wanted a simple grilled cheese and that was on the menu but under the 'KIDDIES' section. The waiter explained that he would have to charge her $5 more for the grilled cheese because she's an adult. She said she didn't want anything then and I mentioned that charging $5 more for a menu item because someone is not a kid is a bit strange. He agreed and went to get the manager. It was evident that the Manager has really never had any experience in customer service experience. He said that my wife could order the adult grilled cheese on the menu which had thicker bread, 3 types of cheese and a lot more fries. She said she just wanted an old fashioned grilled cheese with just American cheese. He said he couldn't do that for her. Huh? We even offered to throw in a few more bucks (not $5, though) and he said he still couldn't do it because if he did all of Chicago would be in the place ordering grilled cheese cuz it's such a great deal. Even the table across from us were in disbelief. Our burger and fries were good. They could definitely have used a bit of seasoning. Overall, it was really weird and I have been telling everyone about this experience. Needless to say we won't be returning and from the recent reviews I've read, this place won't be around long unless they make some major changes that get them back to the great place they used to be. One place to start is to take advice from legendary Chicagoan Marshall Field. He coined the phrase "Give the lady what she wants." And in this case, the lady was asking for a grilled cheese and that simply couldn't be done. The spoke is twisted and apparently so is their logic and thinking.
(1)
Nicole W.
Gross gross gross. Stopped by here for a beer and a bite, the fries taste metallic and gross, the ketchup tasted off. Portobello sandwich was impressive LOOKING, however, it tasted like shit. And how does a place fail with a grilled cheese? C'mon. Cheapest cheese ever, yuck. Barely touched the food. Beer and poppers were the only things we ordered worth consuming. Don't waste your money.
(1)
Kris R.
two thumbs up. not my go-to, but it's definitely delicious. no matter what time of day, get a tasty bloody. i love it when they stuff meat in it. they put it all up in there, all folded, with an olive, all up in your cup. i think they put cheese in it, too. all up in there. and it's spicy! which i sometimes have trouble with, but it's totes worth it. i've had the biscuits + gravy for brunch on the roof deck - that was pretty damn good. the chili is okay - kinda runny if you ask me. it comes in a metal skillet, so when you're scooping it up with a spoon, you get that metallic taste. ew. it's a great place to hang and drink. i think i was there one night for the 70s porn and chicken (or is it eggs?). i just have an issue with the 1970s in general, so seeing all kindsa hair makes me feel uncomfortable. outdated porn, especially from that era, makes it hard for me to eat anything. #puns
(4)
Stephanie L.
SKIPPPPPPPPPPP! Oh Twisted Spoke, I heard so many good things about you so I was dying to try you and finally I was going to eat bad on a Sunday after doing so well for about a week and a half. Sunday afternoon, no line, perfect. Walk in and no one pays a bit of attention to us. Maybe we were to preppy or maybe they were just busy. After a couple of minutes a guy that was sitting on the stairs gets up and gets us menus and then shows us to a little table right in the front. Fine with us. It was too hot to sit outside. He proceeds to rattle off something about a limited brunch menu, but they have some sandwiches. I distinctly remember hearing him say portobello mushroom sandwich. Anyway, we sit and wait and wait. No one comes. Finally water comes out. We wait and wait and wait. Finally our server with hot red lips comes over. The weird thing was that she must have walked by us at least 5 times before stopping. WE ARE STARVING! Please, help us get some food! We order up the Bloodies! I have to say 5 stars on the delicious bloodies. They really were a great TREAT! YUMMY! Not to mention, spicy and loaded with cheese, meat and all the fixings. This would be worth coming back for. All for $8! So I was kind of confused about the menu because they have limited lunch menu on Sundays. However, the server stated different things were available than the guy that sat us. So that was annoying. Just make a printed menu of whats available on Sundays...is it that hard? Its not like their menu is this extravagant thing. Instead, one person is telling us one thing and then the server is saying, 'oh no, thats not available today.' Get your shit straight. We decided on the shrimp po'boy and the bbq chicken sandwich. The po'boy was FISHY! It was like I had a bite of the shrimp and seriously tasted it in my mouth until after we left the restaurant. GROSS! Out of the places that I have recently went for po'boys, this was by far, my least favorite. The chicken was good, however, I wouldnt go out of my way for it. I also found it interesting that they dont have ranch here. They serve wings, etc. No ranch. Just Green Goddess, which is good, however, its not ranch??! Overall, I was disappointed in Twisted Spoke. I get the grungy, biker look, however, I still expect good service and people that know what they are talking about. Also, if you are going on a Sunday and looking for a healthy option, this is NOT the place for you. Everything was like a heart attack waiting to happen. Where I also was kind of disappointed about.
(2)
Glory O.
the best gumbo in the worlddddd! its serious stuff when you get it with the two poached eggs for brunch (they only do the eggs on weekends unfortunately). although everything else on the menu always looks great -- the only thing i ever get is the gumbo. GUMBO GUMBO GUMBO! great food and booze with friendly service. doesn't get better than that!
(5)
Brandon T.
Came here last night with friends and had a fantastic time. The place has a weird old school diner feel. The bar top is metal, the bathrooms are strange, but in a good way. The drinks they make are really good. The old fashion was surprisingly well done. Also the beer list is huge, and the bartender knows his stuff about everything on it, so feel free to ask for a recommendation. I ended up getting a few appetizers. The fries were just ok, the cheese curds and wings were much better, but nothing to write home about. I would definitely stop in again if in the area.
(4)
Sara S.
This place is on our regular rotation of places, we go probably at least a few times every month. Alex and Jen are our favorite bartender duo, but all the employees are fun to talk to. The atmosphere is casual and fun. If you are in the mood for a beer I suggest getting one of their recommendations to try something seasonal or different. If you are in the mood for a mixed drink they have quite a few unique options as well. Their bloody marry works wonders and their hot toddy is my go too when I have a cold. The food is always delicious! We have tried multiple items on the menu; the burger is always great, I love the cheese curds with the mustard sauce, the Wisconsin Scrambler is fantastic, and the flaming lemon wings are also great (and entertaining). Those are just some of my favorites, but like I said, I have yet to order anything and be disappointed. Great staff, great drinks, and great food make this one of our regular spots!
(5)
Carly G.
I'm here every weekend. That says something. Best bloodies and their biscuits and gravy are to die for! Oh and their mussels are nothing short of extraordinary!
(5)
Merissa L.
Ambiance is good but food is mediocre at best. I have been here 2 times now. The first time I had poached eggs with were ok, the potatoes were just whatever. Last night I ordered the chicken tacos and they came with melted cheese under the chicken, and a small plastic side of black beans. The tortillas were hard and almost crunchy and anyone who knows tacos knows that melted cheese just aint the way it supposed to be. i wish this place had better food...service was also mediocre at best.
(2)
Steve H.
Wow! Massive whiskey list! The best is Wednesday nights where they are all half off :) Their beer list is also impressive! Came here and tried some of their sandwiches. The Boss Hog pulled pork really could hold its own against any BBQ joint. My buddies Fat Boy burger was ridiculous as well.
(4)
Brian R.
With today's foodie population splitting multiple items to try as much as possible I find it absurd that you would charge a 50% extra surcharge if I want to cut off a piece of my burger and give some to someone else. . Go elsewhere.
(1)
Estevan F.
Dont expect the red carpet to be pulled out for you when coming here.. In return shall receive amazing beer, great burgers, sandwiches and chicken tacos. Music is good the beer lists are amazing. Did I forget to mention fried egg, bacon and cheese on your burger? The place has a dark biker bar feel, bar area is a bit small when its packed. Luckily they have a dining area good place to keep the children and health junkies. Great place to chill and relax take your time to enjoy that great beer. Not really the place to get quick food if your on a time crunch. Always enjoy the patio after a long day of motorcycle riding has a great view of your bikes.
(4)
Kari F.
It is so glorious to go to a place that really knows how to make a Bloody Mary... I say spicy, they give me ze spice. I can't go on without mentioning their shrimp po boy... This sandwich is huge, crunchy, and so fresh. I love when a restaurant understands the importance of using quality bread. I can't count how many times I've ordered this. When I'm feeling crazy, I get the fried bacon (...Is this real life?!). It's not too greasy or over-powering at all. The beer selection makes me so :). I enjoyed a $2.50 special for Alpha King on Tuesday night (...no really, Is this real life?!). The service is good most of the time- the bartender was knowledgable and made some great suggestions for beer as well as mixers we tried. He made a heck of an Old Fashioned. The service does get pretty slow on the rooftop in the summer, since they had one guy serving the entire bunch. Only thing that puzzled me was the night i wanted to grab some grub and a beer with my sister, and porn was on every TV. It was awkward. It would be funny if they aired it for like a half hour, but it was the rest of the night. I'm trying to eat here.... c'mon. Besides that once instance, I come here all the time and always had a good experience. I will keep coming back for the quality food and bevs any day.
(4)
Theresa F.
2nd time around - still good food. I had the lemon wings - they were ok - I think they do better with sandwiches and breakfast food though. Server was Andy and he was AWESOME!
(4)
Jessica B.
Best corn beef hash in the city and the bloodies are everything that people have said and more.
(4)
Elizabeth E.
Bloody Mary. Bloody Mary. Bloody Mary. I'm not sure what else to say. Oh, also the rooftop patio is fantastic in the summer, though maybe not if you're already sunburned. And the shrimp po'boy is the truth, and big enough to share if you're not awfully hungry. In fact, most of the menu is big enough to share. Your tastebuds will thank you for the greasy breakfast (or dinner). Your arteries will thank you for having some restraint. Also: Bloody Mary.
(4)
Monica Z.
Delicious bloody's and breakfast food. I love coming here after a night out. You leave full and satisfied.
(5)
Mary N.
When I walked into the bar all I thought was "Bar Rescue". Roof top was OK. Service was terrible! Waitress should be fired. She was so rude and abrasive. Food totally sucked. Went downstairs to the bar to escape the waitress, it was so hot in the bar we left. I don't understand what people see in this place. It may have been good at one time, but not now
(1)
Olivia B.
Sick rooftop, hot as hell though. Amazing beer and cocktail selection. American and Mexican food, great hangover cures. Service is on the slower side, but I love this place. Steak burrito is amazing, same with their margaritas.
(4)
David S.
This place is awesome. We visited april 18th, and had breakfast. The food was great exaclty what we were looking for after a long night out the night before, and the bartender Jerome was awesome. Cant wait to come back.
(5)
Mary Kate D.
Love this place. Hangover hospital menu for brunch is the bomb. Took some friends and family from out of town here a few weeks ago and they really enjoyed the food and the rooftop atmosphere. I've had the breakfast tacos and the BBQ nachos. Both are really good. Best Bloody Mary in Chicago so I'm looking forward to my next visit here. Service was also really good. No complaints!!
(5)
Masha M.
BEST place to be on a sunday!!! Love their Bloody Mary's and Dessert shots! That place always brings back lots of good memories. Also, upstairs patio is amazing for the summer time. Staff is very friendly!!! You should definitely try it out!!!
(5)
Laura P.
Ya know, I dig this place because it reminds me of my daddy and his bikes. I like the motorcycle parts and pictures and paraphernalia probably because I grew up around all this stuff and it feels comfortable. I tipped over my Dad's bike onto my brother when he was 4 while trying to pretend ride the bike....but all that doesn't matter now. Oh, my brother, he's fine. Thanks for asking. He does have male pattern baldness but I don't believe that was caused by having a motorcycle tipped over on him. Anywho....brunch here today was almost inedible. French toast that had been sitting in the warming tray or on the counter for at least 10 minutes before it was served. Bacon was microwaved and hard and could have taken out a steel filling in a tooth if you bit down too hard. Waitress claimed juice was fresh squeezed but was clearly concentrate. Some people know the difference..... Kinda hate writing this review because the service is super good here and the bartenders are friendly and the roof is cool and the everything else is sweet but jeezus H. Christ can you get it together with the food? I mean you already have a customer base and NOT just people that are hungover or are drinking. Why not make a LITTLE bit more effort. It wouldn't even take much. Just serving the food when it comes up would help. Seriously.
(2)
Taylor B.
Everything is good here. Everything. I'm talking about the food & beverage, not the after hours television selection. But I have been impressed with every item I've had on this menu, so much so that I'm able to branch out often and try new things, instead of relying on stand-bys and favorites like I do with other restaurants. I have had, and rate 5 stars, to the following menu items: - Jumbo Steak Burrito Not quite as big as Ty Domi's head, but the perfectly cooked steak and the great ingredients make up for quantity with quality. - FatBoy Burger You can add grilled onions, barbecue, lettuce, tomato, BACON, cheese. You can choose the bun. You have the option for fried egg and avocado. It's all gold. This is the cure for the hangover before it starts. - French Fries Cut and seasoned perfectly, a great compliment to their homemade barbecue sauce, which I would drink on its own. - Fried Egg Sandwich I order this the most, because if anyone else in the restaurant orders it, I get food envy. It's beautiful, it's huge, and it's delicious. - Bloody Mary w/ Scotch It's like drinking a campfire. A delicious, smokey, bacon filled camp fire. I highly recommend this place...it's worth traveling to if you're not in the neighborhood. I can't wait for summer and the roof deck.
(5)
Liz K.
(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...
(1)
Emily C.
Decided to come on a whim for a bloody. I had heard they were great here and wanted to try. The place was packed on a Sunday, to be expected, so we went straight to the bar and by some miracle were able to procure seats. We tried the classic bloody (loved the bloody, would have preferred normal bloody "fixins" like a pickle and olives vs. the pearl onion and salami, but that's just me). Our friend tried the smoky version and thought the bacon in it was great. I loved that you got a little shorty of beer to go with it. Totally hit the spot. I also tried the "Pedro's Just Dessert" and the bartender made it a bit sweeter for me. LOVED this drink - a mix of sherry and prosecco. The best were the names of the drinks, bathrooms, general concept of the bar - hilarious. Would definitely go for a bloody again. 82/365
(4)
Anna E.
I can't believe I've never reviewed this place before! I've been coming here for years and always enjoy the cast of characters. Don't let the biker vibe deter you. They have great, friendly service and an amazing rooftop patio. The burgers are the way to go, but the brunch is good too. They also make a solid bloody mary. Great place to spend a Sunday on the roof day drinking.
(4)
Tim B.
$10 lunch special - burger, fries, drink (certain beers available if you want one). Can't beat it. Burger was very good, cooked how you like. List of available free toppings longer than most (bacon and jalapeños among others). Fries were great. Beer selection is huge. Whiskey selection even bigger. Rock music playing. Sports on the TVs. Friendly staff. This is a man cave away from home.
(5)
Melinda W.
I really wish I was able to make it here more often...it's not terribly close to my house but I've had nothing but great food and even better drinks each time I've come here. As you probably know by now...go outside of your comfort zone and order something crazy. Gotta love the Bloody Mary though, it's fantastic. Such a fun vibe, great place to drag someone from out of town for brunch if they want a taste of "local" life that's for sure. Enjoy!
(4)
Danielle C.
My bf and I came here tonight and had the worst experience that confirmed for me why I'll never be back. We ordered the 3 chicken taco meal w/ rice and beans and a garden salad. We each had 1 beer. The chicken taco plate came out cold. We sat there for about 10 min before the server could even be found. My bf asked the server (his name was Matt H) if the rice was supposed to be cold, and he said 'yes it is, but i can warm it up for you if you want'. The plate came back to our table with the same temperature....not sure what happened here... The salad I ordered was pretty mediocore..Just letuce, 2 tomato wedges and 2 cucumber wedges drenched in dressing and a rock hard crouton. When we asked for our check, we spoke up and told him we were unhappy about the plate coming out cold and it was pretty bad. He said he couldn't do anything about it and became defensive and explained if we had eaten less, he could have done something about it earlier. I was actually shocked at this remark and told him that we had been sitting waiting for him to come back---he never came to check on us once after he brought back the cold plate of rice. Even if this server would have apologized or something, I could have been ok with this..but the fact of the matter is, you just don't treat customers like this. Needless to say, we will never be coming back to the Twisted Spoke. I would have considered coming back here just to drink, but after tonight, they've lost my business 100%. Stay away from this place and give your business elsewhere.
(1)
Tiffany K.
Came here for a double birthday celebration, and it was pretty busy but not too crazy on a Saturday. we were a large group, but this didn't make anyone who worked there angry. Our server was the nicest person on earth! I ordered a Cock Smasher and it was really boozy. I don't know if it was worth $10, but it was good. I wasn't too hungry so I ordered the onion rings ($5) and they were OK. The sauce that came with them was too sweet! I tried a bite of the shrimp po' boy and that was awesome. The Gutterslut is a great drink, too, and well worth the price. Overall, I felt that this place was a Chili's or Applebees for bikers? There is all this memorabilia on the walls and the menu was mostly burgers and things like that. Not the worst place, but it didn't completely blow me away. I'd like to come back and try a different dish and drink.
(3)
Damon T.
Yes 1 star. Cannot base this on the food, as I have read rave reviews about the "fat boy" burgers and bloody marys. How I would have loved to have reviewed the food for myself, but... I went here on a Friday afternoon, a little before 3pm. The place wasn't terribly busy, but staff was terribly inattentive- after walking in and not receiving any greeting from anyone, I asked the bartender if I could just seat myself, and she nodded an affirmative. What happened to a "hello"? Here's where things get mind-blowingly ridiculous for me. The waitress passes by, says she will be with me in a minute, and goes over to the next table, to attend to their drinks, make small talk, etc. I already know what I want. The $10 fat boy special, which as advertised, comes "fully loaded" and with fries + a pop/beer. Served between the hours of "11am - 3pm Monday thru Friday". Aw man, I'm cutting it close. It's now 2:57 to be exact. Meanwhile, waitress is just chatting up a storm/joking around with the peeps at the table next to me. When she comes back to my table, it's literally EXACTLY 3. She asks me for my order, and I respond, "I know it's cutting it really close, but I'd love to get this lunch special here". Her response- "ohh...is it 3 o clock...hmm" as if in disbelief. I whip out my cell phone, displaying the exact time- 3:00, to prove my self. She then says, with a crooked smile, "mmm they're not going to do it...". Wait- WHO'S not going to do it? You're not going to bother placing my order, despite it being within the time that this special is available, explicitly stated in the menu?? Or no, the cooks that are working the kitchen, because god forbid no $10 burger special is hitting the griddle at anytime near 3pm? These, by the way, are my thoughts, not what I actually questioned the waitress. She hesitates, walks back towards the kitchen, pops back up to my table, and says "no....sorry." I hand the menu back, incredibly agitated, letting her know that I'm taking off and will not be ordering ANYTHING, based on the simple premise that you are not providing a special as advertised on menu. And, really, Twisted Spoke, this is your loss. The waitress lost a potential nice tip, you guys lost business, and a customer who WANTED to try your famed "fat boy" burger will never return to the establishment. Good job.
(1)
Sergio V.
Best american food in town. The place is fun with its bicker-run-down style but it's in reality very friendly (also children friendly). If you live or visit Chicago you must go! The FOOD: best part. they have the BEST BURGER IN CHICAGO. I don't care what everyone else says...meat is juicy and full of flavor. It's so good they don't need to add any fancy topper to make it tasty...and that double burger is amazing. Best Buffalo WINGS ever, as well. Fries are incredible, BBQ sauce too. I tried few other things on the menu all excellent. Lastly few words on the amazing WHISKEY selection...
(5)
Shelby B.
Listed in the chicagoburgerbible.com website as "Elite Status". Now, I've had a good number of ground beef sandwiches in my life, and this was one of the better ones. The best? ... Be ready to 'build your own' hamburger from a list of fixings. HUGE beer list and great bloody's. Service was good too. Why 3 stars? Burger was great, not the best. Lunch for 2 = over 50 bucks if you each get a drink and a Fat Boy burger. Would I go back? You betcha, after I've tried the rest of the burgerbible recommendations. PS: Atmosphere was hard to beat, I'll be sitting at the bar next go around.
(3)
Rachel F.
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.
(4)
Carmen G.
The burgers are awesome and they have really great lunch specials. The red chili peppers are my absolute fave, but I am a sucker for spicy food. The wings are also the best I've had in a long time.
(4)
Carol K.
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.
(4)
Deb P.
Twisted spoke bloody Mary's are wonderful. Staff and food all good. Nice biker bar
(5)
Carly T.
I live down the street, so we come here a few times each month out of pure convenience. I generally get a tostada appetizer as a meal, and my fiance binges on beer while I drink a vodka soda. But FINALLY, this weekend, we did brunch here (also known as "Hangover Hospital," even though we weren't hungover). That's really something to write home about, so to speak. I had a delicious fried egg sandwich that usually comes on rye bread but, trust me, ASK FOR A PRETZEL BUN. A Fried Egg Sandwich on a PRETZEL BUN?! Does life GET any better? (Answer: Probably. But still). And the bloodies! So delish. I had the smoky bloody and it was absolutely wonderful, but I suspect I would have loved the scotch bloody as well. I. Will. Be. Back.
(4)
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.
(4)
J P.
Cool place with a great rooftop in the summer. Good place to hang out with your friends. Drinks are good too. Food is ok. I cannot remember what I ordered last time but the first time I went there I ordered sandwich with shrimp and I was not 100% happy with it. All that said I went back, so I guess what I try to say give this place a shot or order too ;)
(4)
Aidan B.
This place is an experience and a destination. I went there for their renowned hangover brunch and was blown away by the large and playful menu. Fantastic bloody mary and delicious breakfast items. I had the corned beef hash with poached eggs. So fantastically rich, and a huge dish. I did have to recover from my recovery brunch, and my solution was a simple nap.
(4)
Alyvia M.
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!
(4)
Kyle H.
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, so I guess servers aren't being trained in beer types. I wonder how she does with their extensive whiskey program. 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.
(3)
Claudia S.
I like the food here. I used to come for brunch, and sometimes I could convince a co-worker to go for lunch after work and every now and then I'll go for dinner.............................but my favorite thing is surprisingly not the mimosas (which I love) but the bloody marys. OH.MY .GOD. Now, maybe I always had a distaste for bloody marys because my palette wasn't developed at 18. Or maybe it was the fact that my friend used that horrible bloody mary mixer from Jewel and poured way too much vodka. Add to it the fact that I hate tomato juice. Regardless, I HATED them, and then I came here. My friends would order them and eventually I tried and fell in love. There has only been one other time I've enjoyed a bloody mary and that was at the Map Room by a certain bartender.....other than that....not so much. My friend is a vegetarian and drinks the bloody marys from here, telling the waitress "I know, let's just not talk about it". I love sitting on the roof! If it's nice, sit up there. You get a nice view (assuming you're not in the center) and usually a nice breeze. I'm always full, have leftovers and satisfied when I leave here.
(5)
Miguel M.
Awesome burger, juicy nice selection of toppings. Fries aren't bad either. Also a very large beer selection.
(4)
I A.
Back in the day I would have given this place SIX starts but they have just totally ruined themselves. This was the only good biker bar/restaurant in the city, now it's just a hang out for posers who just bought their brand spanking new fake lofts in west town. They can all pretend they are edgy or take their chick with them so they look a little cool, pathetic. Retraction, the Spoke does have smut and eggs my apologies. But they threw out the junked bikes and built like a really nice all wood bar so all that Lincoln Park Trash can appreciate it. Sure the rooftop is nice to have a pretty decent burger but the Fat Boy used to waaaay bigger and waay better, they used to season it, and you could barely eat the whole thing, now its just a little tiny beef patty. To show you how much this place has strayed, this summer I DROVE to this place and had lunch there with my 2.5 year old son and my wife. Back in the day this was not the place for them, this is just plain pathetic. If you go there for the first time, you will probably think its cool with all the junked bikes around, but you are really missing out. I wish this place would go back to it's roots and make it too scarry for these grown up Lincoln Park Trixies that go there now. It went from a biker place to a biker "themed" place. What is wrong with this world.
(3)
Stef B.
It's great for those who are into Motorcycles... anyone not into motorcycles just do not understand, and will badmouth anything they are unfamiliar with. It makes them sound smart. To cure a Hangover - The patio tables and umbrellas on the roof are WONDERFUL when paired with a meaty-Bloody Mary and heavy garnish. Finish off a hamburger with a few beers, and you're back to normal. Only bummer is that there is no music, so it's just you, and the sun, and low murmur of all the other hungover patrons from the night before. Highly recommended - for any Bloody Mary enthusiast!!
(4)
Bob S.
My rating is mostly based on my dining experience. The food at Twisted Spoke is surprisingly good if you were expecting bar food. Their Shrimp Po-boy is a huge meal. Their tacos are pretty decent. Their cheese quesadilla is a tasty snack. Unfortunately their food can be hit or miss. I usually find it pretty good, but even I have my complaints on occasion, such as with the quality of the chicken in the tacos. Friends I've taken here have expressed disappointment with the food (eating dishes I don't eat, like the fish and chips). I would have to say that everything I order from Twisted Spoke is done better by other restaurants in the area, hence I don't often end up here. The whole restaurant is decorated with motorcycle stuff and it creates a neat atmosphere. Despite being a bar I've never had a problem with noise when I'm in one of the back dining rooms (though maybe I've never gone at peak hours). Service has always been friendly and usually prompt. I think it's Saturday night when the have "Smut and Eggs," and it's exactly as advertised. Despite what you might expect the bar does not fill up with creepy men in trenchcoats at tables for one.
(3)
Giovanna B.
I'll say this much: The Twisted Spoke isn't for everybody. Fortunately, it is for me, kinda. I've gone quite a few times knowing that we would be served the greasy fried food most reviewers before me have noted. Overall, the food is not bad. My favorite items of all are the chicken wings. I don't know what my obsession is with these fatty bird limbs, but dang it, I love 'em chicken wangs! I am especially enamored with the lemon ones, and though taste-wise they aren't mind-blowing, they set them on fire right in front of your eyes. Pyromaniacs, unite! The place itself isn't, well, it isn't "pretty", and I understand why people would feel that it is dirty - it's not though, the illusion of grunginess is part of the ambiance. So, if your scene includes martini bars or ultra hip lounges, this may not be the place for you. But, if you are open-minded, crave greasy (but good) food (especially flambed chicken wangs) and are willing to give a place a chance (like yours truly, as long as there aren't obvious signs of serious health code violations), I say go check it out. With the right group of people, and knowing that it just ain't fancy, you too might enjoy it. Fortunately, I've never been treated badly, and hopefully you won't be either. As a side-note, I'll be completely honest and say that the main reason I went the first time was because of the Smut 'n Eggs. Now, I'm no porno fiend or anything like that, but I never heard of such a thing and just *had* to see it for myself! Of course, one thing was what I *imagined* it would be like, and quite another was what it actually was. Unlike what took place in my overactive imagination, in reality it was pretty much people sitting at a bar with a couple of TVs showing a bad 70s naughty adult film. The kicker is that I don't think anyone was even looking at the screens! Would I do the Smut 'n Eggs thing again? Probably not, but it makes a great tale for my non-Midwestern friends about the craaaaaaaazy things that people do around here =)
(4)
Bess R.
I've been here quite a few times for dinner, but just had my first brunch experience and was pleasantly surprised. I'm not consuming alcohol right now, so I couldn't try a bloody mary though it looked SO good. I had the Mex Scramble which came with potatoes (crispy potato chunks with green pepper and onion - very tasty). Like dinner, they were huge portions - probably could have shared! Also tried a cup of the red chili (they also have green?) - lots o beans and chunks of beef. For dinner, I've become a big fan of the wings - both BBQ and Buffalo- which come with lots of veggies on the side and fabulous bleu cheese dressing. Their side salad is HUGE, enough for a meal. The man-friend loves the burgers and the fries. Overall, great bar food with a twist, never busy, fast and friendly service (better for brunch than dinner/late night), and easy parking outside. Definitely my go-to when craving wings.
(4)
Abby T.
I have been here a few times.... the FatBoy burger is pretty flavorful....so flavorful that you can actually taste the burger HOURS later, after a burp. (4 *s)The FatBoy burger is just that.....definitely share-able....unless you's a fatboy that's able to scarf the whole thing down. Pretty dirty in Twisted Spoke (minus 1 *), as one could probably gather from looking at its exterior. Great rooftop patio space though!!! Get there early to claim a seat in this small area.
(3)
Jori R.
Everything was absolutely splendid during my last visit to The Twisted Spoke, from the rooftop seating, awesomely friendly waiter, the burger, and DEFINITELY that fried bacon!!!!
(4)
Chris B.
So I'm trying to figure out a way to put this joint on wheels, tie it to the back of my car and literally tow it down to Miami! I have eaten here over a dozen times but just returned, after a five year hiatus due to my move to Miami, and was glad to find the Spoke just as good as when I left her. First off the beer selection is incredibly extensive (as an out of town-er I always start with some type of Goose Island) and there is a type and flavor for every beer drinker. However if beer isn't your bag they have a HUGE list of whiskeys, full bar and one of the best Bloody Marys in the city... A "family oriented" biker bar, whatever the hell that means, the Twisted Spoke offers some of the most memorable sandwiches you'll ever eat after which you will be literally be asking for more! The Boss Hog (pulled pork sando), Giant Steak Burrito and the Meatloaf are three that immediately stand out as front runners. The Meatloaf is better than any of your Mom's meatloaf which is served on light, yet not soggy, garlic bread and the Boss Hog's sauce is sweet and savory. Did I mention that the fries that come with each sandwich are cut from fresh potatoes that day? Obviously I am incredibly biased but the Spoke is one of my personal favorite spots in Chicago for a beer and a bite. I recommend that when in Chicago you make the trip and if you can't find anyone to go with you gimme a call.... Enjoy.
(5)
Angela T.
Excellent burgers and sandwiches with one hell of a beer selection. The staff is always friendly and the service prompt. Never had a bad meal or dish here. If anything, I feel so stuffed from their food as it can all be a bit heavy. Loads of grease and when there's cheese involved, you can bet there will be LOTS of it. The sort of stuff you need and want on a hangover. Pricey hangover cure but one worth shelling out for if just any old burger or sandwich just won't do.
(4)
Patrick R.
I have been to the Twisted Spoke probably 25-30 times in my life. I went there well before a lot of the gentrification took place in the area, and continued to go every now and then for the good beer selection and daily specials. I have never been a big fan of anything in particular that they had on their menu to eat, the food is just okay. My reason for the one star, and reason that I will never go there again mostly has to do with my last experience. I took a seat near the bar with my soon to be brother-in-law, and his brother. We were planning on a couple of beers and a bite to eat before the Blackhawks play-off game. We got there at about 4:30, with the game starting at 7pm the Blackhawks crowd was not overwhelming. Shortly after we sat down we were approached by a waiter. We ordered beers and had not yet committed to ordering food. I had a couple of questions about beers on the menu that I wasn't completely familiar with. The fauxhawk, aging hipster waiter, who's knowledge is likely steeped in PBR and cocaine told me that one beer I asked about was somewhere between my brother-in-law's beer (Stiegl Pils) and my beer (Dark Horse- Smoked Stout). Okay, maybe this guy is not an expert, but we had polar opposite beers, could he be a little more specific? I asked if the beer in question was hoppy? "yeah, it has hops". That really didn't bother me that much, I just thought it was funny that a beercentric place like Twisted Spoke doesn't require some sort of beer knowledge from their wait staff. So... our beers are empty for 20 minutes. We see our waiter walking around, chatting up regulars, talking to other staff, we try to make eye contact, tried to wave him down. It almost seemed like we were being purposely ignored. I finally told my brother-in-law who's back was facing the bar to just order another round from the bar tender. He get's her attention and the bartender asks if we have a server. He says "yeah, but we have had empty beers for 20 minutes and have not been approached." Our waiter overhears the conversation from the back of the bar and sticks out his head, looks at my B.I.L. and says "Dude!" The bartender tells him that our server will be right with us. A few minutes later "Dude" shows up and takes our beer order. I watch him then to see if he puts it in to the bartender. I could not tell for sure, but I didn't see her pour our beers. "Dude" continues to chat up regulars, talk to the bartender about something... 10 more minutes go by, no beers... I look for $5 out of my wallet, don't have it, my B.I.L. slaps it down ($2.50 beer special x2) We get our jackets together and head for the door. All of a sudden we have "Dude's" attention. "Dude, hey guys, dude, where are you going? I tell him the money is on the table, later. What a fuck face! If you want to look at tattoos and ironic facial hair on a disinterested staff, come here!
(1)
Sarah T.
This is one of the few restaurants in my neighborhood that I frequent (note to aspiring restaurant owners.....we are in desperate need of better grub around Chicago/Milwaukee/Ogden/Grand area!). I go after work with pals....when we go on weeknights it is really laid back and we always have good service and great food. I am kind of surprised at some of the mixed reviews here. Oh well, I think it is a gem in my 'hood.
(5)
Karen C.
I was brought here by a new friend for a few drinks and eats mid-afternoon on a Saturday after my massage, so I was wonderfully mellow and in a great mood. Street parking was available, but it was $2 for 2 hours and that was the max you could choose, which sucked. However, the fact that parking existed was a nice surprise. We started at the bar downstairs, which was sparkling with alcohol choices, thinking it would be cooler than sitting outside. The bartender was nice and gave me a beer suggestion (which I honestly can't remember) that ended up being a very yummy stout as well as a few suggestions to my drinking companion. After sitting inside for a few minutes we realized that the air conditioning wasn't on and the wall of windows at our back wasn't really helping with the muggy closed feeling at the bar. We decided to move upstairs to the outside deck and within a few minutes they'd found us a table with an umbrella as I am terribly pasty and unable to stand direct sunlight for very long. The upstairs deck was cute and we were given a table (picnic like) in the corner to ourselves. The menu selection was pretty decent and although we considered ordering one of their giant burgers we never did get around to it. Instead, we ordered appetizers and ordered the Portabella mushrooms and cheese poppers. The food arrived promptly and although it wasn't bad, it was pretty bland. The breaded mushroom poppers really just tasted like fry grease and the cheese poppers weren't really any better. However, they had an amazing beer selection listed (although I was unable to partake of more than a few as I was going to be driving after lunch) which I'm sure makes up for the lackluster food. A few other things: Our waitress, the poor dear, appeared rather wilted from having to run up and down the stairs in the heat without even the respite of air conditioning inside. However, even being close to collapse from heat exhaustion, she was friendly and sweet for which I give her huge props. The bathroom was clean and well stocked with toilet paper, which is a huge deal for us ladies. Overall the place appeared well kept and well run. I only gave it three stars as the food we tried was nothing to write home about and they didn't have the air conditioning on when they clearly needed to. I would like to return with a few more people and without my car to taste some of the other beverages they have to offer.
(3)
Francis K.
I have the hardest time giving a place a one star because generally I try my hardest NOT to be 'that guy,' Twisted Spoke however made it very easy. I truly honestly want to return here and have them prove me wrong. I doubt that I will though. We went here on the recommendation of a friend. It was after a playing a game of soccer, it was a beautiful Sunday morning still and we were all day dreaming of going to a place that would welcome a sweaty group out to eat food and have a few pints. We walk in and are told the wait would be 45 minutes. (Fair enough for a party of a dozen) Since some of us were real hungry we walked about the neighborhood looking for second options. As soon as one of us found one (a restaurant) a table miraculously appeared. This should have been a harbinger of things to come but sometimes it is best to retain a sunny disposition. This was followed by prompt water service and the nightmare began. I initially didn't want to blame our server, after all when you have over 30 beers on your menu it will be difficult to keep track of all of them. It would ALSO be nice while we were sipping our water if we were provided with a beer menu. We were still game at this point so we all hastily started picking our drinks. Of the 12 of us ONLY 3 were able to get the drinks that they wanted immediately. We weren't ordering obscure beers. Corona, Amstel Light and Miller Lite are as mainstream as you get, but none of these were available. Still fair enough, we persevered. When we finally were able to settle enough to get our drinks, after 3 or 4 tries in some cases our server disappeared. At this point we notice one in our party didn't get their drink. WHISKEY! TANGO! FOXTROT! Our server finally returns and yet again dismissively answers that, they were out of the drink. We still gamed on. -Like I said I REALLY let places treat me like crap before I blow them off. At this point some in our party have just about had enough. My breaking point came when FINALLY our server remembers that the reason people come to restaurants is to eat. She stopped by to inquire what we would be dining and it is at this point that I gave up. We were now close to 45 minutes but it felt like an eternity. When one of us attempts to order a meal on their menu she declares that the only meals served were from the brunch menu. Hello!? This would have been useful information while you were handing out the menus, taking our drink orders multiple times or EVEN while checking on us. At the point we asked for the check and promptly left.
(1)
David W.
I'm a mutha fuck' n carnivore and like my brunch big and meaty. Twisted Spoke delivers the big, the meat, and so much more. When I go to a brunch place I like to look at the percentage of meat based options to non-meat based as an indicator for success. The heavier on the meat the more likely I am to enjoy my experience. Having said that the Spoke's menu offers a total of 15 Brunch entrees of which 9 are meat based. That's a lot of meat! As a matter of fact if you calculate the percentage we are talking 60% meat. Just to give you some perspective the Bongo Room's menu is roughly 5% meat based (Fuck'n Weak!). I'm not going to let myself get into another Chicago brunch rant, but seriously Chicago Brunch Places hike up your skirts and put some meat on the menu! And I'm not asking for asiago shitake chicken sausage! I want chicken fried steak, corned beef hash, steak & eggs.......... (Deep Breath....Find your center....Ahhhhh) Ok, back to Twisted Spoke. The menu is great. For those of you who like sweet vs savory the Elvis French Toast is silly good, the buckwheat pancakes are solid, and the oatmeal is yummy. For those of you who like to put the lunch in brunch, the corned beef hash is one of the best in the city and the burgers are can't miss. Twisted Spoke also offers scrambles that include Polish Sausage, Italian Sausage, or Bratwurst. In my opinion they have one of the best brunches in the city and we haven't even talked about the Bloody Mary's or the porn yet. You may have picked up that I have affinity for meat and this also applies to my breakfast drinks. Twisted Spoke loads their bloodies with cheese, pepperoncinis, olives, and yep you guessed it salami. They are spiced just right and pair well with the corned beef hash. Good food: Check. Good drinks: Check. Hardcore porn from the early 70's: Check Yep, that right! On Saturday nights starting at midnight and running through around 3:00am the Spoke serves up their amazing breakfast delicacies with a side of nasty sweaty hardcore mostly old school porn. Amazing. The service blows. 1 Elvis Toast 1 Corned Beef Hash 2 Bloodies ------------------------------ $30 PS... They have a great beer selection and a huge outdoor roof top patio.
(3)
Kera E.
I had initially wrote a bad review of this place, due to two bad experiences I had with a particular bartender who let me sit for way too long without service. I have to say now that TWISTED SPOKE HAS REDEEMED ITSELF!! I was contacted about my review by an employee of the Spoke who apologized for my experience and asked if I would give them another shot. She offered me a gift certificate, which I thought was really nice. I went there yesterday and got fantastic service from 2 bartenders (the shift changed as I was there). I also ate appetizers that were yummy and had a good overall experience. I am enthusiastic to go back to try some of the menu items. Thank you, Spoke, for caring about the customer.
(3)
Mysel O.
Drinks were poured heavy and the po'boys are delicious! Alex the bartender was super cool. He gave my boyfriend a complementary shot of his favorite whiskey. The only thing I didn't like was the menu was so limited.
(4)
Dustin H.
Go for the burgers. Topping options are SOLID, and the prep is perfect. Service is just ok, and yes the atmosphere is very bikery. One thing to note, due to their liquor license, everyone in your group must have their ID. We were turned away on one occasion because a coworker didn't have his wallet. Regardless... yeah, good burgers.
(3)
Giancarlo G.
Bar is good, if you are drinking you're ok. If you are coming for the food stop and turn around. They USED to have a good menu with lots of options. For some reason unbeknownst to me they reduced it to less than a page. I understand if all the favorites were left in but they weren't. Somehow in this place the patty melt was taken off the menu and now a can of cheese and ritz crackers is. Unacceptable. Literally a can of cheese whiz and boxed ritz crackers for 15 effin dollars. GTFO. Where is the culinary expertise in that. Not coming back.
(2)
Jaime S.
I've been going to this place for years but recently took my boyfriend here as a brunch compromise: I wanted tasty bloody marys and he wanted something deep fried. The mexican offerings and 1/2 pound burger are really the way to go in terms of food, and the 8 different bloody marys along with over 120 beers make it so there is something for everyone. On the Sunday we went, there was some PGA tournament on TV and no heavy metal, which kind of put it into the top 5 places I've taken my bf to eat.
(4)
tara j.
Their PoBoy sandwich was excellent,I say was because they are using different bread which isn't as good as before,their fries were skimpy. I ordered a salad and it was just lettuce and a couple of tomatoes with a tomato vinaigrette dressing that was very spicy and for 8 dollars it wasn't very impressive.
(3)
LuCretia T.
This was a great place for drinks after work on a beautiful day. Chilled on their rooftop. The drinks were great. My mint Julep was very strong and could have used a bit more lemon. My friend had the whiskey sour and it was delish! Scenery was ok, but there is not much to see on Ogden. We ordered guacamole, chips and cheese quesadillas. They were bland and lacked flavour. We added salt to the guac with hopes to resurrect to no avail. Other people ordered massive sandwiches as well as wings that smelt delish. I would definitely try those if I visit again.
(3)
Chris d.
"Draft: No Crap on Tap" Right after seeing that on the menu, I knew I was in for a treat. So sick of all these other places that glorify horrible beer like Bud, Miller, etc. Also, it's annoying to have to go to some lame, upscale yuppie joint to find decent beer. About time a place has the right combination of quality brews & attitude. Our server was cool, knowledgeable and willing to take his time if we had questions about the menu. He never made us feel rushed. The sandwich & fries were good & so was the beer. No complaints whatsoever. Just a really cool place overall. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Tom D.
Was there Saturday. Terrible service . A inept bartender cost a bar so much money over the course if a day, week, year. Waiting 20 mins at the bar with zero service. It was busy but not packed. Love their food but had to go down the street. If I was the owner I'd be firing people.
(1)
Jack P.
I would have given two stars, but for the fantasic, creative bloody Mary's and the nice bartenders. Don't know how they get so much food on top of a cocktail. I have had brunch or breakfast here twice and thought the food was just average. And for some reason I thought it would be some authentic Biker Bar, like a Hop Leaf or an Old Town Pub is authentic ;not a gimmicky uber-faux, overly-decorated place that you might find in a suburban mall.
(3)
Kelley B.
For a place known for their burgers... not the best I had... actually not good at all. The burgers weren't cooked like we had ordered them, and the frys tasted like the oil hadn't been changed for quite awhile. Won't go back for the food, ever. The only redeeming quality was the beer list and the bloody marys. If you want a good burger, go to The Lockdown. I've never been disappointed there.
(2)
Jen H.
This place has a crappy gay joke on their menu. Wish they didn't- I would love to come here again but don't want my money to go to a bunch of homophobic folks.
(1)
Nicole S.
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.
(3)
Ms G.
Best Bloody Mary - anywhere - repeat - superb Bloody Marys. Tremendous food value, too. Monster burgers and much much more. Most nights there are excellent drink specials. This place is not to be missed: thanks to my Seattle friends who nagged me to go out of my way to try it. Note! Their website is WAY out of date. This is the only Twisted Spoke, the one up North closed some time ago.
(5)
Christina R.
It was past midnight on a Saturday, rainy and cold, my boyfriend was hungry and annoying. As usual we couldn't decide where to go. When I mentioned the Spoke, he sulked. Until we drove by...PORN! I don't think I've ever seen him turn such a 180. Yep, every Saturday late, Smutt N Eggs. Old school cheesy porn on two flat screens viewable from the street, a fabulous liquor selection and a side of eggs. Or how about a meaty cocktail? The food is great and I always enjoy the crowd. Tempura bacon, need I say more?
(5)
lois c.
What is it with the Chicago food shows--they tend to lead you astray. I thought this restaurant would have large portions and tasty food. I went there for brunch. The home fries were burnt and had no spices or seasoning as the menu had stated. The soda was flat. The hash which was homemade consisted of a about a tablespoon of corn beef (I am stretching the amount) and burnt potatoes, again, no seasonings. The french toast was okay, however, it was cold within two minutes. I spent almost $20 for a meal that was not tasty. The waittress was very nice, however, that isn't enough to make one come back. Don't make a wasted trip to this restaurant.
(1)
Blackie L.
Hadn't been to the Spoke in years, but went the other night before a Hawks game. Gotta say, the food was really really solid. Steak burrito was good, as was the chili and gumbo. Fatboys looked like they're still good, as a few went by the table. Three of us ate and we were all impressed. I remember liking the food, but it seemed to be better than I remember. Plus the beer list is pretty impressive. It's one of those tried and true spots that you used to go to years ago and forgot about... well time to go back and check it out again!
(4)
Sara P.
You just cant go wrong with the huge servings and great service. Okay, so the service isnt always great, but who's perfect? The rooftop patio is a perfect summer hangout to sit back and drink ... this is where we come to revive after a long day of moving or hanging out on the beach. the bloody marys are meaty ... literally And if you are driving the neighborhood always has parking.
(5)
Kristy F.
VERY GOOD. Ordered a single patty fatboy with chedder, onions, lettuce, bacon..etc. Will likely return...someday.
(4)
Lena D.
I love spoke but was disappointed having breakfast there last saturday. My friend and I ordered scrambles and if it wasn't for not wanting to waste food, we would have likely sent back both. So sad I love lunch, dinner, snacks there but was so darn disappointed. Red potatoes were just all pepper and tasted still uncooked. The Mescin scramble I had was so dry and lacked any flavor for having chorizo in it. Coffee was great and the toast but think I'll definitely stick to lunch or try something else. Super bummed.
(2)
Michelle M.
Eh. I had been here before for lunch and thought the sandwiches were great. There are much better brunch places in the city. I ordered the chilaquiles. They were probably the worst I ever had. I often order this as a brunch item. There was nothing on the tortillas! No meat, no eggs, nothing. I also ordered a cinnamon bun to share with my guest and I could tell it was either frozen or made quite some time ago. I do have to say that the bloody mary my guest ordered was great.
(3)
Brian S.
I have more and more fun every time I'm back.
(5)
Andy M.
About the only good thing about this bar is that there are not any bikers ever here. This is a bike themed bar and resteraunt with about average bar food. There is a nice view from the roof top and they seem to serve some bloddy mary drinks that only women like. They do have a great large beer selection for men however and this place is OK. It is overrated in popularity and has a bad location if you are looking to park a car.
(2)
Kimberly K.
I've eat here a few more times now and have to say the food is just okay. The drinks are good and strong and interesting though!
(3)
Kenny O.
Favorite place to go to in my neighborhood. I like to stick with the breakfast tacos, breakfast burrito, jumbo chicken burrito, or burger if I'm feeling fat. I see a few people complaining about unhealthy food on Yelp... if you want to eat healthy, don't eat out. Simple. Not like they advertise themselves as a healthy restaurant. The staff is very nice and the food always comes out quick even during busy times. I would just suggest avoiding breakfast rush... cause aint nobody got time to sit there for an hour+ in the morning.
(5)
Erika G.
I loves me the spoke. Had a taste for wings last night, and popped over. They have the perfect sauce, tangy/sour, but the wings are a bit fatty - need to be broiled so the fat drips off. Otherwise good, though. I've been here for breakfast before, and it's all about the WISCONSIN SCRAMBLE, yes, I like brats! Is it wrong? And the Bloody Marys - they may be the best in the city here, with the salami and the spices . . . mmmmm . . . I want one right now! And the rooftop is fab. Oh, and the place is free of attitude, I've always found the biker types to be extremely friendly.
(4)
Erin P.
Mussels, mussels, mussels! 135 reviews; the majority mentioning the amazing bloody marys (which come with so many accompaniments you could make a meal out of the drink) or the smut 'n eggs porn nights on the weekends. But the only ones mentioning the amazing mussels are from the girls I went there with. How did you people miss this winning appetizer made flavorful and spicy with the (famous) Twisted Spoke bloody mary mix and bacon? Next time you are catching sun on their rooftop patio, (and drinking) make sure you add an order of mussels to the mix!
(5)
Kush D.
3.5 stars in my book. The food is very unique, but sometimes the service (on the terrace most notably) can be a little off, though friendliness from the staff is plentiful. I've just had stuff forgotten a few times...though it won't stop me from coming back. The tempura bacon is over-the-top...and delicious. Burgers are good, probably not in the top echelon though. I do like the flexibility in constructing my own burger monster, however. Beer selection is good, though my first choice always seems to be gone. I don't hold this against them though, that's probably the reality of having craft beer from all over the country. My next visit, I'll hit up the whiskey off the cask.
(3)
Bryan T.
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
(4)
Jamie A.
My favorite restaurant in Chicago. But I'm not fancy. If you like heaping helpings of greasy, fried food, the Spoke will speak to you. I love, love, love the shrimp po'boy; I wish more restaurants - outside of Heaven on Seven - had this. Their falafal is a close second fave. They also have a kick ass brunch with a world-famous bloody mary (you can even buy their mix!). But I prefer their ginormous mimosas. Can you say "hair of the dog"? Service is hit-or-miss. Sometimes you'll get an easy going biker chick; sometimes you'll get a d-bag who can't even be bothered to look you in the eye. But the eye candy and grub is worth it.
(5)
Chris R.
Not what it once was years ago before the big build-out, but still a good place to go grab some drinks with friends. The roof desk is great for lunch (or brunch on the weekends) alfresco when the weather permits... Food is OK, some things are better then others. The meatloaf sandwich is consistantly good, and the fries are awesome. Pulled pork is good too. Oh, and they have quite a selection of whiskys...which is good....'cause I love me some whisky!
(3)
scot o.
the great rooftop deck was why we used to come to this chicago icon. it's awesome up there on a summer afternoon. but the spoke just sucks more than the roof is cool. more suck than roof cool. terrible wait staff. order two drinks at a time upstairs in the summer. they NEVER get to you. and avoid the food at all costs, except the burgers. even their salads suck. over priced. too loud and a bad makeover. we liked the bar in the back better. what happened to you spoke. you used to be cool.
(1)
Myron M.
Like Hogs? Like burgers and beer? Twisted Spoke has it all. There's something for everybody on their delicious menu but the portions are HUGE so you better watch what you ask for. You can peruse the motorcycle memorabilia while you suck down a beer in this diner styled eatery or hit the roof and catch some rays while you chow down. I suggest the weekend brunch specials. The bar area is a bit cramped but good for a drink or two.
(5)
Johnna B.
I've been going to the spoke for many years... way before the remodeling and improvements. The food is good. I like their tuna sandwich. Sitting upstairs on a sunny day is the best. Great bloody mary's and Stella on tap make me happy. The waitstaff is okay... the bartender's rule. I have spent many hung over Sunday's ponied up to the bar. By the time I leave... my hang over is gone... replaced by a nice buzz and a smile.
(4)
molly c.
blah. i don't really like this place. enough said.
(3)
Clark K.
been there many times, great bloody mary's and fried eggs and sunday porn!
(3)
Melissa H.
Not nearly as good as it used to be. Menu changed some, but the shrimp po boy was still on there, so being my favorite sandwich ever, I ordered it. It was so soggy and just gross. Friend ordered shrimp BLT. Shrimp was very good, but the sandwich over all was very soggy and the Bacon was basically raw and inedible, ruining the whole thing. Also, I don't know why they seem think grape tomatoes belong on sandwiches, because they don't. Hoping they can step it up an be as good as they used to be, which wasn't very long ago.
(2)
Benjamin A.
Good whiskey selection with over 400. Good place to watch a ball game. All the food looked amazing. I've never seen so many bottles of whisky. I can't wait to go back in the summer to enjoy the rooftop patio. Really enjoyed the burger I ordered.
(4)
Sarah R.
I cannot say anything bad about this place! Amazing Bloodies and the breakfast was fantastic! Great tastes. First timer in Chicago and so glad we came.
(5)
Jessica M.
I've only had brunch at the Twisted Spoke, and I've only had the Fried Egg Sandwich. But I had to write a review to say that: This is the BEST FRIED EGG SANDWICH I have ever had. It is absolutely amazing. I am literally am obsessed with getting back there to have it again. Go now.
(5)
Dolly V.
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.
(3)
Zoran O.
Its seen better days - really miss the small BAR there - it has really changed over years - not sure why!? The only addition I like is the the roof top eats - they is fun with a few people. The food Is still good and the beers are ok too - both lost a little bit from what was a few years back - but I will still go back for more.
(3)
Chris G.
Horrible service. Have a great selection of whiskey but bar tender couldn't help me with a selection shad to wait 10 minutes for someone else who knew what they where doing. Got seated on roof where they serve food and smoking is allowed. Have been waiting a little over 20 minute for server to great us. She had time to take a shot with another table but not even meet us yet. Awful place do not come here!
(1)
Emily L.
I'm giving this place 4 stars as I felt the drinks and appetizers were totally awesome!! we ordered the pork nachos which was delectable with the perfect amount of cheesy meat and tangy sauce. I have to deduct a star for the ketchup--which sounds silly--but the ketchup was a thick spicy sauce that I accidentally slathered on my burger before tasting. Overall the vibe at the bar is relaxed and the drink and beer menu were totally on point.
(4)
Frida G.
I've ordered a few quick breakfast fixes here a few times and I wasn't really impressed with the place. The decor is pretty cool, but I really think they can amp it up with the food a bit more. For the prices that they charge, I can get twice the food somewhere else and the flavor at Twisted Spoke isn't at all unique. On their menu, their breakfast dishes indicate "Served with some fruit". Well, that's a lie. It's really just ONE slice of canteloupe.
(3)
Miglissa M.
Ok this was my 1st time trying this place and I absolutely LOVED it and will definitely not be my last time!!!!!! I had the lunch special which is fantastic who else has a lunch special for $10 bucks you get a half pound burger with anything on it. I got mine with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoe, jalapeno, grilled onions, BACON and their house bbq sauce which is delish!!!! The Bruger comes with fries and a beer or fountain drink I mean it honestly doesn't get any better than this! i'm a huge fan and I will definitely be coming back. Their patio which is on the roof is an excellent place to sit on hot days!
(5)
Chuck T.
I used to be a regular visitor....It's bad now. I won't be back. Fired. It's pretty much what it always was, a pretend biker bar. The food was pretty good, but the new menu is terrible. The music is dumb loud. I'm a musician. My job is loud, but if you have to yell when you talk at a bar it's silly. Not hip. There is nothing cool about twisted spoke- it's just bad.
(2)
Zack M.
I have had good burgers here roughly 10 years ago, but my most recent visit awarded me with a well done and dry burger despite ordering it medium rare. The bun was lacking any king of moisture too. Maybe the fact that the server seemed stoned out of his gourd had something to do with this.
(1)
Beatrize N.
The place was a bit of a mess because of construction and the seats all torn up but the food was amazingly good. Their Fatboy burger lives up to the hype but I definitely would recommend that you get it medium rare instead of well as it as I did. It was a bit too crunchy and not juicy enough, but still good. The fries are amazing as they are hand-cut and really crispy, just like I love and the drinks. Fresh squeezed orange juice screwdrivers and amazing bloodymarys. The bloodymary is an appetizer just by itself.
(4)
Daniel N.
The food here is awsome! But that said it is for an older crowd. I was there a Saturday night. Early 30 s , mid 30 s . Oh and they play old school porn flicks lol. not as interesting as it sounds lol. They Could go Heavier With THE liq. this is a good place to have a couple of drinks and a snack.
(3)
AJ M.
Came here late after a hawks game. This is deff one of the better places to go before or after a game around the U.C. The layout inside is a little awkward cuz its kinda on a curb. Atthough the inside is full of motorcycle themed decorations which makes it unique. I heard the food is great. Although all i had was a Fatboy which was dissapointing. Sat at the bar and the bartender didnt seem to want to help us at all. Overall the outdoor seating seems nice and gotta go back and give them another shot .
(3)
Jennifer P.
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!
(4)
Michael R.
I visited Twisted Spoke about a month ago and got their lunch special with burger, fries and a drink. It was only $10!!!! Such a great value ! The burger was good and I would probably go as far as saying it's the second best burger I've had in the city, so far. It's not super close to a train, but if your drive you should check this place out. Also, there is a hilarious spinning skeleton riding a motorcycle out front.
(4)
George H.
Great drinks - they have an incredible whiskey selection and the food here (for bar eats) is great! Love the tempura fried bacon!
(4)
Adlyyn Z.
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.
(5)
Amanda N.
The wait staff was incredibly nice. We had to wait a bit for a large group of us for Sunday brunch, but the staff communicated to us about the status of our table. I hesitated about bringing my 2 year old, but they had high chairs or booster seats and chocolate milk. It was great. Do I have to mention how amazing the bloody Mary's and French toast are? Great service.
(5)
Casey P.
Tried the Mescen scramble and the breakfast tacos. Both were pretty underwhelming. Both dishes said they came with chorizo, at the twisted spoke that means a light dusting of chorizo particles over your eggs. The food had absolutely no flavor. The only way I can see this being good is if you are either drunk or very hungover which seems like the crowd they cater to. If you go there stone cold sober, I would think about going somewhere else.
(1)
Niraj G.
Really good brunch spot. The rooftop adds a nice touch on a summer day. The "Chilla Killas" was fantastic and a must try for veggie lovers.
(5)
Bryan H.
Freakin Great bar! The people, food, and atmosphere are top notch! My wife and I love to belly up and see what is new on tap. I LOVE the hash and eggs and a bloody on Sundays. I miss the spoke!
(5)
Lili V.
Currently, I'm drinking a horrible margarita. It costs the same as a drink from Maria's, which are drinks that do not make you cringe as you drink them. The waiter also showed up 15 minutes after we sat down. Girl from a neighboring table threw a menu over. When the waiter did show up, we couldn't make out a word he said. Do NOT order the chicken curry salad. Just take the halsted bus down to Maria's.
(1)
Shayna N.
Bloody Mary's were excellent! garnished with salami, olives and peppercini's it was not too spicy, or too heavy on the tomato juice, instead flavored to perfection! Fries were excellent. the bacon and egg sandwich was hefty and delicious, unfortunately the burger was seriously under cooked. Service was at a slow start, but once we got our waitresses attention everything was fine. i will definitely return.
(3)
magic g.
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 :)
(5)
Julie Z.
I really, really like it here. I've only been in the summer and I sat outside. Great atmosphere. I had the shrimp po' boy...huge and super tasty. My bf had the buffalo chicken sandwich which got 2 thumbs up. Our waitress was super cool too. She gave great recommendations for beer and came around to check up on us appropriately...not annoyingly.
(4)
Heather S.
Great food and atmosphere. I am a big fan of the rooftop deck in the summer. It has a great view of the spinning skeleton on the motorcycle! The interior decor though stark has a sense of humor. Dont miss the Portabella Mushroom Burger - it is delish.
(4)
Jason L.
Home of the original Fat Boy burger. Whisky specials, wings, and even billiards if you have time to kill after a great meal.
(4)
Ted C.
The first time I went here was a few months ago and I loved it. A friend and I went for a late lunch on Friday on the rooftop patio-a great place to go if the weather's cooperating. The Bloody Mary alone was a meal in and of itself. The Fatboy burgers are awesome because they're so customizable-kind of like a Fuddrucker's without the suck. I haven't been there for the infamous brunch but I will one of these days.
(5)
Mike B.
Chila-killas (w/ home fries instead of rice and beans) were great and the bloodies were pretty good. However, the service was terribly slow.
(3)
Jade T.
Observations. - Is Twisted Spoke truly a biker bar, or just a bar with a biker theme? (I think it's the latter.) - Large menu. The one on their website is just a few pages of the real deal. - BEER BEER BEER BEER! (Shouldn't bikers NOT drink?) - Not too vegetarian friendly. (Bikers, who sport metal and leather EVERYTHING, aren't known to be loving of vegetables.) - Moderate prices. ($9 for a Portabello Sandwich? Not bad for the portions.) - The Jalepeno poppers are mini-sized and great for sharing (12 for like $6?) I would totally bring my imaginary children here too.
(3)
Tom H.
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.
(4)
joanne y.
went here for the first time tonight. on the menu it says they serve corn fries but was disappointed when our waiter said that they have discontinued serving that item (but it's still on the menu). so, i got the guacamole and chips instead. it was not $7 and some change good and the chips they served with it were really greasy. i ordered the shrimp po' boy sandwich and that was really tasty. definitely worth the $10 and some change. the reason why i gave it 4 out of 5 stars is because my friend said his crazy bloody mary with meat and cheese in it was definitely worth that extra star.
(4)
Sarah D.
I can not remember what I ate but it was good. Everytime I have been there the food is good. We went for brunch once and while I know that it is laid back and all when the waitress sat down at the table I was a little turned off, just a little too close for comfort. Bloody Mary= A+++
(4)
Mary Kate D.
Love this place. Hangover hospital menu for brunch is the bomb. Took some friends and family from out of town here a few weeks ago and they really enjoyed the food and the rooftop atmosphere. I've had the breakfast tacos and the BBQ nachos. Both are really good. Best Bloody Mary in Chicago so I'm looking forward to my next visit here. Service was also really good. No complaints!!
(5)
Masha M.
BEST place to be on a sunday!!! Love their Bloody Mary's and Dessert shots! That place always brings back lots of good memories. Also, upstairs patio is amazing for the summer time. Staff is very friendly!!! You should definitely try it out!!!
(5)
Carol A. R.
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!
(4)
Ania G.
The food is average, I once got a really bad stomach ache after eating their fries, they seemed to be cooked on very old oil. The place is also dirty and a bit smell, I once took a glance into the kitchen on my way to the bathroom, never going back again.
(1)
Karen D.
Love this place! Drinks are excellent, food is great and very reasonably priced. Love the rooftop!!! Always a favorite.
(5)
Shereene M.
Food was eh. Place is cool. We sat on the rooftop because that was the main reason why we were there. It's cool but nothing amazing. We got these flamin garlic wings and had the craziest presentation with the fire and all. Then we tasted it.. :/
(2)
Ashley I.
I came here after church today. The bar has an industrial, biker theme. We ate on the bar side, and it was pretty busy. The food is very reasonably priced! We got the pulled pork nachos, which has a sweet sauce and melted cheese. The breakfast tacos are simple, but tasty. The burger is huge, and you can add a ton of toppings for no change. I would love to come back in the summer and eat on the rooftop patio.
(4)
Daniel C.
I went to Twisted spoke as part of my chicago burger club monthly event. I had been before but considered it unremarkable. For a large group (16) they were able to accommodate us on either the roof or in the back room seating are which was nice. We picked indoors which was good because a monsoon opened up before we were done eating. Our table ordered a few appetizers including the bbq nachos, chili and the guacamole. The chili comes out in a 9 inch skillet and is a huge portion that includes 2 cornbread muffins. The chili was delicious. I'm not a take leftovers home kind of person but i definitely took the extra chili home and had it for lunch the next day which was even better the second day. We all got the fat boy which comes with free add-ons of cheese, onions, grape tomatoes and lettuce but also offers $1 add-ons of bleu cheese, chorizo, avocado, bacon, and fried egg. Some rock and roll style burger places blast loud music which is tough to have conversations over but Twisted spoke did not on this Tuesday which I appreciated. Overall, a great memorable experience my second time at twisted spoke.
(4)
Alexandria T.
The first time I went to Twisted Spoke was last summer for brunch and had an awesome experience. They had an awesome po' boy, amazing Bloody Mary's and great rooftop seating. I never got around to reviewing it then, but if I had, my review would be much, much better. We headed to Twisted Spoke after Pitchfork to grab a drinks and bite to eat with some friends we met up with after the show. It was around 11pm, and there was an insane wait. We were attempting to order drinks at the bar while waiting, but the bartender ignoring us and cleaning glasses that she didn't need at the moment instead. They somehow were able to seat us right away, which we were relieved about. The server warned us that the bar was a bit backed up when we sat down. We had just come from the bar and didn't think it should be that bad. We ended up waiting about forty-five minutes for four beers and one neat pour of whiskey. We placed an order for cheese curds, guacamole and BBQ nachos, which took just as long as the drinks. I don't know if they were slammed from Pitchfork or what, but the amount of time it took to get drinks was ridiculous. I really liked Twisted Spoke before this visit, but they really need to get it together. When we left there were even more people than when we arrived waiting for tables. Like I said, I don't know if it is typically like that, but man, it was insane.
(2)
Adam K.
Headline - It has so much promise; it should be great. It's not. Have driven by Twisted Spoke on many occasions. But, never stopped in. Tonight, the wife and I came in for dinner. Let me start with the good: 1. Great location 2. The bar is well-stocked, with a great assortment of beers on tap. 3. The rooftop is really nice. Lots of seating. Good views. 4. The BBQ Nachos were killer. Definitely a must have. Now, let's talk about the bad: 1. The burger was greasy. I mean really greasy. As in greasy enough to turn a toasted bun into something soggy. 2. The po boy was not fresh. A basic rule of "fish" is, it shouldn't smell fishy. My po boy did. Not good. Also, similar to the burger, a toasted roll was rendered soggy. In this case, it wasn't because of grease, but because the slaw was so plentiful. 3. The bathroom was disgusting. It's a health hazard waiting to happen. I get that it's a "biker bar", but cmon, the bathroom can't be a toxic war zone. 4. Service was meh. I'd put it on the slow side, not the worst, but worth mentioning. This might be a good place for a great cocktail, but I can't recommend the conditions or the food. A real disappointment.
"Broken Spoke" After coming here almost weekly for years, I was surprised on a recent visit to find a drastically cut down menu. The staff explained that the kitchen was abruptly closed for three days last month and upon reopening that this is what they are now serving. Gone are most of the signature Mexican dishes that held up one side of the old menu - no more tacos or burritos - sadly, even the remaining standards have been thoroughly mangled. My typical order used to be chicken tacos or a burrito, but left to the limited options, I went back to an old favorite - the BBQ chicken sandwich. The breast itself was dry and about a half the size of the prior offering and inexplicably they have abandoned their delicious brioche bun for an oversized dry, almost stale style of bread - maybe to compensate for the smaller chicken breast. Either way, it was terrible. This was all heartbreaking and I left wondering if this was just a bad day, a change in owner, manager, chef or all of the above. With a sunny spring day at hand, my wife wanted to go for lunch outside the following week and suggested the Spoke for some fish tacos. I explained that they were no longer on the menu and tried to describe my experience from earlier this week and she scoffed at the possibility it could really be that bad. So we gave it another try... Shockingly, the second experience was even worse. We tried a burger and against hope it showed up on that same inedible bun the chicken sandwich arrived on during my prior visit. Instead of a regular sliced tomato it came with a pile of grape tomatoes that spilled off the patty like a fistful of marbles. The salad which used to be a generous portion of crisp greens was an undersized and wilted mess. At $8 it is the certainly the worst value in salads in the city. I took notice at the tables around us and the amount of uneaten food on peoples plates is notable, typically sandwiches and burgers picked apart, to eat around the dry, oversized buns. Read other recent reviews - post May 1 - and they are all on this same theme. The staff are polite and apologetic about the changes and customer disappointment. I know most of them from my literally hundreds of visits to the Spoke. They reported that there has been no change of ownership or chef, just a willful act of abuse on a very loyal customer base. As we were leaving, there was a table full of police officers eating lunch and it was all I could do to not stop and report a crime. I caught myself, because at heart I am a capitalist and respect a business owner's right to change the product as they see fit - whether to cut quality, reduce portions or raise prices. I do however also believe in freedom of choice, and like many other regulars will be choosing to not return to this shell of a once great establishment.
(1)
Antaash U.
I've passed by Twisted Spoke on almost a daily basis for nine years. Perhaps I was intimidated by the biker feel the exterior of the restaurant exudes? In my defense, I haven't been to any restaurants with a skeleton riding a motorcycle spinning on top of the roof (not your typical weather vane). Either way, I regret letting my prejudice keep me from one of the best brunches I've experienced in the city. Twisted Spoke is comfy in its own, very rock and roll skin. They put their own spin on traditional brunch items, which really sets them apart in my opinion. I ordered the Chila-Killas. One of the best chilaquiles I've had outside of Mexico. The tortillas weren't soggy and overpowered by the ingredients on top. There was the perfect amount of heat so the additional hot sauces that came out with the dish weren't even necessary. My friends and I shared the fried cheese curds...D-LICIOUS! We also shared the banana fritters, which were thin banana pancakes as is the traditional Jamaican way. I love that I got to travel to Wisconsin, Jamaica and Mexico on a delicious culinary journey without leaving the near west side! I know I'll be back because so many things caught my eye! Also, they have a killer rooftop. Not so good during Chiberia but definitely well worth the wait for the blissful Chicago summers! Twisted Spoke exceeded every expectation of mine and I can't wait to go back and work my way through their menu!
(4)
Joe L.
Best Manhattan I have ever had. That's really saying a lot because I can not really drink them. This place has a kick ass whiskey list, sets wings on fire when they are brought out to you. Nice rooftop deck. Burgers are great. Just a cool modern, trying to look like a scary biker bar.
(4)
David W.
A different twisted spoke then it use to be. Different crowd, different employees and just higher prices. Motorcycle theme throughout but don't think any bikers come here anymore. Kind of miss the clark location now.
(3)
Brian S.
The Spoke is a veteran of the old Chicago brunch scene with the same super tasty bloody marys. However, it is need of a few upgrades with the neighborhood changing. The food is typical bar/tavern fare, consistent with a large selection of fried item but nothing jumps out at you. Go for the bloodys and everything will taste and look better - even you!
(3)
Rod C.
Chill crowd. They have micro brewers on tap. Nothing you would see or know but always good to try new great tasting beers! We came here on a Saturday and they had 70's porn on! Big plus! Totally unexpected. People are cool about it. Enjoy your beer and enjoy the porn. Arrgh thank you!
Twisted spoke got it twisted.. And not the good, Keith Sweat-kind of twisted. My friends and I were looking for a beer and a bite in the area. It was fairly nice out and I suggested we do the rooftop every chicago mag raves about. Our server was cool and the biker vibe was strong. We ordered drinks, the jalapeño poppers, cheese curds, seared tuna sandwich, couple fat boy burgers with egg and bacon, wings, and a shrimp po boy. My friend asked if her po boy could be on another type of bread and the server was hesitant, saying she wouldn't get the full experience with less shrimp. Umm, how does a diff bread = less portion of food? Just put the rest on the side or something. When our food came, poppers tasted just like the frozen ones you get at target, cheese curds were barely cheesy and had the grossest salad dressing as a dipping sauce. My tuna 'wich tasted exactly like the tuna steaks I buy @ Trader Joes (2 for $7) that I make with with way more seasonings. Her po boy was blah. I had a bite and felt like the shrimp was 99% breading with dried out lettuce. My hubby and his friend loved their burgers, so I guess this is a strictly burger and beer place. That's cool. Over the course of our meal, we asked for extra utensils, glasses and finally the bill. Each time we needed something, our server was missing and another server with a pretty stank attitude assisted us but took an eternity. I get it. Bikers are badasses and the vibe is supposed to cater to beer, burgers, machoness, etc. But if you're gonna have 20 other menu items, make them a little better, ok? There's definitely better rooftops and food spots in chicago. Don't get it twisted!
(2)
Bobby G.
I should stop going here, except when I'm really really hungover. The food and mood are damn heavy. Or if there's room on the patio in a sunny day. Then I'll go. Because, patios and 2.50$ mystery beers are my jam. The mystery beer is usually Blatz! which is also good. But still, heavy.
(3)
Marcus H.
Where to start? 1. We didn't see a server for about 20 minutes and another 20 minutes to get our drinks. 2. One side of the rooftop got service regularly and promptly while our side didn't. 3. Here's the kicker, IT WASNT BUSY. Whenever we did see our server, he kept mentioning that "their system was down." Still doesn't explain the lack of service to one side of the room. There are better bars in the area. Don't waste your time.
(1)
Katy S.
Unfortunately this place just didn't do it for me but I'll try to paint you the entire picture, both good and bad. The good: Nice rooftop to eat outside! Funny bathroom signs. The bad: Service was slow and awful. Prices were a bit much for the quality of the food. Weird location; no nice view. The ugly: My meal. I ordered the shrimp po Boy. The shrimp was wayyyy too fishy, tasted bad. :( they give you a massive amount of Bread too. The side of fries were bland, zero seasonings. The apps. We ordered jalapeno poppers and cheese curds. They came with some strange sauces that didn't match! Honey mustard for cheese? No bueno. Overall, glad I came, saw, and conquered. But skipping this one next time.
(2)
Raj R.
Average, ok, decent. Etc. is what I can describe this place as. No big Cons. But no significant Pro's either. Not sure the biker bar title is accurate- a few pieces of Junk motorcycle parts strewn around is all.
(2)
Ruggy J.
I think in the four our so days I was in Chicago, I went to Twisted Spoke three times. More than likely because it was on the way to the Pitchfork festival that I attended, but mostly because it's an awesome bar and restaurant with a pretty dope rooftop. The roof is prime for a sunny brunch. With killer chilequiles and a really good bloody mary complete with a beer back, it's the perfect way to start off any weekend day in the city. Downstairs, the decor is littered with motorcycle paraphernalia (hence the name) and the bartenders were all quick and talented. Oh, and they definitely carry Malört. Whether or not you should actually be consuming that disgusting spirit is one thing, but if you want a unique taste of Chicago, you know where to find it.
(4)
Robby K.
An entire menu of Bloody Mary's and amazing bar food prepared with skillfully elegance. this place is just soo solid. the tempura bacon is amazing. the wings are way good though i wish the original buffalo sauce was spicier. i've been here a bunch and love the rooftop patio in the summer. chill motorcycle vibes. real hip spot to mingle at the bar or enjoy a meal.
(4)
Gina B.
I used to LOVE their fried egg sandwich. But on a recent trip I discovered their newly revamped menu featured an imposter under the same name! Toasted marble rye now replaced with soggy Texas toast, scant bacon, mayo absent, onion absent, unnecessary cherry tomatoes added. Why Twisted Spoke, why? The perfect egg sandwich I used to try to replicate at home is GONE! At least I had a mimosa to console me. I remain hopeful they'll return it to classic form in the near future.
(3)
Brianna B.
Lots of whiskey-based cocktails (in fact, if you want a cocktail and don't like whiskey, this might not be the place for you). My rye/blood orange soda/angostura bitters cocktail was good. The space was kind of loud. Overall a fine place to grab a drink if you're nearby, but I'd probably just as soon try out other bars in the neighborhood next time I'm in West Town.
(3)
Kaylyn W.
I've gone here a few times now, brunch and dinner. I'm a huge bloody mary fan and I would have to say that there are interesting choices here. I tried my friends bloody mary that had some wine in it and I wasn't a huge fan. There's also an amazing beer selection to choose from (love). I ordered the flaming lemon garlic wings and little did I know that they actually light them on fire. They were crispy yet wet with the delicious marinade put on them, and were still good after taking them home and popping them in the oven. I would say they would be my go-to suggestion for any first time visitor. The deep fried bacon. I mean come on, it's deep fried bacon. If I could eat this every day all day without getting fat I really would. I've also tried the buffalo chicken sandwich. The chicken had the perfect amount of batter and was extra crisp after being deep-fried. I prefer a little more kick than others-- there was the perfect amount in this sandwich. The fries were just okay, a little soggy for my taste. Check out the amazing rooftop!
(4)
Christopher M.
I can't give it 5 stars quite yet because we have only had Bloody Mary's here, but they were awesome. We will be back to try the food for sure, but if you need a Bloody head here. A few different kinds, all of them great. 304/365
(4)
Heather L.
Look here. You are NOT looking at a bloody mary fan. To be fair, I gave V8 juices plenty of chances throughout my childhood. And after one or two sips, I'm consistently appalled that tomato soup can be sold as a beverage. Fast forward a decade or two, and Twisted Spoke provided the setting for one of those life-changing culinary moments of "wow, this isn't bad." TS bloody mary's are complex and savory, with a reasonable price-tag so you can try a few. I can appreciate the meal-in-a-drink quality of some of their concoctions: The gherkin pickle, cocktail onion, bacon, salami - everything fits in a highball glass. There is practically no room for the average bar-food that is also served.
(3)
Geoffrey D.
The menu has been completely overhauled. Our waitress confirmed that the regulars are not thrilled. Unfortunately, this is now off my go to list for bar food.
(2)
Christina M.
Walked in and was told 10 mins for outdoor seating. Restaurant was clean Portions were huge. I had 3 bloody Mary's, I loved all of them! We sat on the deck. Super awesome. Had a phenomenal time. I can't wait to go back! Fried egg sandwich Please share.
(5)
Michael F.
5 stars for the service and vibe. Eduardo said it would be a 15 - 20 minute wait for upstairs, and he was spot on. He handled everything with class and good vibes. All you could ask for. Similar experience with our server upstairs. 4 stars for the solid beer selection. 3 (maybe 3.5 stars) for the guacamole. Want to go back for a burger. And to enjoy the rooftop and quality service again.
(4)
Veronica T.
Loved the service and the food was awesome. Must come back! I was so full! My guy was in heaven with po boy. Fries where awesome. Chill spot. A must go!
(5)
Kat C.
I've been going to this place since it opened because I have lived in the area for most of of those years so I recall it being a great place for a drink (especially a bloody mary) and a meal (meatloaf Mondays!). Today, we went to the roof and they were playing tunes from a streaming music service with COMMERCIALS (unnecessary and obnoxious), a hungover waiter (which was actually fine cuz he admitted it) and meh food. Overall it's going down and I don't think I'll be back unless I'm forced to meet a friend there. Management might try to get the vibe back that it originally had because it's gone now.
(1)
esteban g.
Wait, regulars! They changed the menu and axed the weekday lunch special! Too bad I didn't find this out until I was almost finished with my (now, $20+!) burger! The rolls are now bigger and dry, no more cut tomato slices, some kind of grape tomato mix, and, at least on mine, two tiny bacon strips that didn't even cover the burger. I did get to talk to the manager, who was cool and explained things are in flux, the cost of beef, and listened to my love of my regular meal. But then, he didn't even bring up a small discount or comping my drink. Oh well... Big things: grilled cheese is gone, fish and chips are gone. Bottom line -- this won't be on the lunch playlist any more. Big bummer. Yes, change happens, but for regulars, this doesn't necessarily mean for the good.
(3)
Dustin G.
I recently visited Twisted Spoke for a friend's birthday dinner. The first thing that struck me was the decor. They've really run with the biker theme and it kinda felt like I was stepping onto the set of Mad Max...in a good way. The staff was a wonderfully pleasant group of black-haired hipsters who gracefully accommodated our large group of hungry revellers. First, I must say I enjoyed my food and especially my drinks, but I want to return for brunch as it seemed like more of a brunch place. Then again, isn't everything in Chicago? So, I'll withhold a fifth star until I'm able to sample their fare in the light of day. However, the food was really good. I split an order of the spoked mussels and a shrimp po' boy with my friend. I usually wouldn't order a po' boy this far north but was encouraged to do so by a native New Orleanian. The mussels were excellent. They're steamed in bloody mary and it was so good. I wanted more bread to soak up all the sweet juices. The sandwich was pretty good. Not the best po' boy I've eaten. The batter on the shrimp was a little off. Too crispy. Also, I didn't really like the fries. The best thing I had was the Naked Bloody Mary. It's a deconstructed bloody mary made with heirloom tomato juice. It was so good. I can't describe how good it was. It was like biting into a fresh tomato at a farmer's market. I also had a Bloody Franco and it was good although I'm still on the fence about cold chorizo as a garnish. I tried sips of the Road Rash and Delivrance. Both were very good, too. You get a beer chaser with each bloody which I absolutely love. In short: I'd love to go back again. I'd order different food...or maybe just a double order of the mussels and probably as many bloodies as I could drink.
(4)
Aaron Jae M.
Had a great time here. Was going with a friend to get his tattoo at Great Lakes Tattoo (right down the street from it, on the same block) and decided to eat here while the artist made a sketch for him. I heard they were great for bloody marys so I tried one. I got the D'liverance which I thought was a good bloody mary, just not for me. It has scotch in it, which was just too much of a peat smoke flavor for me. I think next time I will stick to the classic. I also had their shrimp po'boy which was delicious. I wish the bread was a little softer since I'm not a fan of fighting through my bread to get to the rest of the sandwich but all in all it was a great sandwich with a lot of flavor, accompanied by some delicious french fries. P.S. If you get a tattoo from Great Lakes Tattoo, Twisted Spoke will give you a drink on the house. There are some limitations on this, no idea what they are.
(5)
Melissa H.
I like my meat. And I prefer it to not come out a of a can. That's why I love the Spoke's version of corned beef hash. Big ole' chunks of fresh corned beef, delectable potatoes, perfectly poached eggs. So yummy. And I wasn't even hung over! And a big plus - the bloody marys. What could be better than taking in the nectar of the gods, complete with a stick of salami shoved down in the glass? Nada. Nothing. Zip. It's like heaven. Meat heaven.
(4)
Brandon S.
Have been here twice since the beginning of Spring, both times we had horrible service, both times same server. The waiter literally came to our table a total of three times both occasions. I want to like this place because they have a great beer menu but that doesn't matter when your server only comes enough to be able to order one. Both times my gf and I got seated in the back just behind the hostess stand and got the same server. He acted like he didn't give two shits either time. On our second visit, our potatoes came out cold and the egg sandwich was barely warm. Not sure if it was the kitchen fault or our server let our plates sit there forever. I could tell the food would have been good if it was warm. Also on our second visit we sat right across from the waitress area from the bar. Each bloody mary is made by the bartenders but the waiters use their hands to place the meat, cheese and etc on top of the bloody. I'm not a germaphobe, but you can't help to think where their hands have been while serving. Use some utensils!! Overall, great beer menu, food would probably be just good if not cold and the service from the one server was horrible. It will be a number of months before we come back........but their beer menu rocks!!!!! :(
(2)
M K.
I think this is the type of place you drink at. This was my mistake, but that doesn't mean the service should be nonexistent. I went here the other night for a sandwich and it was awful. The chicken on the sandwich was burnt and had no flavor. It did look like a cool place to drink, I just wouldn't order the food. I also had to wait 15 mins after I was done eating to ask the person cleaning my table to get me my check. This would not be a problem usually, but the whole place was empty I felt like the waitress was just ignoring us.
(1)
Ryan R.
This place has great wings. Try the flamin' lemon pepper. Yes, they actually come out on fire. They are absolutely excellent. The brew on tap...micro brew and a very large variety. This place is a little loud (because it's small) but the service is always friendly and the food is always good. Four stars because I asked for three different beers...listed on the menu...out of stock. The last beer I requested was a blonde which was good. I would have rather the pale ale. Anyway, try this place if you are in the city. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Marie B.
Having grown up in Chicago, it's a surprise that I have not been to this location. I had brunch many years ago when their Wrigleyville location was open. We came to sit outside of Memorial Day. Their patio is great because it's outdoors and 80s in Chicago and thats it. We sat down and the waiter did not come to offer us a drink/food menu till about 15 min later. When he did come, he had to ask another table if he could have one of their menus to give to us. Besides that he was not in a good menu. Ok, fine we all have bad days, but the 10 min continuous wait for drinks is not acceptable. I ordered a classic margarita at the bar and when we arrived to our patio table and asked for a classic margarita the waiter explained that since it was not on the menu I wouldn't be able to order it. I explained that I ordered it at the bar and he asked for the bartender's name. What?? When you see the bar you'll first note the vast amount of liquor that they have. How can they not make a classic margarita? Regardless of that, the drinks were below average. I would not return.
(2)
Lily Z.
I came here with a bunch of friends for dinner. We ordered a variety of things and I was getting "hangry," which means so hungry I was getting angry. We ordered the tempura bacon, jalapeno poppers and fried shrooms as an appetizer. The only thing that stood out was the dipping sauce for the jalapeno poppers. I wish there was more because everything else seemed boring and lacked spice. I enjoyed my shrimp po'boy. There was plenty of shrimp and I do have to agree with other Yelpers that the bread was a bit tough. I didn't mind going carb free! Boy didn't like his burger. He said it was very bland. The only complaint that I have is that we were a table of 6 sitting at a table of four. I know you can't do anything about people who take forever to sign the bill, but it was ridiculous watching people walk past multiple times and not pick up the bill when it was done and ready for 10 minutes. While I was waiting for someone to finally notice, they kept switching the channels. I understand if it was an honest mistake, but we came here specifically to watch the Bulls game and made it clear before we sat down, again when the channel was changed, then for a third time when the channel was changed. Aside from that part of the meal, service before and after was nice. They communicated constantly about where we were seated and provided a shot of half and half when a friend couldn't handle the roasted jalapeno. I'm not pleased with how the meal turned out due to the fact that I couldn't eat until I had proper elbow space. However, the service was nice when they were paying attention.
(3)
CJ J.
Service seems to have improved over the past 6 months. Still a good drink selection, with good bloody marys and ciders available. Food is consistently good, but nothing to go out of your way for. Last time I was there, they had a tomato salad dressed available that was AMAAAAAAZING. Think slightly chunky bloody mary mix with a bit of a kick to it, but not so spicy it was out-of-place on a salad.
(4)
Jamie N.
Sat at the bar and had Jillian as our server/barkeep. Food was good. She was amazing! Great time yet again at twisted spoke. Left smiling and satisfied!
(4)
Megan S.
We decided to hit up Twisted Spoke after a Hawks game. So glad we did! The place has a dive-ish vibe and the service was great! Try the Shrimp Po' Boy. It was seriously delicious.
(4)
tim d.
Recently went to N'awlins. Did tons of research before we went to find the best Shrimp Po' Boy sandwich. We settled on Killer Po' Boys and The Parkway. They were so damn good. Fast forward to Dec '14 at Twisted Spoke here in Chicago. The Shrimp Po' Boy here is better. The shrimp are larger...that batter is better...the bread is from D'mataos (just can't compete with D'amatos bread anywhere in the country....Bari found that out the hard way.) The sauce is perfect. Again...and I have since read reviews from others....possibly..THE BEST PO BOY IN THE U.S. (so, in the world unless some bastard in Bali is banging out Po' Boys "off the grid" that are "off the chain")
(5)
John S.
Went here before the blackhawks game with my sister. Place was packed but that is to be expected before a game. Like the whole biker theme here. Favorite part of the decor is the door handles made from motor cycle handle bars. Very crafty. Service here was very good considering the crowds. I found the food to be ok but nothing exceptional. The burger like others said is very greasy. You may want to ask for extra napkins. I liked the cheese curds but wish they came with marinara sauce. The tempera bacon was quite messy and actually too greasy for me. That is saying a lot because I like fried foods. Over all found the food to be good but nothing special. If you are in the area for a game it is a good choice for the speedy service and close location to the UC.
(3)
Ajay H.
THE BEST WHISKEY BAR IN CHICAGO!!!! Shut Up!!!!! THE BEST WHISKEY BAR IN CHICAGO!!!! Shut Up Again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok, so you're still intelligent and reading - Cheers! All I can say is that if you get the Fish & Chips, then you will experience the Best (and I mean BEST) Tartar sauce, beer, whiskey and whatever else you will ever want from a place that happens to serve it all!!
(5)
Kati H.
What can I say. SUPER crowded on a Sunday at noon, which only means I'm at the right place. -killer bloody mary -awesome corned beef hash -delicious biscuits and gravy -shitty service...but I understand. The servers were overwhelmed and that's ok. Will definitely be back to try a burger!
What a great place. went there for brunch and was so very satisfied with the meal the service and the beer. what should have been a 30 min eat and scoot turned into a 3 hour awesome meal with friends. the Place is bright and inviting. i would say medium loud with a pretty good music selection for the classic rock crowd. Had Chila-Killas and it was a magical home cooking journey. went awesome with a few pints. Will certainly be back for more. Can't wait to try what else they have cooking.
(5)
Mike J.
I'm limiting this review to whiskey, and specifically to Whiskey Wednesdays. If you don't know, the Spoke serves half price, full size pours of EVERY damn whiskey they carry on Wednesdays, all day and night. Whistle Pig 11 for 12.50...Pappy van Winkle 23 for $15? And the cheap stuff is a steal. The staff is wonderful...knowledgable, friendly, and they'll leave the bottle if (like me) you like to read about what you're quaffing... Sean Thompson, manager, is a great person; if you're lucky he'll be able to talk for a bit, but he's usually too busy because this isn't an under-the-radar place...it's popular, because it's GOOD. Go there, have 4 like I do. Call a cab, your wife, a friend, or your friend's wife,, whatevs. This is the best place in the city to spend a comfortable Wednesday evening.
(5)
Derrick P.
Stopped in for a drink last night. Great whiskey list with over 400 to choose from. Also great service and atmosphere.
(4)
Brian S.
Good food, good beer list. Delicious cheese curds.
(4)
Nick F.
I was visiting Chicago for fun a couple weeks ago and we stumbled upon this place on the internet. We saw that they had over 500 whiskeys and being into whiskey, we decided to give it a go. It happened to be Whiskey Wednesday which means half price whiskey. Terrible news if you have been drinking most of the day and all through the Cubs game (They sell cocktails at that Wrigley Field joint!). Anyway, the place was great, I loved the humor in their menu selections as well as their absurd $125 Manhattan, which I asked the bartender about and he said that people have actually ordered it in the past. We also enjoyed the bartenders company as we got quite a bit of time to chat with him on a slow night. Ill definitely be visiting Twisted Spoke again on my next visit in the Spring!
(5)
Travis W.
It was my first visit but hopefully not my last. We popped in here for a brunch on Saturday and just looking from the outside I knew we were entering a pretty cool spot. The entire building being clad in iron and the skeleton riding a motorcycle on the roof pretty much tells it all. It's got a bike bar feel obviously but the crowd is way more diverse. We sat at the bar and it had to have been 40 feet long and backed with more liquors than I could have imagined even existed. After deciding on a bloody mary - of which they had like 8 to choose from we ordered our food. Everything on the menu looked delicious. I decided on the gumbo and wasn't let down. The blood mary was incredible in and of itself but the gumbo hit the spot.
(5)
Melissa B.
I LOVE me some Twisted Spoke!! Unreal bloody marys (a LOT of options) and the one i had came with a beer chaser! YUM!!! That itself was spicy and almost felt like a meal. I also ordered the Mexican eggs - YUM!!!! All of my favorite flavors - spicy chorizo, eggs, veggies and cilantro. I was in Heaven!! It was served with breakfast potatoes and bread and jam. Outstanding - i just couldn't finish it all. So much food!!! We ate at the bar and service was excellent. Love the decor, love love - will definitely be back!
(4)
Karen G.
This is a pet peeve of mine but this was a bit extreme. Spraying the table next to us with cleaning solution directly on the table rather than on the rag itself ruined a rather decent appetizer. I could taste the solution in my mouth and we started coughing. Considering this isn't the cleanest restaurant based on the restroom and a quick peak in the kitchen it was surprising that this is what bothered me most. To be fair this happens at most restaurants but this was so much spray and such a strong odor that I won't be back anytime soon.
(2)
B C.
Went in the other night. Hadn't been back in a while. What happened? The food was really mediocre. They took Caesar salads off the menu. Bummer...and weird. The shrimp PO boy used to rock but they ruined it by getting rid of the Cajun Mayo, putting these disgusting (soo bad) roasted tomatoes on it, strange flavored lettuce, and seriously skimping on the shrimp. Did the chef lose a taste bud? They had chicken and cheese quesadillas but were complaining about making them without the chicken for my kid. No beer specials. I don't know, for the price, the food was really weak. The waiter knew we were not happy. Did he get a manager? Nope. That, I will have to assume is because they just don't care....and neither do I.
(2)
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.
(5)
Mandi P.
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!!!).
(4)
Kevin W.
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.
(4)
D K.
Perfect spot to have an extremely extended lunch sliding into a long enjoyable evening. Can't beat the 10 bucks deal: burger, fries and a drink (cheap domestic beer or soda). Very extensive whiskey and bourbon selection, 6 different Papi van Winkle!
(4)
nicole m.
The bloody marys are amazing. I go there for that. Only that. I mean, I know the whole biker thing is cool and the porn n' eggs is a great late Saturday night concept. I really want to give them more stars, but although the food isn't bad, the service really subtracts from the enjoyment I might otherwise experience. Service on many occasions is slow/apathetic, and the hipster attitude/vibe that they cultivate there always makes me feel like I'm not cool enough. I went there with a friend to eat one night and they sat us in the dark section by the bathroom, and we were the only ones seated there the whole time, but there were many people in the restaurant. It gave us a very twilight zonish outpost-on-another-planet type of feeling. I also ordered take out one weekend afternoon and when I got there, starving, to pick it up, there was no order for me. Oh the humanity. Not only that, but the manager (I'm assuming) told me that what I had ordered (the sloppy eggs from the online menu) had not been available for about 3 years. The girl with whom I spoke on the phone hadn't bothered to tell me that when I ordered and no one bothered to call me to let me know. Apparently they just threw away my order, hoping I wouldn't come to pick it up. I tried to hold back tears (you know how anything will make you cry when you're hungry?) as the guy with dead eyes shrugged a disingenuous "Sorry." They could not have possibly cared less. I have been back very few times, and only for drinks, since then.
(2)
Mikaela R.
Best bloodies in Chicago. Their weekend brunch menu is perfect. Go here if you're hungover (before 3, after that they stop serving brunch) and you won't be disappointed. The staff is very friendly too!
(5)
Tanya K.
Went on a Sunday for brunch. One star for the rooftop. Minus one star for the nasty tasting eggs and that's really saying something because breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I love brunch but not here. Minus another star because the place looks dingy. Minus an additional star for the shitty, pretentious hipster service. Last but not least, minus a star for the hair in my eggs. Eggs should never have hair in them, feathers maybe but not hair.
(1)
Rich Z.
Its been a while since I had been to The Spoke (almost 10 years in fact) mostly due to living in Wisco. I had some friends in for a day/night of revelry and debauchery. Got there about 2pm, was seated and 'watered' fairly fast. 3 words to describe the start of the day-TEMPURA FRIED BACON. Bloody's were spot on, I had the breakfast tacos, one of the guys had the Mesckin scramble, and one had a fully dressed fat boy. PHENOMENAL. So much so that we were talking about it all day. Finished up the day(evening ) with Smut and Eggs. the Corned beef hash is the best in the city BAR FREAKING NONE!! The owners, Mitch and Cliff have really gotten it right.
(5)
Emilie N.
It was a Friday night. My boyfriend and I were interested in trying something new in our neighborhood. I suggested "that place with the skeleton riding a motorcycle." We thought it would have a cool biker theme inside to match. As soon as we walked in, it hit us. The "oh-my-god-this-is-actually-for-bikers" feeling. We're talkin' leather vests, boots, and all the "Mom" tattoos you can imagine. It was crowded and we felt, as normal non-bikers, that we had trespassed. We slowly backed out and went to Mahoney's instead, which was alright. But the review doesn't end there. Later that evening, as we were driving by (around midnight) we noticed something unusual in the windows of Twisted Spoke. Actually, "unusual" is an understatement. "Raunchy" works better. The very very large screen TVs were showing VERY hardcore porn. Our jaws dropped and our tires squealed as we turned the corner. Needless to say, we are happy we didn't dine there.
(1)
Colleen W.
This is a not so hidden gem. It's pretty hard to miss the place, and I'm glad we didn't pass it up! It was a gorgeous day so we sat up on the rooftop which is filled with picnic tables, trees...it feels like vacation up there! The vibe of the place is super laid back. The menu is funny. There is a lot of tongue and cheek humor to describe the food items. Nothing gets me like a cheese curd that is WHEY better than the rest... :) And while we're on the topic, the cheese curds were awesome. So were the fish tacos, served with a mango salsa, avocado, and grilled fish in a "build it yourself" presentation. The curried chicken salad was just OK. The beer list is extensive and the staff is very knowledgeable. We will absolutely be back!
(4)
An P.
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!
(4)
Adam K.
Dude, I used to live literally next door to this place. This neighborhood is great, you have the mafia, a biker bar & a sex dungeon all on the same block. Not to mention some of the best damn bread & toffee down the street. When I was living near here as a very young man with a baby, I remember walking across Grand ave very late, holding my infant daughter. There were 2 bikers outside of twisted spoke. This guy revved his engine super loud, unnecessarily loud, then ROARED an inch or two from me and my baby. I never wanted to strike someone so badly, thankfully my baby is ok but she could have seriously been injured from some prick on a harley. Kind of had a grudge against this place ever since. Enough prequel, here it is: The good: They expanded their menu, they used to have these AMAZING corn fries for like a year that were great and came with a strange dipping sauce. Now they have like 35 different kinds of burgers, sandwiches & salads. The menu is very large, the drinks are all different also. They have fish tacos for us trying to squeeze into a size 18. Their rooftop is one of the best in the city IMO. Love the spinning freaky ass skeleton. Service seems to have really picked up. Scruffy looking dudes but they live to serve you. I left a 25% tip. Smut and eggs: do they still do this? I hope so, it was so weird and radical. You get to watch 70s porn and eat eggs at like 3am. This was my " I am too drunk to go home" spot. Tons of bikers. The harley kind. The bad: Fish tacos are kinda bleh. The Smokin Salma bloody mary was really gross, the cold cheese pieces were all I remember, and they were awful. I want to try some others though. The scruffy dude waiter forgot I asked for another tortilla, but they were kinda dry and hard so whatever. Tons of bikers. The harley kind. Worth trying if you have never been here, and I will hit it up on occasion, but they need to tighten the bootstraps a bit more and I will be in here puking up eggs at 3am on the regs. Hey that rhymed!
(3)
Celina B.
I haven't reviewed this yet? No way! I had an art review to do for school so I dragged my boyfriend downtown to the art museum with me. He wanted to make a day out of it so he researched places with good bloody mary's. He found this little gem. We walked in, not really sure what to expect and sat at the bar. There were a few different bloody mary's to choose from. He of course had the one with bacon in it and I thought I would regret my decision of not ordering the same but mine was just as delish! (However every time I go, I now get the one with bacon and hickory vodka.) I'm pretty sure I was hangin' a little bit and that's always makes it hard to pick food when you're feeling like that. As soon as I saw corned beef hash and poached eggs, it was the easiest and best decision I've ever made. The corned beef has was NOT out of a can or anywhere near that. REAL corned beef! SHREEDED! REAL! with decent sized potatoes as well. it was AMAZING! Also a pretty good portion including 3 poached eggs with toast and a side of their potatoes. Our bartender was so nice! After our bloody mary's my man tried walbanger, and i tried a cock smasher. She had served one to someone next to me and it looked amazing, and with a name like that how could I pass it up? It was great! And loaded with alcohol. Let me remind you this is around noon. With so many good drinks being served up we couldn't stop trying them! My boyfriend walked down the street to get some cigarettes and I had let her know that we were actually celebrating our "anniversary" as well that and I ordered us some very small glasses of champagne with strawberries. Not the place you'd normally get this but she was so accommodating. After that we ordered their wings that were literally on fire. AWesome! At that point we realized we could not go to the museum, it was already night time and we crashed at a hotel in the city. Woops! =) Have been back a couple times since then, even with family, and no one has complaints. Can't wait to go back here again!
(5)
Diane B.
Always delicious and we always look forward to a great meal and drinks with our friends. Consistently good service... can't beat that.
(4)
Kimberly J.
Came here because it was a beautiful sunny day and they have a rooftop deck. Cool atmosphere. Picnic tables on roof with umbrellas.......a good start. However, it unfortunately went downhill from there. The service really stinks. Had to flag our waiter, who was busily texting, while sitting behind a tree by the waiters station, probably four times. No menus, no silverware, drinks were empty, please bring check, etc. Asked what he suggested out of several menu items we were interested in......said he didn't really care for any of them, but didn't suggest anything else. Had tempura bacon, and the batter was delicious, but inside was very under cooked, fatty bacon. Fail. Caesar Salad with steak, very good. Fried egg sandwich, sloppily thrown together and really greasy.....meh. Great fries. I say to management, if your staff can't be relied on to prioritize your customers before their need to text, you need to re-evaluate your policies. Once when I needed something, I poked my head in the wait station, where he was bent over, elbows on counter, texting, and said 'excuse me' to get his attention. He said, "yes?" without even lifting his gaze from the screen. Really? For $60 lunch, I can go a lot of places. This won't be one I patronize again.
(2)
Pete V.
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.
(3)
William L.
I went here for some pre-Hawks game grub and drinks. I definitely dig the style of this place, lots of cool vintage bike stuff and the entire feel of the place has a "right of passage" type feeling. Hard to explain, but it's boss. The food is damn good, the lemon pepper wings are outstanding! If you go to Twisted Spoke and don't get them, you're silly. They aren't too spicy but have a great pepper taste. For the entree, I had the meatloaf sammy with fries and my cohort had the falafel sammy. Both were really good and I had plenty to take home for lunch the following day. Service was spot on, drink specials were okay, beer list was impressive. I'll definitely be back again soon.
(4)
Daniel O.
First off I have to agree with other yelpers and say, the rooftop patio is fantastic. Great laid back summer vibe; picnic tables, a nice breeze, trees... The food is good, a step above traditional bar food; comical menu descriptions are a nice touch. I ordered the ceviche, and was pleasantly surprised. However the service was completely disengaged, drinks would run completely empty and we would have to chase our waiter down for refills? Furthermore, at one point he brought the wrong beer, shrugged and says, "I thought that's what you said", and then didn't even offer to get the right one? Well I didn't feel like starting a scene, so yea I drank it. In the end, decent place, but in a city of great food, nothing exceptional...except for the rooftop patio.
(3)
Jessica L.
Some friends brought me here the other night for a few drinks. Being an out-of-towner, I had no idea where to go and was pleased with their selection. A great list of beer and some good bar food, as well. I appreciated that it wasn't overpacked and a scene on a Sat. night.
(3)
Jessica L.
Check out their "RIDE TO SAVE BREASTS" fundrasier this month for breast cancer awareness month! best bloody mary ever!
(5)
Christopher H.
meh. Not great. Decent selection of beers/whiskey.
(2)
Marc R.
Rode up on my bicycle with a friend and saw the prettiest girl in Chicago standing out front in an amazing blue dress. So far so good, but she hopped in a cab and was off to someplace better than the Twisted Spoke I bet. What I found: A fairly run of the mill bar with typical but overpriced bar food on a good but pretty remote corner. They charge extra if you are going to split a burger! Now, that seems just mean! (Note: I stand corrected here. It is $5 to share a "double" burger because I was informed that Fonda and Nicholson came in one day and ordered the double then hustled the server for free buns to make a second burger! Easy Riders or Free Riders?) Cool: The rooftop picnic table seating is good and might be worth doing if you are visiting a friend around the corner, and the beer list is long, Not so cool: The server did not know much about the beer at all. I ordered a mint julep and it came up and was not made right. It was more like a mint gimlet. I sent it back for some sugar, and it was ok, but if the servers don't know the beer and the bartender can't make a drink unless the instructions are written on the bar, how did they get a permit to serve booze? Just wondering. Not so yummy: The food was pretty basic and uninspired from what I ordered - quesadillas -- and the options for vegetarians was pretty bad. They call Chickpeas here "Woman peas" -- how macho -- well it is a biker bar. All the Honda and Kawasaki junk parts make the point that this place is for tough guys in pink polo shirts and boat shoes! My suggestion, is that you should keep riding PAST the Twisted Spoke even if you find yourself on a Harley Davidson Fat Boy at the corner of Ogden and Grand, but if you see a pretty girl in an amazing blue dress wearing a pair of pretty wedges, pick her up if you can get her to talk to you. If you are visiting someone who lives here and all the little Italian places or nearby cafes are closed, and you must have a roof, well, the breeze was nice.
(3)
Anna P.
My only problem with this place is that it doesn't have a solid 4 stars on Yelp! C'mon people, what more could you want?! The decor is awesome, the service is great, the beer list is phenomenal, and the food is excellent. Added bonus is that you get the heavy metal music and high-quality beers and burgers of similar places (*cough Kuma's cough*) without the agonizing 2+ hour wait. PLUS the menu itself is hilarious - it's full of little puns that I, as a half-Canadian, totally appreciate. Come hungry and thirsty, be adventurous with the beer list, try the Boss Hog (delectable BBQ pulled pork!), and leave full and happy and a little drunk :)
(4)
Kim G.
This place is still awesome. I have been back so many times. I have taken everyone from my 87 year old gramma (twice, she asked to go back) to my early 20s friends, and they all love it.
(5)
Jeff T.
Great gumbo. Service is weak
(2)
Santiago A.
At the risk of disagreeing with Colleen C. and forever being banned from Yelp ;) I will go ahead and disagree. The "Chicks" and "Dicks" lables on the bathroom doors are great [upload pics] if for no other reason than they list who is a chick... and more importantly, who is a dick (i.e. Mayor Daley and Mayor Daley, the sequel). That right there is both funny and hits the nail right on the head. Besides getting on my good side right off the bat when I went to go wash my hands, I like that they have a quality beer selection. They hit all my favs so I could throw darts at a board and still come away happy. Ommegang, Gumballhead, Allagash White, Original Sin, etc etc, they are all here. Food is pretty good, too. The pulled pork and the meatloaf sandwich are both good choices. They fries that come on the side are "da bomb." Music is pretty good, if you don't mind mostly metal, and I don't. Finally, the rooftop patio is pretty sweet. All in all, I was glad I dropped by and will definitely swing by again. I see Melanie S. and Nishan P. liked it, too. Maybe they can come with... or even convince (read: kidnap) Colleen C. and bring her along ^_~ p.s. If i remember correctly, beers are $2.50 on Tuesdays. woo!
(4)
Bri A.
If you only plan on ordering beers at this place, you should be fine. If you want certain shots or cocktails, go elsewhere! I came here with a few friends on Saturday night. It was around 11pm and the place was pretty dead, but the rooftop was busier. We sat upstairs and the waitress promptly handed us menus and took our drink order. It took her a good ten minutes to bring our drinks. We ordered a few appetizers (guac and chips and quesadillas) to split. The food was good, but nothing exceptional. I ordered a 7&7 (Seagrams whiskey and 7-Up). It tasted ok but I later found out the drink was made with Canadian Club. That is fine, but at least tell me! Ordering a 7&7 is not the same as ordering Canadian and 7-Up or whiskey and lemon lime soda! At least they charged accordingly. At one point, I ordered a round of shots since it was my friend's birthday. I told him to order whatever he wanted. What he ordered was a girly and common shot. The waitress said, "Sorry but the bartender won't make a shot like that. He is a big, burly guy and would refuse." Wow, I didn't realize the waitstaff speaks for the bartender! We ended up just ordering shots of whiskey. At least he wasn't too macho to pour that! Now, if they did not have the ingredients to make the shot, or the bartender telepathically told the waitress he did not know how to make it, we would have understood.
(1)
Michael W.
Always a fan of this place. Great beer selection and always good food. I would recommend this to people who like some adventure. The regulars here are biker types that rub elbows with yuppies sometimes. Great vibe and this guy Alex the bartender is a straight up super cool bartender.
(4)
Bex F.
Sixteen years, really? That's how long I've been going to Twisted Spoke? Jeez louise. I guess that makes it hard to review. I remember going when it was just a tiny little joint when I lived nearby. For years I thought they had the best burger in the city. Then they expanded. The food and service went sliding downhill so I stopped going for a while. Snarly, apathetic or rude servers and disappointing food. A few years back, went again and things had seemingly gotten worse so it wasn't until last week, several years later, that I was back again. And I must say, the food has improved and the service we had was much better. The hubs had the chicken tacos and loved them. So much so that all night he kept mentioning how great the tacos were. I had the Fatboy with bacon and BBQ sauce, my usual. Much better. I wouldn't say it's the best burger in the city but it's back to being good. The fries, eh, haven't caught back up. We sat on the rooftop patio which of course is always nice. It is a bit kitschy but, ah well. Better to have some sense of humor than none at all. Added back to the rotation list, thanks. Good, as it was a drag avoiding it.
(4)
Nishan P.
There she sits a-smokin' Reefer in her mouth. Her hair hanging northward, As she travels south. Dirty on her Harley, But her nails are clean. Super-powered, de-flowered, Over-eighteen Irene. Why was this little ditty floating around in my head? Perhaps it is because Twisted Spoke is intended to be a biker bar. The biker theme permeates through the entire establishment from the graveyard of motorbikes that greets a visitor out front to the skeleton on a vintage motorcycle that rotates above. The menu boasts several kinds of Bloody Marys. Mine, the Bloody Franco, had chorizo (yes, the meat), an onion, a pepper and a clove of garlic. The drink was a little too different for my tastes. On the other hand, the Fatboy (a delicious, juicy, half pound burger) really hit the spot. Wait a minute, I think I get it now. A big hamburger, a blood red drink: very reminiscent of that grisly third verse. Ground around like hamburger, Layin' an a splat. 'tis Irene, her sheen I seen, In pieces crumpled flat. Oh, the feet were in the bushes, Her toes were in her hat. Stark-raven, un-shaven, Motorcycle Irene. My apologies to anyone whose appetite I may have just ruined.
(4)
Melanie S.
I went here Friday night for dinner with my Yelp partner in crime. I've been to the Wrigleyville location, but I'd never been to this location. As expected, same set up, although this one is smaller. Maybe Wrigleyville has more bikers than River West, but I doubt it. We got there around 8:00 and perused the beer menu. Since they were out of the Half-Acre's Ginger Twin beer, I opted for an Original Sin (my new obsession) and she got her default drink, a Stoli razz and soda. My friend and I ain't no salad-eatin' bitches. This is but one of the reasons why we get along so well. We decided to get an appetizer and burger to share. We ordered the buffalo chicken tenders and a Fatboy. The tenders were delicious and had the right amount of heat, and the portion was so large that we couldn't finish them. The burger was quite good, not Paramount Room-good, but perfectly fine. The accompanying fresh-cut fries were so hot and crispy that I couldn't stop eating them (sorry Keri for not leaving you any). The service was friendly and the food was good, so I'm sure I'll be back. I especially want to try the "Smut 'n Eggs" at midnight. Good clean fun.
I'm a big fan of Twisted spoke. Yes, the Pub has changed quite a bit over the years but I actually like it better looking back at things. I've been going there for 5 plus years now and I love that it has maintained many of their same employees. It makes for a great neighborhood bar. Their food is terrific and did I mention 1/2 off Whiskey Wednesdays..... which is amazing!!! The manager and bartender Shawn is a great guy and I hope to make it there tonight for 1/2 Whiskey Wednesdays.
(4)
Brad C.
Stopped in here with a few friends after Coal Fire Pizza for a couple drink. They have some great out door seating on the roof, which was the main reason we went here. Half the beers on the menu they didn't have in. They also kicked us out pretty early, which I understand it is a restaurant. I'm not sure I'll be making it back in, from the sounds of it there food is hit or miss.
(3)
Ren H.
What a fun place to have a drink! We came in and sat at the bar for a while just ogling the huge exotic beer collection! The decor is really funky and their outdoor patio is huge! Great place to come with a group of people.
(4)
Jonathan K.
cool bar. rooftop which is always good, made the place for me. their menu is fun and unique too. they have a biker theme here, so it has personality. their bar is stocked with a huge selection...
(5)
Elizabeth C.
If anything go there just to sit on the roof during nice weather. Food is execlent, and service is good. And there's a pool table so you have something to do while waiting for a table.
(5)
Jill L.
Very delicious! Great chicken wings. Not a fan of the bacon tempura. If the bacon was more crunchy would have been a favorite. The salad was amazing with it. My husband said the buffalo catfish sandwich was one of the top five sandwiches of all times!
(4)
Arthur M.
There was a fire across the street from me. It was ninety degrees and a roof deck burst into flames. Folks in the hood treated it like "bring your kids to a fire day." youtube.com/watch?v=Dzrn… My companion and I walked past the emergency vehicles and smoke column billowing into the dusky sky... to the Twisted Spoke to eat. Waitress and busser on the roof top patio were on point. We split the buffalo wings and caesar salad. The wings were small to medium size crispy on the outside. The sauce started with a fire-y flavor and finished with a note of sweetness. There was lots of celery, carrots and jicama on the side. I think the blue cheese was Robo Coupe-ed the same way as the caesar dressing. The salad had anchovies and instead of croutons, toast points. It was generously dressed. To drink I had the cheap margarita and $2.50 draft special Boulevard beer. Companion had bloody mary with meat and pickled string beans and scotch instead of vodka. By the time we got home the fire was out.
(5)
Andrew P.
Just had lunch there a few days ago. Had no idea that they offer a tremendous lunch special that consists of a DAMN GOOD FULLY LOADED FAT BOY (ie burger), very tasty french fries and an ICE COLD BEER for $10. I had half my burger and got pretty full (ie bloated) after finishing my beer. Their beer list is top notch and they always seem to offer great specials for people looking to save a few dollars. This place is one-of-a-kind and it's quickly becoming one of my favorite places to have lunch in the West Loop.
(5)
Caroline A.
I came here for drinks with a friend, and thought it was okay. It is super casual, very loud and feels a little grimey, but a nice change of scenery for me. There is no wine listed on the menu, but they do actually serve a Shiraz. My friend ordered it for me while I was in the ladies room (which was not scary, btw), and it was pretty decent. They have a very extensive wine and liquor list. I will have to try their brunch menu.
(3)
Ashley E.
This place is absolutely perfect! From service to food to bloody Mary's, this place has it all! (Started following them on twitter and I received a free bottle of their bloody mary mix!) My husband and I shared the bacon tempura, biscuits and gravy, and the corn beef hash!! Phenomenal! Our bartenders were very helpful and let us sample some beers! Not sure of their names! They were both bearded and one has dreads! The barback was even on key with teaching us about the Bloody Mary mix! We are from Cleveland and will definitely be coming back!!
(5)
Nisa D.
Hmmmmm where to start!! I been wanting to try this place for the longest and it was a total disappointment :(.. Got there and the place is dirty from floor to tables, we got seated and we looked at the menu and it was falling apart unable to read it with all the stains on it. I decided to go with the grill 4 cheese sandwich, ughhh worst sandwich ever no taste at all i mean how hard its to make a good grill cheese and it came with some cabbage type of salad and that was awful as well. Waiter just dropped the food and came to drop the bill that was it! definitely not going back
(1)
Ray K.
Went for drinks just for the roof top deck. Great space. No tv's up there so if you want to watch the game outside, try another place. Great beer selection, want to go back to try the food.
(3)
Angie M.
The Twisted Spoke on a diet? Can it be done? Hells yes! Now, if you're not watching the calories do yourself a favor and get the Big Boy. It is The Twisted Spoke version of a burger and based on the one teeny bite I had of my dining partner's Big Boy, I can categorically say it's pretty fucking phenomenal. The burger comes on a huge, soft roll, has tons of toppings and is served with a mammoth pile of fries. Yeah, pretty much the most awesome lunch you can imagine. But if you're one of those people who can gain weight in the blink of an eye (much like myself), the garden salad topped with grilled chicken is a pretty good bet. My salad was heavy on the yummy veggies like red onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, celery and cucumbers, didn't come with cheese and was served with pretty tasty balsamic vinaigrette. Granted it's not a Big Boy, but hey. You take what you can get, right? Service was lovely on a cold, rainy December afternoon, so no complaints there. The bloody marys and mint juleps came out in a jiffer and our food was served with lightening speed. Our server didn't even scoff when we literally paid for our mostly liquid lunch with a huge pile of singles earned at my triumphant win in the You Swoop money booth. Um, $52 worth of singles. Trust me; I had to assure the poor waiter that I wasn't coming off a shift at the strip club...
(4)
David S.
This fat boy enjoys the fatboy burgers at the Twisted Spoke. Always juicy and flavorful to the last bite. I also like that they have Green Goddess salad dressing available.
(4)
Carrie S.
So i returned again with another bestie, Mandy (yes, a girl can have more than one!) who was in town from Texas for our nephew's first birthday in April. Once again we craved bloody marys. SO DAMN GOOD. We also ordered a couple apps. Portobello mushroom fries that were outstanding, with a yummie little dipping sauce (that I can't quite remember exactly what it was) and cheese fries.....that were ok. Once again....i will be back for more bloody marys....if fact, I have a craving as I type this!
(5)
Terry S.
I love the Twisted Spoke, to some the place may take on a intimidating,hardcore. sorta biker like appearance.[revolving motorcycle with skeleton atop)but once inside you"ll encounter a very pleasant staff and fun atmosphere, let me keep it simple..Great selection of beers, Huge selection of Bourbons..some totally unique signature drinks,and a selection of not just one but several different Bloody Mary styles , which go perfect with a Sat and or Sun brunch hangover. The Menu is equally impressive with a delicious lunch or dinner selection..kinda cajun/barbecue id say! Fun place to take a date..great place to hang with friends! Twisted Spoke has it all..
(5)
J P.
This is a classic three-star review. Twisted Spoke is exactly what it makes itself out to be- a kitschy breakfast place with a cool rooftop deck. Pretty fun place to go- nothing super special about their menu, their drinks, or their service. Was not a bad experience. Nothing mind-blowing. Would return if it was convenient for a large group to meet there.
(3)
Erin J.
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.
(3)
Omare V.
I highly recommend the Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich! Before I came to this place I thought I had a better PP BBQ sandwich, but I was mistaken. This place has the best one so far. The fries were good, but the only thing was that the coke was flat. For $11 you can't beat that! In fact most of the things on the menu are around $10 dollars. I'm coming back soon!
(4)
Jon A.
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.
(5)
Samuel M.
I am a proud American and I respect the hamburger, so I've felt like a fool for having missed out on the Twisted Spoke, which has appeared on various "best of" lists in the city for over a decade. While I enjoyed myself here, burger-wise, I was not missing very much. Burger ($11 base, $12 with fried egg) is in the "build your own burger" style. I went with lettuce, tomatoes, bacon (not an extra charge, which was a pleasant surprise), raw onion, and a fried egg, on a pretzel bun. So much about this burger was so very mediocre. Most egregiously, the patty, which I ordered medium rare, was medium well at least, with rare flecks of pink peppering an otherwise grey mass of beef. It had a decent flavor, however, despite the crumbly, overcooked consistency of the patty. The pretzel roll was very bready and at times overpowered the burger. Otherwise, the bacon was crispy, the egg was not overcooked, and the fries were pretty good, but on the whole, this burger was solidly below average and not really worth trying. Service was also consistently off; I erroneously got cheddar on my burger despite not asking for it, it took us 20-30 minutes to get waters, and we were brought honey mustard after asking for dijon. However, the waitress was attentive and pleasant enough that these misses did not disturb me. After a pretty uniformly panned review of the burger, why does Twisted Spoke earn three stars, which I usually reserve for restaurants that at least give me something good to say about their food? It has a great beer list (including Half Acre Akari Shogun), and the roof deck is awesome. Seriously, I could have eaten a hockey puck on a bun up there on a nice day and still enjoyed it. These factors alone make the Spoke a worthwhile experience. I'll be back to drink and probably to try the wings, but I'll skip the burger.
(3)
Christine S.
If The Twisted Spoke were a guy, we'd be dating... Or at least doing it (ya know, just in case he wasn't looking for something serious). As you can see with my other reviews, I LOVE THIS PLACE. Again, Nikki, 10 fucking thumbs up, you rock! My beer will never go empty, and my stomach will never growl when you are around. If you like Lemon and you like Chicken Wings, you've GOTTA try the Flaming Lemon Wings. OMG, mouthgasim! And, they light the damn wings on fire at your table (think saganaki). The hummus, is thick and wonderful. They serve it with cut up pitas, celery, carrots, and jimica. Everything I've eaten here so far has been delish! Damn it, now I'm starving.
(5)
Wendy A.
For Brunch: Lavache Poire. Yes, please. Anything that has brie cheese and cooked fruit, seriously. Yummm-eee. Great bloody mary's. I wish they were just a tad spicier.
(4)
Nicole M.
The rooftop here is beautiful, not what you'd expect looking at the place from the outside (or from the inside). The breakfast was great, my only gripe is that the service was a little lackluster. We had to ask for coffee a few times until it finally came right as we were filling out the check.
(3)
Michael E.
Twisted Spoke is a great place that is (a) low key, (b) full of character....and most times "characters" (c) great staff (d) attentive bar tenders and (e) great food........that is code for "it'll make you fat because it is so good" *wink* In addition, and this is important for this time of year, is a nice deck on the roof. My visit last night......I was going stir crazy sitting around watching my injuried foot heel so I had to get out.....this was a great place to have a few beers, enjoy the weather and do a little people watching. I've also done Sunday brunch here and the Bloody Mary's are some of the best. They come with a beer chaser too which is a deal in my opinion. There are several other bars in the area, so you can actually make a night of it just within walking distance.......and a recently open venue and one some Yelps just tried out is Borders Tavern, just around the corner on Lake.....but I digress. TIP: For you folks on a date.....go up on the roof and if you can, try and get the small table just to the right of the corner of the building that faces out to the Skeleton on the Motorcycle....great view of the street...you can sit side-by-side with your backs to the deck and just drink, talk, and watch the rotating dead guy and watch the sun set......or just turn around and view the entire deck.
(4)
Benny J.
The food is great here and the bloodies make it a great Sunday lunch spot. Haven't been there in good weather yet but the outdoor rooftop looks pretty awesome!
(4)
B V.
Walked in. Asked for food menu. Sat down for 15 min. No one came to my table. It was 4:50 pm with 5 other people there. Won't be back. Thanks.
(1)
Chuck W.
I came here for brunch and had the gumbo with poached eggs. Admittedly, it was the only gumbo I've ever tried, but it was delicious. As a huge beer fan, I also had a fun time checking out all of the rare bottles along their shelves. I'll have to come back here and try a bloody mary some time.
(4)
Kevin J.
Bartenders and staff were dicks. I just asked for a drink. Why the fucking attitude?
(1)
Nicole S.
OK, tempura bacon?!!? Banana fritters!?!?!? Amazing bloody Mary's with a side car?!?! And a wonderful and fun waitress to top it off. Like Yelp says "Woohoo! As good as it gets!? I have been to Twisted Spoke a few times over the years and sometimes as I drive past I wonder....is it still good? Are the bloody Mary's still killer? And every time I go back in the answer is yes, yes, YES! The staff is kind, courteous, helpful (we added a few chairs and bodies as our brunch progressed to lunch and almost to dinner time) and an A+ on the prompt service. Our waitress was amazing and remembered to check in with the vegetarians at the table (beware the bloody mix has beef stock in it - who would have thunk it?!) and for food allergies. So nice and thoughtful. I think we will be bringing more and more people back here. I want to be sure they stay a staple in the neighborhood and, frankly, it doesn't get much better than tempura bacon.
(5)
Oscar G.
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...
(2)
Jenaia F.
Went to the Twisted Spoke for the first time this Friday. My husband, being a Chicago native and a huge fan of the Spoke, insisted that we give it a go while in town. Everything from top to bottom was fantastic. The bloody mary was one of the best I've ever had!! They also had an impressive beer list and food menu. While the service was excellent, the food definitely stole the show - not what I expected at all. Everything that we ordered was delectable and next time we return I'll definitely have a tough time ordering knowing how good everything was. Between the 3 of us, I got a chance to taste the following: -Pulled Pork Sandwich - Delicious, not too sweet. -Steak Burrito - Recommended by our waiter and it was perfection on a plate. Very tasty. -Meatloaf Sandwich - AMAZING!! The meatloaf was so light and it was served in between 2 thick slices of garlic bread. Who does that???? Apparently, the Twisted Spoke does and they do it well. Will definitely be back again next time I'm in town.
(5)
Larry V.
This place is great for lunch, dinner, drinks, etc. Great burger options, as well as, other favorites (pulled pork, fish tacos, etc). The bar has a big variety of whiskey options. As the weather gets warmer, enjoy the upstairs deck for food and drinks. The staff is always good, and this place is a favorite.
(5)
Aurore L.
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.
(5)
Elizabeth W.
This is quickly becoming my favorite brunch place in the city. Their brunch menu has a wide variety of classic breakfast, fatty hang-over busters, and delicious burgers. And their bloody mary's are to die for! I went here Sunday with my sister and I ordered the Road Rash Bloody Mary and the heart attach biscuits and gravy. Delicious, filling, and exactly what you want on a sunny Sunday. I will be back again and again. 4 stars becasuse sometimes their service can be a little slow or the waitstaff a little distracted.
(4)
Mandy A.
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.
(5)
Alessandra Z.
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?
(5)
Kaybee K.
i think my favorite thing about twisted spoke is the consistency. that's always the hardest thing to find at any restaurant and it's a very comforting thing when you do find it. i usually go here for brunch and always leave happy. they'll tweak your orders to make you happy without scowling at you. their bloody mary's are served with salami and a beer back. that's one of my favorite things when ordering a bloody and not a lot of places in chicago serve the beer back. but they all ought to. says me. there food is typical average bar food fair with their own twist on it. [get it, twist..] they do have eggs and smut on the weekends. it's fun, old porn. the only thing that makes me uncomfortable about it is the old men that go and creepily watch and then stare at the girls at the bar. because of that, i normally just stick to brunch at this place. i LOVE their roof deck. it's spacious and just straight up awesome.
(4)
Linda M.
I've eaten here a few times and have always had a great experience. My only critique would be to update your beer list! I asked for about 3 different beers and the server kept coming back to tell me they were all out! Their outdoor patio is great on a summer or fall day. I will be back.
(4)
Sara A.
What more can be said then the 172 others reviews? Well for starters, the bloody mary's rule. They are good. Not great, but good. Served up in a pint glass, how they should be, with an eff-in smorgasbord of salad toppings and MEAT! Yes Meat. Damn you Chicago, you make it very difficult to be a vegetarian in the city. Seriously, I would come here just for these hangover helpers. The Elvis french toast, stuffed with peanut butter and bananas is frightfully delish. My friends had the burger and steak and eggs, which was too small to be called a steak, it was more the size of a cow's ear. There is always a wait, unless you are an early riser. The wait staff ok, kinda grumpy guss-es, which is expected given that its a biker bar. And the music way too loud for a hang over hang out on Sunday mornings.
(3)
Sean B.
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.
(5)
Claudia D.
Again, the husband and I visited The Twisted Spoke following cardiac rehab for lunch. All that treadmill work creates an appetite. What keeps calling to us is the Seared Tuna Sandwich. The Seared Tuna Sandwich is never dry. The thick rare tuna, perfectly seared on the outside, is stacked in ciabatta bread with swiss cheese and grilled onions as well as a mango tomatillo salsa which is to die for---upgrade the plate with a salad and the balsamic vinegrette. The husband and I share one of these making the total pre-tax price only $6 each. I love it. The chicken tacos are very good as well---especially if you ask for extra pico de gallo instead of the black beans, and then mix the rice and all of the pico de gallo into a rice salad---then use the scrumptious tomatillo salsa which contains bits of ripe avocado as a salad dressing. We share that as well. These are the only heart healthy items on the Twisted Spoke menu, that we like. Notice---both contain cheese---which the wait staff can have omitted if requested. Today, the husband had an Allagash White draught. I splurged and indulged in a Koningshoeven Quadruple Trappist Ale at $11 for an 11.5 oz. bottle---heaven! Pueblo AKA Pablo AKA Paul was our wait person. As always, superb service and attention to detail.
(4)
Kevin M.
My food was cold in the first place - cold fish and black beans. They forgot the tortillas with my fish tacos. My waiter (the bartender) disappeared and I waited over five minutes to be able to tell anyone my food was cold and that I needed tortillas. When I got the tortillas there were only three and they were soggy, dripping with grease. I still got charged the full price, $12 which is a little much for what is served in the first place. They forgot to charge my card after taking it from my area, which was another five minutes of waiting around ready to leave. It was a Monday night after 8pm and I was 1 person. It was a very standard order on an apparent non-busy night with two bartenders staffed. I'll come here again, just not on a Monday.
(1)
Grace N.
Come for the bloody mary. Stay for the fatboy burgers. Leave because the metal chairs are killing your butt. Great brunch items, the scrambles are awesome and I LOVE the Texas Toast and the jam. Seriously, I was upset because they didn't bring the jam once, it's some darn good jam. I'm leaving a star off because the waitstaff is lackadaisical (don't they WANT my money?) and the weird porn night on the weekend (Smut n eggs) grosses me out.
(4)
Samantha J.
have been here a few times and was very disappointed with the food. the biscuits and gravy is more like biscuits in soup. however, the bloodies are excellent and make up for it!
(3)
Haley S.
My boyfriend and I grabbed a burger here today on our apartment hunt. Good burgers, friendly service...just remember to tell them no mayo, my boyfriend forgot and could barely eat his. I don't get the whole midwestern gross mayo thing. Ick.
(3)
Angela S.
If they could just improve the food slightly this would be one of my favorites. The service is awesome. And the atmosphere and vibe is super cool. But the food is lackluster.
(3)
Philip V.
Went to try out the burger. Have been checking out all the great burgers in the city, and this was on a couple of lists. Easily found a place to sit on a Saturday evening. Loved the decor (motorcycle stuff everywhere). Terrific beer selection: had some more obscure Bells and Great Lakes choices, two of my favorite breweries. Oddly, they also had Genesee Cream Ale, which was nostalgic. It's not good beer, but it's one of the very first beers I ever drank back in the early 90s in my late teens in upstate New York. A nice touch. Was a little turned off that the whole burger thing was build your own. I really like the idea of a burger place crafting what they feel is the perfect burger, whether it involves a fried egg, or their home made ketchup, or their locally sourced bacon or whatever. But, no problem. I constructed MY idea of a great burger and it was absolutely great. yummy fries, too. Not sure I'd place this one at the top... but man, it was perfectly done (medium rare for me)... I do like the egg a little more runny, but... I have to say, I need to recommend the starter we had: BACON TEMPURA. whoa. I mean, whoa. Deep fried bacon. Absolutely amazing. Great place. Will be back.
(4)
Colleen C.
Oh, I dunno. Ok, well yeah I do...I guess. This place is sort of, not my style. Twisted Spoke is almost sort of awkward to me. Like, OK. I get they are catering to the biker clientele, bike culture, etc. However, this place is just a little too "kistched-out" for me. I get it, handlebars everywhere and bike decor, but it's all just a little too...contrived. "Chicks" and "Dicks" to mark the bathroom? C'mon people, seriously. Even I think that is lame, and that is a hard note to hit with me.... My salad was pretty awful. I know, salad at a bar. I know. But, if it's on the menu, it should be decent. Not so much. God, how I loathe soggy, warm lettuce with Cesar dressing. It's just...the worst. Service was good, our waitress was very friendly. I was there for a midday meeting, so it wasn't crowded. The patio would've likely been a better choice on a summer's day....perhaps avoiding the food altogether and just basking in the sun, though that generally clears about any problem imaginable, right? Eh, skip it. Better options in the 'hood. The saving grace was that this meeting led me to my first ever visit to Sip Coffehouse and Garden, my newest, favorite place in the whole wide world! (across Grand)
(3)
Mary Ann C.
Love this place and have been coming here with my husband for the last 11 years! The fried egg sandwich is one of the most delicious creations ever! Also, love the wings, poppers, and brunch menu. Fun spot with great service!
(5)
chris q.
Cliff from Twisted Spoke was so taken with my review that he's been writing me personal Yelp messages to insult me and tell me how ignorant I am. "This reminds of the time when I went to the Chicago Diner on a packed Friday night and told them to make me a steak. They said no, so I yelled at the top of my lungs, "You guys SUCK. If you really cared, you would go to the store, buy some meat and make what I want, not what you actually serve." Then there was that time that I went to Luc Thang and demanded some sushi. They explained that they don't make Japanese food. I got mad and said, "Hey, you're all Asian. I know you have some raw fish back there. Make me some damn sushi." They wouldn't, but because I was stuck there with a group of friends, I decided to get some Pad See Ewe. That's what all the ignorant white folks or kids who like sweet stuff without a hint of spice would order. It isn't really what I wanted, but I still feel like I got screwed. Everyone else had more than me. They suck too. By the way, 90% of the bunch options are some variant of eggs and come with homemade hash browns. I can't quite imagine why it would be so difficult to find an appropriate meal to order. I guess we will just have to go on sucking another 17 years without you." I guess I hurt his feelings. And apparently Cliff doesn't understand what constitutes "vegetarian." It's also my fault that his servers are unable to explain the restaurant's substitution policy. Yes, it is entirely my problem, not Cliff's, and I'll solve it by avoiding Twisted Spoke and letting everyone I know how terrible the place is.
(1)
Mindy S.
I have never been let down by an experience at Twisted Spoke. It was a hot summer Sunday afternoon, about 1pm and I wanted a greasy burger to satisfy my hunger pains after competing in a triathlon. I was thinking Kuma's, but I did not want the 2 hour wait. My amigas, who had also competed, wanted breakfast food, so we needed a place to accommodate all of our ravaging hungers. I don't remember who came up with the idea to go to Twisted Spoke, but a quick call revealed that the wait was short and we could sit outside, and they were still serving breakfast. Perfect! Their rooftop patio is simply amazing on a hot day. One of THE BEST in the city. The Fatboys (their burger) almost make me speechless, they are so good. On this particular visit, I topped it with everything good (bad for you), and had a side of onion rings and was completely satisfied. I thought I was dreaming the perfect dream while eating it. I believe I also had a fantastic bloody mary. I particularly want to point out that every server I've had has been attentive, informative, and enthusiastic. I've always had my water refilled quickly and I've never had a bad service experience. I've since been back at least one other time that I can remember and loved the experience just the same. If you don't live in the area, Twisted Spoke is worth the trip - trust me!! Parking is abundant in the area, the Grand bus drops right off, and the Chicago and Grand Blue Line stops are the closest L stops.
(5)
Catherine R.
I love the breakfast burrito but decided to try something new this time. Eggs w/brie, carmelized pears, (good) home fries, and sliced ham. And sitting on the roof was perfect on a lovely summer morning. The service was great. The only thing I'd change is that they need to get english muffins. I give it 3.5.
(3)
Sebastian F.
The drinks and the food are good, but the music was really inappropriately awful. It was some moody teenager growling screaming shit. Ruined the experience for me. Liked the porn though. And the poppers are good. The breakfast of champions - sooo good!
(3)
Reyna H.
Whiskey and more whiskey is all I have to say...oh and really ridiculous porn on Sundays. (Yes they play nasty, spicy porn on their TV's so if you have a faint heart...stay home & make your own porn) They have a pretty lengthy bar menu and selection of whiskey...along with whiskey on tap. I have yet to make it here on Whiskey Wednesday, and when I do: watch out! Anyway, they play metal music in the area ( just like many other bars in the west loop) , yet it's a great late night place to grab a drink, some food, and apparently watch a lil hardcore porn!
(4)
Irene G.
Been here quite a few times now (only during the summer for the rooftop seating) and no complaints. The fatboy burgers are phenomenal and love the wide selection of bloody marys. Definitely one of my top places to grab a bite with friends in the area.
(4)
Jenna S.
OMG the Bloody Mary's!! Seriously, the best Bloody Mary I've ever had! It was made with homemade mix, a lot of pepper, and GARNISH! The garnish included some ham, salami, carrots, olives - I know, right? Insanity! Seriously delicious (and there's a veggie option for the vegetarians out there). I love Bloody Mary's and this is seriously the best one ever. AND they have a lot more going for them, as well. We went on a Saturday night and I was surprised that there weren't very many people in there. It is at a weird intersection (Grand and Ogden) with not much else around it, but I was still surprised. Their website posts drink specials, which is why I suggested we meet here in the first place, and they actually have good weekend specials. They had $3 Jameson cocktails, which is a steal on a Saturday night. Their beer list was great and they had a full bar with an experienced bartender (she was making great cocktails all night). Food was also excellent. They had a full menu, but I was a little disappointed that the prices were pretty high for standard bar fare (hamburgers, fries, etc). The bar itself had just recently been remodeled so everything was very clean and modern. There's a bar in the front with a few window tables but mostly bar seating. In the back there's tables and another bar. There's also an upstairs, but I'm not sure what goes on up there. There is an ATM, though. All in all, seriously fierce liquor, service and Bloody Mary's.
(5)
Doris D.
This is comfort food at its finest..you want cheese curds, you want greasy thick burgers, you want BBQ nachos, they got it, and its artery clogging at its finest. Bacon tempura for God's sake..enough said... Fast service, super cool staff, and great music. One star down because as the self described "bloody mary queen" of this city, I was not impressed by two of their six different types of bloodys. Nope...sorry..no amount of salami, shredded cheese and olives can make up for the right ingredients to make a solid bloody. This place feels grimey. And I like it.
(4)
Valerie D.
Best bloddy marys I've had in a long time. The roof top deck is a great place to sit on a sunny day and the corned beef hash is AWESOME!!!!!
(4)
Michael R.
Changed review to five stars, I've been back several times and had a great experience every time. The sausage gravy and biscuits blew me away. It was also a fun place to watch the Bears game.
(5)
Mark M.
Went here for a couple drinks and had a great time. Huge selection of good beers and the bloody Mary's were amazing
(5)
Kerry B.
Went here for lunch and had a great experience. You can get a fully loaded burger, fries, and a beer/soda all for $10. The service was very nice even though they were super busy she took time to make sure I got what I wanted. Great draft list and there are so many whiskeys, bourbons and scotches it truly blows your mind!
(4)
Andy P.
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!
(4)
Lauren B.
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.
(3)
Matt H.
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.
(5)
Griffin B.
I'm shocked at the amount of negative reviews on this place. This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite places to get a burger in Chicago and has a MASSIVE beer list. The staff is always extraordinarily friendly, the atmosphere is great and the food, as I've mentioned, is fantastic. Granted, it's more of a restaurant/bar with biker flair than a full on biker bar, but who gives a shit? I'm not going because I want to get hit in the head with a bottle and have my foot run over by a Hells Angel who hasn't showered in three days. Falafel sandwich? Yes, that's mine, thank you. Their outdoor seating area is great. It gets a bit packed in the summer but there's nothing better than having one of the hundreds of beers they have with a Chicago breeze hitting you. I've only hit up their brunch once and LOVED it. It's truly a carnivores delight. If you're too uptight about having waitstaff with tattoos and going to a place where they show porn on tv while you eat, then get your order to go. Otherwise, shut up and eat your fucking burger.
(5)
Marco D.
The twisted spoke seems to be an establishment that cannot decide whether it's a bar or restaurant. Unfortunately, you get the filth of the bar atmosphere with a restaurant component thrown in. As far as the food is concerned, I think it is pretty normal bar fare. The kind of thing that you'd order to keep yourself from drinking on an empty stomach. As with most other reviewers my main complaint is that the place needs to be scrubbed with bleach and then scrubbed again, with a good sanding between scrubbings. The tables, condiment bottles, menus all have a film of slime on them. I think that the price makes this place just ok rather than good. And the filth makes it a place I'd drive past to get a meal that was cooked under sanitary conditions. However the rooftop seating is quite nice. A Good place to drink, I'm not too hip on the grub.
(2)
Dustin W.
Headed over to the Twisted Spoke during Chicago Craft Beer Week for the Goose Island Twisted Goose event featuring Bourbon County beers from GI. The place was absolutely roaring when I arrived around 6:30pm for the event, and why wouldnt it be for such a great tasting event. I never actually even made it around the bar area as it was 5-6 deep, but I used my inspector gadget skills and safely secured a two person table that was overlooked in the back dining area next to some really kind folks (scored my first sailing invite ever!). I didnt eat anything, but all of the food looked and smelled delicious, and the people I asked said the burgers and fries they had were outstanding bar fare. I came for the brew and they certainly delivered. This has to be one of the finest beer collections in Chicago hands-down. They actually have a $200 beer you can buy shots of. i wont even describe it suffice to say that its barely beer, hardly liquor, and only for the weirdest, snobbiest elite beer advocates. Proabaly one of the more undescribable fluids Ive ever tasted. I was also shocked to see on draft, Gaverhopke Den Twaalf Quad : Holy Grab yourself, you wouldnt know it contained alcohol until the 12% ABV creeps up. And of course for the main event, all the beautiful black stout. The new MEN in town: Big John: Brewer's Notes: Inspired by the epic skyline of Chicago, Goose Island's brewers set out to craft Big John; a tall, bold slugger of a stout that stands out vividly against the little soft beers out there. Epic amounts of roasted malt and an addition of cacao nibs give Big John a massive chocolate flavor and aroma. With a body as substantial and black as the building to which it pays homage, Big John is sure to inspire a sense of awe with every sip. Recipe Information: Style: Imperial Stout Alcohol by Volume: 11.5% International Bitterness Units: 60 Color: Slate Black Hops: Columbus Malts: 2-Row, Munich, Chocolate, Caramel, Roasted Barley, De-bittered Black Serving Suggestions: Preferred Glass: Snifter Cellaring Notes: Develops in the bottle up to 5 years Nightstalker Brewer's Notes: A heavily-hopped imperial stout, Night Stalker is a heavyweight of a beer. It delivers a formidable punch of hops and rich roasted malt notes to the nose in a silky body that's as dark as night. Recipe Information: Style: Imperial Stout Alcohol by Volume: 11.7% International Bitterness Units: 60 Color: Midnight Hops: Mt Hood, Simcoe Malts: 2-Row, Munich, Chocolate, Caramel, Roasted Barley, De-Bittered Black Serving Suggestions: Preferred Glass: Snifter Cellaring Notes: Develops in the bottle over 5 years Lazarus Born out of the second runnings of Bourbon County Brand Stout, Lazarus isn't your standard "small beer". The deceiving alcohol blends with the roasted malt and the chocolate sweetness packed into the body of the beer. The Classic Grumpy Geezers : Motor Oil Love Bourbon County Stout 07, 08, 09, 10 Bourbon Couny Coffee Stout Honey Badger Bourbon County Vanilla Stout
(4)
Nam D.
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!
(4)
Majel K.
I keep trying, and keep being disappointed. The drinks are usually unnecessarily expensive, unless you randomly get a special, which isn't always brought to your attention. The food has always been subpar (to me anyway). Too much Iceberg lettuce and less than delicious turkey on the club sandwich; it pretty much fell apart immediately. The cole slaw is insanely vinegar-y, or something. I guess if you just get a burger, you would be fine, but plan on blowing $80 for two people to eat and have a couple drinks. Bartenders are usually nice enough, I've never had a problem with service here. It's just too expensive for what it is...
(2)
Megan L.
Oh Twisted Spoke, why has it been so long since my last visit? I promise not to stay away this long again! Normally I go for a burger when I'm at Twisted Spoke, but I was there on a (very hot) afternoon so I felt like having something a little lighter. I settled on the chicken tacos, which was the perfect choice. Very tasty and WOW did they pack a lot of chicken in them! There were three tacos, but seriously they probably could have made another three with all the meat in there. Definitely gonna get those again. And of course, I had to get a Bloody Mary - I mean, it's just wrong not to have one. Twisted Spoke's are just what a Bloody Mary should be - they have a lot of flavor, and don't taste watery when you add the vodka. And yes, they have plenty of vodka in them - despite a big lunch, I left with a little buzz. Mmmm, now I want a Bloody Mary...
(4)
Jason H.
w00t! I think I found my bar. Billions of beers (prices range from $2.40-$125/glass), billions of bottles whiskeys and other assortments of booze that can be drank straight up. $2.50 taps on Tuesdays, cool ambience, amazing rooftop patio, not overly trafficked. Good food for the soul (the homemade chicken wings with blue cheese is pretty bomb-diggity). I hope to move close to this bar and become a regular... o yeah i forgot to mention the sweet 'mascot' a full sized skeleton on a motorcycle.
(5)
Rachel W.
Biker bar vibe, unique, funky, awesome food, awesome drinks. They have this sweet roofdeck that is great for the summer. We come here for work lunch during hte summer. Huge sandwiches, great brunch, awesome chili. Their fried egg sandwich is amazing. Add avocado and split it because its enormous. One of my faves. Easy to find street parking.
(5)
Patrick G.
Read very closely & then transcribe into your own journal/diary: Go to Twisted Spoke on Ogden, get the fried egg sandwich and a bloody mary (comes with a draft beer side car like all bloody marys should). If you have been here and not done the above then it could be proven in a court of super important people that you have not been here. I was a regular at Twisted Spoke when I lived in the neighborhood. I was there before it was renovated, during its renovation and for a year or two after the fantastic, major renovation job. I always promised myself that I would explore other options on the menu --- I did once, think it was gumbo, pretty good -- but I always want/need/love the fried egg sandwich. Best I have ever had. Their bloodys are very serious too -- note: after having the "road rash Mary", ask them for a "bloody salma" for your second drink. I think that's what its called as it may not be on the menu. Its a bloody mary with latin flair; chipotle (?) vodka and chorizo or andouille sausage (I cant remember for probably obvious reasons). Their beer menu is impressive too. The bartenders are usually very tough gals but always sweet & knowledgeable when you get talking to them. Criminy, now I want an effing fried egg sandwich.
(4)
Carrie P.
Smut and Eggs....need I say more??!! It seems strange that I would be lured to this place over the promise of porn and brunch but its true. It can seem a bit intimidating when you see it from the outside as it is badged as a kind of biker bar but the staff and food are as good as a 4 star establishment. I also love bloody mary's and our entourage tried many of the ones they have on their bar menu....AWESOME!! They are creative and delicious....and CHEAP...only $8 for a good sized Bloody Mary and a side car of beer. The other drinks are just as good and affordable...the gutterslut and absinthe Manhattan we hits among our 4some. The bar staff of 2 were wonderful...very friendly and fun and really knowledgeable about the huge range of whiskys they carry. We would be back on saturdays just for those 2...:) Now the best..the food....it was outrageously good. We had poached eggs and corned beef hash...and our friends had the fried egg sandwich....they were so delicious!!! The food is high quality and done perfectly....this doesn't seem like bar food at all--I would love to try all the items... We will be back again and again.....the porn was what it was..porn..but I have to say it was made even better with good drinks and awesome food :)
(5)
John W.
Hmm, what more could be said about this place?? The biker bar that isn't really a biker bar... 1st off, everything on the menu is greasy and deep fried. That being said, I love their falafel and the tahini but the hummos isn't that great. I hate their fries too. The bar area works a lot better now that it is in the front and way bigger than what it used to be in the back so that's a nice improvement. They have one of the best patios in the city...Well, its actually a rooftop deck with a great view of the city which on its own makes it worth going here. They also have a good beer selection so you should be able to find something you like. They also have Beam and Coke on tap...Or at least they used to and people still order Beam and Cokes. For drinking when it's nice out, this place rocks and if you like greasy bar food then this is also a place for you but if you are looking for something healthy go elsewhere.
(3)
Steve M.
It's all about the bloody mary at Twisted Spoke. And, the roofdeck if the weather is nice. Take a healthy dose of vodka, add bloody mix, plenty of pepper, then take a skewer and affix a cocktail onion, slice of salami, pepperoncini, ANOTHER slice of salami, and a green olive. Top with shredded parmesan, and add a Pale Ale side car, and you're in business. They're seriously amazing. One star off for inconsistent service, and the SUUUUUPER annoying bikers that showed up and basically crowded our table while yelling and F-ing w/ the staff. (Not the Spoke's fault.)
(4)
Steven M.
FATBOYS FATBOYS What you gonna do, what you gonna do when i come eat you! So much indulgence whenever I eat here. The Original Bloody Mary is a great start, along with some tasty tempura bacon. I like that you can also go high or low on your beer's price. A Badass burger on a pretzel bun is how I always close it out though. Big and juicy, stacked with cheese, bacon and BBQ sauce.
(5)
A W.
Can you say Twisted Spoke is no joke?? Well, I'm sure you can actually speak it, but like. . . you know, the figure of speech and what-not. Yea. Seriously though. I think the whole grimy rough biker theme is pretty fun. It reminds me of my younger days riding motorcycles with the boys, stopping at different bars. Ah, nostalgia. I immediately felt comfortable walking in here. The staff fits (and actually most of the people sitting at the bar) with the tough look as I'm sure many would want to think twice before pissing them off, but they are actually quite friendly and offer great customer service. We came here to end my neighborhood tour as a party of 6 for brunch. It only took as long as setting the table up for us to get seated. Yay! Our fantastic waitress ( I hate that I forget names) was there shortly after to take our drink orders. As the menu before us was extensive, she was very understanding about us needing more time. Even after we got our drinks it still took a little bit to place our food order, yet she was patient and genuinely pleasant the whole while. The names of some the menu items may have you cracking up a bit. Like my drink, which was the Gutterslut. It had sass (sauza gold), was dirty (martini type dirty), and had some pucker (triple sec; sweet & sour mix). I can see the name, lol. For food, I had French Toast, which was sliced Italian bread soaked in this batter with orange liquer. Came with a ripe generous slice of cantaloupe and I got a side of meaty long strips of bacon to go with it. It was sooooooooo fantabulous!! Oooh, wait, gotta keep it tough. It was bodacious?? Yes?? I'm not a fan of any vegetables in juice form really or anything with the word 'bloody' in the title, especially followed by a female's name, for that matter. However, 3 ppl ordered different Bloody Marys at the table and they looked quite attractive. They all came with skewers of meat, peppers, and/or cheese, as well as a little chug of beer. I drink neither, but I still thought that was awesome. I liked my food and drink, exceedingly. It seemed everyone else, from the way they emptied their plates, liked their food as well. The place has great energy and setting. I'm definitely coming back to this place.
(4)
Justyna Z.
Great rooftop. Great atmosfere. My shrimp sandwich was just OK, but I will give this place another try.
(3)
Elaine C.
ohai, pls for you to add more pork, beer and cheez to my morning cocktails. kthnxbai
(3)
Paul C.
This review is for breakfast only. Great spot for a Sunday brunch. A huge list of bloodies, for my girl. They have an amazing gumbo with a poached egg in it which is the perfect hangover cure. So delicious. Better gumbo than they have at Heaven on Seven, in my opinion. They do have a skillet with bratwurst in it--don't get that. Had that my first time visiting Twisted and I'm surprised I came back a second time, it was that bad. Great for Gumbo-awesomeness and Sunday morning drinking.
(4)
Danielle O.
This place had delicious food, a wide variety of whiskeys, and unique and tasty drinks. We also had a friendly server, Tim, who really did seem to be trying his best with what turned into a confusing birthday party of about 25 on Saturday at midnight. I appreciate his effort, but when they hunted down and kicked out my friend for having an expired ID, everything started to go downhill very quickly. It just seemed like they got nervous when noticing how many of us there were and so decided to throw some of us out. Then, as nice as the server was, he started to lose track of the orders and so just threw checks together. I don't know if he screwed up or was just hoping we wouldn't check out the itemized receipts, but either way I was not happy being charged for about 7 extra drinks. This was an interesting place, but it was definitely hyped up and did NOT live up to the standards set in front of it. I have for sure experienced better.
(2)
marc r.
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.
(5)
natalie v.
I would have given them a four star review, but my burger came to me medium-well rather than medium-rare like I ordered it. I hate when meat is over-cooked. It was still good though. I love their french fries. I was there with 3 other people who loved their meals. Apparently, bathing in their biscuits and gravy would be great, so said one of my brunch-mates. The bloody mary comes with an elaborate garnish of meat, pepper, olive and onion. It also comes with a tiny beer! I love snacks with my drinks. Always a plus. If it had been just a tad warmer today, I'd have asked for a rooftop table. I've never eaten up there. I will one day. The service here is good. Prices are right. And you leave full. And definitely with enough alcohol in you. I was never a fan of the Twisted Spoke that was open in Wrigleyville for like five minutes. I've always been true to the original Twisted Spoke. I will continue to be true to it.
(3)
J S.
My favorite things here are: amazing home-made French fries, portabella fingers, and bloody marys. Note that as is often the case, the bloody marys come with lots and lots of meat as garnish, which could be awesome or bad depending on your opinion of meat. They also have $3 jim beam from a barrel on tap which is pretty amazing. Never had a problem getting street parking here, either. Check out their outdoor seating above, and if you like both smut and eggs... well be sure to ask about that. :)
(5)
Beth M.
It would be nice if there were more actual bikers at this bar, but I'll take what I can get! They play a lot of rock that I wouldn't hear elsewhere. Whiskey Wednesdays are awesome - half-price on all whiskey! I can splurge on something nicer without emptying my wallet. The beer selection is huge; there are probably three dozen on tap at any given time plus a page of quality bottles. They'll give you a taste of any of tap beers so you can pick what you like the best, which is helpful when they have a special offering, such as the Stone Brewery run they had recently. The staff is generally friendly and helpful in recommending beers, whiskeys and more. Recently my boyfriend accidentally knocked over his beer. Our server quickly wiped up the mess without a scowl and even replaced the beer! What nice service. I heard rumours that there isn't anything 100% vegan in the place, but I'll get the fried portobello sandwich without the cheese & mayo. So greasy and delicious. The fries are made there too, so they're a lot better than the typical reheated frozen ones offered at other bars. I tried the falafel sandwich (without the yoghurty tahini sauce), which wasn't as interesting. I do like the vinegar-based cole slaw that comes on the side. I think it's enhanced with booze...
(4)
Kyle H.
I'm not a huge fan of a lot of the food here. Some of it is good, some of it mediocre and some of it (like the fries!) just sucks. Some of it, however, is awesome. The fried egg sandwich is amazing. I really like the wings (but I like most wings) also. The burger is good but too big for me (I like burgers more for toppings than meat, so sue me.). The fries are just... I just don't like them. They taste like all ends, if that makes sense. I know they're probably hand cut or whatever, and that's why they're like that.. but they seriously taste like the burnt ends at the bottom of the pile of fries that you try to avoid. The whole pile tastes like that. But I digress - the less fries I eat, the better for the size of my ass. The drinks are awesome - the bloodies are to die for. The beer selection (bottles and draft) is phenomenal. The whiskey selection is also awesome, but I tend to keep to my classics. Which is what WHISKEY WEDNESDAY is for!! All of the whiskies are HALF PRICE. So you can drink something that you wouldn't normally be able to afford, which is always fun. It's not just Whiskey Wednesday, their other "happy hour" type specials are also a good deal. I've only been around to see Saturday night transition into Smut and Eggs once, and it was a hilarious surprise, although the porn itself was from like, 1968, all grainy and full of body hair. Always appetizing, always entertaining. Gross. ;)
(4)
susan m.
I can now say I've been there and done that and move on. From all these reviews, I think the quality is what you are looking for. I am a foodie and overall, I was unimpressed. Nice people. Nice rooftop. My Smokin Salma bloody Mary was in insult to Salma. The home made mix was very tasteless. The chorizo in it tasted like freezer-burned meat (old). I have never had a problem finishing a bloody mary before. The lemon chicken wings looked good and were also pretty tasteless. They were the type of leftover you only eat because there is nothing else in the frige. The burger was just "burger." The tempura bacon WAS good. I only wish the drink could have complimented it. I didn't drink the beer and I would guess that and the whisky are the focus here. I didn't drink enough to like this place. Sigh. I wanted to.
(2)
Michael P.
So now this is apparently the third time they've re-decorated since I've been going here (used to go when it was a dump), and the food tastes the same as always - incrediblissimo! (THAT'S RIGHT! I made up a word!) Maybe it's because they've never updated (i.e. cleaned!) the kitchen. Whatever, the food was fantastic today for lunch. A few years ago I saw a minivan with the standard three snotty kids with the blond Moe haircuts unloading, I thought, "there goes this place, the suburbanites think it's "city cool" to go to ..." But nope, despite some (good!) upgrades (the beer menu mostly) this place has stayed true to the food. Chicken burrito - six flags! Side of fries with all the little extra potato crunchy bits - six flags! Side of their housemaid BBQ sauce - six flags! Burger and BM (bloody mary) for Flowers - six flags! What else can you say about a place with over 150 reviews and a 4/5 star average? Six flags - more flags, more fun!
(5)
Eric M.
Strong drinks and giant sandwiches? I'm in! I'm not sure of the exact name of the drink I had but I'll call it Adult Rootbeer. It's apparently some form of root beer distilled in a way that it becomes alcoholic. It was outstanding. I ate the shrimp po boy which is a must have. The place is rundown and the staff can come off as though they don't care, but I'm still happy to go back again.
(4)
Jim B.
Many moons ago I lived down the street from The Twisted Spoke. We ate, drank, and we merry. The place was always fantastic. I returned last week to the vastly different, but still the same place with a friend for a late dinner, and again, the spoke did not disappoint. In a packed room, the staff was quick and courteous, offering us a few table options. The food was fantastic. I don't see the need to wait in line for hours for a burger and fries when theirs tastes so good! I will return.
(5)
Brandie T.
The flash 'intro' leads to a porn-worthy splash page. I thought for a moment the site had been hijacked by hackers and I was being led to a porn site -- c'mon, I'm at work here people! ... wait ... this is for their restaurant ??!? ... THIS IS THEIR "RESTAURANT" MAIN PAGE ?!? Now that you have the "attention" of the average horn-dog, they'll come and spend any amount of money for the ... "food", especially if the website is an indicator of their potential experience. The office ordered lunch one day at the request of a co-worker as their choice of eatery that Friday and being a fan of meat loaf -- I noted they had a meatloaf sandwich on the menu -- WORST . MEATLOAF . EVER. My MOTHER could do better ... and she could KILL some food! But ... because the splash page is NOTEDLY gratuitous sexual .. a man would have effused on how 'delicious' it was. Porn me up beh-beh! yeah ... NO. no amount of sexual innuendo is going to enhance bad food. Not impressed.
(1)
Brad B.
Twisted Spoke, I love you. There, I said it. Even more than ever before because you now serve Stone brewery's beers - on tap even. The food = good for a bar. The ambiance = a great place to get your drink on with friends. The location = kinda sucktacular because of its lack of proximity to a train that actually takes me someplace I wanna go. But, whatever.
(4)
Raj S.
I want to like the Twisted Spoke more than I really do. It's fine enough place to hang out and have a drink, but I don't exactly get the appeal. The place has this sort of tough guy biker motif going, but it's most full of locals, bicyclists, and hipsters. They have a great craft beer and whiskey selection, but so do so many places in Chicago these days. Apparently the bloody mary is quite good too but personally I've never understood the appeal of that particular drink. The food oscillates between nothing special and subpar. My last visit I had to the shrimp po' boy, which they claim is some sort of house specialty. I don't get it; it was salty, the shrimp were breaded and deep fried and still tasted kind of fishy. I used to live much closer to the Twisted Spoke but nowadays I don't see any compelling reason to schlep down there. I'd stop in for a beer if I was in the area.
(3)
Mahsa T.
Great artery-clogging food. Fried egg sandwich was delicious! Wings were also awesome. My Bloody Mary was good but kind of scary-looking with a bunch of salami hanging off of it. This place has the tough biker-themed look down pat. Service was slow but friendly during lunch.
(3)
John T.
So It's a Saturday night and I was kinda hungry. I convinced my girl to get out of bed for "Smut and Eggs" . Anyway we get down there and start out with some nice beers..Well that was the only thing nice about this place. She orders a garden salad and it comes with a rock, hard, stone crouton on top, inedible by even a garbage disposal unit. It'd probably jam. I order the chicken tacos after the first bite I was wondering how long this plate was sitting around. Did they cook these things? The rice was ice cold along with the black beans. After 30 minutes looking around for our server Matt, I tell him of my problems with my food, He tells me the rice and beans are supposed to be cold. Really? Then he asks me if I want them to heat it up for me. I agree and he takes it and a few minutes later he returns with the food the same tempeture. Did he rest it under the heat lamps? I tell him I dont think I should be paying for this and he replies "Well you already ate some of it." and we tell him' That was due to the fact we were sitting around waiting, wondering when and if he'd return to check up on us. To sum it all up. Twisted Spoke...one of the worst dining experiences ever. I don't think I could ever go back..and I wonder who did they pay to give them good reviews? I guess the Bloody marys are ok..But there is a place over the Wisconsin border that blows theirs away. Nothing exceptional here but exceptionally horrible food and service. I shall not return.
(1)
Stephen F.
You gotta like the attitude in here. Horror movies on the TVs (sometimes porno, I hear) and the randomest schlock you can imagine scattered about. Good selection of drinks served without an attitude. Truly awful greasy bar food to sop it up. Had a very memorable night here last year. Good times.
(4)
Frances C.
Alright, look. I'm pretty much over this place for a number of reasons. It's not that they're too pricey or that the service is bad or even the ambiance--all of those seem to be in order, but it's just so ....whatever. I've been here a couple of times, usually when my 1st or 2nd choice brunch spots are busy and I can't get a table. So, I figure I could at least get some basic brunch essentials here and it just ends up being the last resort. And it's not like I get anything that fancy anyways--eggs, meat, toast, coffee. Done. There's just no WOW factor there and the breakfast sausage doesn't work, it's Italian and just doesnt do anything for me. Plus, the part that really irritated me last time I went there was the fact that I was watching the staff eat breakfast in the kitchen. They were in plain sight from my seat and I don't know...something not cool about that. So, whatever Twisted Spoke.
(2)
Vanna T.
Burgers are where it's at at this place. Fresh halved grilled jalepenos and the most amazing fries. Green Goddess dressing (their closest thing to ranch) is honestly the reasoon I go. Bathrooms are rather gross, and you leave feeling pretty greasy after eating that burger which is the reason for the 3 stars, but the burger is bomb.com and service good.
(3)
Jamie O.
Twisted Spoke as a bar, 4 stars for a spicy bloody mary; Twisted Spoke as a restaurant, 2 stars for poor ingredients and taste. If you are looking for a hangover cure, go here. jamieott.wordpress.com
(2)
Simma Down Na H.
Found out about this place from "Check, Please?" I couldn't wait to try it out...so I came to this place one week later. Tons of drafts and whisky. Friendly service. You have got to get the nachos with pulled pork!!! So good! (I love being American) I got a burger (don't even ask me what it was because I was buzzed by the time we ordered) but it was delish! This place left me and my date really satisfied!
(4)
Amy T.
This is, by far, my all-time favorite bar. I don't know why - it makes no sense that it ought to be, but it is. No, Nancy N., nobody solicited this review. I've been going there weekly for the past few years, as I work nearby. They have some great specials (a dozen beers - draft and bottle - for $2.50 on Tuesday, half off whiskey on Wednesday) and there is not any food on the menu that isn't good. I think their bloodies are the best I've ever had, and the Genny back is a nice touch. I'll admit that the service here can be a little challenging. Their bottle list is outrageously overpriced. So drink what's on draft, and bring a little patience (especially on the roof in the summer, my favorite outdoor haunt).
(5)
J J.
Good food. Great beer selection. Whiskey 1/2 off Wednesday's. Need I say more?
(4)
Alma V.
Really cool vibe, reminds me of home in Milwaukee where we know how to do brunch and eat well! Sadly, Chicago still can't figure out how to do the bloody Mary, and nor can this place. Shredded cheese? gross! The sausage is nice, but no one in this freaking city puts Worchester in their bloodies??? WTH? A bloody mary basic needs:Worchester or steak sauce, splash brine (usually from pickle juice), splash beer (preferrably dark like a stout), celery salt, hot sauce, lemon/lime pre squeezed,pepper! Shaken and then poured, and with a beer chaser coming standard! Chicago only puts tomato juice with vokda and hot sauce, sick!!! You are so close to Wisconsin and you can't get creative? We even do rosemary infused bloody mary mixes, or we add dill! And a real block of cheese versus shredded cheese please! Maybe some shrimp! Okay, aside from my bloody Mary rant, the food was good, super brunchy and hangover friendly, and the bar was banging! Cool style, good atmosphere, great taps! Def a gastro pub when it comes to the booze! Please, be the first to make the Bloody Mary the bomb like we do in Milwaukee! In fact, copy Hollander, Beneluxe, and Comet for ideas on banging bloody Mary's! please somebody listen!
(4)
Mike M.
So help me jeebus if you don't head over to this place, I will be very sad. The lemon wings are a must-order. They light them on fire. And then they taste good. Following the fire-lighting. Also: if you need veggie comfort food, you must order the fried portabella sandwich. Vegetarians can eat an occasional heavy meal, you know! And this one isn't even that heavy. The portabella is breaded just right, it's fried deliciousness, the bun is perfect... just go and eat it right now. Do it. And the bar staff, while tattooed to the point of intimidation, is very friendly.
(5)
Denise O.
Ok, so I havent been to this place in a while. But I wanted to review it anyway because its a great little place. I used to go to the one in Wrigleyville, but they closed it down, thankfully there is still the one on Odgen. This place is a little divey, looks like a biker spot with all the deco, but I've never seen a biker there. The people are friendly and the food is pretty good too, especially their bufalo wings. Mmmmm WINGS!!!! Although my favorite thing about Twisted Spoke is definetly the Bloody Mary. They serve, in my opinion, one of the best bloodies in the city. Its most definetly a meal in a drink. They put a skwer of meat, olives,peperoncini, onion... the works! Its big, hearty, spicy, tasty, and they even give you a little beer chaser too! They have a decent beer selection and usually have good deals on drinks. Overall a cool place to hang out if you like to keep it low key.
(4)
Joy S.
Hey this place was awesome. The Harley and Honda parts decorations were cool! The server was very nice and a little kinky! The food selections were extensive but I wasn't happy with the bland guacamole I ordered. Next time, I will try something different. I love the roof top seating! Definitely worth going again. Next time, I am going to put a little note on the bathroom wall. :-)
(4)
OldIrvingPoodle H.
The fatboy.. Do it! Smut at midnight on Saturdays! Neighborhood gem for all cultures, types, and favors!
(5)
Sarah F.
The Twisted Spoke is one of our brunch stand-bys, especially in the warmer months when the rooftop patio area is open. Brunch menu is skewed more toward savory than sweet options, and is heaven for those who need a daily dose of chorizo (you can find it in the breakfast tacos, breakfast burrito, or the "chila-killas"). If you're vegetarian or craving something on the sweet side, go for the Elvis toast, French toast with peanut butter and bananas. We usually fight over who's going to order it. Shame on you if you don't make room for a bloody Mary. And you do need to make room - their several versions are topped with a veritable salad of garnishes and come with a beer back. They're well worth $8. If you're not a bloody Mary fan, the extensive beer list might also draw you in.
(5)
Brandon C.
This place has great food and Whiskey. If you are a Whiskey fan dont get what you want, tell the bartender what you like and have them do it. I had a brand that Cliff the owner recommended named "Ancient Age" and it was awesome. $5 too! I liked it better than Johnny Walker Black, not Blue. The food seems revolve around 3 things: 1) Boss Hogg (BBQ pork) 2) Burgers 3) Fried Egg Sandwich (easily feeds two! AWESOME!) Thumbs up all the way. Brandon
(5)
Michael W.
Solid burger. Always a great beer selection. The music is an acquired taste. One of my wife and I's favorite places when neither one of us wants to make a decision for dinner.
(4)
Melissa S.
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.
(2)
Steven W.
Great drinks: the $8 you pay for your Bloody Mary is well worth it and I doubly appreciate the accompanying sidecar of beer (go for the Bloody Queen which is made with gin and garnished with shrimp). The Fried Egg Sandwich truly is something to behold: if you are on the cusp of needing something substantial like a burger to curb a hangover but don't want to overdo it, then it will more than satisfy your craving for mayo/cheese/fat/everything-under-the-sun without leaving you feeling too full. The corned beef hash left a little something to be desired: although I'm certain the counter argument is that it is "real" corned beef hash - whatever that means - where I am from authentic corned beef hash comes in a can, costs $0.99 and closely resembles dog food. It tasted gamy (I am not sure if 'gamy' is particularly right in this context, but let's just say my first thought was "what the hell...is this rotten?") and I ended up staring at a Fried Egg Sandwich across the table for the rest of my meal. Otherwise a fine spot for brunch. R.I.P. DIMEBAG
(4)
Skp S.
Terrible execution on the food and drinks. We really wanted to like this place. We're foodies. Great looking place. Very nice staff. Great sounding menu... Very creative, but the food is so poorly prepared. The tempura Bacon was actually soggy beer battered Bacon. The bloody Mary sounded magnificent but tasted horrible. Also had the seared tuna... The most unbelievably bland sandwich accompanied by soggy fries... Yet they looked and tasted burned. Every single thing we had was terrible except for the caper berry slaw that came on the side of the plate with the Bacon. We could look past one of these items being sub par, but come on guys... Not one thing we ordered was even average. Just a waste of time and money. It's hard to understand how someone could design such a cool spot and even cooler menu and then completely blow it on the execution. We felt it was just so poor that we were compelled to write a review. And typically we like to only write about places we love. Never coming back for a second chance on this one. Currently down the street trying a second meal at another restaurant.
(1)
Jess V.
"I feel like a delicious brew. Let's head to Twisted Spoke for one." Next thing I know I have woken up the next morning with a slight headache and flashes of sitting at the bar and trying new beers-- all delicious, all over 10 percent ABV. I don't mind the headache, because it's from too many good beers, not too many bad beers. And I know I had a smile on my face the night before. Twisted Spoke has such an incredible draft list that all I can do is recommend you go tonight to try several. But please make sure you don't have plans for the following early morning. The male bartender with square glasses is very kind, and always willing to help you choose between the two or three beers on your list. Sometimes he will even give you a sample to help you decide. The food here is delicious as well. I crave their guacamole and chips, and the quesadilla is delicious. Don't get me started on the shrimp po' boy, because I'll tell you how bad it is for you and how good it tastes. If you come on an early afternoon, the Road Rash Bloody Mary is a necessity. One of the best bloodies I have ever had. I left off a star due to sometimes shoddy service. If they are really busy and understaffed, it can take 30 minutes to get a bill-- at the bar-- for two beverages. But overall this place is great and generally the service is good.
(4)
John M.
we came for breakfast on a saturday morning. the table we sat at was seriously out of whack. water was everywhere. we told the waitress and she said "yeah our tables suck." this was beyond the sugar packet shim solution. we ordered off the breakfast menu--i went with the hash, my girlfriend got the breakfast burrito. my hash was pretty flavorless. not really crispy at all. it did have big hunks of brisket, but that too was flavorless. same for the girlfriend's burrito. she added avocado and doused it in cholula and still no flavor. our waitress was nice and quick on the coffee refills. overall i would not go back for brunch. maybe drinks and burgers are a different story?
(2)
Teresa C.
Fatboys (burgers), bloodiest, brunch and fine cocktails! Our watering hole in the shire.
(5)
Phil P.
Okay. Why the five stars.... because they know how to cure a hangover. Yes it the beat place to go when you have one, for sure. The food was tasteful, fattening, and priced right. I love coming here on Sunday mornings. They have one of the largest drink selections I have seen in the city. Tons of beers to choose from. Bloodmarys are awesome and they serve them with a shot of beer. The outdoor seating is perfect. Very diverse crowd. Service is topnotch. Friendly bartenders and wait staff. Oh and they play smut videos at times - I think early in the AM. Never seen it but they advertise it in their menu... Different that for sure.
(5)
J T.
Consistant and good. I have eaten here more than 100 times and frankly have never been bummed in doing so. I really am a fan of the spoke. Thanks for all the great years in my hood.
(5)
Kerri A.
Let's address the fact that my most recent reviews have both involved places with the word "Twisted" in it. That's twisted in and of itself. Twisted Spoke: a hidden gem of a semi-biker bar with picnic tables on their rooftop and attentive staff? Don't mind if we do! It was a nice cooler Thursday evening and we sat on the rooftop and sipped on the drink special of the day, a $5 Gutter Slut Margarita. Heck yes. Tequila was plentiful in that one drink. I ordered the chicken tacos - but really had a hard time deciding because everything on the menu sounded kind of awesome. I chose wisely - they were delicious. A slightly twisted take on your typical Mexican restaurant tacos because the tortilla was slightly crispy. The waiter laughed at me when I overzealously said "YES" when he asked I'd need sour cream. Their menu is sheets of paper attached to a clipboard. Oh simplicity, I adore thee. All in all, it was such a cool place. Any time you can sit outside, on a roof, at a picnic table and witness a skeleton riding a motorcycle as decor spinning around at the corner, you take that time and enjoy it.
(4)
Kate F.
Do NOT get the bacon tempura or fish and chips. Absolutely disgusting. Horrible breading and completely overcooked. I live across the street and was craving fried food, so I went there...big mistake. I wasted $40. Stick to their brunch...fantastic.
(3)
Adrian W.
Lucero being played on their speaker system. Decent line up of taps, though no Guiness. Bartenders were solid, I mean, they were very observant and willing to dole out samples of anything - vodka, beerz and wine. My gripe comes from the ridiculously large televisions here. For being a 'biker' bar, I wouldn't expect something outta BroDawgCentral here. I'd come back to try the food and perhaps the Allagash.
(3)
David K.
This place is more of a 3.5 but not quite a 4. It's allegedly a biker bar, but the only people that looked like bikers (whatever that actually means) were the employees. I was there for lunch and everybody was dressed business casual. They have a pretty extensive beer list and a decent food menu. Everything on the food menu is around 10 bucks and they have the pretty standard bar food (burgers, sandwiches, apps, etc...). I ended up getting their lunch special which is a burger (you can have lettuce, tomatoes, onions - raw or grilled, grilled jalapeno, bacon, and cheese added on to your burger. Avacado - which the Twisted Spoke calls the little green orb - is also available for a buck more), fries, and a drink (pop or the cheap NASCAR beer). It was $10 before taxes and tips, so not a bad deal. It's a half pound burger so its a pretty decent size. They have an upstairs patio that has a pretty good view of downtown. Service was friendly and attentive. This actually seems like a place where business meetings would occur, at least during lunch.
(3)
Suzy C.
For the food, i would give this place three stars, but it gets an extra star for the following three reasons: 1. Their bloody mary is AWESOME. Best in the city, in my opinion. 2. You never have to wait for a seat for Sunday Brunch. If you do, it's never more than 10 minutes. 3. Good portions! The food is pretty decent here, nothing to complain about too much. The chorizo breakfast burrito is great, as are their non brunch foods like their burgers. It's just good consistent food, nothing too spectacular. I love going here for brunch because i absolutely love the bloody mary's here. That drink is worth it alone. It even comes with a great beer chaser. If you are craving pancakes, this isn't the place to come, but otherwise, I would recommend it for brunch.
(4)
Hannah G.
My first experience at this fun biker bar was for breakfast. I had 2 Smokin' Salma Bloody Marys - spicy, packed with parmesan cheese and 2 chunks of chorizo - a recipe for happiness in my book!! Then I had some Mexican-style egg scramble with tortilla chips in it that just hit the hungover spot! :) Breakfasts here have yet to disappoint me. Most recently, my friend and I went for a late dinner / snack. She ordered the Bloody with smoked bacon or something in it - and Woa! It was so smokey, I couldn't really tell what the drink was supposed to be! We ordered the flaming lemon garlic chicken wings which were pretty buttery and rather disappointing. The fries were hyped up on here, but I didn't think they were anything out of the ordinary. We also ordered the portabella mushroom sticks (something like that) and again not wowed. I didn't like the breading on the mushrooms, didn't really do anything for bringing out the flavor of the 'shrooms! Conclusions: good bar if you don't like packed places and prefer a laid-back vibe. Food wise, I think their forte is in the morning!
(4)
Brittany B.
Seriously, this is my favorite place! So excited that I'm going to be moving right nearby it! I love this place in spite of the whole biker theme...not really my thing, but it's such a great place! In the summer, the roof top deck is absolutely amazing. I could spend all day up there sampling drinks from their witty menu. They have a great selection! In the winter, the interior is a little chilly... no "coziness" at all...might be the stainless steel tables and lots of slightly drafty windows and high ceilings. Everything I have ordered here has been awesome. I love the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs (with real corned beef!) for brunch. They truly do have phenomenal bloody marys with crazy garnishes and a beer-back. The burgers! Oh, the burgers. The pretzely bun, the perfect selection of toppings! The juicy beefy goodness! You don't even need to go to Kuma's Corner for the perfect yummy burger We always seem to have the same waitress, Selma, who is super nice and perfectly paced in her service! Love yah Selma!!! Great value! great food! I could live with out the "theme-y-ness" of it, but it's worth it!
(5)
Colleen R.
I've only been to the Twisted Spoke for lunch, and I found that despite its attempts to be edgy (see: bathrooms labeled "Chicks" and "Dicks"), it was pretty tame. A couple spoon-feeding a baby was seated next to us. I'm assuming the crowd is different after midnight on Saturdays, when they turn on the old-school porn. Appetizing. My menu had dribbles of someone else's food on it, so I quickly ordered the first thing I saw -- fish tacos, my old standby. They were pretty good, and generously portioned, so they became dinner that night, too. Judging from the rest of the reviews, it looks like I'll have to give brunch a try sometime... maybe when I'm in the mood for a little attitude with my bacon and eggs.
(3)
Dylan F.
I like the fact that this place has a biker motif but other than that it's forgettable. The food was mediocre at best. The fish was coated in so much batter and grease it made my girlfriend ill. My tacos were dry and bland. The beer list is decent doesn't distinguish it from the countless other bars offering tons of microbrews. We sat on the rooftop which has a picnic table set-up which feels more appropriate for a county park. Hard to "lounge" at a picnic table. Also, there is no view of anything worth looking at. Our server was a greaseball and a putz and mumbled. Finally, I left my credit card (admittedly my fault) and instead of being there when I called back 10 hours later it was gone. A call to Amex revealed that 800 dollars worth of charges had been put on it around the city during that time. I'm not making any accusations, but the entire experience left a bad taste in my mouth.
(2)
cj h.
Reasons for poor review. 1 Place smells like a cleaning agent that brought me right back to grade school when Little Susie Adams puked. 2. Douche bag cry baby bartender having a bad day, is that some how my problem, I guess it is. Stay home , you're in the service industry. 3. Strip the menu down. Limit choices and do them well. Really? a bar that cant do wings.
(1)
Tim S.
I've been meaning to write a review on Twisted Spoke - after the first time I tried them. Time passed, I forgot but I've been there twice since. Guess that may tell you something. They are pretty freakin good. I would start by saying the restaurant itself has a cool biker vibe with a fantastic upper deck with outdoor seating. The service there has been consistently great, too. Each time the server has been attentive, WHITTY and on the ball. They definitely make you feel comfortable. They also seem to know the menu very well. Each time I've been there, I've been with roughly 4+ people. Everyone has always been pretty pleased with what they ordered. A couple things I'd really like to highlight are: Blood Mary's: Don't worry about ordering an app if you are getting one of these. If you are a bloody mary fan you will appreciate these, they are spicy (in a great way) and are garnished with pepperoni, cheese and onions. They are also served with a beer chaser. Jalapeno Poppers: I have never like these. Hated them everywhere I've ever been, with people that have ordered them and forced me to try them. Glad I was forced here. They were awesome. I actually ordered them the next time I was there. I could probably itemize a few more for you (chicken wings well done - the mixed drink menu!) but keeping your attention span in mind, all in all, I really like this place. The food and service is terrific - consistently . I'm going to become a regular....maybe I am already. I would go with the OMG on previous reviews.
(4)
Brent W.
Maybe a 3.5 but rounding down due to their identity crises makeover. It'd been prob 2 yrs since coming here and was defo surprised that they completely removed the bar in the back and now have a sizable (and nice) rounded bar w. massive sleek flat screens hanging above, in the main room. These eye catching TVs intermixed w. the old skool, dusty and weathered biker paraphernalia that make up most of this bar's decor, make for a place that screams, 'whaddya want me to be!?'...whatever the patron's make of it, I suppose. Either way, we sat top shelf on their upstairs patio, which has been left unchanged (thankfully). I honestly never go on about service, unless it's particularly bad or good but must make mention on this experience. 1st off, the server who brought our waters (not our server, mind you, as he was waiting on other tables) appeared to be so completely blazed I don't know how he was able to place one foot in front of the other...yes, the dude w the rat-tail. Wow, straight blunted! Three folks in our party ordered bottles of beer, I, being the odd one out chose their "Perfect" Manhatten, which was made with a "rye" whiskey, the total proper and old school way to make it (i rarely see this and usually do Maker's myself, so had to give it a try). Well, over 15-20 minutes later my drink arrives (right when our mains arrived, we'd finished our app). It took 10 min for the beers ffs, and when they arrived I asked if there was an issue w my drink?...our server stated that all four bartenders were convening, trying to figure out how to make it!?!! Huh?! Whiskey. Touch of sweet vermouth, a bit of bitters and a cherry?! What's to figure out? Well, it arrived "up" in a martini glass, so maybe that was the confusion, I don't know but it was heavy handed on the Sweet Vermouth, even after I told them "light on the SV". Oh well, at 15 dollars, cannot reco. They also have a $125 Manhattan cocktail, I kid you not, but opted against it due to our shit economy, had America been in better shape, maybe i would've pulled the trigger. The food: Not bad, not great. Chose the smoked Turkey BLT which was served on a Brioche (v good) with nice smokey bacon and turkey. Buffalo chicken sam was not the greatest and the buffalo sauce was pretty bland. My buddy's Bacon, egg, tom sandwich was "excellent" and all fries did the trick.
(3)
Stacy T.
Fun biker bar feel for a Saturday brunch locale. The food is pretty decent and the ambiance is minimal, but its a fun laid back place to enjoy some bloody Mary's and fill your stomach. The bloody's are freaking insanely good. I mean we are talking it hits most of the major food groups and needs a beer chaser kinda good. Hope you like meat with your Mary cuz they do pile on the salami! The steak and eggs wasn't anything out of the ordinary and my steak was a bit overcooked. The banana pancakes were only ok, but the good company more than made up for any disappointments. I hear the smut and eggs is quite the combo of breakfast foods and 70's porn that comes on around midnight.... appetizing...hairy porn chicks always make me hanker for a huge plate of eggs.
(3)
Evan E.
Great beer and great burgers. Never had the certain type of beer your inquiring about? Ask for a taste! They want to make sure you enjoy your beer which is awesome in my book. I have had sub par service on more than a few occasions though. The breakfast was just OK as well. For me, if I want an even better breakfast near by, I will go to the Breakfast club. Wednesday is half price whiskey.. So yeah, best night to go imo.
(4)
Todd H.
This review starts with a simple story. I used to hate bloody marys. I hated them. I found them detestable, just the smell of the tomato juice would make me want to hurl. Now keep in mind that I am not a picky eater. I'll eat anything, I'll try anything, very little grosses me out, but there was something about the consistency/smell of bloody mary mix that I just couldn't stand. Over the years I tried to like bloody mary's just because they seemed like something that I should probably acquire a taste for (I like brunch, I like drinking, I like drinking for brunch, etc.) so I kept trying. Choking down a bloody mary here and there, I'd always try to get one down at least a few times a year, occassionally having one that was palatable but still kind of gross. Then, I had a Twisted Spoke bloody mary. And I didn't just choke it down, I actually sort of liked it. I went back a week later, and I tried another one, went down smoother this time, and I didn't feel like puking at all. Another week, another bloody, this time I actually kind of enjoyed it. The next week I was actually looking forward to it, and now I absolutely love them. To the point that it cured my aversion to other bloody marys, I can even put down an airport bloody mary now. But the best one I've ever had is at the Twisted Spoke, (incidentally the only one I ever had that came close was at the Palazzo in Las Vegas). So there's the Bloody Mary, that in and of itself would cause me to recommend the Spoke, but add in the awesome beer, and completely unique and most extensive whiskey selection I've ever seen, not to mention the food is great , and it really takes the Spoke over the top. Also a point about the waitstaff. When I first moved to the neighborhood (about 5 years ago) I went to the Spoke a few times, and kind of hated it. The waitstaff was indifferent at best, and mostly rude and too cool for school. Since the renovation (where they smartly moved the bar to the front of the house) there seemed to also be a personality makeover with the staff. Everyone there is super nice and friendly, and I always feel welcome going in there, and really enjoy my time there.
(5)
Jess S.
So stopped in for 1/2 price Whiskey night. I didn't know what to sample (of their fine selection) so I stuck to 7 & 7's. But, the Jim & cokes are now $3. That is all. Long live half-price whiskey night!
(4)
Scott H.
A truly memorable place for stellar comfort food and a draft (and can/bottle) beer list that might bring a beer snob to tears. I love coming to the Spoke both in the middle of a lazy weekend afternoon and late at night. This place hits on all cylinders anytime you find yourself in the neighborhood. Start with a great burger or pulled pork sandwich and a craft brew on your first visit and you'll soon find yourself returning to delve deeper into the large and inspiring menu. Can't get back here enough, really.
(4)
Erin F.
I wouldn't say 5 stars based on food alone, but I'll bump it to five because we did get served by a new bartender who made me happy to add the fifth star. Tamara was an amazing bartender. She made wicked bloodies, came across as fun and friendly, and made my first experience at the Spoke memorable. Great job Tamara!
(5)
julie q.
Last time I was here, it was about 10 years ago and I was suffering from a horrendous hangover...Enter bloody mary. Now I live down the street and we were searching for brunch and mosied on in. First brunch - Bloody Mary and Breakfast Tacos. Score! Pretty good, fast service...Next brunch was Bloody Mary and Wisconsin Scramble. The brats tasted like soap. Home Fries were good. Hubby had the Biz and Gravy. This is the main reason I'm yelping. I hope the manager/chef sees this and really thinks about these next few lines. Making biz and gravy takes patience. You cannot, I repeat, cannot, brown sausage, add spices, skim milk, and a teaspoon of flour to a skillet, let it "simmer" for 5 minutes and call it Biz and Gravy. It JUST DOESN'T WORK. So, if you go for brunch, do not get the biz and gravy unless you like milk and sausage soup with a 1/2...that's right, A HALF of ONE biscuit. Otherwise, knock yourself out! TS is decent...Bloody's could use a bit more worstechire and celery salt...and a lemon and lime....Wow...no wonder i gave this brunch 3 stars.
(3)
Izabella d.
baaaah, stupid steve the hungry hound. why on earth would this burger joint get a higher rating than kumas? we were curious what the rational was... so we headed for burgers and beer to twisted spoke. we sat down quickly , it seemed to be a slow night, i ordered the gutter slut, a sugary not too boozy cheap margarita, and opted for the classic burger with cheese and a side of onion rings. my fellow dinners went similar routes getting a burger and fries,, and the lonely vegetarian the falafel plate. the food came out within 10 minutes of being ordered.. which can be a plus or a minus.. in this case a huge minus! the burgers were meant to be medium rare,, but were really just seared on the outside with an inch of raw ground beef on the inside. on top of that they were bland, and didnt have much going for them except the pretzel buns.. the fries were also lack luster, my friend couldn't stop saying that they tasted like they had been fried in old oil.. by far the worst part was the falafel plate, with the stale little balls assembled amongst leftover vegetables and stale-ish pita. (and it cost like $12). at the end of the night, with 3 burgers, 3 beverages and the veg dinner we paid $80. it just felt like a major waste of money.. and we could have been eating a million better burgers almost anywhere else in the city.
(1)
Tim Y.
The only redeeming value of Twisted Spoke is that the bloody mary has enough meat and garnish to fill you up. Thank god for meaty cocktails - I skipped over lunch after noting that everything in this place is covered in a greasy goo, food and furniture alike. I wasn't expecting "clean" but I certainly wasn't expecting to leave feeling like I needed to shower in lye to remove the skank of the place from my soul.
(2)
Helmut S.
I'd give it five stars if they added some additional waitstaff because the service can get slow at times. That said, they have the best burgers in town. While they offer a large selection of beers I find it hard to pass up their phenomenal bloody marys.
(4)
Nicolas H.
One of the best bars I've been to in Chicago. Not only do they have a ridiculous beer and alcohol menu, but the food is pretty damn good and reasonably priced. I went all out and got the bacon tempura along with the fried cheese curd. Both were fried perfectly and delicious. I washed it down with the Two Floyd's/Dogfishead collaboration beer, nuff said...
(5)
Chelsea V.
I went here last night, and was clearly very impressed. I'd heard about this place from friends who go solely for the bar scene (not so sure what that means, actually, given all the reviews on here are about dinner), and I wasn't expecting too much from the food. Turns out I was totally wrong. But first off, the bloody maries - amazing! I typically am reluctant to order a bloody mary because I find it to be a drink that teters on the edge of absolutely disgusting; if not made perfectly, just straight up gross. These were perfect. The garnishes involving slices of salami-ish meat and lots of cheese only helped matters, but the drink itself was delicious. I would have and should have had two, if not out with my parents. Needed to make both a good impression and not spend all of their money. I ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich (a menu item which has consistently confused my brother at all restaurants it is offered, unsure if it is made from buffalo or chicken) which arrived with enough food to almost definitely share. It is a giant piece of fried and hot-wing sauced chicken on a bun with lettuce, tomatoes and onions and a side of blue-cheese dressing. It comes with lots of fries and a little cup of coleslaw. Honestly I didn't care for the slaw, preferring mine to be that disgusting creamy stuff to their more watery, sweeter version served here. But it was all good. And I saved half for lunch the next day! Score. Service was good, not too chatty but friendly enough. The only downside is no dessert, but honestly it saves us from ourselves on the calorie front.
(5)
Risto D.
went there on monday afternoon. after watching check please on tv and the reviews i was expecting much more. i had the italian steak cheese which was way too greasy for me. i had stomach ache for quite a while after that. my wife had the grilled cheese sandwich and she wasn't happy with it either it tasted like cardboard. sorry i will not go back again
(2)
James E.
This is a GREAT place for brunch - especially if you're lucky enough to have good weather and can sit on the top deck in the sunshine. Our two favorite dishes are the Elvis Toast (French Toast with peanut butter and banana) and the egg sandwich - both are divine! I highly recommend either or both, but don't think you'll want to share. You won't. They are that good. The Bloody Mary's are also really good, I agree. Or at least so I've been told by my friends. I don't drink Bloody Mary's, but everyone tells me these ones are good. The coffee is also really good. Which isn't worthy of earning an extra star on itself, but it's interesting how many restaurants overlook the importance of good coffee. Also, the service is usually really good too. I'm glad the weather is getting nice because I can't wait to go back!
(4)
betsy b.
This place will cure any hangover....but since I'm not getting those these days I wasn't overly wow'd by this place. Sure the chille-killas (or whatever they call them) were good but they were drenched in cheese and instead of using tortillas they used chips. My husband had the gumbo which he loved once they took the nasty eggs off that he didn't want. I'd give this place another shot because the menu is very interesting...and once the baby vacates my belly I need to try once of their bloody mary's.
(3)
Yuly M.
2 Stars. 1/2 for the cool knowledgeable bartender, 1/2 for the cool skeleton in front on the bike and one full star for their huge selection of beers. (Draft & bottle) They were out of gumball beer boooo. So i decided to try this beer called hop stupid. Apparently its so new that its not on the menu, but its sooo good. Also had three floyds alpha king and avery IP. Both my kinda drinks. I stopped remember ing after that. What I do remember was their cheese fries beeing pretty gross. The guac I must say was pretty good but turned brown by the time I left ewww but thats what happens when it sits out. I enjoyed sitting on the rooftop but didnt enjoy waiting forever for our drinks to arrive seeing how it wasn't packed at the time I went. Supposedly on Saturday nights after midnight they have porn playing on the tvs downstairs but I havent witnessed so dunno. (nothing wrong with that) I probably wouldnt go back unless in the area.
(2)
Michele R.
The chilaquiles is AMAZING here! I get this and a bacon yes I said BACON BLOODY MARY when I go for brunch. I've had a pulled pork sandwich and it was huge and I could only finish half. Very moist and delicious too. I swear by this place on brunch and don't be afraid of the menu...they've made their own recipes on basic foods like biscuits and gravy have a "kick" to them. You can't make this food at home and it has me coming back again and again.
(5)
Heather K.
Best hand-cut, skin-on french fries I have ever had. No shit. Plenty of booth seating, and an extra room for pool. Domestics run around $2.50-$3.50 (average $3), depending on the specials. Whiskey is half price on Wednesdays. The vibe is kind of edgy, but not in a cheesy 'Exit-esque' way. Late at night, there may be porn on the monitors ("Smut and Eggs"). Aside from the porno meals, there are some other quirky things about this place, such as the fact that they run a Twisted Spoke Softball League. Oh, and did I mention the french fries?
(4)
Jesse A.
The Spoke is not really as wheelchair accessible as the votes on this site suggest -- the ramp on the Ogden side is really steep and not in a straight line. The bathrooms are accessible, however, but getting inside on that ridiculous "ramp" is a big challenge. Apparently this is the fault of the City of Chicago regulations for such things... sigh... Watch out for the Bloody Mary's if you're a vegetarian: one comes with salami and cheese floating on top. Actually the owner of the Spoke contacted me and defended his bloody mary's, and this is such a fantastic quote that I'd like to list it here: "any bloody mary worth drinking is not vegetarian. Unless the drink is made with just tomato juice and vodka (which, as I noted, is not worth drinking) virtually all bloodies have worcestershire in them which contains anchovies. It is true that ours may be a little over the top, but we feel that this is better than trying to fool people. " Crazy, but such enthusiasm and intense defense of salami filled bloody marys is admirable. I'll go back, for sure.
(3)
Janet E.
This is an ok place if you are looking for sandwiches/burgers/fries type food. During the summer they have the deck open for seating. They have some vegetarian food on the menu but not much. I remember getting the catfish sandwich. The fries were delicious. You cant miss this place with the skeleton riding a motorcycle!
(3)
Ted F.
Wost. Service. Ever. On the plus side, the food was mediocre at best. Uninspired burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries and the like. Yawn. You can get better food at McDonald's for a whole lot cheaper, faster & served with a smile. But the service... wow. It set a whole new low for us - we weren't just being passively ignored, our waitress seemed to be actively doing things just to spite us. Food went back several times for glaring omissions and changes requested twice during ordering. When we finally had enough, we asked for our tab. Normally this is when you show customers the most prompt service, to get their money and get them out the door. No such luck here. We were left for nearly 15 minutes without a server in sight. We almost left without paying. Never again. Eat anywhere but here. I suppose this place might appeal to you if you're a brain-dead Harley aficionado with more money & time than sense. It seemed overly kitschy, dingy & downright dirty when we were there. Think a cross between the floor of the Mutiny's Men's room, the "atmosphere" of Ed Debevic's crossed with a redneck biker bar and you're 90% of the way there.
(1)
Syngin A.
The Twisted Spoke has a special place in my heart. I wanted to seem cool when I first started dating my boyfriend so I brought him here for the porn and eggs breakfast special. It was actually more funny than sexy because 70's porn (cue that special music, DJ) was on the tv, and we ordered hamburgers. I'm not sure I could swallow eggs with that much hair on tv. The people were really friendly, and other than the decor, I'm not sure what part of it is a biker bar. It is populated by the neighborhood locals, i.e. yuppies and college kids. It is definitely a relaxing and chill hangout in the summer, and I just love this place.
(5)
Thomas C.
Been going to Twisted Spoke since 1996 and loved, loved loved every single bite along the way. Used to be small and cramped, then they had rooftop dining and now they have an expansive bar, through it all they've maintained the great burgers, wings and brunch that have made me a big time fan of the spoke. their spirit selections now are just off the hook. Now that the weather is getting nice, have to get back here.
(5)
Cheryl B.
5 stars for the Bloody Mary & bourbon list alone! YUM! This is my go-to spot for a Bloody Mary. The rest of their brunch is ok, the chilaquiles are pretty good. Great cheese curds. Wednesday is "Whiskey Wednesday" and the bourbon menu is 50% off - bit hit with my husband and some of our friends. Great beer list too! Bar food is typical bar food. Good nachos, chicken tenders, etc.
(5)
Zach J.
Yea the burgers are good here but far from being the "best." I enjoyed my food the atmosphere is kinda neat. They freakin overcooked my burger which pisses me off. It was not severly overcooked, I ordered Medium Rare they gave me Medium. Not a huge deal but if you are the best you better cook it right, C'mon there is a breakfast diner in my neighborhood that gets it right every time! Why can't Twisted Spoke!? I do not have a ton to say other than it was pretty good, but I have had better; therefore, the hype about it being the best is utter B.S. I can name a few places that have a better burger such as: Country House of Clarendon Hills, or Nana Organic in Bridgeport. This is NO "biker bar." It is more for motorcyles of the 40s which is stll cool. No REAL bikers are gonna come in here just yuppies on their crotch rocket Kawasakis that think they are "outlaws"
(3)
Marisa C.
Good neighborhood hangout with rooftop deck. Food is good (not amazing) and service is decent. I noticed that the rooftop deck was kind of dirty though (tables not wiped, napkins on the ground). In my opinion, G&O is a better spot.
(3)
Kathleen A.
Eh. I came here for hangover brunch Sunday. A friend kept raving about it so off we went. I waited 10 minutes for my coffee. My friends who got bloody mary's both got their drinks way before I did. Not a good first impression. I ordered the eggs with bacon, sausage, and home fries. I can't put my finger on it, but something was missing. I doused my food in salt and pepper but it still didn't taste right. The bloody's were tasty though, and I'm really picky about those. I've been here before and I do know their burgers are delicious, but I'll probably never come back for brunch again.
(2)
Anna B.
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.
(4)
Ayako M.
Dude, seriously now. You can get MF'ing Elvis French Toast (yes, that's bananas and peanut butter sandwiched between slices of french toast deliciosity) and a beer! AND you can enjoy these two wonderful things on a huge rooftop patio....::sigh:: it doesn't get much better than this. Service could be less ambivalent, but they're not flat out rude.
(4)
Nikki C.
I love to hate on this place because it sucks for me that i actually like it. The rooftop on sunny summer days kicks freakin culo, the service is sometimes hit or miss, but the cold beer, the burgers and big gob of nachos always hits me right where i need it when I find myself here time after last time after last time ever again. Yes, I will be back to spend my money here, i will hate myself afterwards, in fact I hate myself for even thinking about this place.(big history with me and the owner so yes there is more to my review), but Twisted Spoke the restaurant, the bar, the place is bigger than he or I, and deserves the credit where its due.
(3)
Ryan K.
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.
(1)
Amy H.
Here's the thing...I grew up where Harley Davidson's are made. I used to ride with friends and, yes, I have worn chaps in my lifetime. So, I don't really think the bike culture is cool, or hip, or a novelty, which is what Twisted Spoke seems to be saying. This place really bothers me because I feel like I'm in a dive bar/gas station but they charge $6 for a bottle of Miller Lite. No thank you! 3/8/07 ETA: I was contacted by the GM of Twisted Spoke through Yelp. It appears that I was charged incorrectly for my beer and she offered to amend the situation by sending me a gift certificate. Bottle beer at the Twisted Spoke is $4 and not $6. Make sure that you are not overcharged!
(2)
Jon E.
I've had most things on the menu by now, and they're all good. Especially memorable are the deviled eggs. They're actually kind of amazing. So is the shrimp po' boy. The meatloaf is really good too... and these fries are addictive. Great now im hungry, and I just ate here last night. I go here for whiskey Wednesdays... and now I'm an educated lover of the spirit. I already loved a good bourbon or scotch before coming here, but at this point I've sampled so many I can actually have an intelligent discussion about the refined world of whiskeys. My plan is to come here more this summer and enjoy the food on the roof deck, I seem to always find myself saddled up to the bar...
(4)
Dan E.
I had guests in from out of town and we were driving by this place. It was lunch time and of course they wanted to go here which was allright with me because I've always wanted to try this place. Our party had the chicken burrito, fried egg sandwich, bbq chicken sandwich and patty melt. All in all, the food here is good but I would not go out of my way to eat here. For lunch, the crowd was sparse. I'm sure in the evenings its wall to wall people and the alcohol flows abundantly. I'll be back but at night. I give it 5 stars for atmosphere and alcohol and 3 stars for the food.
(4)
Niki C.
Came here with the band & another band for lunch after a hard night of singing & boozing. I have no idea what we ordered, but what I do remember is that we had a great time in a cool setting. Great after a long night, if you know what I mean....
(3)
Gail C.
yeipeeee! (oops, meant yippee) This place is a great place for a burger and draft before a hockey game! I had a fatboy with provolone. Damn! Thick, juicy, fries with just the right amount of seasoning on them... Also, couldn't forget the floor show. There was a really, really drunk chick at the bar. Making out (falling all over) this guy! Everyone was watching. Food A+ Floor show A+
(4)
olivia p.
3.5 stars. came here before a bulls game so had to have a drink and a fatboy burger. had a vesper. a very strong vesper. =) burger was good. don't know what else to stay. reasonably priced. heard good things about other things on the menu, so would definitely go back and try some other dishes. if burgers were the only thing on the menu though, there are other burger places i like better.
(3)
Tobia C.
Strangely enough...this motorcycle themed bar/restaurant has the best Bloody Mary that you are going to find. Salami, pickles, and cocktail onions garnish the drink...served with a beer back. The food is decent...but it's not going to make you write home (do, however, write a yelp review). The roof deck makes it all the more enjoyable in nicer weather.
(4)
Tracy M.
Great outdoor deck upstairs! The BEST fried egg sandwhich (one of the main reasons I come here). Good specials. Tons of drink options. Most of the food is good but not great and service is wishy washy (sometimes good and other times not).
(4)
Elizabeth A.
The extra star is for our great server. I'd heard great things about Twisted Spoke from my good friend. Since I live down the street I figured I'd check it out for Sunday breakfast. Unfortunately, TS did not live up to the hype. First, when we asked for lemon with our water one of the busboys brought us 1 lemon held in his bare hand. If we hadn't stopped him he would have dropped it into my glass. We had to tell him to bring back the lemon wedges on a dish or a napkin. Next, my friend ordered the bacon tempura. When it arrived it did not look like the dish she remembered. Turns out TS changed the recipe. She sent it back. When or entrees arrived one friend's biscuits and gravy was cold, my other friend's order was wrong, and my poached eggs were overcooked. Our server fixed everything and even comped our drinks. Still the food was disappointing after such a big buildup. I hope they go back to the old menu and recipes soon.
(2)
Jessica M.
Fun outdoor terrace seating with a biker theme. I had the chili-killas which were just OK, I've had better. The corn beef hash was pretty good. The bloody Marys looked good at the table over. Overall the food is forgettable the place has potential.
(3)
Ry O.
Twisted Spoke has gone down-hill quite a bit over the past several months. The menu has been parred down significantly, and two of our favorite dishes removed from the menu. The rest of the menu is pretty basic and underwhelming, and burgers remain your best choice. The drink and whisky selection is still solid (though no less than three of the drafts we attempted to order were out). Service has always been spotty, and it's gotten to the point where I don't want to go there anymore (I've been here MANY times over the years). The last visit (which is typical of most of my visits), beer was never offered to be refilled, check took forever, and server only appeared to take our order and bring our check. It wasn't even that busy. If you're looking to drink on their rooftop, this is still probably a solid pick.
(2)
Michael A.
Sat at the bar for brunch and had a great day of people watching. Chilaquiles were delicious. Just the right amount of food and every bite delicious. This place has a ridiculous Spirit and Beer menu. Service was great, barstaff was very friendly and a delight to chat with. I missed out on the bloody marys, but you should see these things. Straight up legit. Next time I will be getting one of those. Good place to be at listening to the escapades of Saturday and starting off your day on the right foot. I have been plenty of times to just chill on the rooftop deck and enjoy the sun and a cold beer.
(4)
Jim T.
Went to the Twisted Spoke with my wife and father-in-law for Sunday morning brunch. This place has a pretty cool biker bar vibe and their menu has a "cure your hangover" theme that is pretty funny, with a variety of Bloody Mary selections to back it up. I went with the classic, extra spicy, which was a fine drink, although I was too full to sample the meaty & pickle-bristled garnish that accompanied it. We arrived around noon and found that the restaurant was busy, but not to the point where we had to wait long for a table. It's not a huge venue in winter. In the summer months they have a roof-top patio, so I'm sure there will be a lot more elbow room when the weather warms up. It does get fairly crowded, though, so I would recommend against bringing large groups without reservations, small kids, claustrophobes, or chainsaws. The food is good. It won't take you on a mystical journey or anything, but the items we ordered were solid, tasty, and hit the spot. I went for the much-lauded fried egg sandwich, and I wasn't disappointed. It's messy, so I wouldn't recommend ordering it if you're on a first date, wearing a tuxedo, or both. My wife did the same, but on a pretzel bun. I have to admit that she won brunch that day, and I will probably do the pretzel bun thing the next time I'm there. My father-in-law had the steak and eggs and loved them. The steak was flavorful and well cooked...which is to say they did a good job cooking it (he ordered it medium). We also had the banana fritters, which are more pancakey than frittery, but still very tasty. Our server was professional and attentive. As I said, it was busy, but we were frequently visited for coffee & water re-fills. My one complaint is that whoever was in charge of the music that day didn't seem to get the theme. Whenever something like Hendrix, Zeppelin, or Sabbath made an appearance, the channel was quickly changed to something decidedly more wimpy. At one point they played R. Kelly. R KELLY?!? This is supposed to be a BIKER JOINT! Take that "I Believe I Can Fly" crap somewhere else! Whatever...I still had a terrific meal. I love the atmosphere, and my wife and I will definitely stroll in on a Friday or Saturday night for a couple of drinks. We live nearby and will definitely visit again.
(4)
Keith A.
Do you like whisky, rye, or bourbon? Do you like beer? If the answer to both of these is a resounding yes, then you need to run, not walk to the Twisted Spoke. The last time I was here was in my pre-yelp days. I've well been overdue for a return trip, so the opportunity finally presented itself and I jumped all over it. The vibe was really relaxed and it was gorgeous outside. Being that I came on a staurday night, a wait for the rooftop wasn't unexpected. Since my friend and I knew we were gonna be there for a bit, it was time to order up some rye. My eyes darted around at what was up there, so naturally I went for the more rare ryes. The best part was that the prices were extremely reasonable considering I wasn't messing around with what I got. When the rooftop table was ready, it was beer time. I loved the range of beers on their list. They still had some hard to find stouts on tap along with having a good range of styles. Twisted Spoke is a massive win in my books. Even more dangerous is that I was told they do half off whiskeys on Wednesdays, so if you want to sample stuff that is über hard to get, this is ground zero for that. Needless to say, it won't be anywhere near as long before my next trip.
(5)
Dylan M.
Not sure why I haven't written a review for the Spoke before this but it's past due. It's a great places to meet up before a united center event. Easy to find free parking and leave cars to carpool over to your event. Beer lovers will be lost in their HUGE selection of beers there offer on tap/bottles/cans. And the food is awesome. Constantly awarded for best cheap eats they offer a large variety of yummy foods. Oh can't forget to give a shoutout to the tunes crankin in the bar... always rockin. And in the summer a great place to hit the rooftop for brunch. Bloody Mary with a beer back could be lunch in itself with the amount of things they stuff in those thangs. The only thing I have constantly encountered over the many many years I have been here as a fault are the bartenders service. Not sure if because they feel they have to keep their tough edgy persona up or what but often times they are not friendly or service oriented and ignore u seemingly purposefully. Whatevz I keep comin back so no biggy.
(4)
Mark S.
The Bloody Marys are pretty good, but if you want a decent burger don't go here. We sent our burgers back because they were so overdone and they brought out replacements that were just as bad. For $12 I expect more. The fries were terrible too.
(1)
Jay N.
We went on a weekday for lunch so it wasn't that busy. Parking on the street can be difficult but based on the intersections, there are plenty of places to park your car. We were seated promptly and it is decorated with motorcycle memorabilia along with bottled beers. My wife had the burger special that is only $10 for the burger, fries, and a beverage, which includes the cheaper draft beers or a soft drink. I went with the shrimp po boy and upgraded for $2 for onion rings and chose one of their draft beers (I was off work). The service was attentive and gave us advice on some recommendations based on our preferences. The po boy on baguette instead of a french roll worked since the shrimp was pretty tender. The onion ring upgrade wasn't worth it based on quantity. Overall, a nice place for lunch
(4)
Klassic C.
Pretty regular/ bland food to me but my hubby loved the burgers the drinks where different I'm not a big bourbon fan so that was an experience in itself we went after hours and the porn was the hairiest porn I've ever seen in all my years .... I gave it 3 stars based on my hubby love of the burgers and the fact they play porn
(3)
Zach F.
Nice little place. Food was good, but not great or memorable. But it was also really reasonably priced for what it was. The bartender on Monday night was friendly and helpful. They also have a pretty good beer list, and when I was there, they had Parabola on tap and it wasn't on the list. Bartender was letting me and other guests taste beers if we weren't sure. Will definitely be back.
(4)
Sarah S.
Great burgers Slow service.. Not sure why, but it is Good specials on drinks and they aren't light handed
(4)
Marcee W.
Beautiful sunny Spring day, rooftop desk, good friends and bloody Mary's with salami and cheese! Heaven! Although I was surprised by the two poached eggs on top of the gumbo, it was delicious. My friend both enjoyed bleu cheese burgers and home-cut, seasoned fries. Waitress was pleasant and attentive and the biker atmosphere made me long for the feel of the wind in my hair.
(4)
Shannon W.
Cool spot! I just had lunch here with my sales rep in Chicago, service was great and the food was really tasty. When she first told me it was a 'bikers bar' I was a bit apprehensive, but it was totally chill and I was very happy with everything. I wish we could have had a drink as they had a ton of beers and a variety of liquors, but we just stuck to water. Anyway, I ordered a buffalo chicken sandwich with a soup as a side (extra $2). The soup was awesome & the sandwich was very tasty. I like that the server checked up on us a few times. She was great. Prices are very reasonable. I was told they have an awesome rooftop, I'd love to check it out when the weather is nice.
(4)
Sandra T.
Holy Mother of Sandwiches! I'm a huge fan of Buffalo chicken. This is hands down the best buffalo chicken sandwich I've ever had. Perfect balance of sauce and blue cheese, fresh bread and quality chicken. And say HELLO to tempura bacon! YUUMMM!!!! Rooftop seating is very relaxing, service was friendly and timely. I hate bloody Mary's, but almost wanted to try one after seeing tray after tray of them brought out. Will I go back? Oh Hells yeah!!!
(5)
Rosie H.
I honestly don't get the appeal of this place. I came here with a group of 4 for brunch and we were seated at a dirty table and handed nasty paper menus. I'm fine with paper menus, but the whole point is that you can reprint them often, no? It took our waitress 15 minutes to approach our table and she immediately asked what we wanted, no small talk although she was more than happily chatting up other tables. Odd. We had our orders ready b/c we'd been sitting there so long. However, it turns out that for brunch, only one page of the menu is actually available. Would have been nice if someone had explained that to us when we sat down. The food took forever to come out and was mediocre. I guess it wasn't the worst meal I've ever had, but I got the feeling that the people working there could have cared less that we were spending money in their establishment. I don't make a habit of paying people to treat me with total indifference.
(2)
Rizzle M.
Came here at 12 am for burgers. The Fatboy. Huge and delicious (that's what she said). Exellent beer selection, ridiculous whiskeys, and out of this world bloody mary's. This place is a must. Cheers!
(5)
Bryan R.
Where do I begin?? We had a big group. We called a week in advance and confirmed that we'd need a table for ten. We called 30 minutes before arrival, and the person on the phone confirmed that we'd have a table for ten on the roof. When we arrived, the roof was full, but we didn't think that was a big deal. They placed us in the back. No one came for ten minutes, and when Sarah, our waitress, arrived, she left immediately to get us waters (which she would not be back with for another ten minutes). We finally ordered, and they brought out everyone's food but ONE person in our party. The waitress asked if she took his order. He said yes. She then said, "Well, then I swear I put it in. I put it in!" Okay, Sarah. We don't care if you put it in or not...just go get the burger. Five minutes later, they arrived with the wrong burger. The man in our group politely let the server know it was incorrect. He took it back. He returned, ten minutes later, with another burger with the wrong toppings. The man didn't want to cause a fuss, so he took the burger and started removing the onions with his hands. The waiter (in a red ball cap) then came up and said he needed to take the burger back because it was meant for someone else. The man in our group said, "But I just took the onions off WITH MY FINGERS." And the waiter goes, "That's okay." He turns around and takes the plate to another table. We were so in shock that, unfortunately, we didn't say anything in the moment. Sarah then returned to say that they DID bring his burger out, and that someone else in our party ate it. We were confused. The man then simply asked to have his burger made to go, because by now an hour had passed and everyone was finished eating. We set up our cards - writing our names on the receipt and putting them in order - to give them to Sarah to charge. NOTHING was offered for all of the horribly service. I personally do not think the man who never got his food should have had to pay. We did not even get an apology. Lastly, it took Sarah THIRTY MINUTES to charge our cards. I will never be returning to this restaurant and I am sure no one else in my group will as well. Their standards and service are horrific, and Sarah was beyond incompetent. I'm not one to leave reviews like this but I'm so angry that I had to say something. Don't go here unless you're comfortable knowing another customer may have touched your food before you.
(1)
Kayla L.
Decided to try Twisted Spoke for my birthday brunch on Sunday December 7th. We got there around 12:30pm and the place was pretty packed. We had a group of 12 with us. The hostess was very nice and she explained we needed to wait for a table so we can go to the bar and order drinks while we wait. The bartenders weren't very friendly but then again they where probably just very busy. I was amazed at the size of the Menu. They have so many options and they even have a menu called Hangover Hospital which is cool. I ordered the Road Rash Bloody Mary and I have to say I was not impressed. They have about 5-6 different types of Bloodys. I am a HUGE fan of Bloody Marys to. I tried other Bloody Marys that my friends ordered and I was not impressed with any of them. In fact, some of them had to order something else to drink because it was not good. As soon as we got sat our waiter was awesome. He was on top of it the entire time! The food is pretty good, not amazing but good. The fried bacon with tempura is great, I would order that again. I got a hamburger and was not to impressed, it tasted like any other hamburger. Everyone else at their table really liked their food. I do like the atmosphere it's a fun place. I would go back again but not specifically for the Bloody Marys but probably to try something different off of their food menu.
(3)
Al D.
Brunch fanatics be like "Oh em gee Bloody Maryz!" Otherwise, everything here is fried and dripping in grease. The bacon in the burger was fried with the burger; soft, greasy and tasting like nothing. Yuck. For a place that used to be in Wrigleyville, there's nothing truly "biker" or "edgy" about it. And I think they still do "smut n'eggs" occasionally. Keep it classy guzzling your 500 calorie BM...
(2)
Mario J.
Just had one of the worst experiences ever at a restaurant. My wife and I ordered a chicken sandwich with onion rings and a burger with a side salad. The chicken was a mystery piece that was mostly fat and grizzle. The onion rings were weren't really onion rings, they were shoestring onions-not as described on the menu (which were filthy and disgusting to even hold). The burger was served on a giant stale bun with a side salad that had absolutely no flavor. My wife's warm beer with extra head arrived after the food. The pickle was very good, but that's about it. I have never written a review on the internet, but I felt compelled after this experience. All of this was brought to our servers attention very politely, and she said our bill would be adjusted. After another 15 minutes of waiting, the chicken was removed off of the bill ($14), and so was the side salad ($2). The complaints about the burger however were not timed properly according to our server so it could not be removed from our bill. So....$30 for 2 beers and a few bites of barely edible food....bad deal.
(1)
Taylor P.
The food has changed... Menu is half the size and more expensive. The quality is gone and mixed. Service. What happened?
(1)
Karry L.
So, after years of fruitless searching I've finally discovered a legitimate reason for the continued existence of brunch: to subsidize things such as half-off whiskey Wednesdays, which is basically what it sounds like (it sounds like angels). They don't fuck around either: the selection covers bourbon to scotch to Japanese to more obscure types, and includes bottles at every price point, from Ten High to both flavors of Gentleman (Kentucky and Virginia) to Black Maple Hill to the legendary and rarely-spotted Pappy Van Winkle (4 different vintages, even). There's another thing called "the Butch" where you can pay $2 and receive a randomly selected shitty beer from their cooler; think somewhere between off-brand Schlitz and Steel Reserve. At some point, these two "shot girls" from Jim Beam made the rounds to offer samples of their new honey whiskey mixed with pink lemonade. It was uncomfortably sweet, but I also got a free beehive-shaped shot glass and an eyeful of cleavage, so it wasn't a total loss. My friend ordered nachos with what appeared to be pulled pork piled on top. It didn't look great. There's apparently other food here during non-brunch, after-work hours, but those details fade quickly into irrelevancy. There is a $4 glass of Weller Special Reserve with your name on it, and you have a job to do. Recommend if: you feel compelled to sample the entire family of whiskeys that start with "Old..." (Crow, Grand-dad, Forester, Fitzgerald, Bardstown, Overholt, Pogue, Ezra 101, et al).
(5)
Doug N.
Hidden jewel. Great bloody Mary's. Very unique bloody recipes. Roof top dining is recommended. Po boy is one of the best I have had. The brisket barely fits in your mouth iris so huge. Fantastic. Ask for Colleen P
(5)
Bodie S.
Twisted Spoke is easily identifiable by the giant, spinning motorcycle on the roof of the building. This place is right down the street from my friend's apartment, so we decided to eat here before I headed back to Indianapolis. The place is really interesting--it has a dive bar feel, but also a restaurant-like atmosphere. There were people drinking downstairs at the bar, and we opted to sit outside on the upstairs patio. It was a little chilly/windy, but nice when the sun came out. The easiest way to warm up is with alcohol. I ordered a fine craft beer, an IPA if memory recalls, though I can't think of the name, and enjoyed the overlook of the westside while we looked through the menu. I ordered the meatloaf sandwich, which consisted of tangy meatloaf on garlic buttered Texas toast covered in spicy mustard. The sandwich was out of this world. I enjoyed every single bite of it. The meatloaf sandwich was accompanied by coleslaw, a load of fries, and a pickle. Arguably, and technically, it was a perfect meal. I loved everything about it. I will absolutely return to this place to eat, drink, skip rope, play backgammon, or talk horse trading. I definitely recommend Twisted Spoke for your anything and everything.
(5)
Steph U.
Super disappointing. I came in to look at the menu one day and got super excited to try this place out. When I came here, it was unorganized, which ended up messing up our whole meal. We were told there was a 15 minute wait for the patio upstairs, so we decided to wait. We were told we could wait in another dining section and order drinks and whatnot. We decided to order some appetizers, but this turned out to be a horrible mistake. We told our server that we were still waiting to move upstairs and we wanted to make sure that if we moved before we got our appetizers that they would go to the same place. Our waiter told us that it'd be fine, so we went ahead and ordered. We ended up moving a few minutes after that, and once again told multiple people (the host who was reseating us and our waiter) that we had ordered appetizers and we wanted to make sure they would be sent to the right place. I'm not sure what ended up happening, but after the host re-sat us, we never got a new waitress or any silverware. The only reason we had water was because we brought it from downstairs. After waiting a good 10-15 minutes of no one coming over, we called over a random server and told her that we were ready to order and we wanted to know where our appetizers were. She took our order and said she'd check on our appetizers. Our food ended up coming before our appetizers did, but we still didn't have any silverware. The food was mediocre at best and I ended up sending mine back, because it was really overcooked (I ordered the seared tuna sandwich -- it even says on the menu that it's supposed to be very rare). Our appetizers tasted like microwaved crappy college junk food. When I was initially trying to send back my food, I had to flag down a different waitress, because I had no idea where our waitress went and WOW, she was a mean b***h!! She was super rude and obviously annoyed that I had tried to ask her about my food. I tried to see her name tag, but I didn't catch it. She had dark hair, tan skin and looked maybe Filipino or maybe hispanic. This waitress alone is the reason I've dropped this review from 2 stars to 1. There's no need to be so utterly mean! Anyway, she sent over our waitress and I showed her that my food was overcooked and I asked to not have them make a new one. I ended up splitting my boyfriend's burger with him and that was one of the few redeeming qualities of this restaurant. Our waitress seemed busy, but she tried to be attentive and friendly and she took off my sandwich off of our bill, which was nice. She was blonde, but I don't remember her name either. I think overall a lot of what happened was a misunderstanding and miscommunication, which sucks, but nothing could change my mind about this place after that one rude waitress. Oh also, the seating outside upstairs is strange. The tables are very small and I guess you're supposed to sit with a bar in between your legs? TL;DR: Rude waitress and bleh food. I won't be coming back. If you're forced to come, get a burger and try to get the blonde waitress.
(1)
Brittany P.
Was not impressed with this place. I had heard about it from a few friends so decided to give it a try for some Sunday bloodies. Service was extremely slow, not attentive, and seemed like the waiter kept ignoring our table. Maybe this was a one off time, but looks like a few other yelpers have had the same issue. They do have a decent selection of bloodies, but meh nothing I would return for.
(2)
Carl G.
My father and I ventured out to this restaurant in search of some good eats. Unfortunately, what we got was mediocre at best. My father Philip Vincent Grueger IV ordered fish tacos that he said tasted like Filet-O-Fish from the Golden Arches. One thing I must note is that while going to the bathroom, the door for the Men's room was labeled "Dicks", which I felt was very offensive. I ordered a cheeseburger with cheddar cheese cooked medium-well, and some fries. The burger was a bit over-cooked, and the fries tasted like nothing. The only thing that was good about Spokes was the service, as it was very fast considering the large crowd. Us Gruegers are forgiving people so I may be back to give those nice folks a second chance but the first experience was quite subpar. There are better places to eat in The Chi.
(2)
Sarah S.
I bookmarked The Twisted Spoke forever ago after seeing it on Chicago's Best. They showed the deep fried goodness items I knew I had to try plus various Bloody Marys I knew my friend would appreciate. I finally went a couple weeks ago and am really glad I did. Street parking is a bit rough to find but that's the parking option. The atmosphere is super chill and kind of biker meets metal. We had no issue getting seats for a late weekday lunch. I was happy to see they had 5 Rabbit on tap but only Vida Muerte which is not my favorite from the brewer. $6 for a bottle and I guzzled it right down! I tried a bit of my friend's Road Rash Bloody Mary that they are famous for - oOoO spicy! Going here, I had a goal to try all the deep fried items I had seen on Chicago's Best so we had a feast of appetizers! Tempura bacon $5 - Amazeballs. I've had deep fried bacon before but having it in tempura batter is what makes this the best deep fried bacon I've tried. It melted in my mouth and was a fantastic spin on the swine candy. Fried cheese curds $6 - Delicious! They use Wisconsin cheddar cheese which is a bit different than the usual cheese curds. They were very deep fried, maybe a tad too much, but man were they good. Ooey, gooey, yum. Wild Ones $8 - Loved this. Deep frying + Mushrooms = Healthy, right? Deep fried mushrooms in 4 varieties, I believe it was. One of those varieties was portobello which are a personal favorite of mine! Yum! All three of these deep fried goodnesses were served with at least one dipping sauce. I'd get any of these apps again, but I have my eye on the grilled cheese for the next time I stop in. And yes, there will definitely be a next time!
(4)
Some G.
DANGER DRINK HERE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!! Careful what beer you drink. I had their porter and had a massive migraine the next day
(1)
Amy R.
I was so ready to be madly, head-over-heels in love with Twisted Spoke. Id heard for ages that it is the best brunch EVER with amazing bloody marys and a fun, weird vibe. I had been trying to get there for ages, but schedules never worked out. Finally today, after all the anticipation, waiting, and downright jonesin for a Bloody Mary, we went. WE WENT. ...and I didn't love it. I HATE WHEN THAT HAPPENS. We got there around 11:00am on a Saturday and didn't have to wait - in fact, the place was kinda emptyish. Which was fine by me, because we were starved. A server swung by right away, and my friend ordered a plain old Bloody Mary, but I wanted to peruse the options prior to ordering. When he returned, I ended up just getting coffee, because all of their zany Bloody Marys are made with liquor other than vodka, which makes me want to throw up (tequila + tomato juice?! Get out of my FACE). So we went on to order our food, and because I had heard such AMAZING things, we tried a bunch of stuff. Pre-meal, we got the deep fried bacon. Oh yeah, you read that right. And it is EXACTLY what you're thinking. Tempura battered, deep fried slices of delicious bacon, served with a sort of Asian dipping sauce, and a tangy radish-based slaw. This is a 5-star plate of heaven. Being tempura battered, it doesn't feel greasy or disgusting, which is bizarre, because you're eating DEEP FRIED BACON. The sauce was delightful, and the slaw was the perfect, palette cleansing accompaniment. It was perfect. Then I ordered chilaquiles, and my friend got the biscuits with heart attack gravy. The dishes looked lovely, but the flavor was just so/so. My chilaquiles had a red sauce without a ton of spice in it, and I felt myself reaching for the salt more than once. The biscuits and gravy were pretty standard, but my friend added Sriracha sauce to make it worthwhile. Then we split the banana fritters, which were PARADISE - deep fried pancakes PACKED with banana goodness and a sweet, fluffy texture, accompanied by butter and syrup. I coulda eaten a mountain of those. In fact, maybe that's the way to go - order lots of their small plate items and share - since that's what we loved the most. From the drinks to the service to the food to the decor, most everything was just fine here. Maybe my anticipation had set the bar too high. Maybe my brunch palette has officially moved into snob territory. Maybe the Twisted Spoke is just ok. I probably won't be back to find out, but if you're in the area and jonesin for brunch, you wouldn't be doing yourself a disservice to check it out. Oh also, if you write an honest, 3-star review about the service and experience here, you get a nasty message from presumably the owner, not sure who, insulting you and your review. Tread lightly!
(3)
Dani W.
Driven past Twisted Spoke for 6 years now and finally went in for brunch. Great chill place for a drink and great food. I had the breakfast burrito and requested my eggs to be extra hard poached on the side... sounds simple, right! Well that's is just what I got. A+ to our waiter and the chef! You can't believe how hard it is to get a hard poached egg at a restaurant. My husband had a burger and fries (homemade) and said it was delish. We also had to tried the banana fritters and panko bacon, totally unique flavors. We will for sure be going back and looking forward to warmer weather to try out the rooftop patio.
(4)
John H.
Great environment, good food, awesome bloody marys. They have a standard bloody made with vodka and a bunch or other cool ones with rum, tequila, etc. I've tried a few of them and they were all great, perfect place to turn a hangover into a good afternoon.
(4)
Rachael Z.
I've been here numerous times, and it's amazing every time! It's typically a Sunday for a Bloody Mary and brunch, so my review is based on Brunch alone. FOOD: I love that they have a specific brunch menu; they have some very inventive items with a mixture of flavors, but there's not really anything here that's not good. I've had the shrimp po-boy (great shrimp, fixings and bread), but ever since trying the burger, can't stray from from that. If I so much as mention this restaurant to my husband, he drools thinking of the burger - lots of toppings, and he highly recommends an egg on top! They do it best here. The fries are delish, and the ranch dressing (request it on the side) is homemade and awesome. DRINK: Bloody mary's are incredible here. They use sriracha, so it has a good, bold spice to it. Lots of salami, cheese and veggies! PRICE: Totally reasonable, and you'll have leftovers. Or at least you should...portions are huge. If you're hungover like many of my trips, you may not have much to bring home! LOCATION: Kind of a goofy spot, but there's definitely nothing competing near-by. Parking is easy to come by and you can stop by Starbucks across the street on the way out.
(5)
Leah B.
Writing this review after going to this place several times and having the same type of experience. I don't know why I keep going back. Probably because it's close to where I live. Food is so so. Average. Nothing to write home about. But what I do believe is worth writing about, is the consistently awful service. The servers and bartenders both, just out and out rude. The first few times I came in I thought it was like some sort of "Ed Debevics" thing like the staff is supposed to be rude on purpose. After asking, and finding out that the rude attitudes are not a "staged" thing, it just made me think, why is EVERY staff member so miserable. The only explanation I can come up with is the ownership and management. Usually when there's a consistent problem, it starts from the top and trickles down. It's just a shame that our amazing neighborhood of West Town can't be home to a welcoming and friendly eatery. Hopefully these guys will shut down soon and someone worth doing business with will open in their spot.
(1)
Mark H.
Cluttered with biker paraphernalia from the skeleton on a motorcycle down to the handlebar doorknob entrance and finally the metal serving dishes, the decor is blatant in keeping true to its theme. The location is in an awkward point of the city where the street juxtapose in strange angles not the usual perpendicular map like structure that encompasses most of Chicago. This triangular corner is as confusing as the nature of this joint. I've tried this place out several times. The conclusion is if you're looking for a good dive bar with an excellent whiskey selection and a decent staff in attentiveness, this place is it. But, if you're looking for decent, quality food try elsewhere. Their famous burgers were nothing to brag home about especially at $ 14. Gimme a break. The staff was a hit or miss. The seats were uncomfortable. The pours were very bartender dependent. Overall I can see this as a tourist haven. I'm surprised they don't sell t-shirts there. For someone looking to add this place as a regular rotation, all I can say is Twisted Spoke is a cleverly named but in most cases what you do w/ a twisted spoke...you throw it out?!
(2)
Liza O.
i went for brunch after hearing good things about this place. I ordered a pear bellini, which was sort of weird, but ok. Points for actually serving it in a champagne flute, which most places fail to do. Service was prompt and polite. My friend wasn't too impressed by the coffee, but it served it's purpose as a source of caffeine I guess. I ordered the mexican scramble and my friend ordered the breakfast burrito. The scramble was good, nice cheese. And the burrito was proclaimed to be the best ever. So points for twisted spoke there. I was also impressed by the nice selection of beers. Definitely need to come back and drink some of those in the summer on the roof.
(4)
Edward H.
Twisted Spoke is a place where riders come to chow down and nerds/yuppies gather to feel bad ass. As the name implies, there's a biker theme to this establishment (no not the ones you pedal) - from the handlebar doorhandles to the various bike parts on the wall. The staff here are cool and knows how to treat ya right. The food quality here is consistently good. I love coming here for their Biker Brunch menu - the star of the show would have to be their fried egg sandwich (3-4" tall, thick fried eggs, cheese, thick slices of bacon, mayo, thick slices of toasted buttered bread, ... and I think there was some form of lettuce and tomato in there). Basically a heart attack on a plate... but it's so good that you'll forget all the exercise and visits to the cardiologist this baby will require afterward. They've also great BBQ sandwiches such as their pulled pork (free range pigs... go figure). Falafels aren't bad either - quote from their menu "made from women peas - the peas formerly known as chick." Elvis french toast is good stuff as well (french toast + PB + bananas = CRAZY DELICIOUS). *+10pts if you can tell me where I ripped that off from.* Warm weather will allow for a sunny meal out on their upper story deck. Saturday midnights feature their Smut & Eggs - that's what staff shirts say at least. All in all, Twisted is just a kick ass place to be.
(4)
Brandon H.
Best burger in the city, hands down. Great beer selection and great service have made this a monthly stop for me & my friends. Do yourself a favor and try the BBQ Nachos. Holy crap.
(5)
Kate H.
Great place, but I don't know how I feel about seeing so many yuppies hanging out in a 'biker bar.' I grew up around the backwoods biker bars of the Midwest, and this place is pretty authentic in its atmosphere (greezy old aluminum tables, and multiple pieces of biker paraphernalia), but not so much in its clientele. Either way, they serve great brunch. Try the Road Rash -- their spin on a Bloody Mary. Instead of being served with a sprig of celery, though, they use salami, green olives, and hot peppers on a skewer for the garnish. To top it off, it's served with a beer chaser. The scrambles are awesome, as well as the buckwheat pancakes.
(4)
HK L.
it pains me. really, it's like having to listen to some bullshit five year old shit that's hip again in you little sister's car. awful. i live in memphis, work in dallas, kill time in tulsa. as you can read, it pretty much blows. now and again i get to take the metal hot dog on the company dime to the big, bad city of chicago. let's cut to the chase..... when i do; i go to a bar called the twisted spoke on ogden and something. it's pretty fucking cool since i'm a motorcycle afficianado, nacho lover, and drinker. normally when i go in there's a bunch of hot rocker chicks that remember me (that's why you get five stars). and me? i kind of dig that. however, today i'm told that the short abrasive blondie (yeah right) is not working the normal days. listen. and hear me later. i only get to roll in that bar twice a year. please discontinue w/ the getting rid of the hot chicks. i can get nachos anywhere, hk
(5)
Doug H.
Whiskey Lover's Paradise. It had been a couple years since I had been to the spoke when they only had that little length of bar in the back that wasn't that inviting. I went there recently to meet some friends on Whiskey Wednesday. OMFG!!! I can't tell you how much I was surprised. Yes, the bar is in front and longer now but that's not why. The whiskey selection was the best I've seen in Chicago. Yes, there may be some bars that carry more of the standards of scotch but who wants the same old same old anymore? Wednesdays are 1/2 all brown liquor. Even if it's not brown yet. Even if it's not whiskey yet. I tried a 41 year old Scotts scotch from 1964 for $16.50, my standard of Glen Fiddich Solera Reserve and I couldn't resist trying out a single malt spirit. Yes, SPIRIT!!! What scotch and whiskey are before they are three years old. Ever had whiskey straight from the still? It's a young taste that's only found in spirits. I was so impressed that they not only carried this rare booze but they had a surprising selection of it. The Spoke also has an impressive selection of whiskey, bourbon and scotch (my fav.). Jonnie Walker Blue... yes, but who cares. There's so much more high end it make Blue look like McDonalds compared to a back yard BBQ. I'm going back as soon as I can to expand my ever growing scotch tasting history. Oh, and the cheese curds were yummie.
(5)
Denise N.
i am a firm believer in the old adage. " Don't Yuck my yum" with that being said i will not say "yuck" to Twisted Spoke, but I sure as hell am not saying 'yum'. I'm thinking about settling on a "WTF, eeew." this place got rave reviews from everyone. the bloody's are supposedly the best in town. the burgers made with love. not so. the bloody's were ok. the burger took for freaking ever and it didnt taste like anything, not even with all the condiments that i put on it. Two stars 'cause someone else says that there's Jack Daniels on tap. I'm a Jack lovin' kinda girl.
(2)
Mo L.
I've only been in the city about two weeks, but as far as finger food / pub food goes, this place holds its own. I recommend the cheesy nachos and fried portabella mushrooms. There is also a nice selection of beers on tap. However, the service is only fair to good. You'd think they'd be happy that my group ran up a huge tab, but if they can't keep up with the customers, their attitude shows.
(3)
Jonathan S.
This place has been great in the past, but it can be hit or miss for brunch. For example, today our group had to wait over 2 hours for a table and after being seated it took them nearly 45 minutes to bring us our food. One of the orders was forgotten, so one of our party was not able to eat until over 3 hours after arriving.
(3)
Lindsay M.
great food amazing staff always sweet. wide variety of amazing drinks, beers and great food. i've eaten there many times and always have great, great food never a problem. many of the negative reviews are from people who clearly have a negative personality and are just angry people!! It's a bar/restaurant that has a bikes all over the place if you're expecting a classy place maybe you came to the wrong place! im just saying the place plays porn on saturdays and thats alright by me, not to mention half priced whiskey wednesdays!
(5)
kate s.
i miss the wrigleyville location!!!!!!!! Pulled pork is delicious!
(5)
Tom S.
I've been going here for a very long time. Just went for breakfast after a long bender at Three Floyds Brewery in Indiana. I had some sort of gumbo omlette skillet thingy. It was pretty damn good. I was losing faith in this place...I'd see those little fruit flies buzzing around and the food wad just blah. So this visit really brought it back. The road rash bloody mary was exactly what I needed, and who else has Surly beer on tap? Or Founder's Kentucky Breakfast?? Double-friggin'-yum. I'm not one for eating outside...it never made sense to me that you pay to eat somewhere and end up outside with the bugs, dust, and wind blowing shit all over the place. If you like that sort of thing...go upstairs and save the air conditioning for me you moron. I went for smut and eggs once...by accident. It was a little odd sitting next to beautiful women and acting like hardcore porn wasn't on the television, but it was alright after a few drinks. I'm not sure how it's gonna work with the new bar setup, but I intend to return soon. Porn or not.
(4)
Amanda L.
Food is terrible, service is slow. I've gotten dirty dishes here. I only stop here when friends are dying for one of their drink specials. I'm not a snob but this is definitely not my kind of place. Just feels dirty, especially on the grimy rooftop.
(1)
Jennifer C.
a staple. good beer selection, nice tunes, and a rooftop deck. the clientele has really switched to the SUV stroller mommy types, but it's still a good place to hang.
(5)
Theresa K.
i love twisted spoke! they have the best weekend brunch and the best decor! it's fun, rock'n roll, motorcycle theme/restaurant with plenty of food, drinks, and attitude! cheers! if you plan on going, don't miss out on eating brunch on the rooftop.
(5)
Mark P.
Decent bar food. Enjoyed dinner and brews on the rooftop during the summer.
(3)
Adam K.
hands down the best bloody mary in the city. outside of hopleaf, one of the best beer selections around as well. the burgers are excellent. the rooftop pushes it over the edge. in the summer, this is one of the best places in the city to have a drink.
(5)
Lee M.
great place for lunch. the fatboy burgers are awesome and comes with a choice of drink which includes select domestic bottles. the beer selection is one of the best in the city, so many to choose from. food is great but service can be slow at times depending on the time you are there.
(4)
Purnima M.
I really like this place, much to my surprise! We were walking by, looking for somewhere to pass an hour's wait for a table at Butterfly Sushi, and the skeleton on the motorbike outside was an immediate draw! Thankfully, this is so much more than a biker bar. They mixed some mean drinks - the absinthe cocktail and mardi gras specials were pretty potent! And I was truly impressed by their range of beers - they've paid special attention to local and regional microbrews, and have some hard-to-find ones on the list. We ended up nibbling a bit too, and they have some of the best, most gourmet, jalapeno poppers I've tried, although that seems like a contradiction in terms :) We'll be back, and not just while we're waiting on a table elsewhere. The only downside was they were renovating, and the space seemed a bit cramped. I'm sure this is just temporary though.
(4)
candace l.
Oh how I miss this place. I used to live right down the street so it was a natural choice for brunch (their breakfast tacos? YUM) and cocktails. The service has been up to par and they have a great rooftop patio that's a hit in the summer! Oh, and my friend swears by their bloody mary's as being among the best. But veggies be aware as I learned the hard way: They use beef stalk in their recipe.
(4)
Jerry M.
As everyone knows, I'm a burger girl. Oh, you didn't know? Well now you do. I LOOOVE me some burgers and I'm a total snob about them. Twisted Spoke doesn't have burgers - they have fat boys, which is a bit sexist because they'll probably make me a fat girl if I ate them daily, not a fat boy. Unless they have some funky hormonal mojo in them that'll make me a boy, since all the cows are doing it, you know. The burgers were good, but it fell apart on me. Granted, I'm a legendary messy eater, so I'm not sure if I should even be counting this against them. And the burger was good, big and juicy. And apparently during this visit I discovered that I'm a beer snob as well. They have tons of beers to satisfy the snobby beer girl I am. And while this may appear to be a total punk, biker haven, I feel that's more for appearances for the tourists who want to pretend to take a walk on the wild side without getting dirty because there were the 2 cops sitting a few tables over. How was I going to talk about my illicit activities with them eavesdropping? Not that I have illicit activities to talk about, but still.
(2)
Paul C.
This was supposed to be a relaxing lunch and it ended up being all I hoped for and then some! The wait was minimal. My friend and I were just deciding if we should get a beer while we wait and then they sat us. FOOD: I had the Turkey and Swiss. It was so friggin good it was relatable to a Monte Cristo with no ham. Fries were nothing to write home about, but the sandwitch just used them to be more delicious. DRINK: I do not drink Bloody Mary's but my friend Chris had one which appeared to be the greatest drink on Earth. Not only did it nerly have a sandwitch on top, but it came with a beer. Now thats a drink!...or a meal? I had some deliscious tap brews. I was shocked I had never tasted Half Acre and it is from Chicago. Now a trip to their brewery is in order, because I severely enjoyed it. ATMOSPHERE: It was a lunch crowd on the Saturday before St. Paddy's so try to imagine that. There were families, rockers, scenesters, hipsters and idiots wearing green beads.... and we al got along. The staff was very nice. I had such a blast we ended up having 5 rounds of booze, which meant 5 Bloody Mary's for Chris. HA! Can't wait to go back with my fiance and other friends! I hear "Smutt and Eggs" is a good time.
(5)
Gene W.
It's actually kinda hard for me to get drunk here because I can't stop eating. I come more often for the Boss Hog (an amazing bbq pulled pork sandwich) than I do for the booze. That being said, they have some decent beers on tap. Great music and a friendly staff help make this one of the less intimidating biker/rock bars that I can think of, though there are certainly a lot of characters at the bar on any given night. What do you expect from a place infamous for it's Smut and Eggs?
(4)
G R.
Always good and reliable, didn't want Italian or Mexican, just a burger or may be a BBQ beef. We go here often enough and it's pretty consistent overall. My husband had a "fat-boy" burger and said it was good, I had the Kobe BBQ beef. Mine this time wasn't that great a bit fatty. I don't know why the wait staff just can't write your order down though. Don't they have paper and pens? There is a Staples up Ogden now. I say this because, sometimes they just get the order wrong. Or tonight, the waiter forgot what we ordered. Came back a few minutes later, "umm, what was that that you wanted?" You're kidding right? No, so we repeated it. I think he was maybe at the bar before his shift. He asked my husband about every side, "do you want, lettuce, tomato, cheese, bacon, etc. Well, it was no on the bacon, burger gets there with a whole bunch of bacon on it. The bus boy was great, friendly when he brought us our food, kept our water glasses full and cleared plates right away when we we're done. So overall, good reliable food from friendly folks. Just please get some paper and pens, please. When your hungry the last thing that you want to see is your waiter come back several minutes later, and ask what was that again? Does anyone remember the old Spoke? Before the first remodel, they're doing a second one now. I miss that Spoke!
(3)
Chan K.
The Spoke offers a decent selection of beers on tap and good whiskeys behind the bar. It's the only place I know where you can find Jack Daniels on tap. The are in the midst of remodelling, and the place is a bit in disarray. The service and food is average. The falafel was surprisingly yummy though.
(2)
lauren p.
After a recent visit, it has been determined that the issue with the taps has been resolved. The fiance decided to give it a shot since they completely remodeled the bar, and he was pleased with both of his drafts. I stuck to a bottle, because I am extremely unforgiving. Don't listen to anyone who says the food isn't good- the food is great, you know, for bar food. Good burgers, Good chicken ceasar sandwich, good chicken tacos. When we were there last Friday, they were actually featured on the Hungry Hound for their shrimp po'boys, and I gotta tell you, it looked every bit as good as the one I recently had in NOLA. Also the fried egg sandwich is probably the best hangover cure ever. Don't expect 5 star dining, and you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Jenny C.
Good burger, good fries, hot jalapeno. Enjoyed the $10 lunch time deal where you get a fatboy, cooked and served to your order, fries and a drink, either a domestic beer or a soda. Loved the whole theme of motorcycles in a graveyard. I spotted two Kawasaki, a Yamaha, and Honda. Parking was a pain, as usual in that part of town, plus the construction continues to add a level of street driving difficulty. Worth the trip and the parking.
(4)
Greg O.
I am moving out of state, and man am I going to miss Twisted Spoke. We live in the neighborhood so we walk over often for dinner. The pulled pork nachos (add guac!) and the buffalo chicken sandwich are amazing. Top that with a good beer menu, very good brunch, $3 Jim Beam drinks from the barrel every day, and a really nice rooftop deck. Highly recommended.
(5)
Steve R.
It's still ok, but much like the Exit I think this place has morphed from being an example of its true niche identity to a sort of living exhibit for those who were interested to see its niche but didn't really want to be IN that sort of environment. It's like the Disney Pirates of the Carribean ride...there may be some common piratey-looking elements but it sure as hell ain't nothing like dealing with the actual pirates. That said, the food was decent and the beer selection was good enough. I wouldn't call it a destination but it's fine for what I needed it for, sort of a pass through place. No need to avoid but it ain't no biker bar. i think those only exist in central illinois now.
(3)
Angela T.
Very quirky, fun place. The fatboy burgers are to die for. Prepared exactly as we asked for them and the order was exactly what we told the waitress we wanted. There were families, early 20 post-partiers and couples dining at the same time. The biker-bar theme is great and carried throughout the menu and the staff - however, everyone was professional and good at what they did. A definite repeat in my book.
(4)
Scott W.
Amazing Shrimp Po Boy
(5)
Colin B.
Great neighborhood joint..... Always has a kick ass beer selection......any place that actually puts Left Hand Brewery's Milk Stout on draft gets 3 stars automatically from me, because you just don't f-ing see it...... But what truly makes this place win is the chicken wings, something I discovered purely on accident. I have been searching for good chicken wings in West Town since moving into the area 9 months ago...... The search ends here! For those of you trying to track down a good wing, throw this on your hit list and don't forget to sample the brews....
(4)
David M.
My co-workers and I go here for lunch at least once a month and the food is always phenomenal. It's one of those places where you force yourself to finish your meal even when you're full, because the thought of that delicious food hitting the bottom of a garbage barrel makes you sad inside.
(5)
Brent D.
I really wanted to love this place as it was a stone's throw from my last apartment. I just can't give it a glowing review. Where it does shine: the patio, the beers, and sometimes the service. Unfortunately the small bar area and average food brings down the average. (Keep in mind that my experiences were pre-additional bar space) Still, if you can grab a patio spot on a nice day, its a great place to knock a few back. Skip the less-than-flavorful food. It's not terrible by any stretch, just very average. The waitstaff can be fun, or surly, depending on the day. I like that aspect of the place.
(3)
Alex C.
Great food. I love the cheese curds to start cause they're chewy cheesy fried goodness. A bloody Mary is good and filling. The ambiance is cool, and the rooftop is fun on a weekday afternoon. Sometimes the staff can be lacking attentiveness, but not always. Great whiskey.
(4)
Amy T.
I'm quite surprised by some of the reviews. Came in here with few of my friends for a late lunch randomly, only because the resteraunt we were going to a block down was closed. We were very surprised how good The Twisted Spoke was! This place seemed to be set up as a biker bar, but it was also set up as family friendly. With rooftop and back room seating you can bring your family to seperate from the bar. Overall, staff was very friendly and helpful when it was time to choose a beer and food. Service was very quickly, it probably only took 10 minutes or so from the time we order to the time our food came out. Normally, "bar" food like this, is normally greasy and sits in your stomach. I was shocked how it didn't! I highly reconmend pretty much anything on the menu, but especially the burgers and slice homemade fries. They are to die for! Also, the meatloaf sandwhich and shrimp sandwhich were also a tasty treat! The only con that I have was that the menu was kind of confusing. Set up on a clipboard the papers were mixed up between food and drinks. A little bit more organization is need. Pricing is fair. Not too exspensive. And nosie level was average.. Wasn't too loud! If your in for a tasty meal then I highly reconmend the twisted spoke!
(5)
Val B.
Note: I haven't been back here recently, and I read they had a makeover recently. This review is for the place *before* the makeover. I've been eating here for many years now and have loved it 4 out of every 5 times. I love their fries, burgers, breakfasts, and even their falafel platter. The bar area is cool. I attended a Smut and Eggs event once about 6 years ago which was pretty interesting...not sure if they still do it (Saturday at midnight, serve breakfast and play porn on the TVs). The rooftop patio is pretty cool in the warm months. Staff are usually pretty quiet and just do their job which is a good thing. The atmosphere feels cold in the main downstairs area, but it's all cool. I really like this place. It's a different, fun place to take visitors rather than Ed Debevics or something. Check it out! I will be back many times, I'm sure. By the way...the owners of TS also used to own a place down the street, Bone Daddy. WHY DID YOU CLOSE THAT PLACE??? IT WAS SOOOO AWESOME! Oh well. I can still get great BBQ at TS, so I'm a happy girl.
(4)
Eve A.
BEST Bloody Mary I have EVER had, ANYWHERE! best rooftop, fast service, very good fries and very good all else It is always fun to be there and I have never had food I did not like! For 10yrs!
(4)
Joanie S.
God love the spoke. You know you're gonna get to sit, in the summers you get the roof, and the Boss Hog (pulled pork) sanwich is always good, never lets you down. Open late, good to go for beers after going to the nearest theater (see my review for The Building Stage). I love this place. And you can get the cheap mysetery beer, wich is an exciting endevor.
(4)
Grace G.
Twisted Spoke is a very fun place to be. If you want whiskey, you are at the right place. And if you want a good burger, you are also at the right place. I love sitting on the rooftop in warmer weather and most definitely will be back up there in a couple months. It's a great place to meet friends for dinner and drinks before going out for the night (or for ending the night too)!.
(4)
Joyce P.
There is a reason why they need to use porn to get you in on a Saturday night. We walked in for lunch on a Saturday afternoon and no one was by the door and they didn't have a sign as to whether you wait or seat yourselves. The bartender seemed to ignore us as did the other workers. It seemed apparent that is it wasn't their job then they weren't going to assist the patrons. A woman came from the back up front and literally looked around us to look outside and look for someone. She completely behaved like we were invisible. So we decided to seat ourselves. The picnic tables on the roof are uncomfortable and hard to eat at. I'm sure they are fine since for boozing. We get our menus and I'm pretty excited about the selection. After deciding between a few selections and waiting a long time the waitress comes and apologizes that she was sorry and she didn't know anyone was at her table. Which I guess is understandable since we sat ourselves. She then tells us that the items we want to order off the menus (which were given to us just 10 minutes wrong) were not available. We could only get the brunch/breakfast items. It was 1:10 in the afternoon! She said we could also get the fat boy hamburger (thought the menu says it is only available M-F and it is Saturday) or the BBQ or grilled cheese. The kicker is that the menu is a series of pages printed off a printer and put in a clip board--not a laminated professional made one. Why not pull the 6 pages of the menu out that we can't order from? Or why not have the person who gives the menus say to wait for the waitress to explain or that we can only get brunch? It seemed again like no one waned to do anything that wasn't their specific job title. Since I had to look at my menu longer she took my husband's order and then came back for mine. Instead of waiting for my order she put in his and so his food came super fast and to be polite he waited for my meal. The waitress again apologized that she had instructed them to wait for order. During this time a group sat down next to us. I could overhear them talking about how slow the service was and after they all decided which appetizers they wanted the waitress informed them they could not order them. The group (rightly so) was confused as to why they couldn't order appetizers in the afternoon. My food came and I ended up ordering something I wasn't excited about because I didn't want eggs and don't like breakfast food so my choices were slim. I didn't finish my burger or fries. The food was better than average but not worth any special effort to go out of my way for--especially considering everything else. I have no interest to see what else they have to offer. If you want to waste your money on waitresses with pink or overly blonde hair and tattoos and a skeleton spinning on a motorcycle out front then go ahead. But that's all you're paying for. P.S. This is the 1st time in a long time I went to a sit down restaurant where I was neither greeted or said bye to.
(1)
Michael B.
We have been going here for work weekly and love it. The BBQ nachos are great for starters and I love the buffalo chicken sandwich! Overall this is a great spot to grab good bar food. We also like eating outside when the weather permits, which is nice.
(4)
Maria B.
I don't venture this far for brunch normally, but this place is a treat. I'll actually leave my north-side hood to brunch here. We usually only go places we can stumble to in the morning, but I'll gladly drive on over for their bloody mary's and corned beef hash.
(4)
Ken R.
I've had brunch at the Twisted Spoke twice now, with both experiences being great and the second one even better than the first! First off, the bloody mary's are fantastic. The brunch is great too. The Fatboy burger with a slice of brie on top was exactly what I needed on a Sunday morning. Finishing that off with their banana buckwheat pancakes, and I just had myself a great Sunday morning! The decor of the place is also something to take in and it definitely adds to the experience. The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because I haven't been to enough brunch spots to justly declare the Twisted Spoke to be as good as it gets. What I can say is that it's definitely in the running. Great joint! Check it out.
(4)
Katrina H.
Fills my TUMMY UP!!! .. I've always gone to get a sandwhich and Fries to go in the winter.. and to sit down on their rooftop eating area during the summer. The amount of food that you get is well worth the money. Two people could share! .. The food is always delicious.. don't let the bikers scare you away! It can be family friendly during lunch time :) My kids enjoy their food as well :)
(4)
Ms. R.
I've been here twice. Once for breakfast and once for dinner. The atmosphere is okay, very laid back. I ate breakfast awhile back, but from what I can remember it was pretty good. Think I had a breakfast sandwich and a bloody mary. Had dinner a few nights ago. We shared guacamole and chips - the guac was pretty good, but the tortilla chips too greasy. My boyfriend had the shrimp po'boy; had too much bread, not much shrimp. I had the chicken curry salad which was quite good, but the pita bread served with it seemed stale. Ehh, it's an okay place, but probably won't frequent it too often since it's out of the way.
(3)
Katie S.
I do enjoy the rooftop here on pleasant sunny days, cold beer and sharing some nachos with my favorite people. Too bad the weather isn't so generous with many days like this, but the ones we are lucky enough to get I do cherish=) Beyond the attempts to look cool, it's still enjoyable when you're surrounded by the best people you can hope to find. Oh! I guess the meds are kicking in=) LOL
(4)
Naomi L.
UPDATED REVIEW! the server was smiley, despite waiting on a table of cops which I am sure were not going to heaily tip! The decor is spotless and unique. There is allot of love going on at TS. Falafel was great- Fries are a little cold each time. Chicken Sandwich good. Drinks excellent!
(4)
M. J. W.
I can't believe someone gave the Twisted Spoke 1 star because she has bad taste in men! Well, it is what it is, I guess it's their fault on t hers. I'll be fair to the Spoke in my review, the hamburgers are pretty darn enormous and cooked to order, the fries are just salty and crispy enough, but have on occasion run across some soggy batches. Nothing worse than that. The service is a little aloof at times, but they are really busy it seems whenever I go in there. The roof patio is good for a group who wants to pounding some drinks - but the service is really, really slow up there. I recommend eating in the main room is your there for lunch or dinner. The drinks are never strong (my last Jack and Coke was almost all coke and ice) and the bar always seems to be overrun with regulars, so if you're looking for a new hang-out, I recommend somewhere else. In all, the atmosphere is always friendly, it's pretty easy to find parking nearby and one of the best hamburgers on the west side.
(4)
Laurie S.
So many beers to choose from your head will spin. Many eclectic cocktails. Cool decor. Had a BBQ chicken sandwich that was really tasty. Bartenders were friendly but not very at tentative and that is why I give this place 4 stars instead of 5.
(4)
Carinne C.
After moving to West Town, I have gone to Twisted Spoke several times. The first time, I loved it. Subsequent visits have not been as successful. Gripes are as follows: - Music is annoying loud. Not all the time, but on random evenings the hard core music is headache-causing. - Staff is uninterested in working. I get it, you're a cool biker bar with attitude. But you still work for tips, and I'd love another drink. Please stop avoiding me. - Food is hit or miss. I generally order the same thing (boneless buffalo) and it can be amazing. Unfortunately, it can also be tasteless. And on one occasion when my husband picked it up to bring home, it contained plastic wrap. So, if you're in the neighborhood and starving, go for it. Don't go out of your way to get here though - there are better places all over Chicago.
(2)
Sue K.
Picnic tables on the rooftop in the summer. Bloody Mary is like a meal in itself - shredded cheese inside, and garnish has salami on it! Served with a beer chaser - what's not to like?
(5)
Caroline S.
Been here twice. Love burgers, but try to maintain a low annual quota since I consider them an unhealthy splurge. So I save the orders for establishments that are known for their burgers. All I can say is, "DRY, DRY DRY". The first time I went a few years ago I thought maybe they were having an off day. Then I returned earlier this summer, and had the same experience. I ordered it medium rare, and it was medium well, and beyond dry. I advise you to skip this joint and fill your burger quota elsewhere. The staff is pretty clueless too, seems like they have high turnover.
(1)
Anjee J.
Went here for breakfast. I think you really do have to be very hungover/still drunk from the night before to enjoy their food, because otherwise you will leave feeling sick to your stomach. Its really, really greasy and anything that was fried will be overpowered by the taste of bacon fat. Furthermore, you could probably whip up something better at home. Their peanut butter and banana "stuffed" Elvis toast was just 2 soggy pieces of subpar French toast with a tiny bit of generic peanut butter and thin slices of banana slapped inbetween! I make tastier French toast using Wonder Bread. Bleh. I wouldn't come back here, even if they do play some good music. There's dozens of other breakfast places in the area that are cheaper and much better. I could live without the punk rock/biker aesthetic, just give me some food that actually tastes good, plz.
(1)
Cassie K.
My roommate and I stopped in on our way to another event. The beer list was pretty great, the service was slow but once someone noticed me sitting there, it improved drastically. The salsa and chips were delicious and the jalapeno poppers were awesome. The windows were all open and the view is pretty cool.
(4)
Moe f.
Great place for beer and a bite. Extensive beer list. Great burgers. Excellent brunch in which I reccomend fried egg sandwich and a Bloody or two.
(4)
Amy M.
I went here last night with some friends around 10 pm and let me just say... yikes! This is a poor excuse for a restaurant. I am really surprised to see so many positive reviews about this place because we did not have a good experience. Our server (not sure of his name, but I'll just refer to him as Handlebar Mustache Man with the glazed over look in his eye) was by far the worst server I've ever had. He was rude to me right off the bat after he carded me for my Diet Coke because "Ummm.. this is a BAR, not a restaurant..." OK, fine. All he had to say was that we had to be 21 or over to be in there since no one carded us at the door. After his attitude, I decided I didn't even want to order food from them since their server was rude to me and probably would have spit in whatever I ordered. Most of the other people at the table ordered food and most of them were not satisfied with their food. My friend ordered a basket of fries, which she shared with the rest of the table. I find it difficult to refer to them as "fries," however, as they were really more like burnt potato nuggets. Not very appetizing. My other friend ordered a grilled cheese and some burnt potato nuggets, but between the server spilling drinks over her food and the low quality, she left the bar less than satisfied. When coming back to the table to "check if we needed anything else," he would stand at the end of our table and just hold his arms out waiting for someone to ask him for something. And when he came back to deliver drinks, he would never remember who ordered what and would just hold the drink out for someone to grab, meanwhile spilling drinks on whoever was in his path. Obviously, Handlebar Mustache Man was the main problem at this establishment, but I would not recommend going here if you are looking for good food or good service with a friendly atmosphere. If you want an unfriendly staff and low quality food, then this place is for you!
(1)
Sharlene K.
This place is one of the staples of my competitive eating training. Why? Because their double fat-boy burger is a monstrous beast of unparalleled proportions (at least in Chicago). The price of their burger includes all the fixings including grilled onions, bacon, and cheese. Fantastic onion rings, and flame lit whiskey chicken wings are wicked awesome. I don't go there for a love of bikes because really, it's kind of tacky, but the food portions are great. Some days it's all you can eat meatloaf (which I wish was ketchupy rather than gravy-based), and other days it's breakfast buffet with porn (don't bring your kids for Smut and Eggs). I don't know where people are getting this bad attitude from, maybe it's the other location they're talking about and mistakenly putting it up here, but these guys are freaking great. Once, my friends and I were there, and we were totally bummed. His bike was just wrecked in a car accident and he was downing whiskey shots to calm down and the waiter brought us extra shots on the house. The other great part is that they play fantastic music. I mean, Death from Above 1979? That's some sweet stuff right there.
(5)
Zach H.
OK, so this place is kind of corny due to the degree which they take the biker bar theme. It just feels forced and franchise-esque. I mean, if all those movies I have seen are true (aren't all movies?) bikers dig off-the-beaten-path dives with trashy bartenders and nothing but the cheapest ale possible on draft. But Twisted Spoke is clean, in a convenient location, and the staff is all friendly like. Anyways, aside from this dissonance I got from the aesthetic and ambiance, this place is pretty dope. All I have ever gotten there is bar munchies type food-- wings, poppers, fries, cheese curds, etc.-- and they have all been fantastic. They got a decent selection of brews and other drinks at reasonable prices as well. I have heard brunch, lunch, and dinner here are all pretty tasty as well. I'll be back to try one of those options out sometime soon.
(4)
Corey G.
Loved this place. Great atmosphere and drinks. The bartenders were all cool.
(5)
Josh S.
Here's the deal, I'm a big fan of the atmosphere and the bar, but for some reason the food always leaves something to be desired, not bad but nothing to write home about. The service is fine and the liquor/beer options are endless. I would recommend hanging out for a night and enjoying the endless possibilities at the bar, but don't travel too far for the eats.
(4)
Kristi C.
I was told that this place has the best bloody mary's in the city, so I had to check it out for myself. YUM! They are loaded with meat, cheese and other pickled goodies. I've been here twice-both times were on a Sunday when I was nursing a hangover. The ahi tuna sandwich with fries, 2 bloodys and whatever beer they had on special put me on the right level to start all over again...too bad I work Mondays!
(5)
Gavin G.
I used to frequent this place when i lived on Grand right down by it, but haven't been there in a year or so. the food is decent, a bit above "bar food" and the decor is cool. it's what i'd call 'biker-themed' but is far from a real motorcycle bar. i don't think i've ever seen anyone there that looked like a member of Motorhead or that guy in "Raising Arizona" who gets blown up by a grenade towards the end. good selection of draft beers and bottled as well, there was an assortment of strange foreign cheap beers that was the special for quite a while. surprised there hasn't been much mention of their Smut'N'Eggs. there's a regular who's got a large collection of pornography and they have screenings of his selections after midnight on saturdays. you can order from the brunch menu and "take in a porn flick filmed sometime between yesterday and 1970" according to their website. yes, it is for real hard core porno, and likely to be from the late 70's or early 80's, meaning wild hair on the performers' heads and other nether locations. in the summer the rooftop patio is killer.
(5)
Laine K.
If you're in the market for the perfect brunch place to cure a hangover, this is THE PLACE! So start off with a substantial Bloody Mary that's has a great spicy kick and is garnished with salami, olives, pearl onion, pepperocini and lots of shredded Parmesan. Sip and let the tomato-y tastiness wash over you. Now order just about anything on the breakfast menu and soak your mouth and stomach in the flavors of fantastic that seem to absorb your hunger. Crispy potatoes and perfectly melted cheddar with fluffy scrambled eggs, mushrooms and just a few too many undercooked onions. Throw in some sliced brats and send it out with a piece of toast that tastes rich and buttery and a side raspberry jam and you have a wonderful Sunday afternoon meal with friends. I definitely recommend this place. The decor is pretty cool and they have some theme nights (Smut & Eggs night?? Sounds interesting.)
(4)
Eric W.
I went in on Sunday with my family. It wasn't crowded at all. Busy but not crowded. We sat down around noon & they were still offering breakfast. I asked the waitress for an opinion She gave me one ++. I can't stand when they say everything is good. Even if its true most people would still have a favorite. I ate there fatboy burger Good Stuff! My favorite thing about the place is they have tons of unique beers. 5 bucks a beer 10 for a big burger w/ fresh cut fries. My only complaints were a Med cooked burger that I thought was medium well. But who wants to spit hairs & I think my fries were over cooked a little not inedible just a little darker than my linking.
(4)
Furry P.
My 5 stars are for BRUNCH. So much fun! I loved the ginormous mimosas (16 ounces!) and hand crafted bloodys. The menu is eclectic and tasty.. I had the fried egg sandwich and it was TO DIE FOR. Loved all the waitresses with plenty of ink, pink hair and no attitude. Not your typical blah fare. Make the trip, you wont regret it. I have no idea what the place is like as a "bar" but with a huge selection of beer on tap, couldnt be all bad.
(5)
Bruno R.
Good beer list, good service, but if you want to eat go some place else, food here is disgusting (greasy, badly made, bland, etc). They show porn on the TVs at night, which is just gratuitous = not fun.
(1)
Timothy M.
This place has cheap drinks: $2 whiskey & coke (Early Times). Fun during baseball season, they usually have the Cubbies on one TV and the Sox on another. Also awesome: the rooftop! I'm a huge fan of the neighborhood (the restaurant sits on the intersection of Grand and Ogden). Cool views. They also get props for the cool motorbike props and pictures of badass Brando. Two things I don't like: 1) The interior feels very stark (yes, I know it's a biker bar, but sitting in a restaurant/bar shouldn't feel like you're at the garage waiting for your mechanic to fix your Indian). The dining room is too spread out and the metal/grey decoration is cold and uninviting. 2) The bruch was a massive dissapointment. I love breakfast and bloody marys on Sunday, but the breakfast burrito was average and my partner's Wisconsin breakfast was mediocre too. Plus babies screaming and being placed in the smoking section wasn't too much fun for me either. Twisted Spoke's much-hyped bloody marys? Try Silver Cloud for EXCELLENT bloody marys -- even with the ham and cheese, the bloodys here were just about average. I would give it 4 stars if it wasn't for the last time being so blah.
(3)
david b.
Ah the spoke - they are adding a bar which means even more seating - stick with chicken tacos (corn tortilla) you won't go wrong. bartenders are cruel to tools so try and look pierced. jim beam and soda tall with lime for 250 - yes i'll have another #$#
(4)
Young D.
This is one of my favorite weekend brunch places. The steak and eggs are perfect with texas toast and potatoes, the grilled cheese sandwich is one of the best I've ever had, and the burgers are amazing and come with a bunch of add options for free. But the drinks. The Bloody Mary is AMAZING. It is perfect. They bottle and sell the mix they use, which I have bought, but you can't replicate the shot of Guiness or pickled veggies, olives, meat and cheese they load you with. It's truly just so delicious and the beer chaser isn't some icky beer. It's something pretty nice from the tap. Whether you're at the bar, at a table or on the roof, it's super relaxing and delicious.
(4)
ness y.
order one of their bloody mary drinks for a healthfully balanced, low-carb meal-in-a-glass. surprisingly not busy the night i went - thursday.
(4)
Frank S.
Really cool looking bar.Awesome buffalo wings. Hardly ever crowded. Parking is hard no lot. Love the atmosphere laid back kinda like biker/punkish Nice change of scenery great for food but i wouldn't make a night out of it. Once again great food.
(4)
Michael R.
The rooftop is a great place to get lunch, nice beer offerings, but service and menu are average at best. Nothing really bad to say about the place, but I wouldn't go out of my way to stop in.
(3)
Jo Jo B.
Ok, this is an update because Cliff E. from the Twisted Spoke asked me to review my last review after their remodel. So here is my new opinion of the new Twisted Spoke. I have been there a few times since the remodel and I hate to say it my opinion has changed somewhat. Their food is awesome AND (this one is for you Mr. Cliff) their kitchen appears to be much cleaner than it was. I never disputed the fact that the Spoke did not follow sanitary guidelines, but I only go by what my eyes can see and a few times I saw a somewhat unclean kitchen. I am glad to report this has now changed. On the other hand, the Spoke has lost it's biker bar appeal and has chosen the path of keeping up with the Jones's. Ugh! High Def TV's in the Spoke and now sans pool table WTF! Why they did not keep what was unique and different from the rest of these bars I do not know. (Money maybe?) Now I feel it has lost it's character. I really do miss the local crowd and appeal. When I went there after Lollapolooza I was bored there except for their exceptional choice of Smut and Eggs that night. Where they find their vids from I do not know, but it's all about the action and not the acting right! Whoever picks these knows a thing or two that's fo sho. ;o) Oh I wish the Spoke would go back to it's original way, but I feel they will continue with their upgrade and for that I will take one star off. I will still continue to go there, their deck is nice and the staff and food are always above par. Their beer selection and back bar is awesome, you can definitely find your favourite bevie there. Now if anyone from the Spoke is really paying attention to what I am writing, please bring back the old school charm will you! OLD REVIEW It is hard to find a decent bar in the West Loop area, but the Spoke is not that far from there and it is a fun place to hang. I like the food here, decent, for pub grub and it is reasonably priced. I agree with the comment below about the kitchen. I think it could be cleaned up a little. They have a nice beer selection but sometimes you can have issues with their beers on tap. Usually when you mention this to the staff they are more than willing to exchange your drink for something else. Their Pool table is not that great and you only have a small area to play. Be prepared to ask a few peeps to move while taking a shot. The Spoke. A local bar, nice crowd. I would give it 5 stars if they corrected the negatives listed above.
(3)
Audre L.
bikers brunch is good, and the bartenders are really nice. i like this place a lot for a laid back bar type brunch
(5)
Kristin C.
I like Twisted Spoke on Ogden much better than the one in Wrigleyville. This is a place where bloody mary=meal. I love it! The salami and mini-onions = hangover bliss. The food here is OK for me. . .nothing really sticks out as being awesome except for the burger - top notch. I think I usually get the chicken sandwich as well but it's not so memorable. The service is just OK as well. Last time I was there, everyone seemed hungover and annoyed to be working.
(4)
Phillie P.
Wednesdays are half off Whisky. Need I say more? May I recommend "Fighting Cock". If the name scares you, there's Jamesons. For $15 you can get SMASHED.
(4)
Bad Ass Chic K.
for the last 10 years whenever i would visit my dad in chicago we would say we are going to go to the twisted spoke. we never did. he died a year ago. i went back to chicago this past new year's to hang with my step-mom on the first of his birthdays that we have without him. my cousin phil took me to twisted spoke for brunch on my dad's b-day. we missed him terribly and knew that he would have had the BEST time downing super yummy eggs and spuds and scary-ass watery road side coffee. we would have laughed at THE friendliest bad service known to mankind while he tried to set me up with our hottie waiter. and then would have happily gone with us across the street to starbucks and sold-out with a cup o' mass consumption, and yet tastier, joe. next time i am back in chi-town i am going back for a burger and a beer and maybe a tequila shot at their 'smut & eggs' event. my dad would have loved that too! i miss you d, and i made it to the twisted spoke...wish you were there!!!
(4)
Anne P.
This place is delicious and its a ton of fun. They usually have a line for breakfast but the food is totally worth it!!! The decor brings the place to life with its fun biker vibe.
(4)
Eric W.
Great dive bar, especially since the remodeled it. The Fatboys (burgers) are great and both the chicken and steak tacos rock. But above all, Whiskey Wednesdays is what makes this place the best bar in town (at least on Wednesdays). The bourbon selection is fantastic and everything is 1/2 off. Service isn't great, but if you're not in a hurry (and why would you be at a dive bar) the bartenders are pleasant and there's a good crowd for people watching.
(4)
Gfiddy F.
So many great beers.
(5)
Nicholas G.
I used to live a couple of blocks from here, and as a regular I thought this place was great. (That seems to be a theme for me, I find a place in the neighborhood I like and keep going until they have to be nice to me..) I think the meatloaf sandwhich is delicious, and love the burgers too. I never order bbq, but that's in protest over the fact they closed Bone Daddy (don't even get me started about how much I loved that place.) After BD closed I made the switch to the Spoke and can't say I was disappointed. Since I lived close by I tried to always go when I didn't expect it to be crowded, and usually sat at the bar. One of my fondest memories is the guy who was ALWAYS at the end of the bar reading science fiction novels. I felt as if I'd arrived when he finally asked me what I liked to read. Great place, great atmosphere.
(4)
sarah s.
It's a fun neighborhood place is you wan to get away from the shi-shi-ness of most of the west loop, but the food is chronically mediocre. The Bloody Mary is, however, fantastic and comes with enough condiments to make a meal. Everything else makes my tummy hurt. The fried egg sandwich is yummy as hell. But, again, tummy ache.
(3)
Steve D.
I am going to slide into first person plural here, people. Your mileage may vary, but it probably will not. Our beers at the Twisted Spoke on Ogden run the gamut. Our draft handles change occasionally. One Saturday, I noticed He'brew Origin Ale on for the first time. We recently put on Flossmoor Station's Gandy Dancer Honey Ale. The beers on draft are craft brews. If you must have the behemoths, they're available in bottles. I posted a recent directory of our beers on beermapping.com 's forum. What I typically have at the Spoke is the 'pot-luck' (or elsewhere as the 'mystery beer') known here as the "Butch's Beer Special". The language describing it is such: "We carry 56 good beers and one that really sucks. It's usually best not to ask too many questions like 'What is it?'. What it is is only two bucks." But this is hyperbole. Except for one beer which was, in my estimation, unquestionably stale and must have been bought by the Einhorn Bros. from the distributor which was allowing it to go away [and if you have read about Larry Bell's situation - you *know* how rarely this happens] to another distributor. Because the other beers that have turned up in this special have been great beers from Lakefront, Victory, Left Hand, Mac Tarnahan's, Anchor, *New Belgium*, and once [I do not have to make this up.] even Affligem Abbey Ale. Food: Our hamburgers (Fatboys) are really, really good. I noticed we have begun serving them on a pretzel roll. Despite that, I have tried some of the other items on our menu. The Kobe Steak burrito, and the BBQ chicken sandwich (available with the BBQ sauce developed when the Bros. had the lawsuit-attracting 'Bone Daddy' restaurant up the street [It is now a plebian sports bar called 'Mahoney's'.]) are very good. The French Fries are superb. I've been detected scarfing the remains from other diners' plates. And at 11:59 pm on Saturday, you can again order from the breakfast menu. I think the Wisconsin Scramble is the best option there. Bring the kids. What I show is better than anything they'll find on the Internet. O.K. That was a wisecrack. Bring the kids some other time. Transit: We're 3 blocks away from the Blue Line "L"'s "Chicago" station. (Walk south-southwest down Ogden Ave. It would be a five block walk if you exited at "Grand".) Parking is available on the side streets south and east of Grand & Ogden. If you're exiting the Kennedy at Ogden, continue the additional block south of Grand and turn left [east] on Fulton. There should be spots on Fulton, Elizabeth (a one-way northbound street between Fulton & Ogden), or Racine. This is a great place. We have migrated over to the new area facing the southwest corner. The old bar area will become a dining room. We now have Dish Network dbs as well as cable (for the tube televisions). The two Pioneer DV-400V DVD players can provide separate programs on each of the large flat-screen TVs. So for awhile, you could see one movie on VHS on the tube TVs, and a movie on DVD on one of the flat screens.
(5)
Lauren H.
Really, 2.5 stars. I was meeting a fellow yelper and got there early. I waited a while at my table on the patio before anyone came to the table, yet people who came after me promptly got water and menus. I was basically ignored for 5-10 minutes even though the waitresses walked right by me several times. Finally a waitress brought water. I had to ask for a second glass for my friend (she should have asked if I was expecting anyone else) and for menus. My friend came shortly thereafter and our orders were taken. She ordered chicken tacos and I ordered a fried egg sandiwich. My food was pretty good, but I think she found her food kind of bland. It took 30 minutes between ordering and getting the food, and then the waitress came back only once to see if we wanted anything else, and we had to flag her down for the check. The patio is not so large nor was the food so exceptional that I can excuse the service; it really needs to be stepped up. The patio is large and well spaced, so the place does have a lot of potential, esp in summer. The downstairs also has a cool shape to it too. Also a minus was the bathroom--it smelled like a pool locker room, way too much bleach or ammonia, and no ventilation.
(2)
Evelyn C.
I came here this weekend after not visiting in about 2 years. The decor was the same with all the bike parts and what not everywhere. Usually I only got beer here, but since I was there chatting with friends I decided to get some food. The food was okay, borderline blah. The cheese curds had no flavor, like they were frozen and not cooked all the way. There were served with spicy honey mustard? That flavor combo was not working for me. I then ordered the pulled pork nachos. They were okay. The bbq sauce on the wings is the same as on the pulled pork but it is semi-heavy in flavor so it overwhelmed the nachos. A couple of friends got a burger and a sandwich and they looked very tasty. The fries were good. I was drinking Oberon but it was pouring weird and was really cloudy. The service was okay, we did have to flag people a few times. The bathrooms could of used a good cleaning.
(4)
Cathy B.
Great selection of beer but the food is nothing to write home about. Burgers are alright but the fries are bland. One of my other friends got a buffalo chicken sandwich and the chicken was soggy and hardly had any buffalo sauce. No ranch either. There are better places in the area, don't waste your time!
(2)
Seth F.
I'm a beer drinker and homebrewer. This place has a good selection of regional micros, national micros, and imports. The food though, ugh, the food. I read the menu and I think, what a wide selection of potentially interesting items. Yet every time, whatever I order, its just sub par, mediocre, banal, etc.
(3)
George G.
I love this place. They recently redid they bar to give the place a facelift. The food is decent but nothing fabulous. They have smut and eggs late night on the weekends which is always fun. The booze flows like water here which always makes for a good experience. The staff is always nice but a little tough because after all it is a biker bar. Go have some drinks scream your head off and enjoy.
(4)
christine r.
when i'm all greazed out and hungover, this is the spot for a great breakfast and bloody mary (which can be a meal, in and of itself). the bloody marys are tasty, but also somewhat weird with all the shredded cheese in them. haha. it tickles my uvula. that might not be a good thing. they serve the marys with a beer chaser, usually something like point, or something just as hideous. before i spend a day in studio, i love to drag myself over here for a plate of breakfast tacos. ask for the bloody mary with gin - you'll get a funny look but it tastes so good. lunch/dinner food is good, too. order the bbq pork nachos for a face full of delicous (and if you're okay with not pooping for about a week - they're LOADED with melted gouda). please, for the sake of your health, share these nachos with others. the waitstaff can have a tendency to be pokey, so i don't recommend this for someone in a hurry. of course, if you're hanging out around grand/ogden you can't really be in a hurry, anyway - right?
(4)
Philip P.
Went here years ago but I still remember the biker atmosphere and having a menu that presented me with too many good choices.
(3)
Anna J.
the rooftop patio here is what makes this place awesome. what i love about it is that it's kind of a secret. on a beautiful friday night in the summer...this is the place to be. the food is pretty good...it's not off the chart. pretty standard bar food. the vodka lemonades are fantastic!! not to sweet not sour. perfect and a little bit to easy to drink if you know what i mean ;) the beer list is great. awesome happy hour place.
(3)
Bobby D.
Not a bad biker-style restaurant at all. The Gazpacho is great. The Steak Tacos are good too. Nice when outdoors in the Summer, And not too bad indoors either. Quite a bit of motorcycle memorobilia in this place too.
(4)
Rebecca T.
Got Hangover? This is your place. I highly recommend the sloppy, gooey, greasy, fried egg sandwich. Fixes you right up... well, that and the multiple drinks you consume over brunch.
(4)
Chocolate H.
Different types of beer, rooftop, and good food what else do you need. To bad the neighborhood it is in is boring.
(4)
Julie M.
Definitely a favorite!! We live a block from the old location in Wrigley and I think we're subconciously moving to the east village so we can continue to order from here often. Although, they caused me a little bit of embarassment when I took my entire family here when they were in town for my graduation. We were looking for some late night food and ending up unknowingly coming for smut-n-eggs!! Once we got our delicious food, I got over the uncomfortability of watching "porn" with my dad. We looooveee the fried egg sandwich, the turkey sandwich on texas toast is really good, and the wings are great. I see others have commented on poor service which we avoid by ordering takeout.
Great food, but don't go in there starving because it may be a minute before someone gets to you.
(4)
Kathy S.
I've always loved Twisted Spoke from day one, it's a stand-by that I keep going back to again and again. Their bloody mary is one of my favorite in the city, especially alongside their breakfast burrito. Normally, I probably wouldn't review a place like the Spoke, since it has been around for a while and either you love it or you hate it (and I think most love it), but I had to give a mention to one outstanding server, Dino. So, five stars for Dino (you rock!), and four overall for Twisted Spoke.
(4)
Fred P.
I have been going to the Spoke since it had a patio in front, right on the corner of Grand & Ogden-since day 1. Even with the new, tendy bar up front (and clientele), this is still one of the best eating & drinking bars around. The new "big" bar houses one of the best bourbon and scotch selections anywhere in the city - their beer selection isn't too shabby either-I do miss the decal-laden cooler that sat in the dirty back bar. They've dropped a few menu mainstays, but the burgers and fries are still incredible, as are the tuna sandwich (w/ginger and water chestnuts), Boss Hog and BBQ Kobe brisket, The brunch (hard to go wrong with any dish) and, particularly, the reknowned bloody marys are over the top. Smut-n-eggs is still around on Saturday nights, although there are fewer "trench coat" types in the house. There are two outstanding service pros still there from the back bar days: Dino, who knows his clients, his menu, drinks and music really adds to a genuine experience without pretense, and a tattooed, purple-haired bartender who is very cool and pours a great drink - I forgot her name, but she always remembers me...my kinda place. I was informed by another friendly Yelper that Dino has left the Spoke and the bartender's name is Nicole.
(5)
n r.
This place gets FIVE STARS for having the best bloody mary's in the city. Hands down. Where else can you get a meal in a glass? Spiked with shaved parmesan cheese, black pepper and garnished with a hunk of salami, a pearled onion, and a green olive, these things are a (tasty) meal in and of themselves. Not to mention the PBR "back." A little shooter of PBR draught comes on the side. This is my brunch spot. I never stray from my bloody coupled with the best Fried Egg Sandwich...to die for. Fried egg, smothered in mayo, melted cheddar, sliced tomato and thinly sliced white onion, oh and how could I forget, crispy BACON on a marble rye sammich served with home potatoes. IT IS THE BEST. If I get good service from the fully-tatt'd cast, it's a bonus. If not, I still get some cool artwork to stare at. :)
(5)
M M.
The rooftop in the warmer seasons rocks! Great view, great service and the food ...man.,..love me some bbq chicken from Twisted Spoke!
(4)
Stephanie D.
My first visit to the Twisted Spoke was during a lunch a few days back. A co-worker and I decided to give it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised. I had the turkey BLT (minus the T) and it was awesome. GREAT FRIES here!! My friend had the shrimp po-boy and was in love with that as well. Our server was slow and kind of rude... The decor inside is fun and the crowd is interesting. There is a pool table by the bar... Parking can be challenging, but they have a an outside roof-top patio that is awesome during warm days.
(4)
Michael S.
Really great place. Good "fat boy" burgers and beers. Really good place to pick up some old fashion heart attach food! Also I heard they change the channel on all the TV's on Sat night. Not sure what thats about... The bloody mary's are great! Try it out!
(5)
Ethan S.
Twisted Spoke means one thing to me: hangovers. I go there the day after drinking for some great hangover food. The appetizer section of the menu is pretty can't miss. Their nachos are very good, the cheese curds (may sound disgusting) are fantastic, and they have very good quesadillas. I graded them down from 4 to 3 stars for two reasons: First, their service is pretty bad. When we were in yesterday, they took our appetizer orders and brought them out and we had been finished with them for a good 10 minutes before we even placed our orders for the meals. Also, good luck trying to get a refill of anything. Second, on weekends they don't open up their full menu until after 2:00 PM. Their breakfast is not as great as the rest of the menu. It also should be noted that this place does not allow you in without a 21+ ID. This can be annoying if you are in a large group with a bunch of hungry people and either one person forgets their ID or someone isn't 21.
(3)
Allison W.
Waited two hours for Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout to be tapped tonight and sadly it was sour. All six people of my group were completely turned off. We came just for this beer and it was BAD! Luckily the bartenders took it off our bill and gave us a shot to ease the sourness of our tainted pallets. Would go back but be careful about shelling out $10 for a glass
(3)
bill s.
Man this place is awesome. It's totally badass. I've been there probably at least 6 times now and every time that I've been there the staff was beyond great, friendly, and helpful. If you have a taste for a Corona they don't have it but you'll be pleasantly surprised to have a Sol which is a beer very similar to Corona. The Fatboy Burgers are a burger person's dream. They come prepared with several types of cheese and maan are they great. The Bloody Eggs are also excellent. They are eggs mixed with all kinds of bloody meat fixins'. That might sound disturbing but it's delicious. The Portobello Mushroom Burgers and pretty awesome too. Their fries are not the regular kind, they are the better kind, sort of like Rally's fries. MMMMMM...They are open until 2 am, they have a nice bar, plenty of neat things on the walls.. like a picture of Marlon Brando for instance, and they have Twisted Spoke merchandise available.
(5)
One T.
When I first moved across the street from this place all I could think of was the Wrigleyville Twisted Spoke and that place makes me queasy. But then one day my boyfriend and I were starving and wanted instant gratification, so crossed the street we did. I recommend the Portabella Mushroom Burger it's vegetarian friendly and extremely delicious. The waiters are nice and friendly, but not overfriendly, they let you be while you're enjoying your meal. And if you just want to get a drink they're one of my favorite places to get a gin & tonic. I don't recommend coming on a weekend day though, it's overcrowded with tourist-types and families. (Oddly enough).
(5)
Tina T.
Gosh I love this place! Haven't been at night but we go for the biker brunch. Not the healthiest meals but it does cure a hangover. Did find a good egg breakfast without meat, so there are some good things for vegetarians and non meat eaters. For the hair of the dog, try their Bloody Marys served with a beer chaser, with a side of coffee. Their upstairs deck is cool; love the music and atmosphere; it is a little disturbing to see how yuppified it can get there; although I'd bet it's not too yuppie during the "smut and eggs" porn breakfasts late night (perhaps a little too crazy for me)
(4)
Matthew B.
First of all one of the best beer selection I've ever seen in a restaurant/bar huge craft selection on tap and in bottles. If you can't find anything here to your liking you have problems. Secondly Bloody Mary's are done here very well, from the moment it arrives you are in awe as it is done very well in it's presentation and everything after that follows. We went on a Sunday afternoon and were seated right away. This place just has the right feel of divey that me and my wife like in a bar/restaurant feel. But other than that feeling the food and beer/drink selection is top notch. We started out with the cheese curds. Some of the best that I've ever had, done extremely well just the right amount of breading plus they give you a cheese dipping sauce lol some cheese for your cheese why not!!! We both went with sandwiches one of us having the pulled pork and the other having the shrimp po'boy. The pork arrives with a tremendous amount of pork that my wife was able to scrape off some from her sandwich and pour it over her fries(hand cut fries btw) with the left over cheese sauce and make a version of pork poutine fries(Twisted Spoke if you would like to put that on the menu as a app just put her name on it that's all :) ) the pork was very good my wife liked the fact that the bun did not get soggy at all, Seriously there is enough pork on there to make 2 sandwiches very good sauce and pork would definitely get again. I had the shrimp po' boy and it was very good also. The shrimp tasted so fresh, all the ingredients blended seamlessly together to make a great tasting sandwich. The bread was slightly toasted and crispy which again held up throughout the sandwich. We also got the boneless wings to go and the word on those were that they were some of the best tasting wings. All in all would definitely go back, the vibe in the place is awesome, great food and drinks what more could you want in a place? If you are in the area stop on in we for sure will be back again very soon
(5)
genevieve b.
So I have to start this review by saying that I love this place. I got there a lot, and its casual, laid back, the liquor selection can not be beat anywhere in the city, and they have amazing food and bloody marys that make me come here about 3-4 times a month. Usually the service is fine, if a bit slow, but I have never cared since its not fine dining, its a bar... and so I've never had a bad experience, at least until this past Saturday at brunch. Ok, I used to wait tables and I know what an absolute horror brunch can be for servers... but on this occasion I really felt like our waiter couldn't wait until we left. We sat on the patio (which I love) and we received menus, and water right away. Great. We sat there for at least 25 minutes (was watching my watch because I had an appointment later) and the waitress who was also working out there went and took two other tables orders before anyone had even approached us. I didn't realize there was another server out there since I hadn't seen anyone else so I asked her and she said she'd send out server over. It appeared to me that he was new at serving since he didn't greet us at all, apologize for the wait, but rather launched into what do you want.... not good. I ordered coffee and a bloody mary and every time he put a drink on the table, he put it on the very edge of the table closest to him rather than putting it in front of me. I waited tables for years and this was so irritating I couldn't stand it. I asked for more coffee and he picked up the cup from in front of me, filled it, and then set it again on the very edge of the table closest to where he was standing so I had to then reach over to pick it up. Its a small thing but it is just bad service. Food was great as always, but I noticed that he was much nicer to other tables that us. My girlfriend and I were just out for brunch, we weren't begin bitchy or rude thought I was a bit annoyed at having to wait so long to be acknowledged, but I guess since we were bothered he stayed away from us as much as possible instead of apologizing which goes a long way with me. I'll definitely come back... like I said I love this place, but I feel like this service was too bad to not mention. :/
(3)
Casey Z.
Three words: try their wings. My boyfriend absolutely loves wings, so much so that he has become somewhat of a wing snob. We stopped into Twisted Spoke to grab a quick drink and an appetizer and naturally we decided to go with the wings. They were incredible. They make their own sauce and are very secretive about it. If you are wing fan, you have to try this place.
(4)
Al G.
It wasn't bad at all despite being limited by the Sunday Brunch menu, which pretty much seemed to limit the normal menu, if I'm not wrong. I had the gumbo with the poached eggs super satisfied with a side of potatoes. My girlfriend had the eggs smoked pork and peaches with a hell of a slice of Brie cheese. Both dishes were great, and would return just for them. I definitely want to plan another trip to try the full menu. I'll get back then, hopefully just as good if not better experience. The service was o.k. Could have used more water or ice in the water, when they were around they were somewhat pleasant. But not bad...
(4)
Kevin C.
The menu caters to hangovers on Sunday. In search of a Bloody Mary and a hot breakfast plate then park your Harley here. They have 8 different bloody's to choose from and long beer list. Any whiskey or scotch you could ever want with Jim, Jack, and Jameson coming from the barrel. The dining room full of folks trying to get back to sea level. I opted out of breakfast since it was almost two and went for a burger. Standard, medium-rare, could have used a little more seasoning, but it fit the bill. And the mussels with a roasted tomato broth were awesome but needed additional bread (who in the city serves mussels with an ample amount of bread?!). Our waitress was a rock star and by no means was rushing us even though there was a 30 minute wait. She was straight up about menu items in question and truly made the dining experience pleasant. They will be packed on Sunday. The bar will be full and when groups get called for their table the vacant seats will surely be sniped instantly. Don't hesitate, just go, before its too late. Bloody's are popular, you'll see beer side cars everywhere, and that's a good indication. Biker bar, biker dudes, biker beers...you get the point. If you can't find the booze or beer you are looking for then you need to leave. Jameson from the barrel will change your perspective and having it from the bottle will not impress you. A solid option on a Sunday afternoon, or stop in for half off loud mouth soup on Whiskey Wednesday, and you may find yourself sticking around for an extra beer.
(3)
Natalie T.
Cant get enough. Love the patio. The bloody marys are, hands down, best ever. I have been coming back for years for them. This summer we have chosen twisted spoke's patio as our brunch "spot" to bring our out of town guests regularly. Noone ever leaves dissappointed! I highly recommend the bacon tempura and jalapeno poppers to start. Entree-wise the chillakillas, fried egg sandwich or four cheese grilled cheese (add bacon) are all personal favs. Don't be intimidated by the sounds of the concoctions some of their bloody marys: there is not one bloody mary that will let you down. Awesome beer and whiskey selections, also! I cannot rave enough about how much I love the Twisted Spoke!
(5)
Ryan K.
Had brunch on the rooftop with friends and a total of four kiddos. I had the Chila Killas, which is a Mexican egg scrambler with peppers, cheese, and baked tortillas, it was really good. Friends had the burgers which as many other reviews have stated are excellent. Kids had French toast and grilled cheese which they loved. They only have one item on the kids menu, grilled cheese, but our waitress Thelma let us order single pieces of French toast rather than ordering the full adult portion, yes this place is kid friendly. Everyone loved the atmosphere and we had great service. Will be back again soon.
(5)
David C.
Don't let the cadavers on bikes fool you!!! I love going to this place for brunch on Sundays and having their AMAZING Bloody Marys!! The bloodies come with bologna, an onion, cheese...and a sidecar of their beer. The food is not half bad and I always seem to get the breakfast burrito with a melon slice. I also come for the rocker\biker vibe. My server is always a badass Phillipina who is very attentive and always so nice. I also hear they play porn during the night bar hours. My kinda place! Lol...
(4)
Jen K.
I love this place. They have a phenomenal beer menu, with hard to find BCS usually available. Not many places can boast that...so barrel-aged beer lovers, head here! The bloody marys are really good. Not the best in this world, but really good. I like the flavor of parm cheese in it, but sometimes it becomes really annoying to try and fit the shredded cheese through the straw. The brunch is great...usually potatoes are served with breakfast food as a cheap filler but have zero flavor. Not here! They were one of the best parts of the meal! The corned beef hash is a perfect hangover remedy. Basically, I mix the hash, the potatoes, and the poached eggs together for one big breakfast mess. The blood mary washes it down, and I'm cured! The only complaint is that this place could stand to expand, especially in the bar area. It gets very, very cramped. This place is always busy, too. There is NEVER any good parking, prepare to walk or park illegally. So get there early, have some barrel-aged stouts to comfort the soul, and you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Nichole M.
This is definitely a unique bar/restaurant. Our server was super friendly and helped us with the beer selection and food menu. I was pleased with both. Plus they play really good rock music! The food is quite good. The brisket was the recommended dish, but I'm not a brisket gal. Everyone else at my table had the brisket and loved it. I had the buffalo chicken sandwich which was delicious and also extremely messy. Totally worth it. Had a really good time with the music, beer, food and service accompanying my great company.
(4)
Mike W.
Had lunch at the spoke today with a couple of friends. The service was great and the food was good. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Paul M.
If you love bad service, mediocre food, has a funky whiz/beer odor, and won't sell a plain grilled cheese to a Mom, then this is the place for you. If any a place is in need of an appearance on Bar Rescue, the Twisted Spoke is it. I have been there a ton of times over the years and have always had a great experience until last Sunday. Stopped in w/my wife and teenage son. Typical dive bar which I love, but that funky dive bar smell of beer and whiz permeated throughout was the first time I'd experienced this at the Spoke. It was slow and there were plenty of staff just stading around talking to each other. It took a while for our server to get to us. My son and I ordered the burgers and my wife wanted a simple grilled cheese and that was on the menu but under the 'KIDDIES' section. The waiter explained that he would have to charge her $5 more for the grilled cheese because she's an adult. She said she didn't want anything then and I mentioned that charging $5 more for a menu item because someone is not a kid is a bit strange. He agreed and went to get the manager. It was evident that the Manager has really never had any experience in customer service experience. He said that my wife could order the adult grilled cheese on the menu which had thicker bread, 3 types of cheese and a lot more fries. She said she just wanted an old fashioned grilled cheese with just American cheese. He said he couldn't do that for her. Huh? We even offered to throw in a few more bucks (not $5, though) and he said he still couldn't do it because if he did all of Chicago would be in the place ordering grilled cheese cuz it's such a great deal. Even the table across from us were in disbelief. Our burger and fries were good. They could definitely have used a bit of seasoning. Overall, it was really weird and I have been telling everyone about this experience. Needless to say we won't be returning and from the recent reviews I've read, this place won't be around long unless they make some major changes that get them back to the great place they used to be. One place to start is to take advice from legendary Chicagoan Marshall Field. He coined the phrase "Give the lady what she wants." And in this case, the lady was asking for a grilled cheese and that simply couldn't be done. The spoke is twisted and apparently so is their logic and thinking.
(1)
Nicole W.
Gross gross gross. Stopped by here for a beer and a bite, the fries taste metallic and gross, the ketchup tasted off. Portobello sandwich was impressive LOOKING, however, it tasted like shit. And how does a place fail with a grilled cheese? C'mon. Cheapest cheese ever, yuck. Barely touched the food. Beer and poppers were the only things we ordered worth consuming. Don't waste your money.
(1)
Kris R.
two thumbs up. not my go-to, but it's definitely delicious. no matter what time of day, get a tasty bloody. i love it when they stuff meat in it. they put it all up in there, all folded, with an olive, all up in your cup. i think they put cheese in it, too. all up in there. and it's spicy! which i sometimes have trouble with, but it's totes worth it. i've had the biscuits + gravy for brunch on the roof deck - that was pretty damn good. the chili is okay - kinda runny if you ask me. it comes in a metal skillet, so when you're scooping it up with a spoon, you get that metallic taste. ew. it's a great place to hang and drink. i think i was there one night for the 70s porn and chicken (or is it eggs?). i just have an issue with the 1970s in general, so seeing all kindsa hair makes me feel uncomfortable. outdated porn, especially from that era, makes it hard for me to eat anything. #puns
(4)
Stephanie L.
SKIPPPPPPPPPPP! Oh Twisted Spoke, I heard so many good things about you so I was dying to try you and finally I was going to eat bad on a Sunday after doing so well for about a week and a half. Sunday afternoon, no line, perfect. Walk in and no one pays a bit of attention to us. Maybe we were to preppy or maybe they were just busy. After a couple of minutes a guy that was sitting on the stairs gets up and gets us menus and then shows us to a little table right in the front. Fine with us. It was too hot to sit outside. He proceeds to rattle off something about a limited brunch menu, but they have some sandwiches. I distinctly remember hearing him say portobello mushroom sandwich. Anyway, we sit and wait and wait. No one comes. Finally water comes out. We wait and wait and wait. Finally our server with hot red lips comes over. The weird thing was that she must have walked by us at least 5 times before stopping. WE ARE STARVING! Please, help us get some food! We order up the Bloodies! I have to say 5 stars on the delicious bloodies. They really were a great TREAT! YUMMY! Not to mention, spicy and loaded with cheese, meat and all the fixings. This would be worth coming back for. All for $8! So I was kind of confused about the menu because they have limited lunch menu on Sundays. However, the server stated different things were available than the guy that sat us. So that was annoying. Just make a printed menu of whats available on Sundays...is it that hard? Its not like their menu is this extravagant thing. Instead, one person is telling us one thing and then the server is saying, 'oh no, thats not available today.' Get your shit straight. We decided on the shrimp po'boy and the bbq chicken sandwich. The po'boy was FISHY! It was like I had a bite of the shrimp and seriously tasted it in my mouth until after we left the restaurant. GROSS! Out of the places that I have recently went for po'boys, this was by far, my least favorite. The chicken was good, however, I wouldnt go out of my way for it. I also found it interesting that they dont have ranch here. They serve wings, etc. No ranch. Just Green Goddess, which is good, however, its not ranch??! Overall, I was disappointed in Twisted Spoke. I get the grungy, biker look, however, I still expect good service and people that know what they are talking about. Also, if you are going on a Sunday and looking for a healthy option, this is NOT the place for you. Everything was like a heart attack waiting to happen. Where I also was kind of disappointed about.
(2)
Glory O.
the best gumbo in the worlddddd! its serious stuff when you get it with the two poached eggs for brunch (they only do the eggs on weekends unfortunately). although everything else on the menu always looks great -- the only thing i ever get is the gumbo. GUMBO GUMBO GUMBO! great food and booze with friendly service. doesn't get better than that!
(5)
Brandon T.
Came here last night with friends and had a fantastic time. The place has a weird old school diner feel. The bar top is metal, the bathrooms are strange, but in a good way. The drinks they make are really good. The old fashion was surprisingly well done. Also the beer list is huge, and the bartender knows his stuff about everything on it, so feel free to ask for a recommendation. I ended up getting a few appetizers. The fries were just ok, the cheese curds and wings were much better, but nothing to write home about. I would definitely stop in again if in the area.
(4)
Sara S.
This place is on our regular rotation of places, we go probably at least a few times every month. Alex and Jen are our favorite bartender duo, but all the employees are fun to talk to. The atmosphere is casual and fun. If you are in the mood for a beer I suggest getting one of their recommendations to try something seasonal or different. If you are in the mood for a mixed drink they have quite a few unique options as well. Their bloody marry works wonders and their hot toddy is my go too when I have a cold. The food is always delicious! We have tried multiple items on the menu; the burger is always great, I love the cheese curds with the mustard sauce, the Wisconsin Scrambler is fantastic, and the flaming lemon wings are also great (and entertaining). Those are just some of my favorites, but like I said, I have yet to order anything and be disappointed. Great staff, great drinks, and great food make this one of our regular spots!
(5)
Carly G.
I'm here every weekend. That says something. Best bloodies and their biscuits and gravy are to die for! Oh and their mussels are nothing short of extraordinary!
(5)
Merissa L.
Ambiance is good but food is mediocre at best. I have been here 2 times now. The first time I had poached eggs with were ok, the potatoes were just whatever. Last night I ordered the chicken tacos and they came with melted cheese under the chicken, and a small plastic side of black beans. The tortillas were hard and almost crunchy and anyone who knows tacos knows that melted cheese just aint the way it supposed to be. i wish this place had better food...service was also mediocre at best.
(2)
Steve H.
Wow! Massive whiskey list! The best is Wednesday nights where they are all half off :) Their beer list is also impressive! Came here and tried some of their sandwiches. The Boss Hog pulled pork really could hold its own against any BBQ joint. My buddies Fat Boy burger was ridiculous as well.
(4)
Brian R.
With today's foodie population splitting multiple items to try as much as possible I find it absurd that you would charge a 50% extra surcharge if I want to cut off a piece of my burger and give some to someone else. . Go elsewhere.
(1)
Estevan F.
Dont expect the red carpet to be pulled out for you when coming here.. In return shall receive amazing beer, great burgers, sandwiches and chicken tacos. Music is good the beer lists are amazing. Did I forget to mention fried egg, bacon and cheese on your burger? The place has a dark biker bar feel, bar area is a bit small when its packed. Luckily they have a dining area good place to keep the children and health junkies. Great place to chill and relax take your time to enjoy that great beer. Not really the place to get quick food if your on a time crunch. Always enjoy the patio after a long day of motorcycle riding has a great view of your bikes.
(4)
Kari F.
It is so glorious to go to a place that really knows how to make a Bloody Mary... I say spicy, they give me ze spice. I can't go on without mentioning their shrimp po boy... This sandwich is huge, crunchy, and so fresh. I love when a restaurant understands the importance of using quality bread. I can't count how many times I've ordered this. When I'm feeling crazy, I get the fried bacon (...Is this real life?!). It's not too greasy or over-powering at all. The beer selection makes me so :). I enjoyed a $2.50 special for Alpha King on Tuesday night (...no really, Is this real life?!). The service is good most of the time- the bartender was knowledgable and made some great suggestions for beer as well as mixers we tried. He made a heck of an Old Fashioned. The service does get pretty slow on the rooftop in the summer, since they had one guy serving the entire bunch. Only thing that puzzled me was the night i wanted to grab some grub and a beer with my sister, and porn was on every TV. It was awkward. It would be funny if they aired it for like a half hour, but it was the rest of the night. I'm trying to eat here.... c'mon. Besides that once instance, I come here all the time and always had a good experience. I will keep coming back for the quality food and bevs any day.
(4)
Theresa F.
2nd time around - still good food. I had the lemon wings - they were ok - I think they do better with sandwiches and breakfast food though. Server was Andy and he was AWESOME!
(4)
Jessica B.
Best corn beef hash in the city and the bloodies are everything that people have said and more.
(4)
Elizabeth E.
Bloody Mary. Bloody Mary. Bloody Mary. I'm not sure what else to say. Oh, also the rooftop patio is fantastic in the summer, though maybe not if you're already sunburned. And the shrimp po'boy is the truth, and big enough to share if you're not awfully hungry. In fact, most of the menu is big enough to share. Your tastebuds will thank you for the greasy breakfast (or dinner). Your arteries will thank you for having some restraint. Also: Bloody Mary.
(4)
Monica Z.
Delicious bloody's and breakfast food. I love coming here after a night out. You leave full and satisfied.
(5)
Mary N.
When I walked into the bar all I thought was "Bar Rescue". Roof top was OK. Service was terrible! Waitress should be fired. She was so rude and abrasive. Food totally sucked. Went downstairs to the bar to escape the waitress, it was so hot in the bar we left. I don't understand what people see in this place. It may have been good at one time, but not now
(1)
Olivia B.
Sick rooftop, hot as hell though. Amazing beer and cocktail selection. American and Mexican food, great hangover cures. Service is on the slower side, but I love this place. Steak burrito is amazing, same with their margaritas.
(4)
David S.
This place is awesome. We visited april 18th, and had breakfast. The food was great exaclty what we were looking for after a long night out the night before, and the bartender Jerome was awesome. Cant wait to come back.
(5)
Laura P.
Ya know, I dig this place because it reminds me of my daddy and his bikes. I like the motorcycle parts and pictures and paraphernalia probably because I grew up around all this stuff and it feels comfortable. I tipped over my Dad's bike onto my brother when he was 4 while trying to pretend ride the bike....but all that doesn't matter now. Oh, my brother, he's fine. Thanks for asking. He does have male pattern baldness but I don't believe that was caused by having a motorcycle tipped over on him. Anywho....brunch here today was almost inedible. French toast that had been sitting in the warming tray or on the counter for at least 10 minutes before it was served. Bacon was microwaved and hard and could have taken out a steel filling in a tooth if you bit down too hard. Waitress claimed juice was fresh squeezed but was clearly concentrate. Some people know the difference..... Kinda hate writing this review because the service is super good here and the bartenders are friendly and the roof is cool and the everything else is sweet but jeezus H. Christ can you get it together with the food? I mean you already have a customer base and NOT just people that are hungover or are drinking. Why not make a LITTLE bit more effort. It wouldn't even take much. Just serving the food when it comes up would help. Seriously.
(2)
Taylor B.
Everything is good here. Everything. I'm talking about the food & beverage, not the after hours television selection. But I have been impressed with every item I've had on this menu, so much so that I'm able to branch out often and try new things, instead of relying on stand-bys and favorites like I do with other restaurants. I have had, and rate 5 stars, to the following menu items: - Jumbo Steak Burrito Not quite as big as Ty Domi's head, but the perfectly cooked steak and the great ingredients make up for quantity with quality. - FatBoy Burger You can add grilled onions, barbecue, lettuce, tomato, BACON, cheese. You can choose the bun. You have the option for fried egg and avocado. It's all gold. This is the cure for the hangover before it starts. - French Fries Cut and seasoned perfectly, a great compliment to their homemade barbecue sauce, which I would drink on its own. - Fried Egg Sandwich I order this the most, because if anyone else in the restaurant orders it, I get food envy. It's beautiful, it's huge, and it's delicious. - Bloody Mary w/ Scotch It's like drinking a campfire. A delicious, smokey, bacon filled camp fire. I highly recommend this place...it's worth traveling to if you're not in the neighborhood. I can't wait for summer and the roof deck.
(5)
Liz K.
(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...
(1)
Emily C.
Decided to come on a whim for a bloody. I had heard they were great here and wanted to try. The place was packed on a Sunday, to be expected, so we went straight to the bar and by some miracle were able to procure seats. We tried the classic bloody (loved the bloody, would have preferred normal bloody "fixins" like a pickle and olives vs. the pearl onion and salami, but that's just me). Our friend tried the smoky version and thought the bacon in it was great. I loved that you got a little shorty of beer to go with it. Totally hit the spot. I also tried the "Pedro's Just Dessert" and the bartender made it a bit sweeter for me. LOVED this drink - a mix of sherry and prosecco. The best were the names of the drinks, bathrooms, general concept of the bar - hilarious. Would definitely go for a bloody again. 82/365
(4)
Anna E.
I can't believe I've never reviewed this place before! I've been coming here for years and always enjoy the cast of characters. Don't let the biker vibe deter you. They have great, friendly service and an amazing rooftop patio. The burgers are the way to go, but the brunch is good too. They also make a solid bloody mary. Great place to spend a Sunday on the roof day drinking.
(4)
Tim B.
$10 lunch special - burger, fries, drink (certain beers available if you want one). Can't beat it. Burger was very good, cooked how you like. List of available free toppings longer than most (bacon and jalapeños among others). Fries were great. Beer selection is huge. Whiskey selection even bigger. Rock music playing. Sports on the TVs. Friendly staff. This is a man cave away from home.
(5)
Melinda W.
I really wish I was able to make it here more often...it's not terribly close to my house but I've had nothing but great food and even better drinks each time I've come here. As you probably know by now...go outside of your comfort zone and order something crazy. Gotta love the Bloody Mary though, it's fantastic. Such a fun vibe, great place to drag someone from out of town for brunch if they want a taste of "local" life that's for sure. Enjoy!
(4)
Danielle C.
My bf and I came here tonight and had the worst experience that confirmed for me why I'll never be back. We ordered the 3 chicken taco meal w/ rice and beans and a garden salad. We each had 1 beer. The chicken taco plate came out cold. We sat there for about 10 min before the server could even be found. My bf asked the server (his name was Matt H) if the rice was supposed to be cold, and he said 'yes it is, but i can warm it up for you if you want'. The plate came back to our table with the same temperature....not sure what happened here... The salad I ordered was pretty mediocore..Just letuce, 2 tomato wedges and 2 cucumber wedges drenched in dressing and a rock hard crouton. When we asked for our check, we spoke up and told him we were unhappy about the plate coming out cold and it was pretty bad. He said he couldn't do anything about it and became defensive and explained if we had eaten less, he could have done something about it earlier. I was actually shocked at this remark and told him that we had been sitting waiting for him to come back---he never came to check on us once after he brought back the cold plate of rice. Even if this server would have apologized or something, I could have been ok with this..but the fact of the matter is, you just don't treat customers like this. Needless to say, we will never be coming back to the Twisted Spoke. I would have considered coming back here just to drink, but after tonight, they've lost my business 100%. Stay away from this place and give your business elsewhere.
(1)
Tiffany K.
Came here for a double birthday celebration, and it was pretty busy but not too crazy on a Saturday. we were a large group, but this didn't make anyone who worked there angry. Our server was the nicest person on earth! I ordered a Cock Smasher and it was really boozy. I don't know if it was worth $10, but it was good. I wasn't too hungry so I ordered the onion rings ($5) and they were OK. The sauce that came with them was too sweet! I tried a bite of the shrimp po' boy and that was awesome. The Gutterslut is a great drink, too, and well worth the price. Overall, I felt that this place was a Chili's or Applebees for bikers? There is all this memorabilia on the walls and the menu was mostly burgers and things like that. Not the worst place, but it didn't completely blow me away. I'd like to come back and try a different dish and drink.
(3)
Damon T.
Yes 1 star. Cannot base this on the food, as I have read rave reviews about the "fat boy" burgers and bloody marys. How I would have loved to have reviewed the food for myself, but... I went here on a Friday afternoon, a little before 3pm. The place wasn't terribly busy, but staff was terribly inattentive- after walking in and not receiving any greeting from anyone, I asked the bartender if I could just seat myself, and she nodded an affirmative. What happened to a "hello"? Here's where things get mind-blowingly ridiculous for me. The waitress passes by, says she will be with me in a minute, and goes over to the next table, to attend to their drinks, make small talk, etc. I already know what I want. The $10 fat boy special, which as advertised, comes "fully loaded" and with fries + a pop/beer. Served between the hours of "11am - 3pm Monday thru Friday". Aw man, I'm cutting it close. It's now 2:57 to be exact. Meanwhile, waitress is just chatting up a storm/joking around with the peeps at the table next to me. When she comes back to my table, it's literally EXACTLY 3. She asks me for my order, and I respond, "I know it's cutting it really close, but I'd love to get this lunch special here". Her response- "ohh...is it 3 o clock...hmm" as if in disbelief. I whip out my cell phone, displaying the exact time- 3:00, to prove my self. She then says, with a crooked smile, "mmm they're not going to do it...". Wait- WHO'S not going to do it? You're not going to bother placing my order, despite it being within the time that this special is available, explicitly stated in the menu?? Or no, the cooks that are working the kitchen, because god forbid no $10 burger special is hitting the griddle at anytime near 3pm? These, by the way, are my thoughts, not what I actually questioned the waitress. She hesitates, walks back towards the kitchen, pops back up to my table, and says "no....sorry." I hand the menu back, incredibly agitated, letting her know that I'm taking off and will not be ordering ANYTHING, based on the simple premise that you are not providing a special as advertised on menu. And, really, Twisted Spoke, this is your loss. The waitress lost a potential nice tip, you guys lost business, and a customer who WANTED to try your famed "fat boy" burger will never return to the establishment. Good job.
(1)
Sergio V.
Best american food in town. The place is fun with its bicker-run-down style but it's in reality very friendly (also children friendly). If you live or visit Chicago you must go! The FOOD: best part. they have the BEST BURGER IN CHICAGO. I don't care what everyone else says...meat is juicy and full of flavor. It's so good they don't need to add any fancy topper to make it tasty...and that double burger is amazing. Best Buffalo WINGS ever, as well. Fries are incredible, BBQ sauce too. I tried few other things on the menu all excellent. Lastly few words on the amazing WHISKEY selection...
(5)
Shelby B.
Listed in the chicagoburgerbible.com website as "Elite Status". Now, I've had a good number of ground beef sandwiches in my life, and this was one of the better ones. The best? ... Be ready to 'build your own' hamburger from a list of fixings. HUGE beer list and great bloody's. Service was good too. Why 3 stars? Burger was great, not the best. Lunch for 2 = over 50 bucks if you each get a drink and a Fat Boy burger. Would I go back? You betcha, after I've tried the rest of the burgerbible recommendations. PS: Atmosphere was hard to beat, I'll be sitting at the bar next go around.
(3)
Rachel F.
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.
(4)
Carmen G.
The burgers are awesome and they have really great lunch specials. The red chili peppers are my absolute fave, but I am a sucker for spicy food. The wings are also the best I've had in a long time.
(4)
Carol K.
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.
(4)
Deb P.
Twisted spoke bloody Mary's are wonderful. Staff and food all good. Nice biker bar
(5)
Carly T.
I live down the street, so we come here a few times each month out of pure convenience. I generally get a tostada appetizer as a meal, and my fiance binges on beer while I drink a vodka soda. But FINALLY, this weekend, we did brunch here (also known as "Hangover Hospital," even though we weren't hungover). That's really something to write home about, so to speak. I had a delicious fried egg sandwich that usually comes on rye bread but, trust me, ASK FOR A PRETZEL BUN. A Fried Egg Sandwich on a PRETZEL BUN?! Does life GET any better? (Answer: Probably. But still). And the bloodies! So delish. I had the smoky bloody and it was absolutely wonderful, but I suspect I would have loved the scotch bloody as well. I. Will. Be. Back.
(4)
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.
(4)
J P.
Cool place with a great rooftop in the summer. Good place to hang out with your friends. Drinks are good too. Food is ok. I cannot remember what I ordered last time but the first time I went there I ordered sandwich with shrimp and I was not 100% happy with it. All that said I went back, so I guess what I try to say give this place a shot or order too ;)
(4)
Aidan B.
This place is an experience and a destination. I went there for their renowned hangover brunch and was blown away by the large and playful menu. Fantastic bloody mary and delicious breakfast items. I had the corned beef hash with poached eggs. So fantastically rich, and a huge dish. I did have to recover from my recovery brunch, and my solution was a simple nap.
(4)
Alyvia M.
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!
(4)
Kyle H.
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, so I guess servers aren't being trained in beer types. I wonder how she does with their extensive whiskey program. 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.
(3)
Claudia S.
I like the food here. I used to come for brunch, and sometimes I could convince a co-worker to go for lunch after work and every now and then I'll go for dinner.............................but my favorite thing is surprisingly not the mimosas (which I love) but the bloody marys. OH.MY .GOD. Now, maybe I always had a distaste for bloody marys because my palette wasn't developed at 18. Or maybe it was the fact that my friend used that horrible bloody mary mixer from Jewel and poured way too much vodka. Add to it the fact that I hate tomato juice. Regardless, I HATED them, and then I came here. My friends would order them and eventually I tried and fell in love. There has only been one other time I've enjoyed a bloody mary and that was at the Map Room by a certain bartender.....other than that....not so much. My friend is a vegetarian and drinks the bloody marys from here, telling the waitress "I know, let's just not talk about it". I love sitting on the roof! If it's nice, sit up there. You get a nice view (assuming you're not in the center) and usually a nice breeze. I'm always full, have leftovers and satisfied when I leave here.
(5)
Miguel M.
Awesome burger, juicy nice selection of toppings. Fries aren't bad either. Also a very large beer selection.
(4)
Sarah T.
This is one of the few restaurants in my neighborhood that I frequent (note to aspiring restaurant owners.....we are in desperate need of better grub around Chicago/Milwaukee/Ogden/Grand area!). I go after work with pals....when we go on weeknights it is really laid back and we always have good service and great food. I am kind of surprised at some of the mixed reviews here. Oh well, I think it is a gem in my 'hood.
(5)
I A.
Back in the day I would have given this place SIX starts but they have just totally ruined themselves. This was the only good biker bar/restaurant in the city, now it's just a hang out for posers who just bought their brand spanking new fake lofts in west town. They can all pretend they are edgy or take their chick with them so they look a little cool, pathetic. Retraction, the Spoke does have smut and eggs my apologies. But they threw out the junked bikes and built like a really nice all wood bar so all that Lincoln Park Trash can appreciate it. Sure the rooftop is nice to have a pretty decent burger but the Fat Boy used to waaaay bigger and waay better, they used to season it, and you could barely eat the whole thing, now its just a little tiny beef patty. To show you how much this place has strayed, this summer I DROVE to this place and had lunch there with my 2.5 year old son and my wife. Back in the day this was not the place for them, this is just plain pathetic. If you go there for the first time, you will probably think its cool with all the junked bikes around, but you are really missing out. I wish this place would go back to it's roots and make it too scarry for these grown up Lincoln Park Trixies that go there now. It went from a biker place to a biker "themed" place. What is wrong with this world.
(3)
Stef B.
It's great for those who are into Motorcycles... anyone not into motorcycles just do not understand, and will badmouth anything they are unfamiliar with. It makes them sound smart. To cure a Hangover - The patio tables and umbrellas on the roof are WONDERFUL when paired with a meaty-Bloody Mary and heavy garnish. Finish off a hamburger with a few beers, and you're back to normal. Only bummer is that there is no music, so it's just you, and the sun, and low murmur of all the other hungover patrons from the night before. Highly recommended - for any Bloody Mary enthusiast!!
(4)
Bob S.
My rating is mostly based on my dining experience. The food at Twisted Spoke is surprisingly good if you were expecting bar food. Their Shrimp Po-boy is a huge meal. Their tacos are pretty decent. Their cheese quesadilla is a tasty snack. Unfortunately their food can be hit or miss. I usually find it pretty good, but even I have my complaints on occasion, such as with the quality of the chicken in the tacos. Friends I've taken here have expressed disappointment with the food (eating dishes I don't eat, like the fish and chips). I would have to say that everything I order from Twisted Spoke is done better by other restaurants in the area, hence I don't often end up here. The whole restaurant is decorated with motorcycle stuff and it creates a neat atmosphere. Despite being a bar I've never had a problem with noise when I'm in one of the back dining rooms (though maybe I've never gone at peak hours). Service has always been friendly and usually prompt. I think it's Saturday night when the have "Smut and Eggs," and it's exactly as advertised. Despite what you might expect the bar does not fill up with creepy men in trenchcoats at tables for one.
(3)
Giovanna B.
I'll say this much: The Twisted Spoke isn't for everybody. Fortunately, it is for me, kinda. I've gone quite a few times knowing that we would be served the greasy fried food most reviewers before me have noted. Overall, the food is not bad. My favorite items of all are the chicken wings. I don't know what my obsession is with these fatty bird limbs, but dang it, I love 'em chicken wangs! I am especially enamored with the lemon ones, and though taste-wise they aren't mind-blowing, they set them on fire right in front of your eyes. Pyromaniacs, unite! The place itself isn't, well, it isn't "pretty", and I understand why people would feel that it is dirty - it's not though, the illusion of grunginess is part of the ambiance. So, if your scene includes martini bars or ultra hip lounges, this may not be the place for you. But, if you are open-minded, crave greasy (but good) food (especially flambed chicken wangs) and are willing to give a place a chance (like yours truly, as long as there aren't obvious signs of serious health code violations), I say go check it out. With the right group of people, and knowing that it just ain't fancy, you too might enjoy it. Fortunately, I've never been treated badly, and hopefully you won't be either. As a side-note, I'll be completely honest and say that the main reason I went the first time was because of the Smut 'n Eggs. Now, I'm no porno fiend or anything like that, but I never heard of such a thing and just *had* to see it for myself! Of course, one thing was what I *imagined* it would be like, and quite another was what it actually was. Unlike what took place in my overactive imagination, in reality it was pretty much people sitting at a bar with a couple of TVs showing a bad 70s naughty adult film. The kicker is that I don't think anyone was even looking at the screens! Would I do the Smut 'n Eggs thing again? Probably not, but it makes a great tale for my non-Midwestern friends about the craaaaaaaazy things that people do around here =)
(4)
Bess R.
I've been here quite a few times for dinner, but just had my first brunch experience and was pleasantly surprised. I'm not consuming alcohol right now, so I couldn't try a bloody mary though it looked SO good. I had the Mex Scramble which came with potatoes (crispy potato chunks with green pepper and onion - very tasty). Like dinner, they were huge portions - probably could have shared! Also tried a cup of the red chili (they also have green?) - lots o beans and chunks of beef. For dinner, I've become a big fan of the wings - both BBQ and Buffalo- which come with lots of veggies on the side and fabulous bleu cheese dressing. Their side salad is HUGE, enough for a meal. The man-friend loves the burgers and the fries. Overall, great bar food with a twist, never busy, fast and friendly service (better for brunch than dinner/late night), and easy parking outside. Definitely my go-to when craving wings.
(4)
Abby T.
I have been here a few times.... the FatBoy burger is pretty flavorful....so flavorful that you can actually taste the burger HOURS later, after a burp. (4 *s)The FatBoy burger is just that.....definitely share-able....unless you's a fatboy that's able to scarf the whole thing down. Pretty dirty in Twisted Spoke (minus 1 *), as one could probably gather from looking at its exterior. Great rooftop patio space though!!! Get there early to claim a seat in this small area.
(3)
Jori R.
Everything was absolutely splendid during my last visit to The Twisted Spoke, from the rooftop seating, awesomely friendly waiter, the burger, and DEFINITELY that fried bacon!!!!
(4)
Chris B.
So I'm trying to figure out a way to put this joint on wheels, tie it to the back of my car and literally tow it down to Miami! I have eaten here over a dozen times but just returned, after a five year hiatus due to my move to Miami, and was glad to find the Spoke just as good as when I left her. First off the beer selection is incredibly extensive (as an out of town-er I always start with some type of Goose Island) and there is a type and flavor for every beer drinker. However if beer isn't your bag they have a HUGE list of whiskeys, full bar and one of the best Bloody Marys in the city... A "family oriented" biker bar, whatever the hell that means, the Twisted Spoke offers some of the most memorable sandwiches you'll ever eat after which you will be literally be asking for more! The Boss Hog (pulled pork sando), Giant Steak Burrito and the Meatloaf are three that immediately stand out as front runners. The Meatloaf is better than any of your Mom's meatloaf which is served on light, yet not soggy, garlic bread and the Boss Hog's sauce is sweet and savory. Did I mention that the fries that come with each sandwich are cut from fresh potatoes that day? Obviously I am incredibly biased but the Spoke is one of my personal favorite spots in Chicago for a beer and a bite. I recommend that when in Chicago you make the trip and if you can't find anyone to go with you gimme a call.... Enjoy.
(5)
Angela T.
Excellent burgers and sandwiches with one hell of a beer selection. The staff is always friendly and the service prompt. Never had a bad meal or dish here. If anything, I feel so stuffed from their food as it can all be a bit heavy. Loads of grease and when there's cheese involved, you can bet there will be LOTS of it. The sort of stuff you need and want on a hangover. Pricey hangover cure but one worth shelling out for if just any old burger or sandwich just won't do.
(4)
Patrick R.
I have been to the Twisted Spoke probably 25-30 times in my life. I went there well before a lot of the gentrification took place in the area, and continued to go every now and then for the good beer selection and daily specials. I have never been a big fan of anything in particular that they had on their menu to eat, the food is just okay. My reason for the one star, and reason that I will never go there again mostly has to do with my last experience. I took a seat near the bar with my soon to be brother-in-law, and his brother. We were planning on a couple of beers and a bite to eat before the Blackhawks play-off game. We got there at about 4:30, with the game starting at 7pm the Blackhawks crowd was not overwhelming. Shortly after we sat down we were approached by a waiter. We ordered beers and had not yet committed to ordering food. I had a couple of questions about beers on the menu that I wasn't completely familiar with. The fauxhawk, aging hipster waiter, who's knowledge is likely steeped in PBR and cocaine told me that one beer I asked about was somewhere between my brother-in-law's beer (Stiegl Pils) and my beer (Dark Horse- Smoked Stout). Okay, maybe this guy is not an expert, but we had polar opposite beers, could he be a little more specific? I asked if the beer in question was hoppy? "yeah, it has hops". That really didn't bother me that much, I just thought it was funny that a beercentric place like Twisted Spoke doesn't require some sort of beer knowledge from their wait staff. So... our beers are empty for 20 minutes. We see our waiter walking around, chatting up regulars, talking to other staff, we try to make eye contact, tried to wave him down. It almost seemed like we were being purposely ignored. I finally told my brother-in-law who's back was facing the bar to just order another round from the bar tender. He get's her attention and the bartender asks if we have a server. He says "yeah, but we have had empty beers for 20 minutes and have not been approached." Our waiter overhears the conversation from the back of the bar and sticks out his head, looks at my B.I.L. and says "Dude!" The bartender tells him that our server will be right with us. A few minutes later "Dude" shows up and takes our beer order. I watch him then to see if he puts it in to the bartender. I could not tell for sure, but I didn't see her pour our beers. "Dude" continues to chat up regulars, talk to the bartender about something... 10 more minutes go by, no beers... I look for $5 out of my wallet, don't have it, my B.I.L. slaps it down ($2.50 beer special x2) We get our jackets together and head for the door. All of a sudden we have "Dude's" attention. "Dude, hey guys, dude, where are you going? I tell him the money is on the table, later. What a fuck face! If you want to look at tattoos and ironic facial hair on a disinterested staff, come here!
(1)
Karen C.
I was brought here by a new friend for a few drinks and eats mid-afternoon on a Saturday after my massage, so I was wonderfully mellow and in a great mood. Street parking was available, but it was $2 for 2 hours and that was the max you could choose, which sucked. However, the fact that parking existed was a nice surprise. We started at the bar downstairs, which was sparkling with alcohol choices, thinking it would be cooler than sitting outside. The bartender was nice and gave me a beer suggestion (which I honestly can't remember) that ended up being a very yummy stout as well as a few suggestions to my drinking companion. After sitting inside for a few minutes we realized that the air conditioning wasn't on and the wall of windows at our back wasn't really helping with the muggy closed feeling at the bar. We decided to move upstairs to the outside deck and within a few minutes they'd found us a table with an umbrella as I am terribly pasty and unable to stand direct sunlight for very long. The upstairs deck was cute and we were given a table (picnic like) in the corner to ourselves. The menu selection was pretty decent and although we considered ordering one of their giant burgers we never did get around to it. Instead, we ordered appetizers and ordered the Portabella mushrooms and cheese poppers. The food arrived promptly and although it wasn't bad, it was pretty bland. The breaded mushroom poppers really just tasted like fry grease and the cheese poppers weren't really any better. However, they had an amazing beer selection listed (although I was unable to partake of more than a few as I was going to be driving after lunch) which I'm sure makes up for the lackluster food. A few other things: Our waitress, the poor dear, appeared rather wilted from having to run up and down the stairs in the heat without even the respite of air conditioning inside. However, even being close to collapse from heat exhaustion, she was friendly and sweet for which I give her huge props. The bathroom was clean and well stocked with toilet paper, which is a huge deal for us ladies. Overall the place appeared well kept and well run. I only gave it three stars as the food we tried was nothing to write home about and they didn't have the air conditioning on when they clearly needed to. I would like to return with a few more people and without my car to taste some of the other beverages they have to offer.
(3)
Francis K.
I have the hardest time giving a place a one star because generally I try my hardest NOT to be 'that guy,' Twisted Spoke however made it very easy. I truly honestly want to return here and have them prove me wrong. I doubt that I will though. We went here on the recommendation of a friend. It was after a playing a game of soccer, it was a beautiful Sunday morning still and we were all day dreaming of going to a place that would welcome a sweaty group out to eat food and have a few pints. We walk in and are told the wait would be 45 minutes. (Fair enough for a party of a dozen) Since some of us were real hungry we walked about the neighborhood looking for second options. As soon as one of us found one (a restaurant) a table miraculously appeared. This should have been a harbinger of things to come but sometimes it is best to retain a sunny disposition. This was followed by prompt water service and the nightmare began. I initially didn't want to blame our server, after all when you have over 30 beers on your menu it will be difficult to keep track of all of them. It would ALSO be nice while we were sipping our water if we were provided with a beer menu. We were still game at this point so we all hastily started picking our drinks. Of the 12 of us ONLY 3 were able to get the drinks that they wanted immediately. We weren't ordering obscure beers. Corona, Amstel Light and Miller Lite are as mainstream as you get, but none of these were available. Still fair enough, we persevered. When we finally were able to settle enough to get our drinks, after 3 or 4 tries in some cases our server disappeared. At this point we notice one in our party didn't get their drink. WHISKEY! TANGO! FOXTROT! Our server finally returns and yet again dismissively answers that, they were out of the drink. We still gamed on. -Like I said I REALLY let places treat me like crap before I blow them off. At this point some in our party have just about had enough. My breaking point came when FINALLY our server remembers that the reason people come to restaurants is to eat. She stopped by to inquire what we would be dining and it is at this point that I gave up. We were now close to 45 minutes but it felt like an eternity. When one of us attempts to order a meal on their menu she declares that the only meals served were from the brunch menu. Hello!? This would have been useful information while you were handing out the menus, taking our drink orders multiple times or EVEN while checking on us. At the point we asked for the check and promptly left.
(1)
David W.
I'm a mutha fuck' n carnivore and like my brunch big and meaty. Twisted Spoke delivers the big, the meat, and so much more. When I go to a brunch place I like to look at the percentage of meat based options to non-meat based as an indicator for success. The heavier on the meat the more likely I am to enjoy my experience. Having said that the Spoke's menu offers a total of 15 Brunch entrees of which 9 are meat based. That's a lot of meat! As a matter of fact if you calculate the percentage we are talking 60% meat. Just to give you some perspective the Bongo Room's menu is roughly 5% meat based (Fuck'n Weak!). I'm not going to let myself get into another Chicago brunch rant, but seriously Chicago Brunch Places hike up your skirts and put some meat on the menu! And I'm not asking for asiago shitake chicken sausage! I want chicken fried steak, corned beef hash, steak & eggs.......... (Deep Breath....Find your center....Ahhhhh) Ok, back to Twisted Spoke. The menu is great. For those of you who like sweet vs savory the Elvis French Toast is silly good, the buckwheat pancakes are solid, and the oatmeal is yummy. For those of you who like to put the lunch in brunch, the corned beef hash is one of the best in the city and the burgers are can't miss. Twisted Spoke also offers scrambles that include Polish Sausage, Italian Sausage, or Bratwurst. In my opinion they have one of the best brunches in the city and we haven't even talked about the Bloody Mary's or the porn yet. You may have picked up that I have affinity for meat and this also applies to my breakfast drinks. Twisted Spoke loads their bloodies with cheese, pepperoncinis, olives, and yep you guessed it salami. They are spiced just right and pair well with the corned beef hash. Good food: Check. Good drinks: Check. Hardcore porn from the early 70's: Check Yep, that right! On Saturday nights starting at midnight and running through around 3:00am the Spoke serves up their amazing breakfast delicacies with a side of nasty sweaty hardcore mostly old school porn. Amazing. The service blows. 1 Elvis Toast 1 Corned Beef Hash 2 Bloodies ------------------------------ $30 PS... They have a great beer selection and a huge outdoor roof top patio.
(3)
Kera E.
I had initially wrote a bad review of this place, due to two bad experiences I had with a particular bartender who let me sit for way too long without service. I have to say now that TWISTED SPOKE HAS REDEEMED ITSELF!! I was contacted about my review by an employee of the Spoke who apologized for my experience and asked if I would give them another shot. She offered me a gift certificate, which I thought was really nice. I went there yesterday and got fantastic service from 2 bartenders (the shift changed as I was there). I also ate appetizers that were yummy and had a good overall experience. I am enthusiastic to go back to try some of the menu items. Thank you, Spoke, for caring about the customer.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Lunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Wed, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Kathleen A.
Eh. I came here for hangover brunch Sunday. A friend kept raving about it so off we went. I waited 10 minutes for my coffee. My friends who got bloody mary's both got their drinks way before I did. Not a good first impression. I ordered the eggs with bacon, sausage, and home fries. I can't put my finger on it, but something was missing. I doused my food in salt and pepper but it still didn't taste right. The bloody's were tasty though, and I'm really picky about those. I've been here before and I do know their burgers are delicious, but I'll probably never come back for brunch again.
(2)Anna B.
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.
(4)Ayako M.
Dude, seriously now. You can get MF'ing Elvis French Toast (yes, that's bananas and peanut butter sandwiched between slices of french toast deliciosity) and a beer! AND you can enjoy these two wonderful things on a huge rooftop patio....::sigh:: it doesn't get much better than this. Service could be less ambivalent, but they're not flat out rude.
(4)Kim G.
This place is still awesome. I have been back so many times. I have taken everyone from my 87 year old gramma (twice, she asked to go back) to my early 20s friends, and they all love it.
(5)Jeff T.
Great gumbo. Service is weak
(2)Sebastian F.
The drinks and the food are good, but the music was really inappropriately awful. It was some moody teenager growling screaming shit. Ruined the experience for me. Liked the porn though. And the poppers are good. The breakfast of champions - sooo good!
(3)Reyna H.
Whiskey and more whiskey is all I have to say...oh and really ridiculous porn on Sundays. (Yes they play nasty, spicy porn on their TV's so if you have a faint heart...stay home & make your own porn) They have a pretty lengthy bar menu and selection of whiskey...along with whiskey on tap. I have yet to make it here on Whiskey Wednesday, and when I do: watch out! Anyway, they play metal music in the area ( just like many other bars in the west loop) , yet it's a great late night place to grab a drink, some food, and apparently watch a lil hardcore porn!
(4)Miglissa M.
Ok this was my 1st time trying this place and I absolutely LOVED it and will definitely not be my last time!!!!!! I had the lunch special which is fantastic who else has a lunch special for $10 bucks you get a half pound burger with anything on it. I got mine with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoe, jalapeno, grilled onions, BACON and their house bbq sauce which is delish!!!! The Bruger comes with fries and a beer or fountain drink I mean it honestly doesn't get any better than this! i'm a huge fan and I will definitely be coming back. Their patio which is on the roof is an excellent place to sit on hot days!
(5)Bryan H.
Freakin Great bar! The people, food, and atmosphere are top notch! My wife and I love to belly up and see what is new on tap. I LOVE the hash and eggs and a bloody on Sundays. I miss the spoke!
(5)magic g.
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 :)
(5)Julie Z.
I really, really like it here. I've only been in the summer and I sat outside. Great atmosphere. I had the shrimp po' boy...huge and super tasty. My bf had the buffalo chicken sandwich which got 2 thumbs up. Our waitress was super cool too. She gave great recommendations for beer and came around to check up on us appropriately...not annoyingly.
(4)Irene G.
Been here quite a few times now (only during the summer for the rooftop seating) and no complaints. The fatboy burgers are phenomenal and love the wide selection of bloody marys. Definitely one of my top places to grab a bite with friends in the area.
(4)Carol A. R.
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!
(4)Ashley I.
I came here after church today. The bar has an industrial, biker theme. We ate on the bar side, and it was pretty busy. The food is very reasonably priced! We got the pulled pork nachos, which has a sweet sauce and melted cheese. The breakfast tacos are simple, but tasty. The burger is huge, and you can add a ton of toppings for no change. I would love to come back in the summer and eat on the rooftop patio.
(4)Ania G.
The food is average, I once got a really bad stomach ache after eating their fries, they seemed to be cooked on very old oil. The place is also dirty and a bit smell, I once took a glance into the kitchen on my way to the bathroom, never going back again.
(1)Mysel O.
Drinks were poured heavy and the po'boys are delicious! Alex the bartender was super cool. He gave my boyfriend a complementary shot of his favorite whiskey. The only thing I didn't like was the menu was so limited.
(4)Dustin H.
Go for the burgers. Topping options are SOLID, and the prep is perfect. Service is just ok, and yes the atmosphere is very bikery. One thing to note, due to their liquor license, everyone in your group must have their ID. We were turned away on one occasion because a coworker didn't have his wallet. Regardless... yeah, good burgers.
(3)Melissa H.
Not nearly as good as it used to be. Menu changed some, but the shrimp po boy was still on there, so being my favorite sandwich ever, I ordered it. It was so soggy and just gross. Friend ordered shrimp BLT. Shrimp was very good, but the sandwich over all was very soggy and the Bacon was basically raw and inedible, ruining the whole thing. Also, I don't know why they seem think grape tomatoes belong on sandwiches, because they don't. Hoping they can step it up an be as good as they used to be, which wasn't very long ago.
(2)Shereene M.
Food was eh. Place is cool. We sat on the rooftop because that was the main reason why we were there. It's cool but nothing amazing. We got these flamin garlic wings and had the craziest presentation with the fire and all. Then we tasted it.. :/
(2)Jaime S.
I've been going to this place for years but recently took my boyfriend here as a brunch compromise: I wanted tasty bloody marys and he wanted something deep fried. The mexican offerings and 1/2 pound burger are really the way to go in terms of food, and the 8 different bloody marys along with over 120 beers make it so there is something for everyone. On the Sunday we went, there was some PGA tournament on TV and no heavy metal, which kind of put it into the top 5 places I've taken my bf to eat.
(4)tara j.
Their PoBoy sandwich was excellent,I say was because they are using different bread which isn't as good as before,their fries were skimpy. I ordered a salad and it was just lettuce and a couple of tomatoes with a tomato vinaigrette dressing that was very spicy and for 8 dollars it wasn't very impressive.
(3)Thomas C.
Been going to Twisted Spoke since 1996 and loved, loved loved every single bite along the way. Used to be small and cramped, then they had rooftop dining and now they have an expansive bar, through it all they've maintained the great burgers, wings and brunch that have made me a big time fan of the spoke. their spirit selections now are just off the hook. Now that the weather is getting nice, have to get back here.
(5)Karen D.
Love this place! Drinks are excellent, food is great and very reasonably priced. Love the rooftop!!! Always a favorite.
(5)Dani W.
Driven past Twisted Spoke for 6 years now and finally went in for brunch. Great chill place for a drink and great food. I had the breakfast burrito and requested my eggs to be extra hard poached on the side... sounds simple, right! Well that's is just what I got. A+ to our waiter and the chef! You can't believe how hard it is to get a hard poached egg at a restaurant. My husband had a burger and fries (homemade) and said it was delish. We also had to tried the banana fritters and panko bacon, totally unique flavors. We will for sure be going back and looking forward to warmer weather to try out the rooftop patio.
(4)Cheryl B.
5 stars for the Bloody Mary & bourbon list alone! YUM! This is my go-to spot for a Bloody Mary. The rest of their brunch is ok, the chilaquiles are pretty good. Great cheese curds. Wednesday is "Whiskey Wednesday" and the bourbon menu is 50% off - bit hit with my husband and some of our friends. Great beer list too! Bar food is typical bar food. Good nachos, chicken tenders, etc.
(5)Zach J.
Yea the burgers are good here but far from being the "best." I enjoyed my food the atmosphere is kinda neat. They freakin overcooked my burger which pisses me off. It was not severly overcooked, I ordered Medium Rare they gave me Medium. Not a huge deal but if you are the best you better cook it right, C'mon there is a breakfast diner in my neighborhood that gets it right every time! Why can't Twisted Spoke!? I do not have a ton to say other than it was pretty good, but I have had better; therefore, the hype about it being the best is utter B.S. I can name a few places that have a better burger such as: Country House of Clarendon Hills, or Nana Organic in Bridgeport. This is NO "biker bar." It is more for motorcyles of the 40s which is stll cool. No REAL bikers are gonna come in here just yuppies on their crotch rocket Kawasakis that think they are "outlaws"
(3)Marisa C.
Good neighborhood hangout with rooftop deck. Food is good (not amazing) and service is decent. I noticed that the rooftop deck was kind of dirty though (tables not wiped, napkins on the ground). In my opinion, G&O is a better spot.
(3)Ajay H.
THE BEST WHISKEY BAR IN CHICAGO!!!! Shut Up!!!!! THE BEST WHISKEY BAR IN CHICAGO!!!! Shut Up Again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok, so you're still intelligent and reading - Cheers! All I can say is that if you get the Fish & Chips, then you will experience the Best (and I mean BEST) Tartar sauce, beer, whiskey and whatever else you will ever want from a place that happens to serve it all!!
(5)John H.
Great environment, good food, awesome bloody marys. They have a standard bloody made with vodka and a bunch or other cool ones with rum, tequila, etc. I've tried a few of them and they were all great, perfect place to turn a hangover into a good afternoon.
(4)LuCretia T.
This was a great place for drinks after work on a beautiful day. Chilled on their rooftop. The drinks were great. My mint Julep was very strong and could have used a bit more lemon. My friend had the whiskey sour and it was delish! Scenery was ok, but there is not much to see on Ogden. We ordered guacamole, chips and cheese quesadillas. They were bland and lacked flavour. We added salt to the guac with hopes to resurrect to no avail. Other people ordered massive sandwiches as well as wings that smelt delish. I would definitely try those if I visit again.
(3)Daniel C.
I went to Twisted spoke as part of my chicago burger club monthly event. I had been before but considered it unremarkable. For a large group (16) they were able to accommodate us on either the roof or in the back room seating are which was nice. We picked indoors which was good because a monsoon opened up before we were done eating. Our table ordered a few appetizers including the bbq nachos, chili and the guacamole. The chili comes out in a 9 inch skillet and is a huge portion that includes 2 cornbread muffins. The chili was delicious. I'm not a take leftovers home kind of person but i definitely took the extra chili home and had it for lunch the next day which was even better the second day. We all got the fat boy which comes with free add-ons of cheese, onions, grape tomatoes and lettuce but also offers $1 add-ons of bleu cheese, chorizo, avocado, bacon, and fried egg. Some rock and roll style burger places blast loud music which is tough to have conversations over but Twisted spoke did not on this Tuesday which I appreciated. Overall, a great memorable experience my second time at twisted spoke.
(4)Daniel N.
The food here is awsome! But that said it is for an older crowd. I was there a Saturday night. Early 30 s , mid 30 s . Oh and they play old school porn flicks lol. not as interesting as it sounds lol. They Could go Heavier With THE liq. this is a good place to have a couple of drinks and a snack.
(3)Michael R.
I visited Twisted Spoke about a month ago and got their lunch special with burger, fries and a drink. It was only $10!!!! Such a great value ! The burger was good and I would probably go as far as saying it's the second best burger I've had in the city, so far. It's not super close to a train, but if your drive you should check this place out. Also, there is a hilarious spinning skeleton riding a motorcycle out front.
(4)George H.
Great drinks - they have an incredible whiskey selection and the food here (for bar eats) is great! Love the tempura fried bacon!
(4)Alexandria T.
The first time I went to Twisted Spoke was last summer for brunch and had an awesome experience. They had an awesome po' boy, amazing Bloody Mary's and great rooftop seating. I never got around to reviewing it then, but if I had, my review would be much, much better. We headed to Twisted Spoke after Pitchfork to grab a drinks and bite to eat with some friends we met up with after the show. It was around 11pm, and there was an insane wait. We were attempting to order drinks at the bar while waiting, but the bartender ignoring us and cleaning glasses that she didn't need at the moment instead. They somehow were able to seat us right away, which we were relieved about. The server warned us that the bar was a bit backed up when we sat down. We had just come from the bar and didn't think it should be that bad. We ended up waiting about forty-five minutes for four beers and one neat pour of whiskey. We placed an order for cheese curds, guacamole and BBQ nachos, which took just as long as the drinks. I don't know if they were slammed from Pitchfork or what, but the amount of time it took to get drinks was ridiculous. I really liked Twisted Spoke before this visit, but they really need to get it together. When we left there were even more people than when we arrived waiting for tables. Like I said, I don't know if it is typically like that, but man, it was insane.
(2)Adam K.
Headline - It has so much promise; it should be great. It's not. Have driven by Twisted Spoke on many occasions. But, never stopped in. Tonight, the wife and I came in for dinner. Let me start with the good: 1. Great location 2. The bar is well-stocked, with a great assortment of beers on tap. 3. The rooftop is really nice. Lots of seating. Good views. 4. The BBQ Nachos were killer. Definitely a must have. Now, let's talk about the bad: 1. The burger was greasy. I mean really greasy. As in greasy enough to turn a toasted bun into something soggy. 2. The po boy was not fresh. A basic rule of "fish" is, it shouldn't smell fishy. My po boy did. Not good. Also, similar to the burger, a toasted roll was rendered soggy. In this case, it wasn't because of grease, but because the slaw was so plentiful. 3. The bathroom was disgusting. It's a health hazard waiting to happen. I get that it's a "biker bar", but cmon, the bathroom can't be a toxic war zone. 4. Service was meh. I'd put it on the slow side, not the worst, but worth mentioning. This might be a good place for a great cocktail, but I can't recommend the conditions or the food. A real disappointment.
(2)Vanessa B.
Wow. I would get food from here multiple times Per month when I used to work nearby. Me and my fiancé came and I was excited to get a buffalo chicken sandwich! Oh.my .god. This was probably the worst food experience I have had in an extremely long time. I got my sandwich, it looked burnt and maybe just used the sauce to cover it up. The waitress recommended the fries which turned out to be cold spongy things. Didn't even swallow one.. The cheese curds were pretty cool, not enough quantity for the price and man was it strange biting into that glorious huge curd that was cold on the inside. I'm so sad. :-(
(1)Timothy N.
"Broken Spoke" After coming here almost weekly for years, I was surprised on a recent visit to find a drastically cut down menu. The staff explained that the kitchen was abruptly closed for three days last month and upon reopening that this is what they are now serving. Gone are most of the signature Mexican dishes that held up one side of the old menu - no more tacos or burritos - sadly, even the remaining standards have been thoroughly mangled. My typical order used to be chicken tacos or a burrito, but left to the limited options, I went back to an old favorite - the BBQ chicken sandwich. The breast itself was dry and about a half the size of the prior offering and inexplicably they have abandoned their delicious brioche bun for an oversized dry, almost stale style of bread - maybe to compensate for the smaller chicken breast. Either way, it was terrible. This was all heartbreaking and I left wondering if this was just a bad day, a change in owner, manager, chef or all of the above. With a sunny spring day at hand, my wife wanted to go for lunch outside the following week and suggested the Spoke for some fish tacos. I explained that they were no longer on the menu and tried to describe my experience from earlier this week and she scoffed at the possibility it could really be that bad. So we gave it another try... Shockingly, the second experience was even worse. We tried a burger and against hope it showed up on that same inedible bun the chicken sandwich arrived on during my prior visit. Instead of a regular sliced tomato it came with a pile of grape tomatoes that spilled off the patty like a fistful of marbles. The salad which used to be a generous portion of crisp greens was an undersized and wilted mess. At $8 it is the certainly the worst value in salads in the city. I took notice at the tables around us and the amount of uneaten food on peoples plates is notable, typically sandwiches and burgers picked apart, to eat around the dry, oversized buns. Read other recent reviews - post May 1 - and they are all on this same theme. The staff are polite and apologetic about the changes and customer disappointment. I know most of them from my literally hundreds of visits to the Spoke. They reported that there has been no change of ownership or chef, just a willful act of abuse on a very loyal customer base. As we were leaving, there was a table full of police officers eating lunch and it was all I could do to not stop and report a crime. I caught myself, because at heart I am a capitalist and respect a business owner's right to change the product as they see fit - whether to cut quality, reduce portions or raise prices. I do however also believe in freedom of choice, and like many other regulars will be choosing to not return to this shell of a once great establishment.
(1)Chris G.
Horrible service. Have a great selection of whiskey but bar tender couldn't help me with a selection shad to wait 10 minutes for someone else who knew what they where doing. Got seated on roof where they serve food and smoking is allowed. Have been waiting a little over 20 minute for server to great us. She had time to take a shot with another table but not even meet us yet. Awful place do not come here!
(1)Emily L.
I'm giving this place 4 stars as I felt the drinks and appetizers were totally awesome!! we ordered the pork nachos which was delectable with the perfect amount of cheesy meat and tangy sauce. I have to deduct a star for the ketchup--which sounds silly--but the ketchup was a thick spicy sauce that I accidentally slathered on my burger before tasting. Overall the vibe at the bar is relaxed and the drink and beer menu were totally on point.
(4)Antaash U.
I've passed by Twisted Spoke on almost a daily basis for nine years. Perhaps I was intimidated by the biker feel the exterior of the restaurant exudes? In my defense, I haven't been to any restaurants with a skeleton riding a motorcycle spinning on top of the roof (not your typical weather vane). Either way, I regret letting my prejudice keep me from one of the best brunches I've experienced in the city. Twisted Spoke is comfy in its own, very rock and roll skin. They put their own spin on traditional brunch items, which really sets them apart in my opinion. I ordered the Chila-Killas. One of the best chilaquiles I've had outside of Mexico. The tortillas weren't soggy and overpowered by the ingredients on top. There was the perfect amount of heat so the additional hot sauces that came out with the dish weren't even necessary. My friends and I shared the fried cheese curds...D-LICIOUS! We also shared the banana fritters, which were thin banana pancakes as is the traditional Jamaican way. I love that I got to travel to Wisconsin, Jamaica and Mexico on a delicious culinary journey without leaving the near west side! I know I'll be back because so many things caught my eye! Also, they have a killer rooftop. Not so good during Chiberia but definitely well worth the wait for the blissful Chicago summers! Twisted Spoke exceeded every expectation of mine and I can't wait to go back and work my way through their menu!
(4)Joe L.
Best Manhattan I have ever had. That's really saying a lot because I can not really drink them. This place has a kick ass whiskey list, sets wings on fire when they are brought out to you. Nice rooftop deck. Burgers are great. Just a cool modern, trying to look like a scary biker bar.
(4)David W.
A different twisted spoke then it use to be. Different crowd, different employees and just higher prices. Motorcycle theme throughout but don't think any bikers come here anymore. Kind of miss the clark location now.
(3)Brian S.
The Spoke is a veteran of the old Chicago brunch scene with the same super tasty bloody marys. However, it is need of a few upgrades with the neighborhood changing. The food is typical bar/tavern fare, consistent with a large selection of fried item but nothing jumps out at you. Go for the bloodys and everything will taste and look better - even you!
(3)Rod C.
Chill crowd. They have micro brewers on tap. Nothing you would see or know but always good to try new great tasting beers! We came here on a Saturday and they had 70's porn on! Big plus! Totally unexpected. People are cool about it. Enjoy your beer and enjoy the porn. Arrgh thank you!
(4)U.M. S.
Came here for a lunch date today, our sever was a female brunette bartender, very attentive and service was good. I really liked the theme of the place and thought it was pretty cool, def hoping to see it at night. I got the Chilakillas (yes, that's how they spell them), I didn't want and meat on it so the bartender offered avocado which was very kind and a perfect addition. My date got the wings, which were flambéed but that sever seemed less than thrilled to be doing it. My drink was delicious, downside is the cherry that was tossed into it looked a gross shade of brown, and honestly, could do without that. My Chillakillas were delicious, although barely had any eggs on them.
(3)Angie K.
Twisted spoke got it twisted.. And not the good, Keith Sweat-kind of twisted. My friends and I were looking for a beer and a bite in the area. It was fairly nice out and I suggested we do the rooftop every chicago mag raves about. Our server was cool and the biker vibe was strong. We ordered drinks, the jalapeño poppers, cheese curds, seared tuna sandwich, couple fat boy burgers with egg and bacon, wings, and a shrimp po boy. My friend asked if her po boy could be on another type of bread and the server was hesitant, saying she wouldn't get the full experience with less shrimp. Umm, how does a diff bread = less portion of food? Just put the rest on the side or something. When our food came, poppers tasted just like the frozen ones you get at target, cheese curds were barely cheesy and had the grossest salad dressing as a dipping sauce. My tuna 'wich tasted exactly like the tuna steaks I buy @ Trader Joes (2 for $7) that I make with with way more seasonings. Her po boy was blah. I had a bite and felt like the shrimp was 99% breading with dried out lettuce. My hubby and his friend loved their burgers, so I guess this is a strictly burger and beer place. That's cool. Over the course of our meal, we asked for extra utensils, glasses and finally the bill. Each time we needed something, our server was missing and another server with a pretty stank attitude assisted us but took an eternity. I get it. Bikers are badasses and the vibe is supposed to cater to beer, burgers, machoness, etc. But if you're gonna have 20 other menu items, make them a little better, ok? There's definitely better rooftops and food spots in chicago. Don't get it twisted!
(2)Bobby G.
I should stop going here, except when I'm really really hungover. The food and mood are damn heavy. Or if there's room on the patio in a sunny day. Then I'll go. Because, patios and 2.50$ mystery beers are my jam. The mystery beer is usually Blatz! which is also good. But still, heavy.
(3)Marcus H.
Where to start? 1. We didn't see a server for about 20 minutes and another 20 minutes to get our drinks. 2. One side of the rooftop got service regularly and promptly while our side didn't. 3. Here's the kicker, IT WASNT BUSY. Whenever we did see our server, he kept mentioning that "their system was down." Still doesn't explain the lack of service to one side of the room. There are better bars in the area. Don't waste your time.
(1)Katy S.
Unfortunately this place just didn't do it for me but I'll try to paint you the entire picture, both good and bad. The good: Nice rooftop to eat outside! Funny bathroom signs. The bad: Service was slow and awful. Prices were a bit much for the quality of the food. Weird location; no nice view. The ugly: My meal. I ordered the shrimp po Boy. The shrimp was wayyyy too fishy, tasted bad. :( they give you a massive amount of Bread too. The side of fries were bland, zero seasonings. The apps. We ordered jalapeno poppers and cheese curds. They came with some strange sauces that didn't match! Honey mustard for cheese? No bueno. Overall, glad I came, saw, and conquered. But skipping this one next time.
(2)Raj R.
Average, ok, decent. Etc. is what I can describe this place as. No big Cons. But no significant Pro's either. Not sure the biker bar title is accurate- a few pieces of Junk motorcycle parts strewn around is all.
(2)Ruggy J.
I think in the four our so days I was in Chicago, I went to Twisted Spoke three times. More than likely because it was on the way to the Pitchfork festival that I attended, but mostly because it's an awesome bar and restaurant with a pretty dope rooftop. The roof is prime for a sunny brunch. With killer chilequiles and a really good bloody mary complete with a beer back, it's the perfect way to start off any weekend day in the city. Downstairs, the decor is littered with motorcycle paraphernalia (hence the name) and the bartenders were all quick and talented. Oh, and they definitely carry Malört. Whether or not you should actually be consuming that disgusting spirit is one thing, but if you want a unique taste of Chicago, you know where to find it.
(4)Robby K.
An entire menu of Bloody Mary's and amazing bar food prepared with skillfully elegance. this place is just soo solid. the tempura bacon is amazing. the wings are way good though i wish the original buffalo sauce was spicier. i've been here a bunch and love the rooftop patio in the summer. chill motorcycle vibes. real hip spot to mingle at the bar or enjoy a meal.
(4)Gina B.
I used to LOVE their fried egg sandwich. But on a recent trip I discovered their newly revamped menu featured an imposter under the same name! Toasted marble rye now replaced with soggy Texas toast, scant bacon, mayo absent, onion absent, unnecessary cherry tomatoes added. Why Twisted Spoke, why? The perfect egg sandwich I used to try to replicate at home is GONE! At least I had a mimosa to console me. I remain hopeful they'll return it to classic form in the near future.
(3)Brianna B.
Lots of whiskey-based cocktails (in fact, if you want a cocktail and don't like whiskey, this might not be the place for you). My rye/blood orange soda/angostura bitters cocktail was good. The space was kind of loud. Overall a fine place to grab a drink if you're nearby, but I'd probably just as soon try out other bars in the neighborhood next time I'm in West Town.
(3)Kaylyn W.
I've gone here a few times now, brunch and dinner. I'm a huge bloody mary fan and I would have to say that there are interesting choices here. I tried my friends bloody mary that had some wine in it and I wasn't a huge fan. There's also an amazing beer selection to choose from (love). I ordered the flaming lemon garlic wings and little did I know that they actually light them on fire. They were crispy yet wet with the delicious marinade put on them, and were still good after taking them home and popping them in the oven. I would say they would be my go-to suggestion for any first time visitor. The deep fried bacon. I mean come on, it's deep fried bacon. If I could eat this every day all day without getting fat I really would. I've also tried the buffalo chicken sandwich. The chicken had the perfect amount of batter and was extra crisp after being deep-fried. I prefer a little more kick than others-- there was the perfect amount in this sandwich. The fries were just okay, a little soggy for my taste. Check out the amazing rooftop!
(4)Christopher M.
I can't give it 5 stars quite yet because we have only had Bloody Mary's here, but they were awesome. We will be back to try the food for sure, but if you need a Bloody head here. A few different kinds, all of them great. 304/365
(4)Heather L.
Look here. You are NOT looking at a bloody mary fan. To be fair, I gave V8 juices plenty of chances throughout my childhood. And after one or two sips, I'm consistently appalled that tomato soup can be sold as a beverage. Fast forward a decade or two, and Twisted Spoke provided the setting for one of those life-changing culinary moments of "wow, this isn't bad." TS bloody mary's are complex and savory, with a reasonable price-tag so you can try a few. I can appreciate the meal-in-a-drink quality of some of their concoctions: The gherkin pickle, cocktail onion, bacon, salami - everything fits in a highball glass. There is practically no room for the average bar-food that is also served.
(3)Geoffrey D.
The menu has been completely overhauled. Our waitress confirmed that the regulars are not thrilled. Unfortunately, this is now off my go to list for bar food.
(2)Christina M.
Walked in and was told 10 mins for outdoor seating. Restaurant was clean Portions were huge. I had 3 bloody Mary's, I loved all of them! We sat on the deck. Super awesome. Had a phenomenal time. I can't wait to go back! Fried egg sandwich Please share.
(5)Michael F.
5 stars for the service and vibe. Eduardo said it would be a 15 - 20 minute wait for upstairs, and he was spot on. He handled everything with class and good vibes. All you could ask for. Similar experience with our server upstairs. 4 stars for the solid beer selection. 3 (maybe 3.5 stars) for the guacamole. Want to go back for a burger. And to enjoy the rooftop and quality service again.
(4)Veronica T.
Loved the service and the food was awesome. Must come back! I was so full! My guy was in heaven with po boy. Fries where awesome. Chill spot. A must go!
(5)Kat C.
I've been going to this place since it opened because I have lived in the area for most of of those years so I recall it being a great place for a drink (especially a bloody mary) and a meal (meatloaf Mondays!). Today, we went to the roof and they were playing tunes from a streaming music service with COMMERCIALS (unnecessary and obnoxious), a hungover waiter (which was actually fine cuz he admitted it) and meh food. Overall it's going down and I don't think I'll be back unless I'm forced to meet a friend there. Management might try to get the vibe back that it originally had because it's gone now.
(1)esteban g.
Wait, regulars! They changed the menu and axed the weekday lunch special! Too bad I didn't find this out until I was almost finished with my (now, $20+!) burger! The rolls are now bigger and dry, no more cut tomato slices, some kind of grape tomato mix, and, at least on mine, two tiny bacon strips that didn't even cover the burger. I did get to talk to the manager, who was cool and explained things are in flux, the cost of beef, and listened to my love of my regular meal. But then, he didn't even bring up a small discount or comping my drink. Oh well... Big things: grilled cheese is gone, fish and chips are gone. Bottom line -- this won't be on the lunch playlist any more. Big bummer. Yes, change happens, but for regulars, this doesn't necessarily mean for the good.
(3)Dustin G.
I recently visited Twisted Spoke for a friend's birthday dinner. The first thing that struck me was the decor. They've really run with the biker theme and it kinda felt like I was stepping onto the set of Mad Max...in a good way. The staff was a wonderfully pleasant group of black-haired hipsters who gracefully accommodated our large group of hungry revellers. First, I must say I enjoyed my food and especially my drinks, but I want to return for brunch as it seemed like more of a brunch place. Then again, isn't everything in Chicago? So, I'll withhold a fifth star until I'm able to sample their fare in the light of day. However, the food was really good. I split an order of the spoked mussels and a shrimp po' boy with my friend. I usually wouldn't order a po' boy this far north but was encouraged to do so by a native New Orleanian. The mussels were excellent. They're steamed in bloody mary and it was so good. I wanted more bread to soak up all the sweet juices. The sandwich was pretty good. Not the best po' boy I've eaten. The batter on the shrimp was a little off. Too crispy. Also, I didn't really like the fries. The best thing I had was the Naked Bloody Mary. It's a deconstructed bloody mary made with heirloom tomato juice. It was so good. I can't describe how good it was. It was like biting into a fresh tomato at a farmer's market. I also had a Bloody Franco and it was good although I'm still on the fence about cold chorizo as a garnish. I tried sips of the Road Rash and Delivrance. Both were very good, too. You get a beer chaser with each bloody which I absolutely love. In short: I'd love to go back again. I'd order different food...or maybe just a double order of the mussels and probably as many bloodies as I could drink.
(4)Elizabeth A.
The extra star is for our great server. I'd heard great things about Twisted Spoke from my good friend. Since I live down the street I figured I'd check it out for Sunday breakfast. Unfortunately, TS did not live up to the hype. First, when we asked for lemon with our water one of the busboys brought us 1 lemon held in his bare hand. If we hadn't stopped him he would have dropped it into my glass. We had to tell him to bring back the lemon wedges on a dish or a napkin. Next, my friend ordered the bacon tempura. When it arrived it did not look like the dish she remembered. Turns out TS changed the recipe. She sent it back. When or entrees arrived one friend's biscuits and gravy was cold, my other friend's order was wrong, and my poached eggs were overcooked. Our server fixed everything and even comped our drinks. Still the food was disappointing after such a big buildup. I hope they go back to the old menu and recipes soon.
(2)Jessica M.
Fun outdoor terrace seating with a biker theme. I had the chili-killas which were just OK, I've had better. The corn beef hash was pretty good. The bloody Marys looked good at the table over. Overall the food is forgettable the place has potential.
(3)Ry O.
Twisted Spoke has gone down-hill quite a bit over the past several months. The menu has been parred down significantly, and two of our favorite dishes removed from the menu. The rest of the menu is pretty basic and underwhelming, and burgers remain your best choice. The drink and whisky selection is still solid (though no less than three of the drafts we attempted to order were out). Service has always been spotty, and it's gotten to the point where I don't want to go there anymore (I've been here MANY times over the years). The last visit (which is typical of most of my visits), beer was never offered to be refilled, check took forever, and server only appeared to take our order and bring our check. It wasn't even that busy. If you're looking to drink on their rooftop, this is still probably a solid pick.
(2)Michael A.
Sat at the bar for brunch and had a great day of people watching. Chilaquiles were delicious. Just the right amount of food and every bite delicious. This place has a ridiculous Spirit and Beer menu. Service was great, barstaff was very friendly and a delight to chat with. I missed out on the bloody marys, but you should see these things. Straight up legit. Next time I will be getting one of those. Good place to be at listening to the escapades of Saturday and starting off your day on the right foot. I have been plenty of times to just chill on the rooftop deck and enjoy the sun and a cold beer.
(4)Jim T.
Went to the Twisted Spoke with my wife and father-in-law for Sunday morning brunch. This place has a pretty cool biker bar vibe and their menu has a "cure your hangover" theme that is pretty funny, with a variety of Bloody Mary selections to back it up. I went with the classic, extra spicy, which was a fine drink, although I was too full to sample the meaty & pickle-bristled garnish that accompanied it. We arrived around noon and found that the restaurant was busy, but not to the point where we had to wait long for a table. It's not a huge venue in winter. In the summer months they have a roof-top patio, so I'm sure there will be a lot more elbow room when the weather warms up. It does get fairly crowded, though, so I would recommend against bringing large groups without reservations, small kids, claustrophobes, or chainsaws. The food is good. It won't take you on a mystical journey or anything, but the items we ordered were solid, tasty, and hit the spot. I went for the much-lauded fried egg sandwich, and I wasn't disappointed. It's messy, so I wouldn't recommend ordering it if you're on a first date, wearing a tuxedo, or both. My wife did the same, but on a pretzel bun. I have to admit that she won brunch that day, and I will probably do the pretzel bun thing the next time I'm there. My father-in-law had the steak and eggs and loved them. The steak was flavorful and well cooked...which is to say they did a good job cooking it (he ordered it medium). We also had the banana fritters, which are more pancakey than frittery, but still very tasty. Our server was professional and attentive. As I said, it was busy, but we were frequently visited for coffee & water re-fills. My one complaint is that whoever was in charge of the music that day didn't seem to get the theme. Whenever something like Hendrix, Zeppelin, or Sabbath made an appearance, the channel was quickly changed to something decidedly more wimpy. At one point they played R. Kelly. R KELLY?!? This is supposed to be a BIKER JOINT! Take that "I Believe I Can Fly" crap somewhere else! Whatever...I still had a terrific meal. I love the atmosphere, and my wife and I will definitely stroll in on a Friday or Saturday night for a couple of drinks. We live nearby and will definitely visit again.
(4)Colleen C.
Oh, I dunno. Ok, well yeah I do...I guess. This place is sort of, not my style. Twisted Spoke is almost sort of awkward to me. Like, OK. I get they are catering to the biker clientele, bike culture, etc. However, this place is just a little too "kistched-out" for me. I get it, handlebars everywhere and bike decor, but it's all just a little too...contrived. "Chicks" and "Dicks" to mark the bathroom? C'mon people, seriously. Even I think that is lame, and that is a hard note to hit with me.... My salad was pretty awful. I know, salad at a bar. I know. But, if it's on the menu, it should be decent. Not so much. God, how I loathe soggy, warm lettuce with Cesar dressing. It's just...the worst. Service was good, our waitress was very friendly. I was there for a midday meeting, so it wasn't crowded. The patio would've likely been a better choice on a summer's day....perhaps avoiding the food altogether and just basking in the sun, though that generally clears about any problem imaginable, right? Eh, skip it. Better options in the 'hood. The saving grace was that this meeting led me to my first ever visit to Sip Coffehouse and Garden, my newest, favorite place in the whole wide world! (across Grand)
(3)Mary Ann C.
Love this place and have been coming here with my husband for the last 11 years! The fried egg sandwich is one of the most delicious creations ever! Also, love the wings, poppers, and brunch menu. Fun spot with great service!
(5)Melissa B.
I LOVE me some Twisted Spoke!! Unreal bloody marys (a LOT of options) and the one i had came with a beer chaser! YUM!!! That itself was spicy and almost felt like a meal. I also ordered the Mexican eggs - YUM!!!! All of my favorite flavors - spicy chorizo, eggs, veggies and cilantro. I was in Heaven!! It was served with breakfast potatoes and bread and jam. Outstanding - i just couldn't finish it all. So much food!!! We ate at the bar and service was excellent. Love the decor, love love - will definitely be back!
(4)Karen G.
This is a pet peeve of mine but this was a bit extreme. Spraying the table next to us with cleaning solution directly on the table rather than on the rag itself ruined a rather decent appetizer. I could taste the solution in my mouth and we started coughing. Considering this isn't the cleanest restaurant based on the restroom and a quick peak in the kitchen it was surprising that this is what bothered me most. To be fair this happens at most restaurants but this was so much spray and such a strong odor that I won't be back anytime soon.
(2)B C.
Went in the other night. Hadn't been back in a while. What happened? The food was really mediocre. They took Caesar salads off the menu. Bummer...and weird. The shrimp PO boy used to rock but they ruined it by getting rid of the Cajun Mayo, putting these disgusting (soo bad) roasted tomatoes on it, strange flavored lettuce, and seriously skimping on the shrimp. Did the chef lose a taste bud? They had chicken and cheese quesadillas but were complaining about making them without the chicken for my kid. No beer specials. I don't know, for the price, the food was really weak. The waiter knew we were not happy. Did he get a manager? Nope. That, I will have to assume is because they just don't care....and neither do I.
(2)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.
(5)Mandi P.
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!!!).
(4)nicole m.
The bloody marys are amazing. I go there for that. Only that. I mean, I know the whole biker thing is cool and the porn n' eggs is a great late Saturday night concept. I really want to give them more stars, but although the food isn't bad, the service really subtracts from the enjoyment I might otherwise experience. Service on many occasions is slow/apathetic, and the hipster attitude/vibe that they cultivate there always makes me feel like I'm not cool enough. I went there with a friend to eat one night and they sat us in the dark section by the bathroom, and we were the only ones seated there the whole time, but there were many people in the restaurant. It gave us a very twilight zonish outpost-on-another-planet type of feeling. I also ordered take out one weekend afternoon and when I got there, starving, to pick it up, there was no order for me. Oh the humanity. Not only that, but the manager (I'm assuming) told me that what I had ordered (the sloppy eggs from the online menu) had not been available for about 3 years. The girl with whom I spoke on the phone hadn't bothered to tell me that when I ordered and no one bothered to call me to let me know. Apparently they just threw away my order, hoping I wouldn't come to pick it up. I tried to hold back tears (you know how anything will make you cry when you're hungry?) as the guy with dead eyes shrugged a disingenuous "Sorry." They could not have possibly cared less. I have been back very few times, and only for drinks, since then.
(2)Mikaela R.
Best bloodies in Chicago. Their weekend brunch menu is perfect. Go here if you're hungover (before 3, after that they stop serving brunch) and you won't be disappointed. The staff is very friendly too!
(5)Tanya K.
Went on a Sunday for brunch. One star for the rooftop. Minus one star for the nasty tasting eggs and that's really saying something because breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I love brunch but not here. Minus another star because the place looks dingy. Minus an additional star for the shitty, pretentious hipster service. Last but not least, minus a star for the hair in my eggs. Eggs should never have hair in them, feathers maybe but not hair.
(1)Rich Z.
Its been a while since I had been to The Spoke (almost 10 years in fact) mostly due to living in Wisco. I had some friends in for a day/night of revelry and debauchery. Got there about 2pm, was seated and 'watered' fairly fast. 3 words to describe the start of the day-TEMPURA FRIED BACON. Bloody's were spot on, I had the breakfast tacos, one of the guys had the Mesckin scramble, and one had a fully dressed fat boy. PHENOMENAL. So much so that we were talking about it all day. Finished up the day(evening ) with Smut and Eggs. the Corned beef hash is the best in the city BAR FREAKING NONE!! The owners, Mitch and Cliff have really gotten it right.
(5)Mark S.
The Bloody Marys are pretty good, but if you want a decent burger don't go here. We sent our burgers back because they were so overdone and they brought out replacements that were just as bad. For $12 I expect more. The fries were terrible too.
(1)Keith A.
Do you like whisky, rye, or bourbon? Do you like beer? If the answer to both of these is a resounding yes, then you need to run, not walk to the Twisted Spoke. The last time I was here was in my pre-yelp days. I've well been overdue for a return trip, so the opportunity finally presented itself and I jumped all over it. The vibe was really relaxed and it was gorgeous outside. Being that I came on a staurday night, a wait for the rooftop wasn't unexpected. Since my friend and I knew we were gonna be there for a bit, it was time to order up some rye. My eyes darted around at what was up there, so naturally I went for the more rare ryes. The best part was that the prices were extremely reasonable considering I wasn't messing around with what I got. When the rooftop table was ready, it was beer time. I loved the range of beers on their list. They still had some hard to find stouts on tap along with having a good range of styles. Twisted Spoke is a massive win in my books. Even more dangerous is that I was told they do half off whiskeys on Wednesdays, so if you want to sample stuff that is über hard to get, this is ground zero for that. Needless to say, it won't be anywhere near as long before my next trip.
(5)Dylan M.
Not sure why I haven't written a review for the Spoke before this but it's past due. It's a great places to meet up before a united center event. Easy to find free parking and leave cars to carpool over to your event. Beer lovers will be lost in their HUGE selection of beers there offer on tap/bottles/cans. And the food is awesome. Constantly awarded for best cheap eats they offer a large variety of yummy foods. Oh can't forget to give a shoutout to the tunes crankin in the bar... always rockin. And in the summer a great place to hit the rooftop for brunch. Bloody Mary with a beer back could be lunch in itself with the amount of things they stuff in those thangs. The only thing I have constantly encountered over the many many years I have been here as a fault are the bartenders service. Not sure if because they feel they have to keep their tough edgy persona up or what but often times they are not friendly or service oriented and ignore u seemingly purposefully. Whatevz I keep comin back so no biggy.
(4)Giancarlo G.
Bar is good, if you are drinking you're ok. If you are coming for the food stop and turn around. They USED to have a good menu with lots of options. For some reason unbeknownst to me they reduced it to less than a page. I understand if all the favorites were left in but they weren't. Somehow in this place the patty melt was taken off the menu and now a can of cheese and ritz crackers is. Unacceptable. Literally a can of cheese whiz and boxed ritz crackers for 15 effin dollars. GTFO. Where is the culinary expertise in that. Not coming back.
(2)Chuck T.
I used to be a regular visitor....It's bad now. I won't be back. Fired. It's pretty much what it always was, a pretend biker bar. The food was pretty good, but the new menu is terrible. The music is dumb loud. I'm a musician. My job is loud, but if you have to yell when you talk at a bar it's silly. Not hip. There is nothing cool about twisted spoke- it's just bad.
(2)Jay N.
We went on a weekday for lunch so it wasn't that busy. Parking on the street can be difficult but based on the intersections, there are plenty of places to park your car. We were seated promptly and it is decorated with motorcycle memorabilia along with bottled beers. My wife had the burger special that is only $10 for the burger, fries, and a beverage, which includes the cheaper draft beers or a soft drink. I went with the shrimp po boy and upgraded for $2 for onion rings and chose one of their draft beers (I was off work). The service was attentive and gave us advice on some recommendations based on our preferences. The po boy on baguette instead of a french roll worked since the shrimp was pretty tender. The onion ring upgrade wasn't worth it based on quantity. Overall, a nice place for lunch
(4)Klassic C.
Pretty regular/ bland food to me but my hubby loved the burgers the drinks where different I'm not a big bourbon fan so that was an experience in itself we went after hours and the porn was the hairiest porn I've ever seen in all my years .... I gave it 3 stars based on my hubby love of the burgers and the fact they play porn
(3)Zach F.
Nice little place. Food was good, but not great or memorable. But it was also really reasonably priced for what it was. The bartender on Monday night was friendly and helpful. They also have a pretty good beer list, and when I was there, they had Parabola on tap and it wasn't on the list. Bartender was letting me and other guests taste beers if we weren't sure. Will definitely be back.
(4)Sarah S.
Great burgers Slow service.. Not sure why, but it is Good specials on drinks and they aren't light handed
(4)Marcee W.
Beautiful sunny Spring day, rooftop desk, good friends and bloody Mary's with salami and cheese! Heaven! Although I was surprised by the two poached eggs on top of the gumbo, it was delicious. My friend both enjoyed bleu cheese burgers and home-cut, seasoned fries. Waitress was pleasant and attentive and the biker atmosphere made me long for the feel of the wind in my hair.
(4)Shannon W.
Cool spot! I just had lunch here with my sales rep in Chicago, service was great and the food was really tasty. When she first told me it was a 'bikers bar' I was a bit apprehensive, but it was totally chill and I was very happy with everything. I wish we could have had a drink as they had a ton of beers and a variety of liquors, but we just stuck to water. Anyway, I ordered a buffalo chicken sandwich with a soup as a side (extra $2). The soup was awesome & the sandwich was very tasty. I like that the server checked up on us a few times. She was great. Prices are very reasonable. I was told they have an awesome rooftop, I'd love to check it out when the weather is nice.
(4)Sandra T.
Holy Mother of Sandwiches! I'm a huge fan of Buffalo chicken. This is hands down the best buffalo chicken sandwich I've ever had. Perfect balance of sauce and blue cheese, fresh bread and quality chicken. And say HELLO to tempura bacon! YUUMMM!!!! Rooftop seating is very relaxing, service was friendly and timely. I hate bloody Mary's, but almost wanted to try one after seeing tray after tray of them brought out. Will I go back? Oh Hells yeah!!!
(5)Rosie H.
I honestly don't get the appeal of this place. I came here with a group of 4 for brunch and we were seated at a dirty table and handed nasty paper menus. I'm fine with paper menus, but the whole point is that you can reprint them often, no? It took our waitress 15 minutes to approach our table and she immediately asked what we wanted, no small talk although she was more than happily chatting up other tables. Odd. We had our orders ready b/c we'd been sitting there so long. However, it turns out that for brunch, only one page of the menu is actually available. Would have been nice if someone had explained that to us when we sat down. The food took forever to come out and was mediocre. I guess it wasn't the worst meal I've ever had, but I got the feeling that the people working there could have cared less that we were spending money in their establishment. I don't make a habit of paying people to treat me with total indifference.
(2)Rizzle M.
Came here at 12 am for burgers. The Fatboy. Huge and delicious (that's what she said). Exellent beer selection, ridiculous whiskeys, and out of this world bloody mary's. This place is a must. Cheers!
(5)Bryan R.
Where do I begin?? We had a big group. We called a week in advance and confirmed that we'd need a table for ten. We called 30 minutes before arrival, and the person on the phone confirmed that we'd have a table for ten on the roof. When we arrived, the roof was full, but we didn't think that was a big deal. They placed us in the back. No one came for ten minutes, and when Sarah, our waitress, arrived, she left immediately to get us waters (which she would not be back with for another ten minutes). We finally ordered, and they brought out everyone's food but ONE person in our party. The waitress asked if she took his order. He said yes. She then said, "Well, then I swear I put it in. I put it in!" Okay, Sarah. We don't care if you put it in or not...just go get the burger. Five minutes later, they arrived with the wrong burger. The man in our group politely let the server know it was incorrect. He took it back. He returned, ten minutes later, with another burger with the wrong toppings. The man didn't want to cause a fuss, so he took the burger and started removing the onions with his hands. The waiter (in a red ball cap) then came up and said he needed to take the burger back because it was meant for someone else. The man in our group said, "But I just took the onions off WITH MY FINGERS." And the waiter goes, "That's okay." He turns around and takes the plate to another table. We were so in shock that, unfortunately, we didn't say anything in the moment. Sarah then returned to say that they DID bring his burger out, and that someone else in our party ate it. We were confused. The man then simply asked to have his burger made to go, because by now an hour had passed and everyone was finished eating. We set up our cards - writing our names on the receipt and putting them in order - to give them to Sarah to charge. NOTHING was offered for all of the horribly service. I personally do not think the man who never got his food should have had to pay. We did not even get an apology. Lastly, it took Sarah THIRTY MINUTES to charge our cards. I will never be returning to this restaurant and I am sure no one else in my group will as well. Their standards and service are horrific, and Sarah was beyond incompetent. I'm not one to leave reviews like this but I'm so angry that I had to say something. Don't go here unless you're comfortable knowing another customer may have touched your food before you.
(1)Kayla L.
Decided to try Twisted Spoke for my birthday brunch on Sunday December 7th. We got there around 12:30pm and the place was pretty packed. We had a group of 12 with us. The hostess was very nice and she explained we needed to wait for a table so we can go to the bar and order drinks while we wait. The bartenders weren't very friendly but then again they where probably just very busy. I was amazed at the size of the Menu. They have so many options and they even have a menu called Hangover Hospital which is cool. I ordered the Road Rash Bloody Mary and I have to say I was not impressed. They have about 5-6 different types of Bloodys. I am a HUGE fan of Bloody Marys to. I tried other Bloody Marys that my friends ordered and I was not impressed with any of them. In fact, some of them had to order something else to drink because it was not good. As soon as we got sat our waiter was awesome. He was on top of it the entire time! The food is pretty good, not amazing but good. The fried bacon with tempura is great, I would order that again. I got a hamburger and was not to impressed, it tasted like any other hamburger. Everyone else at their table really liked their food. I do like the atmosphere it's a fun place. I would go back again but not specifically for the Bloody Marys but probably to try something different off of their food menu.
(3)Al D.
Brunch fanatics be like "Oh em gee Bloody Maryz!" Otherwise, everything here is fried and dripping in grease. The bacon in the burger was fried with the burger; soft, greasy and tasting like nothing. Yuck. For a place that used to be in Wrigleyville, there's nothing truly "biker" or "edgy" about it. And I think they still do "smut n'eggs" occasionally. Keep it classy guzzling your 500 calorie BM...
(2)Mario J.
Just had one of the worst experiences ever at a restaurant. My wife and I ordered a chicken sandwich with onion rings and a burger with a side salad. The chicken was a mystery piece that was mostly fat and grizzle. The onion rings were weren't really onion rings, they were shoestring onions-not as described on the menu (which were filthy and disgusting to even hold). The burger was served on a giant stale bun with a side salad that had absolutely no flavor. My wife's warm beer with extra head arrived after the food. The pickle was very good, but that's about it. I have never written a review on the internet, but I felt compelled after this experience. All of this was brought to our servers attention very politely, and she said our bill would be adjusted. After another 15 minutes of waiting, the chicken was removed off of the bill ($14), and so was the side salad ($2). The complaints about the burger however were not timed properly according to our server so it could not be removed from our bill. So....$30 for 2 beers and a few bites of barely edible food....bad deal.
(1)Taylor P.
The food has changed... Menu is half the size and more expensive. The quality is gone and mixed. Service. What happened?
(1)Karry L.
So, after years of fruitless searching I've finally discovered a legitimate reason for the continued existence of brunch: to subsidize things such as half-off whiskey Wednesdays, which is basically what it sounds like (it sounds like angels). They don't fuck around either: the selection covers bourbon to scotch to Japanese to more obscure types, and includes bottles at every price point, from Ten High to both flavors of Gentleman (Kentucky and Virginia) to Black Maple Hill to the legendary and rarely-spotted Pappy Van Winkle (4 different vintages, even). There's another thing called "the Butch" where you can pay $2 and receive a randomly selected shitty beer from their cooler; think somewhere between off-brand Schlitz and Steel Reserve. At some point, these two "shot girls" from Jim Beam made the rounds to offer samples of their new honey whiskey mixed with pink lemonade. It was uncomfortably sweet, but I also got a free beehive-shaped shot glass and an eyeful of cleavage, so it wasn't a total loss. My friend ordered nachos with what appeared to be pulled pork piled on top. It didn't look great. There's apparently other food here during non-brunch, after-work hours, but those details fade quickly into irrelevancy. There is a $4 glass of Weller Special Reserve with your name on it, and you have a job to do. Recommend if: you feel compelled to sample the entire family of whiskeys that start with "Old..." (Crow, Grand-dad, Forester, Fitzgerald, Bardstown, Overholt, Pogue, Ezra 101, et al).
(5)Doug N.
Hidden jewel. Great bloody Mary's. Very unique bloody recipes. Roof top dining is recommended. Po boy is one of the best I have had. The brisket barely fits in your mouth iris so huge. Fantastic. Ask for Colleen P
(5)Bodie S.
Twisted Spoke is easily identifiable by the giant, spinning motorcycle on the roof of the building. This place is right down the street from my friend's apartment, so we decided to eat here before I headed back to Indianapolis. The place is really interesting--it has a dive bar feel, but also a restaurant-like atmosphere. There were people drinking downstairs at the bar, and we opted to sit outside on the upstairs patio. It was a little chilly/windy, but nice when the sun came out. The easiest way to warm up is with alcohol. I ordered a fine craft beer, an IPA if memory recalls, though I can't think of the name, and enjoyed the overlook of the westside while we looked through the menu. I ordered the meatloaf sandwich, which consisted of tangy meatloaf on garlic buttered Texas toast covered in spicy mustard. The sandwich was out of this world. I enjoyed every single bite of it. The meatloaf sandwich was accompanied by coleslaw, a load of fries, and a pickle. Arguably, and technically, it was a perfect meal. I loved everything about it. I will absolutely return to this place to eat, drink, skip rope, play backgammon, or talk horse trading. I definitely recommend Twisted Spoke for your anything and everything.
(5)Steph U.
Super disappointing. I came in to look at the menu one day and got super excited to try this place out. When I came here, it was unorganized, which ended up messing up our whole meal. We were told there was a 15 minute wait for the patio upstairs, so we decided to wait. We were told we could wait in another dining section and order drinks and whatnot. We decided to order some appetizers, but this turned out to be a horrible mistake. We told our server that we were still waiting to move upstairs and we wanted to make sure that if we moved before we got our appetizers that they would go to the same place. Our waiter told us that it'd be fine, so we went ahead and ordered. We ended up moving a few minutes after that, and once again told multiple people (the host who was reseating us and our waiter) that we had ordered appetizers and we wanted to make sure they would be sent to the right place. I'm not sure what ended up happening, but after the host re-sat us, we never got a new waitress or any silverware. The only reason we had water was because we brought it from downstairs. After waiting a good 10-15 minutes of no one coming over, we called over a random server and told her that we were ready to order and we wanted to know where our appetizers were. She took our order and said she'd check on our appetizers. Our food ended up coming before our appetizers did, but we still didn't have any silverware. The food was mediocre at best and I ended up sending mine back, because it was really overcooked (I ordered the seared tuna sandwich -- it even says on the menu that it's supposed to be very rare). Our appetizers tasted like microwaved crappy college junk food. When I was initially trying to send back my food, I had to flag down a different waitress, because I had no idea where our waitress went and WOW, she was a mean b***h!! She was super rude and obviously annoyed that I had tried to ask her about my food. I tried to see her name tag, but I didn't catch it. She had dark hair, tan skin and looked maybe Filipino or maybe hispanic. This waitress alone is the reason I've dropped this review from 2 stars to 1. There's no need to be so utterly mean! Anyway, she sent over our waitress and I showed her that my food was overcooked and I asked to not have them make a new one. I ended up splitting my boyfriend's burger with him and that was one of the few redeeming qualities of this restaurant. Our waitress seemed busy, but she tried to be attentive and friendly and she took off my sandwich off of our bill, which was nice. She was blonde, but I don't remember her name either. I think overall a lot of what happened was a misunderstanding and miscommunication, which sucks, but nothing could change my mind about this place after that one rude waitress. Oh also, the seating outside upstairs is strange. The tables are very small and I guess you're supposed to sit with a bar in between your legs? TL;DR: Rude waitress and bleh food. I won't be coming back. If you're forced to come, get a burger and try to get the blonde waitress.
(1)Brittany P.
Was not impressed with this place. I had heard about it from a few friends so decided to give it a try for some Sunday bloodies. Service was extremely slow, not attentive, and seemed like the waiter kept ignoring our table. Maybe this was a one off time, but looks like a few other yelpers have had the same issue. They do have a decent selection of bloodies, but meh nothing I would return for.
(2)Carl G.
My father and I ventured out to this restaurant in search of some good eats. Unfortunately, what we got was mediocre at best. My father Philip Vincent Grueger IV ordered fish tacos that he said tasted like Filet-O-Fish from the Golden Arches. One thing I must note is that while going to the bathroom, the door for the Men's room was labeled "Dicks", which I felt was very offensive. I ordered a cheeseburger with cheddar cheese cooked medium-well, and some fries. The burger was a bit over-cooked, and the fries tasted like nothing. The only thing that was good about Spokes was the service, as it was very fast considering the large crowd. Us Gruegers are forgiving people so I may be back to give those nice folks a second chance but the first experience was quite subpar. There are better places to eat in The Chi.
(2)Sarah S.
I bookmarked The Twisted Spoke forever ago after seeing it on Chicago's Best. They showed the deep fried goodness items I knew I had to try plus various Bloody Marys I knew my friend would appreciate. I finally went a couple weeks ago and am really glad I did. Street parking is a bit rough to find but that's the parking option. The atmosphere is super chill and kind of biker meets metal. We had no issue getting seats for a late weekday lunch. I was happy to see they had 5 Rabbit on tap but only Vida Muerte which is not my favorite from the brewer. $6 for a bottle and I guzzled it right down! I tried a bit of my friend's Road Rash Bloody Mary that they are famous for - oOoO spicy! Going here, I had a goal to try all the deep fried items I had seen on Chicago's Best so we had a feast of appetizers! Tempura bacon $5 - Amazeballs. I've had deep fried bacon before but having it in tempura batter is what makes this the best deep fried bacon I've tried. It melted in my mouth and was a fantastic spin on the swine candy. Fried cheese curds $6 - Delicious! They use Wisconsin cheddar cheese which is a bit different than the usual cheese curds. They were very deep fried, maybe a tad too much, but man were they good. Ooey, gooey, yum. Wild Ones $8 - Loved this. Deep frying + Mushrooms = Healthy, right? Deep fried mushrooms in 4 varieties, I believe it was. One of those varieties was portobello which are a personal favorite of mine! Yum! All three of these deep fried goodnesses were served with at least one dipping sauce. I'd get any of these apps again, but I have my eye on the grilled cheese for the next time I stop in. And yes, there will definitely be a next time!
(4)Some G.
DANGER DRINK HERE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!! Careful what beer you drink. I had their porter and had a massive migraine the next day
(1)Benjamin A.
Good whiskey selection with over 400. Good place to watch a ball game. All the food looked amazing. I've never seen so many bottles of whisky. I can't wait to go back in the summer to enjoy the rooftop patio. Really enjoyed the burger I ordered.
(4)Sarah R.
I cannot say anything bad about this place! Amazing Bloodies and the breakfast was fantastic! Great tastes. First timer in Chicago and so glad we came.
(5)Mike B.
Chila-killas (w/ home fries instead of rice and beans) were great and the bloodies were pretty good. However, the service was terribly slow.
(3)Amy R.
I was so ready to be madly, head-over-heels in love with Twisted Spoke. Id heard for ages that it is the best brunch EVER with amazing bloody marys and a fun, weird vibe. I had been trying to get there for ages, but schedules never worked out. Finally today, after all the anticipation, waiting, and downright jonesin for a Bloody Mary, we went. WE WENT. ...and I didn't love it. I HATE WHEN THAT HAPPENS. We got there around 11:00am on a Saturday and didn't have to wait - in fact, the place was kinda emptyish. Which was fine by me, because we were starved. A server swung by right away, and my friend ordered a plain old Bloody Mary, but I wanted to peruse the options prior to ordering. When he returned, I ended up just getting coffee, because all of their zany Bloody Marys are made with liquor other than vodka, which makes me want to throw up (tequila + tomato juice?! Get out of my FACE). So we went on to order our food, and because I had heard such AMAZING things, we tried a bunch of stuff. Pre-meal, we got the deep fried bacon. Oh yeah, you read that right. And it is EXACTLY what you're thinking. Tempura battered, deep fried slices of delicious bacon, served with a sort of Asian dipping sauce, and a tangy radish-based slaw. This is a 5-star plate of heaven. Being tempura battered, it doesn't feel greasy or disgusting, which is bizarre, because you're eating DEEP FRIED BACON. The sauce was delightful, and the slaw was the perfect, palette cleansing accompaniment. It was perfect. Then I ordered chilaquiles, and my friend got the biscuits with heart attack gravy. The dishes looked lovely, but the flavor was just so/so. My chilaquiles had a red sauce without a ton of spice in it, and I felt myself reaching for the salt more than once. The biscuits and gravy were pretty standard, but my friend added Sriracha sauce to make it worthwhile. Then we split the banana fritters, which were PARADISE - deep fried pancakes PACKED with banana goodness and a sweet, fluffy texture, accompanied by butter and syrup. I coulda eaten a mountain of those. In fact, maybe that's the way to go - order lots of their small plate items and share - since that's what we loved the most. From the drinks to the service to the food to the decor, most everything was just fine here. Maybe my anticipation had set the bar too high. Maybe my brunch palette has officially moved into snob territory. Maybe the Twisted Spoke is just ok. I probably won't be back to find out, but if you're in the area and jonesin for brunch, you wouldn't be doing yourself a disservice to check it out. Oh also, if you write an honest, 3-star review about the service and experience here, you get a nasty message from presumably the owner, not sure who, insulting you and your review. Tread lightly!
(3)Rachael Z.
I've been here numerous times, and it's amazing every time! It's typically a Sunday for a Bloody Mary and brunch, so my review is based on Brunch alone. FOOD: I love that they have a specific brunch menu; they have some very inventive items with a mixture of flavors, but there's not really anything here that's not good. I've had the shrimp po-boy (great shrimp, fixings and bread), but ever since trying the burger, can't stray from from that. If I so much as mention this restaurant to my husband, he drools thinking of the burger - lots of toppings, and he highly recommends an egg on top! They do it best here. The fries are delish, and the ranch dressing (request it on the side) is homemade and awesome. DRINK: Bloody mary's are incredible here. They use sriracha, so it has a good, bold spice to it. Lots of salami, cheese and veggies! PRICE: Totally reasonable, and you'll have leftovers. Or at least you should...portions are huge. If you're hungover like many of my trips, you may not have much to bring home! LOCATION: Kind of a goofy spot, but there's definitely nothing competing near-by. Parking is easy to come by and you can stop by Starbucks across the street on the way out.
(5)Leah B.
Writing this review after going to this place several times and having the same type of experience. I don't know why I keep going back. Probably because it's close to where I live. Food is so so. Average. Nothing to write home about. But what I do believe is worth writing about, is the consistently awful service. The servers and bartenders both, just out and out rude. The first few times I came in I thought it was like some sort of "Ed Debevics" thing like the staff is supposed to be rude on purpose. After asking, and finding out that the rude attitudes are not a "staged" thing, it just made me think, why is EVERY staff member so miserable. The only explanation I can come up with is the ownership and management. Usually when there's a consistent problem, it starts from the top and trickles down. It's just a shame that our amazing neighborhood of West Town can't be home to a welcoming and friendly eatery. Hopefully these guys will shut down soon and someone worth doing business with will open in their spot.
(1)Mark H.
Cluttered with biker paraphernalia from the skeleton on a motorcycle down to the handlebar doorknob entrance and finally the metal serving dishes, the decor is blatant in keeping true to its theme. The location is in an awkward point of the city where the street juxtapose in strange angles not the usual perpendicular map like structure that encompasses most of Chicago. This triangular corner is as confusing as the nature of this joint. I've tried this place out several times. The conclusion is if you're looking for a good dive bar with an excellent whiskey selection and a decent staff in attentiveness, this place is it. But, if you're looking for decent, quality food try elsewhere. Their famous burgers were nothing to brag home about especially at $ 14. Gimme a break. The staff was a hit or miss. The seats were uncomfortable. The pours were very bartender dependent. Overall I can see this as a tourist haven. I'm surprised they don't sell t-shirts there. For someone looking to add this place as a regular rotation, all I can say is Twisted Spoke is a cleverly named but in most cases what you do w/ a twisted spoke...you throw it out?!
(2)Aaron Jae M.
Had a great time here. Was going with a friend to get his tattoo at Great Lakes Tattoo (right down the street from it, on the same block) and decided to eat here while the artist made a sketch for him. I heard they were great for bloody marys so I tried one. I got the D'liverance which I thought was a good bloody mary, just not for me. It has scotch in it, which was just too much of a peat smoke flavor for me. I think next time I will stick to the classic. I also had their shrimp po'boy which was delicious. I wish the bread was a little softer since I'm not a fan of fighting through my bread to get to the rest of the sandwich but all in all it was a great sandwich with a lot of flavor, accompanied by some delicious french fries. P.S. If you get a tattoo from Great Lakes Tattoo, Twisted Spoke will give you a drink on the house. There are some limitations on this, no idea what they are.
(5)Brandon S.
Have been here twice since the beginning of Spring, both times we had horrible service, both times same server. The waiter literally came to our table a total of three times both occasions. I want to like this place because they have a great beer menu but that doesn't matter when your server only comes enough to be able to order one. Both times my gf and I got seated in the back just behind the hostess stand and got the same server. He acted like he didn't give two shits either time. On our second visit, our potatoes came out cold and the egg sandwich was barely warm. Not sure if it was the kitchen fault or our server let our plates sit there forever. I could tell the food would have been good if it was warm. Also on our second visit we sat right across from the waitress area from the bar. Each bloody mary is made by the bartenders but the waiters use their hands to place the meat, cheese and etc on top of the bloody. I'm not a germaphobe, but you can't help to think where their hands have been while serving. Use some utensils!! Overall, great beer menu, food would probably be just good if not cold and the service from the one server was horrible. It will be a number of months before we come back........but their beer menu rocks!!!!! :(
(2)M K.
I think this is the type of place you drink at. This was my mistake, but that doesn't mean the service should be nonexistent. I went here the other night for a sandwich and it was awful. The chicken on the sandwich was burnt and had no flavor. It did look like a cool place to drink, I just wouldn't order the food. I also had to wait 15 mins after I was done eating to ask the person cleaning my table to get me my check. This would not be a problem usually, but the whole place was empty I felt like the waitress was just ignoring us.
(1)Ryan R.
This place has great wings. Try the flamin' lemon pepper. Yes, they actually come out on fire. They are absolutely excellent. The brew on tap...micro brew and a very large variety. This place is a little loud (because it's small) but the service is always friendly and the food is always good. Four stars because I asked for three different beers...listed on the menu...out of stock. The last beer I requested was a blonde which was good. I would have rather the pale ale. Anyway, try this place if you are in the city. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Marie B.
Having grown up in Chicago, it's a surprise that I have not been to this location. I had brunch many years ago when their Wrigleyville location was open. We came to sit outside of Memorial Day. Their patio is great because it's outdoors and 80s in Chicago and thats it. We sat down and the waiter did not come to offer us a drink/food menu till about 15 min later. When he did come, he had to ask another table if he could have one of their menus to give to us. Besides that he was not in a good menu. Ok, fine we all have bad days, but the 10 min continuous wait for drinks is not acceptable. I ordered a classic margarita at the bar and when we arrived to our patio table and asked for a classic margarita the waiter explained that since it was not on the menu I wouldn't be able to order it. I explained that I ordered it at the bar and he asked for the bartender's name. What?? When you see the bar you'll first note the vast amount of liquor that they have. How can they not make a classic margarita? Regardless of that, the drinks were below average. I would not return.
(2)Lily Z.
I came here with a bunch of friends for dinner. We ordered a variety of things and I was getting "hangry," which means so hungry I was getting angry. We ordered the tempura bacon, jalapeno poppers and fried shrooms as an appetizer. The only thing that stood out was the dipping sauce for the jalapeno poppers. I wish there was more because everything else seemed boring and lacked spice. I enjoyed my shrimp po'boy. There was plenty of shrimp and I do have to agree with other Yelpers that the bread was a bit tough. I didn't mind going carb free! Boy didn't like his burger. He said it was very bland. The only complaint that I have is that we were a table of 6 sitting at a table of four. I know you can't do anything about people who take forever to sign the bill, but it was ridiculous watching people walk past multiple times and not pick up the bill when it was done and ready for 10 minutes. While I was waiting for someone to finally notice, they kept switching the channels. I understand if it was an honest mistake, but we came here specifically to watch the Bulls game and made it clear before we sat down, again when the channel was changed, then for a third time when the channel was changed. Aside from that part of the meal, service before and after was nice. They communicated constantly about where we were seated and provided a shot of half and half when a friend couldn't handle the roasted jalapeno. I'm not pleased with how the meal turned out due to the fact that I couldn't eat until I had proper elbow space. However, the service was nice when they were paying attention.
(3)CJ J.
Service seems to have improved over the past 6 months. Still a good drink selection, with good bloody marys and ciders available. Food is consistently good, but nothing to go out of your way for. Last time I was there, they had a tomato salad dressed available that was AMAAAAAAZING. Think slightly chunky bloody mary mix with a bit of a kick to it, but not so spicy it was out-of-place on a salad.
(4)Jamie N.
Sat at the bar and had Jillian as our server/barkeep. Food was good. She was amazing! Great time yet again at twisted spoke. Left smiling and satisfied!
(4)Megan S.
We decided to hit up Twisted Spoke after a Hawks game. So glad we did! The place has a dive-ish vibe and the service was great! Try the Shrimp Po' Boy. It was seriously delicious.
(4)tim d.
Recently went to N'awlins. Did tons of research before we went to find the best Shrimp Po' Boy sandwich. We settled on Killer Po' Boys and The Parkway. They were so damn good. Fast forward to Dec '14 at Twisted Spoke here in Chicago. The Shrimp Po' Boy here is better. The shrimp are larger...that batter is better...the bread is from D'mataos (just can't compete with D'amatos bread anywhere in the country....Bari found that out the hard way.) The sauce is perfect. Again...and I have since read reviews from others....possibly..THE BEST PO BOY IN THE U.S. (so, in the world unless some bastard in Bali is banging out Po' Boys "off the grid" that are "off the chain")
(5)John S.
Went here before the blackhawks game with my sister. Place was packed but that is to be expected before a game. Like the whole biker theme here. Favorite part of the decor is the door handles made from motor cycle handle bars. Very crafty. Service here was very good considering the crowds. I found the food to be ok but nothing exceptional. The burger like others said is very greasy. You may want to ask for extra napkins. I liked the cheese curds but wish they came with marinara sauce. The tempera bacon was quite messy and actually too greasy for me. That is saying a lot because I like fried foods. Over all found the food to be good but nothing special. If you are in the area for a game it is a good choice for the speedy service and close location to the UC.
(3)Kati H.
What can I say. SUPER crowded on a Sunday at noon, which only means I'm at the right place. -killer bloody mary -awesome corned beef hash -delicious biscuits and gravy -shitty service...but I understand. The servers were overwhelmed and that's ok. Will definitely be back to try a burger!
(4)Matt L.
This place is for sure a winner for drinks more than the food - specially brunch where their Bloody Mary's and drink specials every night shine. Went here for late brunch, more like late lunch than brunch. You can tell it was busy earlier but the crowd has died. Ordered up my usual bacon and eggs to recover from a late night of fun. Must be a hidden Denny's in the area since I didn't know the West Loop had one. Eggs done right as I ordered them but with the grease from Denny's. The bacon wasn't crispy at all ether as if they did go to Denny's to get my order. Bloody Mary done right though and you can tell this is what they are good at. If there was alcoholic drink, they can pour it. Their Blood Mary comes with a nice beer chaser as well as a nicely dressed Blood Mary should. You can order your standard Bloody Mary or several other variations. Service was okay. Not sure if it was because it was after a morning rush but there were not many people in the place. Like all places, I'll give the food a shot again. Next time maybe ordering something off their secret menu like their McGangBang which is a massive sandwich with a fried chicken breast, two hamburger patties, three slices of cheese, tomato, lettuce, pickles and a few secret sauces for good measure to add a "Mc(name your sandwich)" to the name. The place has a biker bar feel and the looks plays the part. If drinks are your goal, come here but I would consider Haymarket Brewery which is close by. For brunch, I'd suggest Little Goat Dinner as a consideration which is also close by. Bloody Mary on your mind then come here for sure. Food - 2 Décor - 5 Service - 3
(3)Bart J.
What a great place. went there for brunch and was so very satisfied with the meal the service and the beer. what should have been a 30 min eat and scoot turned into a 3 hour awesome meal with friends. the Place is bright and inviting. i would say medium loud with a pretty good music selection for the classic rock crowd. Had Chila-Killas and it was a magical home cooking journey. went awesome with a few pints. Will certainly be back for more. Can't wait to try what else they have cooking.
(5)Mike J.
I'm limiting this review to whiskey, and specifically to Whiskey Wednesdays. If you don't know, the Spoke serves half price, full size pours of EVERY damn whiskey they carry on Wednesdays, all day and night. Whistle Pig 11 for 12.50...Pappy van Winkle 23 for $15? And the cheap stuff is a steal. The staff is wonderful...knowledgable, friendly, and they'll leave the bottle if (like me) you like to read about what you're quaffing... Sean Thompson, manager, is a great person; if you're lucky he'll be able to talk for a bit, but he's usually too busy because this isn't an under-the-radar place...it's popular, because it's GOOD. Go there, have 4 like I do. Call a cab, your wife, a friend, or your friend's wife,, whatevs. This is the best place in the city to spend a comfortable Wednesday evening.
(5)Derrick P.
Stopped in for a drink last night. Great whiskey list with over 400 to choose from. Also great service and atmosphere.
(4)Brian S.
Good food, good beer list. Delicious cheese curds.
(4)Nick F.
I was visiting Chicago for fun a couple weeks ago and we stumbled upon this place on the internet. We saw that they had over 500 whiskeys and being into whiskey, we decided to give it a go. It happened to be Whiskey Wednesday which means half price whiskey. Terrible news if you have been drinking most of the day and all through the Cubs game (They sell cocktails at that Wrigley Field joint!). Anyway, the place was great, I loved the humor in their menu selections as well as their absurd $125 Manhattan, which I asked the bartender about and he said that people have actually ordered it in the past. We also enjoyed the bartenders company as we got quite a bit of time to chat with him on a slow night. Ill definitely be visiting Twisted Spoke again on my next visit in the Spring!
(5)Travis W.
It was my first visit but hopefully not my last. We popped in here for a brunch on Saturday and just looking from the outside I knew we were entering a pretty cool spot. The entire building being clad in iron and the skeleton riding a motorcycle on the roof pretty much tells it all. It's got a bike bar feel obviously but the crowd is way more diverse. We sat at the bar and it had to have been 40 feet long and backed with more liquors than I could have imagined even existed. After deciding on a bloody mary - of which they had like 8 to choose from we ordered our food. Everything on the menu looked delicious. I decided on the gumbo and wasn't let down. The blood mary was incredible in and of itself but the gumbo hit the spot.
(5)Emilie N.
It was a Friday night. My boyfriend and I were interested in trying something new in our neighborhood. I suggested "that place with the skeleton riding a motorcycle." We thought it would have a cool biker theme inside to match. As soon as we walked in, it hit us. The "oh-my-god-this-is-actually-for-bikers" feeling. We're talkin' leather vests, boots, and all the "Mom" tattoos you can imagine. It was crowded and we felt, as normal non-bikers, that we had trespassed. We slowly backed out and went to Mahoney's instead, which was alright. But the review doesn't end there. Later that evening, as we were driving by (around midnight) we noticed something unusual in the windows of Twisted Spoke. Actually, "unusual" is an understatement. "Raunchy" works better. The very very large screen TVs were showing VERY hardcore porn. Our jaws dropped and our tires squealed as we turned the corner. Needless to say, we are happy we didn't dine there.
(1)Colleen W.
This is a not so hidden gem. It's pretty hard to miss the place, and I'm glad we didn't pass it up! It was a gorgeous day so we sat up on the rooftop which is filled with picnic tables, trees...it feels like vacation up there! The vibe of the place is super laid back. The menu is funny. There is a lot of tongue and cheek humor to describe the food items. Nothing gets me like a cheese curd that is WHEY better than the rest... :) And while we're on the topic, the cheese curds were awesome. So were the fish tacos, served with a mango salsa, avocado, and grilled fish in a "build it yourself" presentation. The curried chicken salad was just OK. The beer list is extensive and the staff is very knowledgeable. We will absolutely be back!
(4)An P.
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!
(4)Adam K.
Dude, I used to live literally next door to this place. This neighborhood is great, you have the mafia, a biker bar & a sex dungeon all on the same block. Not to mention some of the best damn bread & toffee down the street. When I was living near here as a very young man with a baby, I remember walking across Grand ave very late, holding my infant daughter. There were 2 bikers outside of twisted spoke. This guy revved his engine super loud, unnecessarily loud, then ROARED an inch or two from me and my baby. I never wanted to strike someone so badly, thankfully my baby is ok but she could have seriously been injured from some prick on a harley. Kind of had a grudge against this place ever since. Enough prequel, here it is: The good: They expanded their menu, they used to have these AMAZING corn fries for like a year that were great and came with a strange dipping sauce. Now they have like 35 different kinds of burgers, sandwiches & salads. The menu is very large, the drinks are all different also. They have fish tacos for us trying to squeeze into a size 18. Their rooftop is one of the best in the city IMO. Love the spinning freaky ass skeleton. Service seems to have really picked up. Scruffy looking dudes but they live to serve you. I left a 25% tip. Smut and eggs: do they still do this? I hope so, it was so weird and radical. You get to watch 70s porn and eat eggs at like 3am. This was my " I am too drunk to go home" spot. Tons of bikers. The harley kind. The bad: Fish tacos are kinda bleh. The Smokin Salma bloody mary was really gross, the cold cheese pieces were all I remember, and they were awful. I want to try some others though. The scruffy dude waiter forgot I asked for another tortilla, but they were kinda dry and hard so whatever. Tons of bikers. The harley kind. Worth trying if you have never been here, and I will hit it up on occasion, but they need to tighten the bootstraps a bit more and I will be in here puking up eggs at 3am on the regs. Hey that rhymed!
(3)Kevin W.
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.
(4)D K.
Perfect spot to have an extremely extended lunch sliding into a long enjoyable evening. Can't beat the 10 bucks deal: burger, fries and a drink (cheap domestic beer or soda). Very extensive whiskey and bourbon selection, 6 different Papi van Winkle!
(4)Celina B.
I haven't reviewed this yet? No way! I had an art review to do for school so I dragged my boyfriend downtown to the art museum with me. He wanted to make a day out of it so he researched places with good bloody mary's. He found this little gem. We walked in, not really sure what to expect and sat at the bar. There were a few different bloody mary's to choose from. He of course had the one with bacon in it and I thought I would regret my decision of not ordering the same but mine was just as delish! (However every time I go, I now get the one with bacon and hickory vodka.) I'm pretty sure I was hangin' a little bit and that's always makes it hard to pick food when you're feeling like that. As soon as I saw corned beef hash and poached eggs, it was the easiest and best decision I've ever made. The corned beef has was NOT out of a can or anywhere near that. REAL corned beef! SHREEDED! REAL! with decent sized potatoes as well. it was AMAZING! Also a pretty good portion including 3 poached eggs with toast and a side of their potatoes. Our bartender was so nice! After our bloody mary's my man tried walbanger, and i tried a cock smasher. She had served one to someone next to me and it looked amazing, and with a name like that how could I pass it up? It was great! And loaded with alcohol. Let me remind you this is around noon. With so many good drinks being served up we couldn't stop trying them! My boyfriend walked down the street to get some cigarettes and I had let her know that we were actually celebrating our "anniversary" as well that and I ordered us some very small glasses of champagne with strawberries. Not the place you'd normally get this but she was so accommodating. After that we ordered their wings that were literally on fire. AWesome! At that point we realized we could not go to the museum, it was already night time and we crashed at a hotel in the city. Woops! =) Have been back a couple times since then, even with family, and no one has complaints. Can't wait to go back here again!
(5)Diane B.
Always delicious and we always look forward to a great meal and drinks with our friends. Consistently good service... can't beat that.
(4)Kimberly J.
Came here because it was a beautiful sunny day and they have a rooftop deck. Cool atmosphere. Picnic tables on roof with umbrellas.......a good start. However, it unfortunately went downhill from there. The service really stinks. Had to flag our waiter, who was busily texting, while sitting behind a tree by the waiters station, probably four times. No menus, no silverware, drinks were empty, please bring check, etc. Asked what he suggested out of several menu items we were interested in......said he didn't really care for any of them, but didn't suggest anything else. Had tempura bacon, and the batter was delicious, but inside was very under cooked, fatty bacon. Fail. Caesar Salad with steak, very good. Fried egg sandwich, sloppily thrown together and really greasy.....meh. Great fries. I say to management, if your staff can't be relied on to prioritize your customers before their need to text, you need to re-evaluate your policies. Once when I needed something, I poked my head in the wait station, where he was bent over, elbows on counter, texting, and said 'excuse me' to get his attention. He said, "yes?" without even lifting his gaze from the screen. Really? For $60 lunch, I can go a lot of places. This won't be one I patronize again.
(2)Pete V.
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.
(3)William L.
I went here for some pre-Hawks game grub and drinks. I definitely dig the style of this place, lots of cool vintage bike stuff and the entire feel of the place has a "right of passage" type feeling. Hard to explain, but it's boss. The food is damn good, the lemon pepper wings are outstanding! If you go to Twisted Spoke and don't get them, you're silly. They aren't too spicy but have a great pepper taste. For the entree, I had the meatloaf sammy with fries and my cohort had the falafel sammy. Both were really good and I had plenty to take home for lunch the following day. Service was spot on, drink specials were okay, beer list was impressive. I'll definitely be back again soon.
(4)Daniel O.
First off I have to agree with other yelpers and say, the rooftop patio is fantastic. Great laid back summer vibe; picnic tables, a nice breeze, trees... The food is good, a step above traditional bar food; comical menu descriptions are a nice touch. I ordered the ceviche, and was pleasantly surprised. However the service was completely disengaged, drinks would run completely empty and we would have to chase our waiter down for refills? Furthermore, at one point he brought the wrong beer, shrugged and says, "I thought that's what you said", and then didn't even offer to get the right one? Well I didn't feel like starting a scene, so yea I drank it. In the end, decent place, but in a city of great food, nothing exceptional...except for the rooftop patio.
(3)Marc R.
Rode up on my bicycle with a friend and saw the prettiest girl in Chicago standing out front in an amazing blue dress. So far so good, but she hopped in a cab and was off to someplace better than the Twisted Spoke I bet. What I found: A fairly run of the mill bar with typical but overpriced bar food on a good but pretty remote corner. They charge extra if you are going to split a burger! Now, that seems just mean! (Note: I stand corrected here. It is $5 to share a "double" burger because I was informed that Fonda and Nicholson came in one day and ordered the double then hustled the server for free buns to make a second burger! Easy Riders or Free Riders?) Cool: The rooftop picnic table seating is good and might be worth doing if you are visiting a friend around the corner, and the beer list is long, Not so cool: The server did not know much about the beer at all. I ordered a mint julep and it came up and was not made right. It was more like a mint gimlet. I sent it back for some sugar, and it was ok, but if the servers don't know the beer and the bartender can't make a drink unless the instructions are written on the bar, how did they get a permit to serve booze? Just wondering. Not so yummy: The food was pretty basic and uninspired from what I ordered - quesadillas -- and the options for vegetarians was pretty bad. They call Chickpeas here "Woman peas" -- how macho -- well it is a biker bar. All the Honda and Kawasaki junk parts make the point that this place is for tough guys in pink polo shirts and boat shoes! My suggestion, is that you should keep riding PAST the Twisted Spoke even if you find yourself on a Harley Davidson Fat Boy at the corner of Ogden and Grand, but if you see a pretty girl in an amazing blue dress wearing a pair of pretty wedges, pick her up if you can get her to talk to you. If you are visiting someone who lives here and all the little Italian places or nearby cafes are closed, and you must have a roof, well, the breeze was nice.
(3)Anna P.
My only problem with this place is that it doesn't have a solid 4 stars on Yelp! C'mon people, what more could you want?! The decor is awesome, the service is great, the beer list is phenomenal, and the food is excellent. Added bonus is that you get the heavy metal music and high-quality beers and burgers of similar places (*cough Kuma's cough*) without the agonizing 2+ hour wait. PLUS the menu itself is hilarious - it's full of little puns that I, as a half-Canadian, totally appreciate. Come hungry and thirsty, be adventurous with the beer list, try the Boss Hog (delectable BBQ pulled pork!), and leave full and happy and a little drunk :)
(4)Santiago A.
At the risk of disagreeing with Colleen C. and forever being banned from Yelp ;) I will go ahead and disagree. The "Chicks" and "Dicks" lables on the bathroom doors are great [upload pics] if for no other reason than they list who is a chick... and more importantly, who is a dick (i.e. Mayor Daley and Mayor Daley, the sequel). That right there is both funny and hits the nail right on the head. Besides getting on my good side right off the bat when I went to go wash my hands, I like that they have a quality beer selection. They hit all my favs so I could throw darts at a board and still come away happy. Ommegang, Gumballhead, Allagash White, Original Sin, etc etc, they are all here. Food is pretty good, too. The pulled pork and the meatloaf sandwich are both good choices. They fries that come on the side are "da bomb." Music is pretty good, if you don't mind mostly metal, and I don't. Finally, the rooftop patio is pretty sweet. All in all, I was glad I dropped by and will definitely swing by again. I see Melanie S. and Nishan P. liked it, too. Maybe they can come with... or even convince (read: kidnap) Colleen C. and bring her along ^_~ p.s. If i remember correctly, beers are $2.50 on Tuesdays. woo!
(4)Bri A.
If you only plan on ordering beers at this place, you should be fine. If you want certain shots or cocktails, go elsewhere! I came here with a few friends on Saturday night. It was around 11pm and the place was pretty dead, but the rooftop was busier. We sat upstairs and the waitress promptly handed us menus and took our drink order. It took her a good ten minutes to bring our drinks. We ordered a few appetizers (guac and chips and quesadillas) to split. The food was good, but nothing exceptional. I ordered a 7&7 (Seagrams whiskey and 7-Up). It tasted ok but I later found out the drink was made with Canadian Club. That is fine, but at least tell me! Ordering a 7&7 is not the same as ordering Canadian and 7-Up or whiskey and lemon lime soda! At least they charged accordingly. At one point, I ordered a round of shots since it was my friend's birthday. I told him to order whatever he wanted. What he ordered was a girly and common shot. The waitress said, "Sorry but the bartender won't make a shot like that. He is a big, burly guy and would refuse." Wow, I didn't realize the waitstaff speaks for the bartender! We ended up just ordering shots of whiskey. At least he wasn't too macho to pour that! Now, if they did not have the ingredients to make the shot, or the bartender telepathically told the waitress he did not know how to make it, we would have understood.
(1)Michael W.
Always a fan of this place. Great beer selection and always good food. I would recommend this to people who like some adventure. The regulars here are biker types that rub elbows with yuppies sometimes. Great vibe and this guy Alex the bartender is a straight up super cool bartender.
(4)Bex F.
Sixteen years, really? That's how long I've been going to Twisted Spoke? Jeez louise. I guess that makes it hard to review. I remember going when it was just a tiny little joint when I lived nearby. For years I thought they had the best burger in the city. Then they expanded. The food and service went sliding downhill so I stopped going for a while. Snarly, apathetic or rude servers and disappointing food. A few years back, went again and things had seemingly gotten worse so it wasn't until last week, several years later, that I was back again. And I must say, the food has improved and the service we had was much better. The hubs had the chicken tacos and loved them. So much so that all night he kept mentioning how great the tacos were. I had the Fatboy with bacon and BBQ sauce, my usual. Much better. I wouldn't say it's the best burger in the city but it's back to being good. The fries, eh, haven't caught back up. We sat on the rooftop patio which of course is always nice. It is a bit kitschy but, ah well. Better to have some sense of humor than none at all. Added back to the rotation list, thanks. Good, as it was a drag avoiding it.
(4)Nishan P.
There she sits a-smokin' Reefer in her mouth. Her hair hanging northward, As she travels south. Dirty on her Harley, But her nails are clean. Super-powered, de-flowered, Over-eighteen Irene. Why was this little ditty floating around in my head? Perhaps it is because Twisted Spoke is intended to be a biker bar. The biker theme permeates through the entire establishment from the graveyard of motorbikes that greets a visitor out front to the skeleton on a vintage motorcycle that rotates above. The menu boasts several kinds of Bloody Marys. Mine, the Bloody Franco, had chorizo (yes, the meat), an onion, a pepper and a clove of garlic. The drink was a little too different for my tastes. On the other hand, the Fatboy (a delicious, juicy, half pound burger) really hit the spot. Wait a minute, I think I get it now. A big hamburger, a blood red drink: very reminiscent of that grisly third verse. Ground around like hamburger, Layin' an a splat. 'tis Irene, her sheen I seen, In pieces crumpled flat. Oh, the feet were in the bushes, Her toes were in her hat. Stark-raven, un-shaven, Motorcycle Irene. My apologies to anyone whose appetite I may have just ruined.
(4)Melanie S.
I went here Friday night for dinner with my Yelp partner in crime. I've been to the Wrigleyville location, but I'd never been to this location. As expected, same set up, although this one is smaller. Maybe Wrigleyville has more bikers than River West, but I doubt it. We got there around 8:00 and perused the beer menu. Since they were out of the Half-Acre's Ginger Twin beer, I opted for an Original Sin (my new obsession) and she got her default drink, a Stoli razz and soda. My friend and I ain't no salad-eatin' bitches. This is but one of the reasons why we get along so well. We decided to get an appetizer and burger to share. We ordered the buffalo chicken tenders and a Fatboy. The tenders were delicious and had the right amount of heat, and the portion was so large that we couldn't finish them. The burger was quite good, not Paramount Room-good, but perfectly fine. The accompanying fresh-cut fries were so hot and crispy that I couldn't stop eating them (sorry Keri for not leaving you any). The service was friendly and the food was good, so I'm sure I'll be back. I especially want to try the "Smut 'n Eggs" at midnight. Good clean fun.
(4)Emily T.
As much as this pains me, I have to give the Twisted Spoke 3- 3.5 stars. A friend and I did some day drinking there recently, and perhaps the Bloody Marys were better than I'd remembered, but for some reason I couldn't choke mine down. We ordered 2 bloodys from our waitress, and she ran off before asking which of the 5 kinds we wanted. It turns out we got the traditional, rather than the cheese and bacon-laden "deliverance" like I remembered. We would have ordered a little more specifically on the next one, but we switched to beer. They make their own bloody mary mix here, and it's not my cup of tea- or my friend's. We also ordered food- I got a brunch dish which included caramelized pears, eggs, (scrambled) grilled ham, toast with jam, home fries and a chunk of brie. An interesting concept, for sure, and I loves me some brie, but it needs something to go with. I ate some with the potatoes, some with the pears, but... overall? Meh. My friend felt the same about his pulled pork sandwich and only ate half. Prices are...average to expensive, but the waitstaff are very attentive. Patrons of this bar usually make for fantastic people-watching, and the décor and liquor selection are both impressive. All in all though, 3 stars. Maybe 3 1/2. Go, but stick to beer, do (brunch) elsewhere, sit at the bar (make friends with the folks next to you)
(3)Stuart T.
I'm a big fan of Twisted spoke. Yes, the Pub has changed quite a bit over the years but I actually like it better looking back at things. I've been going there for 5 plus years now and I love that it has maintained many of their same employees. It makes for a great neighborhood bar. Their food is terrific and did I mention 1/2 off Whiskey Wednesdays..... which is amazing!!! The manager and bartender Shawn is a great guy and I hope to make it there tonight for 1/2 Whiskey Wednesdays.
(4)Amanda N.
The wait staff was incredibly nice. We had to wait a bit for a large group of us for Sunday brunch, but the staff communicated to us about the status of our table. I hesitated about bringing my 2 year old, but they had high chairs or booster seats and chocolate milk. It was great. Do I have to mention how amazing the bloody Mary's and French toast are? Great service.
(5)Jennifer P.
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!
(4)AJ M.
Came here late after a hawks game. This is deff one of the better places to go before or after a game around the U.C. The layout inside is a little awkward cuz its kinda on a curb. Atthough the inside is full of motorcycle themed decorations which makes it unique. I heard the food is great. Although all i had was a Fatboy which was dissapointing. Sat at the bar and the bartender didnt seem to want to help us at all. Overall the outdoor seating seems nice and gotta go back and give them another shot .
(3)Jill L.
Very delicious! Great chicken wings. Not a fan of the bacon tempura. If the bacon was more crunchy would have been a favorite. The salad was amazing with it. My husband said the buffalo catfish sandwich was one of the top five sandwiches of all times!
(4)chris q.
Cliff from Twisted Spoke was so taken with my review that he's been writing me personal Yelp messages to insult me and tell me how ignorant I am. "This reminds of the time when I went to the Chicago Diner on a packed Friday night and told them to make me a steak. They said no, so I yelled at the top of my lungs, "You guys SUCK. If you really cared, you would go to the store, buy some meat and make what I want, not what you actually serve." Then there was that time that I went to Luc Thang and demanded some sushi. They explained that they don't make Japanese food. I got mad and said, "Hey, you're all Asian. I know you have some raw fish back there. Make me some damn sushi." They wouldn't, but because I was stuck there with a group of friends, I decided to get some Pad See Ewe. That's what all the ignorant white folks or kids who like sweet stuff without a hint of spice would order. It isn't really what I wanted, but I still feel like I got screwed. Everyone else had more than me. They suck too. By the way, 90% of the bunch options are some variant of eggs and come with homemade hash browns. I can't quite imagine why it would be so difficult to find an appropriate meal to order. I guess we will just have to go on sucking another 17 years without you." I guess I hurt his feelings. And apparently Cliff doesn't understand what constitutes "vegetarian." It's also my fault that his servers are unable to explain the restaurant's substitution policy. Yes, it is entirely my problem, not Cliff's, and I'll solve it by avoiding Twisted Spoke and letting everyone I know how terrible the place is.
(1)Mindy S.
I have never been let down by an experience at Twisted Spoke. It was a hot summer Sunday afternoon, about 1pm and I wanted a greasy burger to satisfy my hunger pains after competing in a triathlon. I was thinking Kuma's, but I did not want the 2 hour wait. My amigas, who had also competed, wanted breakfast food, so we needed a place to accommodate all of our ravaging hungers. I don't remember who came up with the idea to go to Twisted Spoke, but a quick call revealed that the wait was short and we could sit outside, and they were still serving breakfast. Perfect! Their rooftop patio is simply amazing on a hot day. One of THE BEST in the city. The Fatboys (their burger) almost make me speechless, they are so good. On this particular visit, I topped it with everything good (bad for you), and had a side of onion rings and was completely satisfied. I thought I was dreaming the perfect dream while eating it. I believe I also had a fantastic bloody mary. I particularly want to point out that every server I've had has been attentive, informative, and enthusiastic. I've always had my water refilled quickly and I've never had a bad service experience. I've since been back at least one other time that I can remember and loved the experience just the same. If you don't live in the area, Twisted Spoke is worth the trip - trust me!! Parking is abundant in the area, the Grand bus drops right off, and the Chicago and Grand Blue Line stops are the closest L stops.
(5)Catherine R.
I love the breakfast burrito but decided to try something new this time. Eggs w/brie, carmelized pears, (good) home fries, and sliced ham. And sitting on the roof was perfect on a lovely summer morning. The service was great. The only thing I'd change is that they need to get english muffins. I give it 3.5.
(3)Jenna S.
OMG the Bloody Mary's!! Seriously, the best Bloody Mary I've ever had! It was made with homemade mix, a lot of pepper, and GARNISH! The garnish included some ham, salami, carrots, olives - I know, right? Insanity! Seriously delicious (and there's a veggie option for the vegetarians out there). I love Bloody Mary's and this is seriously the best one ever. AND they have a lot more going for them, as well. We went on a Saturday night and I was surprised that there weren't very many people in there. It is at a weird intersection (Grand and Ogden) with not much else around it, but I was still surprised. Their website posts drink specials, which is why I suggested we meet here in the first place, and they actually have good weekend specials. They had $3 Jameson cocktails, which is a steal on a Saturday night. Their beer list was great and they had a full bar with an experienced bartender (she was making great cocktails all night). Food was also excellent. They had a full menu, but I was a little disappointed that the prices were pretty high for standard bar fare (hamburgers, fries, etc). The bar itself had just recently been remodeled so everything was very clean and modern. There's a bar in the front with a few window tables but mostly bar seating. In the back there's tables and another bar. There's also an upstairs, but I'm not sure what goes on up there. There is an ATM, though. All in all, seriously fierce liquor, service and Bloody Mary's.
(5)Doris D.
This is comfort food at its finest..you want cheese curds, you want greasy thick burgers, you want BBQ nachos, they got it, and its artery clogging at its finest. Bacon tempura for God's sake..enough said... Fast service, super cool staff, and great music. One star down because as the self described "bloody mary queen" of this city, I was not impressed by two of their six different types of bloodys. Nope...sorry..no amount of salami, shredded cheese and olives can make up for the right ingredients to make a solid bloody. This place feels grimey. And I like it.
(4)Valerie D.
Best bloddy marys I've had in a long time. The roof top deck is a great place to sit on a sunny day and the corned beef hash is AWESOME!!!!!
(4)Michael R.
Changed review to five stars, I've been back several times and had a great experience every time. The sausage gravy and biscuits blew me away. It was also a fun place to watch the Bears game.
(5)Mark M.
Went here for a couple drinks and had a great time. Huge selection of good beers and the bloody Mary's were amazing
(5)Kerry B.
Went here for lunch and had a great experience. You can get a fully loaded burger, fries, and a beer/soda all for $10. The service was very nice even though they were super busy she took time to make sure I got what I wanted. Great draft list and there are so many whiskeys, bourbons and scotches it truly blows your mind!
(4)Chris d.
"Draft: No Crap on Tap" Right after seeing that on the menu, I knew I was in for a treat. So sick of all these other places that glorify horrible beer like Bud, Miller, etc. Also, it's annoying to have to go to some lame, upscale yuppie joint to find decent beer. About time a place has the right combination of quality brews & attitude. Our server was cool, knowledgeable and willing to take his time if we had questions about the menu. He never made us feel rushed. The sandwich & fries were good & so was the beer. No complaints whatsoever. Just a really cool place overall. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Andy P.
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!
(4)Lauren B.
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.
(3)Matt H.
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.
(5)Griffin B.
I'm shocked at the amount of negative reviews on this place. This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite places to get a burger in Chicago and has a MASSIVE beer list. The staff is always extraordinarily friendly, the atmosphere is great and the food, as I've mentioned, is fantastic. Granted, it's more of a restaurant/bar with biker flair than a full on biker bar, but who gives a shit? I'm not going because I want to get hit in the head with a bottle and have my foot run over by a Hells Angel who hasn't showered in three days. Falafel sandwich? Yes, that's mine, thank you. Their outdoor seating area is great. It gets a bit packed in the summer but there's nothing better than having one of the hundreds of beers they have with a Chicago breeze hitting you. I've only hit up their brunch once and LOVED it. It's truly a carnivores delight. If you're too uptight about having waitstaff with tattoos and going to a place where they show porn on tv while you eat, then get your order to go. Otherwise, shut up and eat your fucking burger.
(5)Marco D.
The twisted spoke seems to be an establishment that cannot decide whether it's a bar or restaurant. Unfortunately, you get the filth of the bar atmosphere with a restaurant component thrown in. As far as the food is concerned, I think it is pretty normal bar fare. The kind of thing that you'd order to keep yourself from drinking on an empty stomach. As with most other reviewers my main complaint is that the place needs to be scrubbed with bleach and then scrubbed again, with a good sanding between scrubbings. The tables, condiment bottles, menus all have a film of slime on them. I think that the price makes this place just ok rather than good. And the filth makes it a place I'd drive past to get a meal that was cooked under sanitary conditions. However the rooftop seating is quite nice. A Good place to drink, I'm not too hip on the grub.
(2)Dustin W.
Headed over to the Twisted Spoke during Chicago Craft Beer Week for the Goose Island Twisted Goose event featuring Bourbon County beers from GI. The place was absolutely roaring when I arrived around 6:30pm for the event, and why wouldnt it be for such a great tasting event. I never actually even made it around the bar area as it was 5-6 deep, but I used my inspector gadget skills and safely secured a two person table that was overlooked in the back dining area next to some really kind folks (scored my first sailing invite ever!). I didnt eat anything, but all of the food looked and smelled delicious, and the people I asked said the burgers and fries they had were outstanding bar fare. I came for the brew and they certainly delivered. This has to be one of the finest beer collections in Chicago hands-down. They actually have a $200 beer you can buy shots of. i wont even describe it suffice to say that its barely beer, hardly liquor, and only for the weirdest, snobbiest elite beer advocates. Proabaly one of the more undescribable fluids Ive ever tasted. I was also shocked to see on draft, Gaverhopke Den Twaalf Quad : Holy Grab yourself, you wouldnt know it contained alcohol until the 12% ABV creeps up. And of course for the main event, all the beautiful black stout. The new MEN in town: Big John: Brewer's Notes: Inspired by the epic skyline of Chicago, Goose Island's brewers set out to craft Big John; a tall, bold slugger of a stout that stands out vividly against the little soft beers out there. Epic amounts of roasted malt and an addition of cacao nibs give Big John a massive chocolate flavor and aroma. With a body as substantial and black as the building to which it pays homage, Big John is sure to inspire a sense of awe with every sip. Recipe Information: Style: Imperial Stout Alcohol by Volume: 11.5% International Bitterness Units: 60 Color: Slate Black Hops: Columbus Malts: 2-Row, Munich, Chocolate, Caramel, Roasted Barley, De-bittered Black Serving Suggestions: Preferred Glass: Snifter Cellaring Notes: Develops in the bottle up to 5 years Nightstalker Brewer's Notes: A heavily-hopped imperial stout, Night Stalker is a heavyweight of a beer. It delivers a formidable punch of hops and rich roasted malt notes to the nose in a silky body that's as dark as night. Recipe Information: Style: Imperial Stout Alcohol by Volume: 11.7% International Bitterness Units: 60 Color: Midnight Hops: Mt Hood, Simcoe Malts: 2-Row, Munich, Chocolate, Caramel, Roasted Barley, De-Bittered Black Serving Suggestions: Preferred Glass: Snifter Cellaring Notes: Develops in the bottle over 5 years Lazarus Born out of the second runnings of Bourbon County Brand Stout, Lazarus isn't your standard "small beer". The deceiving alcohol blends with the roasted malt and the chocolate sweetness packed into the body of the beer. The Classic Grumpy Geezers : Motor Oil Love Bourbon County Stout 07, 08, 09, 10 Bourbon Couny Coffee Stout Honey Badger Bourbon County Vanilla Stout
(4)Nam D.
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!
(4)Megan L.
Oh Twisted Spoke, why has it been so long since my last visit? I promise not to stay away this long again! Normally I go for a burger when I'm at Twisted Spoke, but I was there on a (very hot) afternoon so I felt like having something a little lighter. I settled on the chicken tacos, which was the perfect choice. Very tasty and WOW did they pack a lot of chicken in them! There were three tacos, but seriously they probably could have made another three with all the meat in there. Definitely gonna get those again. And of course, I had to get a Bloody Mary - I mean, it's just wrong not to have one. Twisted Spoke's are just what a Bloody Mary should be - they have a lot of flavor, and don't taste watery when you add the vodka. And yes, they have plenty of vodka in them - despite a big lunch, I left with a little buzz. Mmmm, now I want a Bloody Mary...
(4)Jason H.
w00t! I think I found my bar. Billions of beers (prices range from $2.40-$125/glass), billions of bottles whiskeys and other assortments of booze that can be drank straight up. $2.50 taps on Tuesdays, cool ambience, amazing rooftop patio, not overly trafficked. Good food for the soul (the homemade chicken wings with blue cheese is pretty bomb-diggity). I hope to move close to this bar and become a regular... o yeah i forgot to mention the sweet 'mascot' a full sized skeleton on a motorcycle.
(5)Rachel W.
Biker bar vibe, unique, funky, awesome food, awesome drinks. They have this sweet roofdeck that is great for the summer. We come here for work lunch during hte summer. Huge sandwiches, great brunch, awesome chili. Their fried egg sandwich is amazing. Add avocado and split it because its enormous. One of my faves. Easy to find street parking.
(5)Patrick G.
Read very closely & then transcribe into your own journal/diary: Go to Twisted Spoke on Ogden, get the fried egg sandwich and a bloody mary (comes with a draft beer side car like all bloody marys should). If you have been here and not done the above then it could be proven in a court of super important people that you have not been here. I was a regular at Twisted Spoke when I lived in the neighborhood. I was there before it was renovated, during its renovation and for a year or two after the fantastic, major renovation job. I always promised myself that I would explore other options on the menu --- I did once, think it was gumbo, pretty good -- but I always want/need/love the fried egg sandwich. Best I have ever had. Their bloodys are very serious too -- note: after having the "road rash Mary", ask them for a "bloody salma" for your second drink. I think that's what its called as it may not be on the menu. Its a bloody mary with latin flair; chipotle (?) vodka and chorizo or andouille sausage (I cant remember for probably obvious reasons). Their beer menu is impressive too. The bartenders are usually very tough gals but always sweet & knowledgeable when you get talking to them. Criminy, now I want an effing fried egg sandwich.
(4)Carrie P.
Smut and Eggs....need I say more??!! It seems strange that I would be lured to this place over the promise of porn and brunch but its true. It can seem a bit intimidating when you see it from the outside as it is badged as a kind of biker bar but the staff and food are as good as a 4 star establishment. I also love bloody mary's and our entourage tried many of the ones they have on their bar menu....AWESOME!! They are creative and delicious....and CHEAP...only $8 for a good sized Bloody Mary and a side car of beer. The other drinks are just as good and affordable...the gutterslut and absinthe Manhattan we hits among our 4some. The bar staff of 2 were wonderful...very friendly and fun and really knowledgeable about the huge range of whiskys they carry. We would be back on saturdays just for those 2...:) Now the best..the food....it was outrageously good. We had poached eggs and corned beef hash...and our friends had the fried egg sandwich....they were so delicious!!! The food is high quality and done perfectly....this doesn't seem like bar food at all--I would love to try all the items... We will be back again and again.....the porn was what it was..porn..but I have to say it was made even better with good drinks and awesome food :)
(5)Paul C.
This review is for breakfast only. Great spot for a Sunday brunch. A huge list of bloodies, for my girl. They have an amazing gumbo with a poached egg in it which is the perfect hangover cure. So delicious. Better gumbo than they have at Heaven on Seven, in my opinion. They do have a skillet with bratwurst in it--don't get that. Had that my first time visiting Twisted and I'm surprised I came back a second time, it was that bad. Great for Gumbo-awesomeness and Sunday morning drinking.
(4)John W.
Hmm, what more could be said about this place?? The biker bar that isn't really a biker bar... 1st off, everything on the menu is greasy and deep fried. That being said, I love their falafel and the tahini but the hummos isn't that great. I hate their fries too. The bar area works a lot better now that it is in the front and way bigger than what it used to be in the back so that's a nice improvement. They have one of the best patios in the city...Well, its actually a rooftop deck with a great view of the city which on its own makes it worth going here. They also have a good beer selection so you should be able to find something you like. They also have Beam and Coke on tap...Or at least they used to and people still order Beam and Cokes. For drinking when it's nice out, this place rocks and if you like greasy bar food then this is also a place for you but if you are looking for something healthy go elsewhere.
(3)A W.
Can you say Twisted Spoke is no joke?? Well, I'm sure you can actually speak it, but like. . . you know, the figure of speech and what-not. Yea. Seriously though. I think the whole grimy rough biker theme is pretty fun. It reminds me of my younger days riding motorcycles with the boys, stopping at different bars. Ah, nostalgia. I immediately felt comfortable walking in here. The staff fits (and actually most of the people sitting at the bar) with the tough look as I'm sure many would want to think twice before pissing them off, but they are actually quite friendly and offer great customer service. We came here to end my neighborhood tour as a party of 6 for brunch. It only took as long as setting the table up for us to get seated. Yay! Our fantastic waitress ( I hate that I forget names) was there shortly after to take our drink orders. As the menu before us was extensive, she was very understanding about us needing more time. Even after we got our drinks it still took a little bit to place our food order, yet she was patient and genuinely pleasant the whole while. The names of some the menu items may have you cracking up a bit. Like my drink, which was the Gutterslut. It had sass (sauza gold), was dirty (martini type dirty), and had some pucker (triple sec; sweet & sour mix). I can see the name, lol. For food, I had French Toast, which was sliced Italian bread soaked in this batter with orange liquer. Came with a ripe generous slice of cantaloupe and I got a side of meaty long strips of bacon to go with it. It was sooooooooo fantabulous!! Oooh, wait, gotta keep it tough. It was bodacious?? Yes?? I'm not a fan of any vegetables in juice form really or anything with the word 'bloody' in the title, especially followed by a female's name, for that matter. However, 3 ppl ordered different Bloody Marys at the table and they looked quite attractive. They all came with skewers of meat, peppers, and/or cheese, as well as a little chug of beer. I drink neither, but I still thought that was awesome. I liked my food and drink, exceedingly. It seemed everyone else, from the way they emptied their plates, liked their food as well. The place has great energy and setting. I'm definitely coming back to this place.
(4)Justyna Z.
Great rooftop. Great atmosfere. My shrimp sandwich was just OK, but I will give this place another try.
(3)Elaine C.
ohai, pls for you to add more pork, beer and cheez to my morning cocktails. kthnxbai
(3)Steve M.
It's all about the bloody mary at Twisted Spoke. And, the roofdeck if the weather is nice. Take a healthy dose of vodka, add bloody mix, plenty of pepper, then take a skewer and affix a cocktail onion, slice of salami, pepperoncini, ANOTHER slice of salami, and a green olive. Top with shredded parmesan, and add a Pale Ale side car, and you're in business. They're seriously amazing. One star off for inconsistent service, and the SUUUUUPER annoying bikers that showed up and basically crowded our table while yelling and F-ing w/ the staff. (Not the Spoke's fault.)
(4)Steven M.
FATBOYS FATBOYS What you gonna do, what you gonna do when i come eat you! So much indulgence whenever I eat here. The Original Bloody Mary is a great start, along with some tasty tempura bacon. I like that you can also go high or low on your beer's price. A Badass burger on a pretzel bun is how I always close it out though. Big and juicy, stacked with cheese, bacon and BBQ sauce.
(5)Danielle O.
This place had delicious food, a wide variety of whiskeys, and unique and tasty drinks. We also had a friendly server, Tim, who really did seem to be trying his best with what turned into a confusing birthday party of about 25 on Saturday at midnight. I appreciate his effort, but when they hunted down and kicked out my friend for having an expired ID, everything started to go downhill very quickly. It just seemed like they got nervous when noticing how many of us there were and so decided to throw some of us out. Then, as nice as the server was, he started to lose track of the orders and so just threw checks together. I don't know if he screwed up or was just hoping we wouldn't check out the itemized receipts, but either way I was not happy being charged for about 7 extra drinks. This was an interesting place, but it was definitely hyped up and did NOT live up to the standards set in front of it. I have for sure experienced better.
(2)marc r.
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.
(5)Nikki C.
I love to hate on this place because it sucks for me that i actually like it. The rooftop on sunny summer days kicks freakin culo, the service is sometimes hit or miss, but the cold beer, the burgers and big gob of nachos always hits me right where i need it when I find myself here time after last time after last time ever again. Yes, I will be back to spend my money here, i will hate myself afterwards, in fact I hate myself for even thinking about this place.(big history with me and the owner so yes there is more to my review), but Twisted Spoke the restaurant, the bar, the place is bigger than he or I, and deserves the credit where its due.
(3)natalie v.
I would have given them a four star review, but my burger came to me medium-well rather than medium-rare like I ordered it. I hate when meat is over-cooked. It was still good though. I love their french fries. I was there with 3 other people who loved their meals. Apparently, bathing in their biscuits and gravy would be great, so said one of my brunch-mates. The bloody mary comes with an elaborate garnish of meat, pepper, olive and onion. It also comes with a tiny beer! I love snacks with my drinks. Always a plus. If it had been just a tad warmer today, I'd have asked for a rooftop table. I've never eaten up there. I will one day. The service here is good. Prices are right. And you leave full. And definitely with enough alcohol in you. I was never a fan of the Twisted Spoke that was open in Wrigleyville for like five minutes. I've always been true to the original Twisted Spoke. I will continue to be true to it.
(3)J S.
My favorite things here are: amazing home-made French fries, portabella fingers, and bloody marys. Note that as is often the case, the bloody marys come with lots and lots of meat as garnish, which could be awesome or bad depending on your opinion of meat. They also have $3 jim beam from a barrel on tap which is pretty amazing. Never had a problem getting street parking here, either. Check out their outdoor seating above, and if you like both smut and eggs... well be sure to ask about that. :)
(5)Beth M.
It would be nice if there were more actual bikers at this bar, but I'll take what I can get! They play a lot of rock that I wouldn't hear elsewhere. Whiskey Wednesdays are awesome - half-price on all whiskey! I can splurge on something nicer without emptying my wallet. The beer selection is huge; there are probably three dozen on tap at any given time plus a page of quality bottles. They'll give you a taste of any of tap beers so you can pick what you like the best, which is helpful when they have a special offering, such as the Stone Brewery run they had recently. The staff is generally friendly and helpful in recommending beers, whiskeys and more. Recently my boyfriend accidentally knocked over his beer. Our server quickly wiped up the mess without a scowl and even replaced the beer! What nice service. I heard rumours that there isn't anything 100% vegan in the place, but I'll get the fried portobello sandwich without the cheese & mayo. So greasy and delicious. The fries are made there too, so they're a lot better than the typical reheated frozen ones offered at other bars. I tried the falafel sandwich (without the yoghurty tahini sauce), which wasn't as interesting. I do like the vinegar-based cole slaw that comes on the side. I think it's enhanced with booze...
(4)Tom H.
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.
(4)Kyle H.
I'm not a huge fan of a lot of the food here. Some of it is good, some of it mediocre and some of it (like the fries!) just sucks. Some of it, however, is awesome. The fried egg sandwich is amazing. I really like the wings (but I like most wings) also. The burger is good but too big for me (I like burgers more for toppings than meat, so sue me.). The fries are just... I just don't like them. They taste like all ends, if that makes sense. I know they're probably hand cut or whatever, and that's why they're like that.. but they seriously taste like the burnt ends at the bottom of the pile of fries that you try to avoid. The whole pile tastes like that. But I digress - the less fries I eat, the better for the size of my ass. The drinks are awesome - the bloodies are to die for. The beer selection (bottles and draft) is phenomenal. The whiskey selection is also awesome, but I tend to keep to my classics. Which is what WHISKEY WEDNESDAY is for!! All of the whiskies are HALF PRICE. So you can drink something that you wouldn't normally be able to afford, which is always fun. It's not just Whiskey Wednesday, their other "happy hour" type specials are also a good deal. I've only been around to see Saturday night transition into Smut and Eggs once, and it was a hilarious surprise, although the porn itself was from like, 1968, all grainy and full of body hair. Always appetizing, always entertaining. Gross. ;)
(4)susan m.
I can now say I've been there and done that and move on. From all these reviews, I think the quality is what you are looking for. I am a foodie and overall, I was unimpressed. Nice people. Nice rooftop. My Smokin Salma bloody Mary was in insult to Salma. The home made mix was very tasteless. The chorizo in it tasted like freezer-burned meat (old). I have never had a problem finishing a bloody mary before. The lemon chicken wings looked good and were also pretty tasteless. They were the type of leftover you only eat because there is nothing else in the frige. The burger was just "burger." The tempura bacon WAS good. I only wish the drink could have complimented it. I didn't drink the beer and I would guess that and the whisky are the focus here. I didn't drink enough to like this place. Sigh. I wanted to.
(2)Erika G.
I loves me the spoke. Had a taste for wings last night, and popped over. They have the perfect sauce, tangy/sour, but the wings are a bit fatty - need to be broiled so the fat drips off. Otherwise good, though. I've been here for breakfast before, and it's all about the WISCONSIN SCRAMBLE, yes, I like brats! Is it wrong? And the Bloody Marys - they may be the best in the city here, with the salami and the spices . . . mmmmm . . . I want one right now! And the rooftop is fab. Oh, and the place is free of attitude, I've always found the biker types to be extremely friendly.
(4)Jade T.
Observations. - Is Twisted Spoke truly a biker bar, or just a bar with a biker theme? (I think it's the latter.) - Large menu. The one on their website is just a few pages of the real deal. - BEER BEER BEER BEER! (Shouldn't bikers NOT drink?) - Not too vegetarian friendly. (Bikers, who sport metal and leather EVERYTHING, aren't known to be loving of vegetables.) - Moderate prices. ($9 for a Portabello Sandwich? Not bad for the portions.) - The Jalepeno poppers are mini-sized and great for sharing (12 for like $6?) I would totally bring my imaginary children here too.
(3)Michael P.
So now this is apparently the third time they've re-decorated since I've been going here (used to go when it was a dump), and the food tastes the same as always - incrediblissimo! (THAT'S RIGHT! I made up a word!) Maybe it's because they've never updated (i.e. cleaned!) the kitchen. Whatever, the food was fantastic today for lunch. A few years ago I saw a minivan with the standard three snotty kids with the blond Moe haircuts unloading, I thought, "there goes this place, the suburbanites think it's "city cool" to go to ..." But nope, despite some (good!) upgrades (the beer menu mostly) this place has stayed true to the food. Chicken burrito - six flags! Side of fries with all the little extra potato crunchy bits - six flags! Side of their housemaid BBQ sauce - six flags! Burger and BM (bloody mary) for Flowers - six flags! What else can you say about a place with over 150 reviews and a 4/5 star average? Six flags - more flags, more fun!
(5)Eric M.
Strong drinks and giant sandwiches? I'm in! I'm not sure of the exact name of the drink I had but I'll call it Adult Rootbeer. It's apparently some form of root beer distilled in a way that it becomes alcoholic. It was outstanding. I ate the shrimp po boy which is a must have. The place is rundown and the staff can come off as though they don't care, but I'm still happy to go back again.
(4)Jim B.
Many moons ago I lived down the street from The Twisted Spoke. We ate, drank, and we merry. The place was always fantastic. I returned last week to the vastly different, but still the same place with a friend for a late dinner, and again, the spoke did not disappoint. In a packed room, the staff was quick and courteous, offering us a few table options. The food was fantastic. I don't see the need to wait in line for hours for a burger and fries when theirs tastes so good! I will return.
(5)Brandie T.
The flash 'intro' leads to a porn-worthy splash page. I thought for a moment the site had been hijacked by hackers and I was being led to a porn site -- c'mon, I'm at work here people! ... wait ... this is for their restaurant ??!? ... THIS IS THEIR "RESTAURANT" MAIN PAGE ?!? Now that you have the "attention" of the average horn-dog, they'll come and spend any amount of money for the ... "food", especially if the website is an indicator of their potential experience. The office ordered lunch one day at the request of a co-worker as their choice of eatery that Friday and being a fan of meat loaf -- I noted they had a meatloaf sandwich on the menu -- WORST . MEATLOAF . EVER. My MOTHER could do better ... and she could KILL some food! But ... because the splash page is NOTEDLY gratuitous sexual .. a man would have effused on how 'delicious' it was. Porn me up beh-beh! yeah ... NO. no amount of sexual innuendo is going to enhance bad food. Not impressed.
(1)Brad B.
Twisted Spoke, I love you. There, I said it. Even more than ever before because you now serve Stone brewery's beers - on tap even. The food = good for a bar. The ambiance = a great place to get your drink on with friends. The location = kinda sucktacular because of its lack of proximity to a train that actually takes me someplace I wanna go. But, whatever.
(4)Raj S.
I want to like the Twisted Spoke more than I really do. It's fine enough place to hang out and have a drink, but I don't exactly get the appeal. The place has this sort of tough guy biker motif going, but it's most full of locals, bicyclists, and hipsters. They have a great craft beer and whiskey selection, but so do so many places in Chicago these days. Apparently the bloody mary is quite good too but personally I've never understood the appeal of that particular drink. The food oscillates between nothing special and subpar. My last visit I had to the shrimp po' boy, which they claim is some sort of house specialty. I don't get it; it was salty, the shrimp were breaded and deep fried and still tasted kind of fishy. I used to live much closer to the Twisted Spoke but nowadays I don't see any compelling reason to schlep down there. I'd stop in for a beer if I was in the area.
(3)Mahsa T.
Great artery-clogging food. Fried egg sandwich was delicious! Wings were also awesome. My Bloody Mary was good but kind of scary-looking with a bunch of salami hanging off of it. This place has the tough biker-themed look down pat. Service was slow but friendly during lunch.
(3)John T.
So It's a Saturday night and I was kinda hungry. I convinced my girl to get out of bed for "Smut and Eggs" . Anyway we get down there and start out with some nice beers..Well that was the only thing nice about this place. She orders a garden salad and it comes with a rock, hard, stone crouton on top, inedible by even a garbage disposal unit. It'd probably jam. I order the chicken tacos after the first bite I was wondering how long this plate was sitting around. Did they cook these things? The rice was ice cold along with the black beans. After 30 minutes looking around for our server Matt, I tell him of my problems with my food, He tells me the rice and beans are supposed to be cold. Really? Then he asks me if I want them to heat it up for me. I agree and he takes it and a few minutes later he returns with the food the same tempeture. Did he rest it under the heat lamps? I tell him I dont think I should be paying for this and he replies "Well you already ate some of it." and we tell him' That was due to the fact we were sitting around waiting, wondering when and if he'd return to check up on us. To sum it all up. Twisted Spoke...one of the worst dining experiences ever. I don't think I could ever go back..and I wonder who did they pay to give them good reviews? I guess the Bloody marys are ok..But there is a place over the Wisconsin border that blows theirs away. Nothing exceptional here but exceptionally horrible food and service. I shall not return.
(1)Stephen F.
You gotta like the attitude in here. Horror movies on the TVs (sometimes porno, I hear) and the randomest schlock you can imagine scattered about. Good selection of drinks served without an attitude. Truly awful greasy bar food to sop it up. Had a very memorable night here last year. Good times.
(4)Frances C.
Alright, look. I'm pretty much over this place for a number of reasons. It's not that they're too pricey or that the service is bad or even the ambiance--all of those seem to be in order, but it's just so ....whatever. I've been here a couple of times, usually when my 1st or 2nd choice brunch spots are busy and I can't get a table. So, I figure I could at least get some basic brunch essentials here and it just ends up being the last resort. And it's not like I get anything that fancy anyways--eggs, meat, toast, coffee. Done. There's just no WOW factor there and the breakfast sausage doesn't work, it's Italian and just doesnt do anything for me. Plus, the part that really irritated me last time I went there was the fact that I was watching the staff eat breakfast in the kitchen. They were in plain sight from my seat and I don't know...something not cool about that. So, whatever Twisted Spoke.
(2)Vanna T.
Burgers are where it's at at this place. Fresh halved grilled jalepenos and the most amazing fries. Green Goddess dressing (their closest thing to ranch) is honestly the reasoon I go. Bathrooms are rather gross, and you leave feeling pretty greasy after eating that burger which is the reason for the 3 stars, but the burger is bomb.com and service good.
(3)Jamie O.
Twisted Spoke as a bar, 4 stars for a spicy bloody mary; Twisted Spoke as a restaurant, 2 stars for poor ingredients and taste. If you are looking for a hangover cure, go here. jamieott.wordpress.com
(2)Simma Down Na H.
Found out about this place from "Check, Please?" I couldn't wait to try it out...so I came to this place one week later. Tons of drafts and whisky. Friendly service. You have got to get the nachos with pulled pork!!! So good! (I love being American) I got a burger (don't even ask me what it was because I was buzzed by the time we ordered) but it was delish! This place left me and my date really satisfied!
(4)Amy T.
This is, by far, my all-time favorite bar. I don't know why - it makes no sense that it ought to be, but it is. No, Nancy N., nobody solicited this review. I've been going there weekly for the past few years, as I work nearby. They have some great specials (a dozen beers - draft and bottle - for $2.50 on Tuesday, half off whiskey on Wednesday) and there is not any food on the menu that isn't good. I think their bloodies are the best I've ever had, and the Genny back is a nice touch. I'll admit that the service here can be a little challenging. Their bottle list is outrageously overpriced. So drink what's on draft, and bring a little patience (especially on the roof in the summer, my favorite outdoor haunt).
(5)J J.
Good food. Great beer selection. Whiskey 1/2 off Wednesday's. Need I say more?
(4)Ryan K.
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.
(1)Alma V.
Really cool vibe, reminds me of home in Milwaukee where we know how to do brunch and eat well! Sadly, Chicago still can't figure out how to do the bloody Mary, and nor can this place. Shredded cheese? gross! The sausage is nice, but no one in this freaking city puts Worchester in their bloodies??? WTH? A bloody mary basic needs:Worchester or steak sauce, splash brine (usually from pickle juice), splash beer (preferrably dark like a stout), celery salt, hot sauce, lemon/lime pre squeezed,pepper! Shaken and then poured, and with a beer chaser coming standard! Chicago only puts tomato juice with vokda and hot sauce, sick!!! You are so close to Wisconsin and you can't get creative? We even do rosemary infused bloody mary mixes, or we add dill! And a real block of cheese versus shredded cheese please! Maybe some shrimp! Okay, aside from my bloody Mary rant, the food was good, super brunchy and hangover friendly, and the bar was banging! Cool style, good atmosphere, great taps! Def a gastro pub when it comes to the booze! Please, be the first to make the Bloody Mary the bomb like we do in Milwaukee! In fact, copy Hollander, Beneluxe, and Comet for ideas on banging bloody Mary's! please somebody listen!
(4)Mike M.
So help me jeebus if you don't head over to this place, I will be very sad. The lemon wings are a must-order. They light them on fire. And then they taste good. Following the fire-lighting. Also: if you need veggie comfort food, you must order the fried portabella sandwich. Vegetarians can eat an occasional heavy meal, you know! And this one isn't even that heavy. The portabella is breaded just right, it's fried deliciousness, the bun is perfect... just go and eat it right now. Do it. And the bar staff, while tattooed to the point of intimidation, is very friendly.
(5)Nisa D.
Hmmmmm where to start!! I been wanting to try this place for the longest and it was a total disappointment :(.. Got there and the place is dirty from floor to tables, we got seated and we looked at the menu and it was falling apart unable to read it with all the stains on it. I decided to go with the grill 4 cheese sandwich, ughhh worst sandwich ever no taste at all i mean how hard its to make a good grill cheese and it came with some cabbage type of salad and that was awful as well. Waiter just dropped the food and came to drop the bill that was it! definitely not going back
(1)Ray K.
Went for drinks just for the roof top deck. Great space. No tv's up there so if you want to watch the game outside, try another place. Great beer selection, want to go back to try the food.
(3)Tom D.
Was there Saturday. Terrible service . A inept bartender cost a bar so much money over the course if a day, week, year. Waiting 20 mins at the bar with zero service. It was busy but not packed. Love their food but had to go down the street. If I was the owner I'd be firing people.
(1)Jack P.
I would have given two stars, but for the fantasic, creative bloody Mary's and the nice bartenders. Don't know how they get so much food on top of a cocktail. I have had brunch or breakfast here twice and thought the food was just average. And for some reason I thought it would be some authentic Biker Bar, like a Hop Leaf or an Old Town Pub is authentic ;not a gimmicky uber-faux, overly-decorated place that you might find in a suburban mall.
(3)Kelley B.
For a place known for their burgers... not the best I had... actually not good at all. The burgers weren't cooked like we had ordered them, and the frys tasted like the oil hadn't been changed for quite awhile. Won't go back for the food, ever. The only redeeming quality was the beer list and the bloody marys. If you want a good burger, go to The Lockdown. I've never been disappointed there.
(2)Jessica M.
I've only had brunch at the Twisted Spoke, and I've only had the Fried Egg Sandwich. But I had to write a review to say that: This is the BEST FRIED EGG SANDWICH I have ever had. It is absolutely amazing. I am literally am obsessed with getting back there to have it again. Go now.
(5)Dolly V.
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.
(3)Zoran O.
Its seen better days - really miss the small BAR there - it has really changed over years - not sure why!? The only addition I like is the the roof top eats - they is fun with a few people. The food Is still good and the beers are ok too - both lost a little bit from what was a few years back - but I will still go back for more.
(3)Erin P.
Mussels, mussels, mussels! 135 reviews; the majority mentioning the amazing bloody marys (which come with so many accompaniments you could make a meal out of the drink) or the smut 'n eggs porn nights on the weekends. But the only ones mentioning the amazing mussels are from the girls I went there with. How did you people miss this winning appetizer made flavorful and spicy with the (famous) Twisted Spoke bloody mary mix and bacon? Next time you are catching sun on their rooftop patio, (and drinking) make sure you add an order of mussels to the mix!
(5)Denise O.
Ok, so I havent been to this place in a while. But I wanted to review it anyway because its a great little place. I used to go to the one in Wrigleyville, but they closed it down, thankfully there is still the one on Odgen. This place is a little divey, looks like a biker spot with all the deco, but I've never seen a biker there. The people are friendly and the food is pretty good too, especially their bufalo wings. Mmmmm WINGS!!!! Although my favorite thing about Twisted Spoke is definetly the Bloody Mary. They serve, in my opinion, one of the best bloodies in the city. Its most definetly a meal in a drink. They put a skwer of meat, olives,peperoncini, onion... the works! Its big, hearty, spicy, tasty, and they even give you a little beer chaser too! They have a decent beer selection and usually have good deals on drinks. Overall a cool place to hang out if you like to keep it low key.
(4)Joy S.
Hey this place was awesome. The Harley and Honda parts decorations were cool! The server was very nice and a little kinky! The food selections were extensive but I wasn't happy with the bland guacamole I ordered. Next time, I will try something different. I love the roof top seating! Definitely worth going again. Next time, I am going to put a little note on the bathroom wall. :-)
(4)OldIrvingPoodle H.
The fatboy.. Do it! Smut at midnight on Saturdays! Neighborhood gem for all cultures, types, and favors!
(5)Sarah F.
The Twisted Spoke is one of our brunch stand-bys, especially in the warmer months when the rooftop patio area is open. Brunch menu is skewed more toward savory than sweet options, and is heaven for those who need a daily dose of chorizo (you can find it in the breakfast tacos, breakfast burrito, or the "chila-killas"). If you're vegetarian or craving something on the sweet side, go for the Elvis toast, French toast with peanut butter and bananas. We usually fight over who's going to order it. Shame on you if you don't make room for a bloody Mary. And you do need to make room - their several versions are topped with a veritable salad of garnishes and come with a beer back. They're well worth $8. If you're not a bloody Mary fan, the extensive beer list might also draw you in.
(5)Melissa S.
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.
(2)Steven W.
Great drinks: the $8 you pay for your Bloody Mary is well worth it and I doubly appreciate the accompanying sidecar of beer (go for the Bloody Queen which is made with gin and garnished with shrimp). The Fried Egg Sandwich truly is something to behold: if you are on the cusp of needing something substantial like a burger to curb a hangover but don't want to overdo it, then it will more than satisfy your craving for mayo/cheese/fat/everything-under-the-sun without leaving you feeling too full. The corned beef hash left a little something to be desired: although I'm certain the counter argument is that it is "real" corned beef hash - whatever that means - where I am from authentic corned beef hash comes in a can, costs $0.99 and closely resembles dog food. It tasted gamy (I am not sure if 'gamy' is particularly right in this context, but let's just say my first thought was "what the hell...is this rotten?") and I ended up staring at a Fried Egg Sandwich across the table for the rest of my meal. Otherwise a fine spot for brunch. R.I.P. DIMEBAG
(4)Skp S.
Terrible execution on the food and drinks. We really wanted to like this place. We're foodies. Great looking place. Very nice staff. Great sounding menu... Very creative, but the food is so poorly prepared. The tempura Bacon was actually soggy beer battered Bacon. The bloody Mary sounded magnificent but tasted horrible. Also had the seared tuna... The most unbelievably bland sandwich accompanied by soggy fries... Yet they looked and tasted burned. Every single thing we had was terrible except for the caper berry slaw that came on the side of the plate with the Bacon. We could look past one of these items being sub par, but come on guys... Not one thing we ordered was even average. Just a waste of time and money. It's hard to understand how someone could design such a cool spot and even cooler menu and then completely blow it on the execution. We felt it was just so poor that we were compelled to write a review. And typically we like to only write about places we love. Never coming back for a second chance on this one. Currently down the street trying a second meal at another restaurant.
(1)Brandon C.
This place has great food and Whiskey. If you are a Whiskey fan dont get what you want, tell the bartender what you like and have them do it. I had a brand that Cliff the owner recommended named "Ancient Age" and it was awesome. $5 too! I liked it better than Johnny Walker Black, not Blue. The food seems revolve around 3 things: 1) Boss Hogg (BBQ pork) 2) Burgers 3) Fried Egg Sandwich (easily feeds two! AWESOME!) Thumbs up all the way. Brandon
(5)Michael W.
Solid burger. Always a great beer selection. The music is an acquired taste. One of my wife and I's favorite places when neither one of us wants to make a decision for dinner.
(4)Amy H.
Here's the thing...I grew up where Harley Davidson's are made. I used to ride with friends and, yes, I have worn chaps in my lifetime. So, I don't really think the bike culture is cool, or hip, or a novelty, which is what Twisted Spoke seems to be saying. This place really bothers me because I feel like I'm in a dive bar/gas station but they charge $6 for a bottle of Miller Lite. No thank you! 3/8/07 ETA: I was contacted by the GM of Twisted Spoke through Yelp. It appears that I was charged incorrectly for my beer and she offered to amend the situation by sending me a gift certificate. Bottle beer at the Twisted Spoke is $4 and not $6. Make sure that you are not overcharged!
(2)Jess V.
"I feel like a delicious brew. Let's head to Twisted Spoke for one." Next thing I know I have woken up the next morning with a slight headache and flashes of sitting at the bar and trying new beers-- all delicious, all over 10 percent ABV. I don't mind the headache, because it's from too many good beers, not too many bad beers. And I know I had a smile on my face the night before. Twisted Spoke has such an incredible draft list that all I can do is recommend you go tonight to try several. But please make sure you don't have plans for the following early morning. The male bartender with square glasses is very kind, and always willing to help you choose between the two or three beers on your list. Sometimes he will even give you a sample to help you decide. The food here is delicious as well. I crave their guacamole and chips, and the quesadilla is delicious. Don't get me started on the shrimp po' boy, because I'll tell you how bad it is for you and how good it tastes. If you come on an early afternoon, the Road Rash Bloody Mary is a necessity. One of the best bloodies I have ever had. I left off a star due to sometimes shoddy service. If they are really busy and understaffed, it can take 30 minutes to get a bill-- at the bar-- for two beverages. But overall this place is great and generally the service is good.
(4)John M.
we came for breakfast on a saturday morning. the table we sat at was seriously out of whack. water was everywhere. we told the waitress and she said "yeah our tables suck." this was beyond the sugar packet shim solution. we ordered off the breakfast menu--i went with the hash, my girlfriend got the breakfast burrito. my hash was pretty flavorless. not really crispy at all. it did have big hunks of brisket, but that too was flavorless. same for the girlfriend's burrito. she added avocado and doused it in cholula and still no flavor. our waitress was nice and quick on the coffee refills. overall i would not go back for brunch. maybe drinks and burgers are a different story?
(2)Teresa C.
Fatboys (burgers), bloodiest, brunch and fine cocktails! Our watering hole in the shire.
(5)Phil P.
Okay. Why the five stars.... because they know how to cure a hangover. Yes it the beat place to go when you have one, for sure. The food was tasteful, fattening, and priced right. I love coming here on Sunday mornings. They have one of the largest drink selections I have seen in the city. Tons of beers to choose from. Bloodmarys are awesome and they serve them with a shot of beer. The outdoor seating is perfect. Very diverse crowd. Service is topnotch. Friendly bartenders and wait staff. Oh and they play smut videos at times - I think early in the AM. Never seen it but they advertise it in their menu... Different that for sure.
(5)J T.
Consistant and good. I have eaten here more than 100 times and frankly have never been bummed in doing so. I really am a fan of the spoke. Thanks for all the great years in my hood.
(5)Kerri A.
Let's address the fact that my most recent reviews have both involved places with the word "Twisted" in it. That's twisted in and of itself. Twisted Spoke: a hidden gem of a semi-biker bar with picnic tables on their rooftop and attentive staff? Don't mind if we do! It was a nice cooler Thursday evening and we sat on the rooftop and sipped on the drink special of the day, a $5 Gutter Slut Margarita. Heck yes. Tequila was plentiful in that one drink. I ordered the chicken tacos - but really had a hard time deciding because everything on the menu sounded kind of awesome. I chose wisely - they were delicious. A slightly twisted take on your typical Mexican restaurant tacos because the tortilla was slightly crispy. The waiter laughed at me when I overzealously said "YES" when he asked I'd need sour cream. Their menu is sheets of paper attached to a clipboard. Oh simplicity, I adore thee. All in all, it was such a cool place. Any time you can sit outside, on a roof, at a picnic table and witness a skeleton riding a motorcycle as decor spinning around at the corner, you take that time and enjoy it.
(4)Kate F.
Do NOT get the bacon tempura or fish and chips. Absolutely disgusting. Horrible breading and completely overcooked. I live across the street and was craving fried food, so I went there...big mistake. I wasted $40. Stick to their brunch...fantastic.
(3)Adrian W.
Lucero being played on their speaker system. Decent line up of taps, though no Guiness. Bartenders were solid, I mean, they were very observant and willing to dole out samples of anything - vodka, beerz and wine. My gripe comes from the ridiculously large televisions here. For being a 'biker' bar, I wouldn't expect something outta BroDawgCentral here. I'd come back to try the food and perhaps the Allagash.
(3)David K.
This place is more of a 3.5 but not quite a 4. It's allegedly a biker bar, but the only people that looked like bikers (whatever that actually means) were the employees. I was there for lunch and everybody was dressed business casual. They have a pretty extensive beer list and a decent food menu. Everything on the food menu is around 10 bucks and they have the pretty standard bar food (burgers, sandwiches, apps, etc...). I ended up getting their lunch special which is a burger (you can have lettuce, tomatoes, onions - raw or grilled, grilled jalapeno, bacon, and cheese added on to your burger. Avacado - which the Twisted Spoke calls the little green orb - is also available for a buck more), fries, and a drink (pop or the cheap NASCAR beer). It was $10 before taxes and tips, so not a bad deal. It's a half pound burger so its a pretty decent size. They have an upstairs patio that has a pretty good view of downtown. Service was friendly and attentive. This actually seems like a place where business meetings would occur, at least during lunch.
(3)Majel K.
I keep trying, and keep being disappointed. The drinks are usually unnecessarily expensive, unless you randomly get a special, which isn't always brought to your attention. The food has always been subpar (to me anyway). Too much Iceberg lettuce and less than delicious turkey on the club sandwich; it pretty much fell apart immediately. The cole slaw is insanely vinegar-y, or something. I guess if you just get a burger, you would be fine, but plan on blowing $80 for two people to eat and have a couple drinks. Bartenders are usually nice enough, I've never had a problem with service here. It's just too expensive for what it is...
(2)Jen H.
This place has a crappy gay joke on their menu. Wish they didn't- I would love to come here again but don't want my money to go to a bunch of homophobic folks.
(1)Nicole S.
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.
(3)Ms G.
Best Bloody Mary - anywhere - repeat - superb Bloody Marys. Tremendous food value, too. Monster burgers and much much more. Most nights there are excellent drink specials. This place is not to be missed: thanks to my Seattle friends who nagged me to go out of my way to try it. Note! Their website is WAY out of date. This is the only Twisted Spoke, the one up North closed some time ago.
(5)Michelle M.
Eh. I had been here before for lunch and thought the sandwiches were great. There are much better brunch places in the city. I ordered the chilaquiles. They were probably the worst I ever had. I often order this as a brunch item. There was nothing on the tortillas! No meat, no eggs, nothing. I also ordered a cinnamon bun to share with my guest and I could tell it was either frozen or made quite some time ago. I do have to say that the bloody mary my guest ordered was great.
(3)Brian S.
I have more and more fun every time I'm back.
(5)Suzy C.
For the food, i would give this place three stars, but it gets an extra star for the following three reasons: 1. Their bloody mary is AWESOME. Best in the city, in my opinion. 2. You never have to wait for a seat for Sunday Brunch. If you do, it's never more than 10 minutes. 3. Good portions! The food is pretty decent here, nothing to complain about too much. The chorizo breakfast burrito is great, as are their non brunch foods like their burgers. It's just good consistent food, nothing too spectacular. I love going here for brunch because i absolutely love the bloody mary's here. That drink is worth it alone. It even comes with a great beer chaser. If you are craving pancakes, this isn't the place to come, but otherwise, I would recommend it for brunch.
(4)Hannah G.
My first experience at this fun biker bar was for breakfast. I had 2 Smokin' Salma Bloody Marys - spicy, packed with parmesan cheese and 2 chunks of chorizo - a recipe for happiness in my book!! Then I had some Mexican-style egg scramble with tortilla chips in it that just hit the hungover spot! :) Breakfasts here have yet to disappoint me. Most recently, my friend and I went for a late dinner / snack. She ordered the Bloody with smoked bacon or something in it - and Woa! It was so smokey, I couldn't really tell what the drink was supposed to be! We ordered the flaming lemon garlic chicken wings which were pretty buttery and rather disappointing. The fries were hyped up on here, but I didn't think they were anything out of the ordinary. We also ordered the portabella mushroom sticks (something like that) and again not wowed. I didn't like the breading on the mushrooms, didn't really do anything for bringing out the flavor of the 'shrooms! Conclusions: good bar if you don't like packed places and prefer a laid-back vibe. Food wise, I think their forte is in the morning!
(4)Brittany B.
Seriously, this is my favorite place! So excited that I'm going to be moving right nearby it! I love this place in spite of the whole biker theme...not really my thing, but it's such a great place! In the summer, the roof top deck is absolutely amazing. I could spend all day up there sampling drinks from their witty menu. They have a great selection! In the winter, the interior is a little chilly... no "coziness" at all...might be the stainless steel tables and lots of slightly drafty windows and high ceilings. Everything I have ordered here has been awesome. I love the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs (with real corned beef!) for brunch. They truly do have phenomenal bloody marys with crazy garnishes and a beer-back. The burgers! Oh, the burgers. The pretzely bun, the perfect selection of toppings! The juicy beefy goodness! You don't even need to go to Kuma's Corner for the perfect yummy burger We always seem to have the same waitress, Selma, who is super nice and perfectly paced in her service! Love yah Selma!!! Great value! great food! I could live with out the "theme-y-ness" of it, but it's worth it!
(5)Kush D.
3.5 stars in my book. The food is very unique, but sometimes the service (on the terrace most notably) can be a little off, though friendliness from the staff is plentiful. I've just had stuff forgotten a few times...though it won't stop me from coming back. The tempura bacon is over-the-top...and delicious. Burgers are good, probably not in the top echelon though. I do like the flexibility in constructing my own burger monster, however. Beer selection is good, though my first choice always seems to be gone. I don't hold this against them though, that's probably the reality of having craft beer from all over the country. My next visit, I'll hit up the whiskey off the cask.
(3)Colleen R.
I've only been to the Twisted Spoke for lunch, and I found that despite its attempts to be edgy (see: bathrooms labeled "Chicks" and "Dicks"), it was pretty tame. A couple spoon-feeding a baby was seated next to us. I'm assuming the crowd is different after midnight on Saturdays, when they turn on the old-school porn. Appetizing. My menu had dribbles of someone else's food on it, so I quickly ordered the first thing I saw -- fish tacos, my old standby. They were pretty good, and generously portioned, so they became dinner that night, too. Judging from the rest of the reviews, it looks like I'll have to give brunch a try sometime... maybe when I'm in the mood for a little attitude with my bacon and eggs.
(3)Jon E.
I've had most things on the menu by now, and they're all good. Especially memorable are the deviled eggs. They're actually kind of amazing. So is the shrimp po' boy. The meatloaf is really good too... and these fries are addictive. Great now im hungry, and I just ate here last night. I go here for whiskey Wednesdays... and now I'm an educated lover of the spirit. I already loved a good bourbon or scotch before coming here, but at this point I've sampled so many I can actually have an intelligent discussion about the refined world of whiskeys. My plan is to come here more this summer and enjoy the food on the roof deck, I seem to always find myself saddled up to the bar...
(4)Melissa H.
I like my meat. And I prefer it to not come out a of a can. That's why I love the Spoke's version of corned beef hash. Big ole' chunks of fresh corned beef, delectable potatoes, perfectly poached eggs. So yummy. And I wasn't even hung over! And a big plus - the bloody marys. What could be better than taking in the nectar of the gods, complete with a stick of salami shoved down in the glass? Nada. Nothing. Zip. It's like heaven. Meat heaven.
(4)Christina R.
It was past midnight on a Saturday, rainy and cold, my boyfriend was hungry and annoying. As usual we couldn't decide where to go. When I mentioned the Spoke, he sulked. Until we drove by...PORN! I don't think I've ever seen him turn such a 180. Yep, every Saturday late, Smutt N Eggs. Old school cheesy porn on two flat screens viewable from the street, a fabulous liquor selection and a side of eggs. Or how about a meaty cocktail? The food is great and I always enjoy the crowd. Tempura bacon, need I say more?
(5)Andy M.
About the only good thing about this bar is that there are not any bikers ever here. This is a bike themed bar and resteraunt with about average bar food. There is a nice view from the roof top and they seem to serve some bloddy mary drinks that only women like. They do have a great large beer selection for men however and this place is OK. It is overrated in popularity and has a bad location if you are looking to park a car.
(2)Kimberly K.
I've eat here a few more times now and have to say the food is just okay. The drinks are good and strong and interesting though!
(3)Bryan T.
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
(4)Jamie A.
My favorite restaurant in Chicago. But I'm not fancy. If you like heaping helpings of greasy, fried food, the Spoke will speak to you. I love, love, love the shrimp po'boy; I wish more restaurants - outside of Heaven on Seven - had this. Their falafal is a close second fave. They also have a kick ass brunch with a world-famous bloody mary (you can even buy their mix!). But I prefer their ginormous mimosas. Can you say "hair of the dog"? Service is hit-or-miss. Sometimes you'll get an easy going biker chick; sometimes you'll get a d-bag who can't even be bothered to look you in the eye. But the eye candy and grub is worth it.
(5)Dylan F.
I like the fact that this place has a biker motif but other than that it's forgettable. The food was mediocre at best. The fish was coated in so much batter and grease it made my girlfriend ill. My tacos were dry and bland. The beer list is decent doesn't distinguish it from the countless other bars offering tons of microbrews. We sat on the rooftop which has a picnic table set-up which feels more appropriate for a county park. Hard to "lounge" at a picnic table. Also, there is no view of anything worth looking at. Our server was a greaseball and a putz and mumbled. Finally, I left my credit card (admittedly my fault) and instead of being there when I called back 10 hours later it was gone. A call to Amex revealed that 800 dollars worth of charges had been put on it around the city during that time. I'm not making any accusations, but the entire experience left a bad taste in my mouth.
(2)cj h.
Reasons for poor review. 1 Place smells like a cleaning agent that brought me right back to grade school when Little Susie Adams puked. 2. Douche bag cry baby bartender having a bad day, is that some how my problem, I guess it is. Stay home , you're in the service industry. 3. Strip the menu down. Limit choices and do them well. Really? a bar that cant do wings.
(1)Tim S.
I've been meaning to write a review on Twisted Spoke - after the first time I tried them. Time passed, I forgot but I've been there twice since. Guess that may tell you something. They are pretty freakin good. I would start by saying the restaurant itself has a cool biker vibe with a fantastic upper deck with outdoor seating. The service there has been consistently great, too. Each time the server has been attentive, WHITTY and on the ball. They definitely make you feel comfortable. They also seem to know the menu very well. Each time I've been there, I've been with roughly 4+ people. Everyone has always been pretty pleased with what they ordered. A couple things I'd really like to highlight are: Blood Mary's: Don't worry about ordering an app if you are getting one of these. If you are a bloody mary fan you will appreciate these, they are spicy (in a great way) and are garnished with pepperoni, cheese and onions. They are also served with a beer chaser. Jalapeno Poppers: I have never like these. Hated them everywhere I've ever been, with people that have ordered them and forced me to try them. Glad I was forced here. They were awesome. I actually ordered them the next time I was there. I could probably itemize a few more for you (chicken wings well done - the mixed drink menu!) but keeping your attention span in mind, all in all, I really like this place. The food and service is terrific - consistently . I'm going to become a regular....maybe I am already. I would go with the OMG on previous reviews.
(4)Lili V.
Currently, I'm drinking a horrible margarita. It costs the same as a drink from Maria's, which are drinks that do not make you cringe as you drink them. The waiter also showed up 15 minutes after we sat down. Girl from a neighboring table threw a menu over. When the waiter did show up, we couldn't make out a word he said. Do NOT order the chicken curry salad. Just take the halsted bus down to Maria's.
(1)Shayna N.
Bloody Mary's were excellent! garnished with salami, olives and peppercini's it was not too spicy, or too heavy on the tomato juice, instead flavored to perfection! Fries were excellent. the bacon and egg sandwich was hefty and delicious, unfortunately the burger was seriously under cooked. Service was at a slow start, but once we got our waitresses attention everything was fine. i will definitely return.
(3)betsy b.
This place will cure any hangover....but since I'm not getting those these days I wasn't overly wow'd by this place. Sure the chille-killas (or whatever they call them) were good but they were drenched in cheese and instead of using tortillas they used chips. My husband had the gumbo which he loved once they took the nasty eggs off that he didn't want. I'd give this place another shot because the menu is very interesting...and once the baby vacates my belly I need to try once of their bloody mary's.
(3)Brent W.
Maybe a 3.5 but rounding down due to their identity crises makeover. It'd been prob 2 yrs since coming here and was defo surprised that they completely removed the bar in the back and now have a sizable (and nice) rounded bar w. massive sleek flat screens hanging above, in the main room. These eye catching TVs intermixed w. the old skool, dusty and weathered biker paraphernalia that make up most of this bar's decor, make for a place that screams, 'whaddya want me to be!?'...whatever the patron's make of it, I suppose. Either way, we sat top shelf on their upstairs patio, which has been left unchanged (thankfully). I honestly never go on about service, unless it's particularly bad or good but must make mention on this experience. 1st off, the server who brought our waters (not our server, mind you, as he was waiting on other tables) appeared to be so completely blazed I don't know how he was able to place one foot in front of the other...yes, the dude w the rat-tail. Wow, straight blunted! Three folks in our party ordered bottles of beer, I, being the odd one out chose their "Perfect" Manhatten, which was made with a "rye" whiskey, the total proper and old school way to make it (i rarely see this and usually do Maker's myself, so had to give it a try). Well, over 15-20 minutes later my drink arrives (right when our mains arrived, we'd finished our app). It took 10 min for the beers ffs, and when they arrived I asked if there was an issue w my drink?...our server stated that all four bartenders were convening, trying to figure out how to make it!?!! Huh?! Whiskey. Touch of sweet vermouth, a bit of bitters and a cherry?! What's to figure out? Well, it arrived "up" in a martini glass, so maybe that was the confusion, I don't know but it was heavy handed on the Sweet Vermouth, even after I told them "light on the SV". Oh well, at 15 dollars, cannot reco. They also have a $125 Manhattan cocktail, I kid you not, but opted against it due to our shit economy, had America been in better shape, maybe i would've pulled the trigger. The food: Not bad, not great. Chose the smoked Turkey BLT which was served on a Brioche (v good) with nice smokey bacon and turkey. Buffalo chicken sam was not the greatest and the buffalo sauce was pretty bland. My buddy's Bacon, egg, tom sandwich was "excellent" and all fries did the trick.
(3)Stacy T.
Fun biker bar feel for a Saturday brunch locale. The food is pretty decent and the ambiance is minimal, but its a fun laid back place to enjoy some bloody Mary's and fill your stomach. The bloody's are freaking insanely good. I mean we are talking it hits most of the major food groups and needs a beer chaser kinda good. Hope you like meat with your Mary cuz they do pile on the salami! The steak and eggs wasn't anything out of the ordinary and my steak was a bit overcooked. The banana pancakes were only ok, but the good company more than made up for any disappointments. I hear the smut and eggs is quite the combo of breakfast foods and 70's porn that comes on around midnight.... appetizing...hairy porn chicks always make me hanker for a huge plate of eggs.
(3)Evan E.
Great beer and great burgers. Never had the certain type of beer your inquiring about? Ask for a taste! They want to make sure you enjoy your beer which is awesome in my book. I have had sub par service on more than a few occasions though. The breakfast was just OK as well. For me, if I want an even better breakfast near by, I will go to the Breakfast club. Wednesday is half price whiskey.. So yeah, best night to go imo.
(4)Todd H.
This review starts with a simple story. I used to hate bloody marys. I hated them. I found them detestable, just the smell of the tomato juice would make me want to hurl. Now keep in mind that I am not a picky eater. I'll eat anything, I'll try anything, very little grosses me out, but there was something about the consistency/smell of bloody mary mix that I just couldn't stand. Over the years I tried to like bloody mary's just because they seemed like something that I should probably acquire a taste for (I like brunch, I like drinking, I like drinking for brunch, etc.) so I kept trying. Choking down a bloody mary here and there, I'd always try to get one down at least a few times a year, occassionally having one that was palatable but still kind of gross. Then, I had a Twisted Spoke bloody mary. And I didn't just choke it down, I actually sort of liked it. I went back a week later, and I tried another one, went down smoother this time, and I didn't feel like puking at all. Another week, another bloody, this time I actually kind of enjoyed it. The next week I was actually looking forward to it, and now I absolutely love them. To the point that it cured my aversion to other bloody marys, I can even put down an airport bloody mary now. But the best one I've ever had is at the Twisted Spoke, (incidentally the only one I ever had that came close was at the Palazzo in Las Vegas). So there's the Bloody Mary, that in and of itself would cause me to recommend the Spoke, but add in the awesome beer, and completely unique and most extensive whiskey selection I've ever seen, not to mention the food is great , and it really takes the Spoke over the top. Also a point about the waitstaff. When I first moved to the neighborhood (about 5 years ago) I went to the Spoke a few times, and kind of hated it. The waitstaff was indifferent at best, and mostly rude and too cool for school. Since the renovation (where they smartly moved the bar to the front of the house) there seemed to also be a personality makeover with the staff. Everyone there is super nice and friendly, and I always feel welcome going in there, and really enjoy my time there.
(5)Jess S.
So stopped in for 1/2 price Whiskey night. I didn't know what to sample (of their fine selection) so I stuck to 7 & 7's. But, the Jim & cokes are now $3. That is all. Long live half-price whiskey night!
(4)Scott H.
A truly memorable place for stellar comfort food and a draft (and can/bottle) beer list that might bring a beer snob to tears. I love coming to the Spoke both in the middle of a lazy weekend afternoon and late at night. This place hits on all cylinders anytime you find yourself in the neighborhood. Start with a great burger or pulled pork sandwich and a craft brew on your first visit and you'll soon find yourself returning to delve deeper into the large and inspiring menu. Can't get back here enough, really.
(4)Erin F.
I wouldn't say 5 stars based on food alone, but I'll bump it to five because we did get served by a new bartender who made me happy to add the fifth star. Tamara was an amazing bartender. She made wicked bloodies, came across as fun and friendly, and made my first experience at the Spoke memorable. Great job Tamara!
(5)julie q.
Last time I was here, it was about 10 years ago and I was suffering from a horrendous hangover...Enter bloody mary. Now I live down the street and we were searching for brunch and mosied on in. First brunch - Bloody Mary and Breakfast Tacos. Score! Pretty good, fast service...Next brunch was Bloody Mary and Wisconsin Scramble. The brats tasted like soap. Home Fries were good. Hubby had the Biz and Gravy. This is the main reason I'm yelping. I hope the manager/chef sees this and really thinks about these next few lines. Making biz and gravy takes patience. You cannot, I repeat, cannot, brown sausage, add spices, skim milk, and a teaspoon of flour to a skillet, let it "simmer" for 5 minutes and call it Biz and Gravy. It JUST DOESN'T WORK. So, if you go for brunch, do not get the biz and gravy unless you like milk and sausage soup with a 1/2...that's right, A HALF of ONE biscuit. Otherwise, knock yourself out! TS is decent...Bloody's could use a bit more worstechire and celery salt...and a lemon and lime....Wow...no wonder i gave this brunch 3 stars.
(3)Izabella d.
baaaah, stupid steve the hungry hound. why on earth would this burger joint get a higher rating than kumas? we were curious what the rational was... so we headed for burgers and beer to twisted spoke. we sat down quickly , it seemed to be a slow night, i ordered the gutter slut, a sugary not too boozy cheap margarita, and opted for the classic burger with cheese and a side of onion rings. my fellow dinners went similar routes getting a burger and fries,, and the lonely vegetarian the falafel plate. the food came out within 10 minutes of being ordered.. which can be a plus or a minus.. in this case a huge minus! the burgers were meant to be medium rare,, but were really just seared on the outside with an inch of raw ground beef on the inside. on top of that they were bland, and didnt have much going for them except the pretzel buns.. the fries were also lack luster, my friend couldn't stop saying that they tasted like they had been fried in old oil.. by far the worst part was the falafel plate, with the stale little balls assembled amongst leftover vegetables and stale-ish pita. (and it cost like $12). at the end of the night, with 3 burgers, 3 beverages and the veg dinner we paid $80. it just felt like a major waste of money.. and we could have been eating a million better burgers almost anywhere else in the city.
(1)Tim Y.
The only redeeming value of Twisted Spoke is that the bloody mary has enough meat and garnish to fill you up. Thank god for meaty cocktails - I skipped over lunch after noting that everything in this place is covered in a greasy goo, food and furniture alike. I wasn't expecting "clean" but I certainly wasn't expecting to leave feeling like I needed to shower in lye to remove the skank of the place from my soul.
(2)Helmut S.
I'd give it five stars if they added some additional waitstaff because the service can get slow at times. That said, they have the best burgers in town. While they offer a large selection of beers I find it hard to pass up their phenomenal bloody marys.
(4)Nicolas H.
One of the best bars I've been to in Chicago. Not only do they have a ridiculous beer and alcohol menu, but the food is pretty damn good and reasonably priced. I went all out and got the bacon tempura along with the fried cheese curd. Both were fried perfectly and delicious. I washed it down with the Two Floyd's/Dogfishead collaboration beer, nuff said...
(5)Chelsea V.
I went here last night, and was clearly very impressed. I'd heard about this place from friends who go solely for the bar scene (not so sure what that means, actually, given all the reviews on here are about dinner), and I wasn't expecting too much from the food. Turns out I was totally wrong. But first off, the bloody maries - amazing! I typically am reluctant to order a bloody mary because I find it to be a drink that teters on the edge of absolutely disgusting; if not made perfectly, just straight up gross. These were perfect. The garnishes involving slices of salami-ish meat and lots of cheese only helped matters, but the drink itself was delicious. I would have and should have had two, if not out with my parents. Needed to make both a good impression and not spend all of their money. I ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich (a menu item which has consistently confused my brother at all restaurants it is offered, unsure if it is made from buffalo or chicken) which arrived with enough food to almost definitely share. It is a giant piece of fried and hot-wing sauced chicken on a bun with lettuce, tomatoes and onions and a side of blue-cheese dressing. It comes with lots of fries and a little cup of coleslaw. Honestly I didn't care for the slaw, preferring mine to be that disgusting creamy stuff to their more watery, sweeter version served here. But it was all good. And I saved half for lunch the next day! Score. Service was good, not too chatty but friendly enough. The only downside is no dessert, but honestly it saves us from ourselves on the calorie front.
(5)Risto D.
went there on monday afternoon. after watching check please on tv and the reviews i was expecting much more. i had the italian steak cheese which was way too greasy for me. i had stomach ache for quite a while after that. my wife had the grilled cheese sandwich and she wasn't happy with it either it tasted like cardboard. sorry i will not go back again
(2)James E.
This is a GREAT place for brunch - especially if you're lucky enough to have good weather and can sit on the top deck in the sunshine. Our two favorite dishes are the Elvis Toast (French Toast with peanut butter and banana) and the egg sandwich - both are divine! I highly recommend either or both, but don't think you'll want to share. You won't. They are that good. The Bloody Mary's are also really good, I agree. Or at least so I've been told by my friends. I don't drink Bloody Mary's, but everyone tells me these ones are good. The coffee is also really good. Which isn't worthy of earning an extra star on itself, but it's interesting how many restaurants overlook the importance of good coffee. Also, the service is usually really good too. I'm glad the weather is getting nice because I can't wait to go back!
(4)lois c.
What is it with the Chicago food shows--they tend to lead you astray. I thought this restaurant would have large portions and tasty food. I went there for brunch. The home fries were burnt and had no spices or seasoning as the menu had stated. The soda was flat. The hash which was homemade consisted of a about a tablespoon of corn beef (I am stretching the amount) and burnt potatoes, again, no seasonings. The french toast was okay, however, it was cold within two minutes. I spent almost $20 for a meal that was not tasty. The waittress was very nice, however, that isn't enough to make one come back. Don't make a wasted trip to this restaurant.
(1)Yuly M.
2 Stars. 1/2 for the cool knowledgeable bartender, 1/2 for the cool skeleton in front on the bike and one full star for their huge selection of beers. (Draft & bottle) They were out of gumball beer boooo. So i decided to try this beer called hop stupid. Apparently its so new that its not on the menu, but its sooo good. Also had three floyds alpha king and avery IP. Both my kinda drinks. I stopped remember ing after that. What I do remember was their cheese fries beeing pretty gross. The guac I must say was pretty good but turned brown by the time I left ewww but thats what happens when it sits out. I enjoyed sitting on the rooftop but didnt enjoy waiting forever for our drinks to arrive seeing how it wasn't packed at the time I went. Supposedly on Saturday nights after midnight they have porn playing on the tvs downstairs but I havent witnessed so dunno. (nothing wrong with that) I probably wouldnt go back unless in the area.
(2)Michele R.
The chilaquiles is AMAZING here! I get this and a bacon yes I said BACON BLOODY MARY when I go for brunch. I've had a pulled pork sandwich and it was huge and I could only finish half. Very moist and delicious too. I swear by this place on brunch and don't be afraid of the menu...they've made their own recipes on basic foods like biscuits and gravy have a "kick" to them. You can't make this food at home and it has me coming back again and again.
(5)Heather K.
Best hand-cut, skin-on french fries I have ever had. No shit. Plenty of booth seating, and an extra room for pool. Domestics run around $2.50-$3.50 (average $3), depending on the specials. Whiskey is half price on Wednesdays. The vibe is kind of edgy, but not in a cheesy 'Exit-esque' way. Late at night, there may be porn on the monitors ("Smut and Eggs"). Aside from the porno meals, there are some other quirky things about this place, such as the fact that they run a Twisted Spoke Softball League. Oh, and did I mention the french fries?
(4)Jesse A.
The Spoke is not really as wheelchair accessible as the votes on this site suggest -- the ramp on the Ogden side is really steep and not in a straight line. The bathrooms are accessible, however, but getting inside on that ridiculous "ramp" is a big challenge. Apparently this is the fault of the City of Chicago regulations for such things... sigh... Watch out for the Bloody Mary's if you're a vegetarian: one comes with salami and cheese floating on top. Actually the owner of the Spoke contacted me and defended his bloody mary's, and this is such a fantastic quote that I'd like to list it here: "any bloody mary worth drinking is not vegetarian. Unless the drink is made with just tomato juice and vodka (which, as I noted, is not worth drinking) virtually all bloodies have worcestershire in them which contains anchovies. It is true that ours may be a little over the top, but we feel that this is better than trying to fool people. " Crazy, but such enthusiasm and intense defense of salami filled bloody marys is admirable. I'll go back, for sure.
(3)Janet E.
This is an ok place if you are looking for sandwiches/burgers/fries type food. During the summer they have the deck open for seating. They have some vegetarian food on the menu but not much. I remember getting the catfish sandwich. The fries were delicious. You cant miss this place with the skeleton riding a motorcycle!
(3)Ted F.
Wost. Service. Ever. On the plus side, the food was mediocre at best. Uninspired burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries and the like. Yawn. You can get better food at McDonald's for a whole lot cheaper, faster & served with a smile. But the service... wow. It set a whole new low for us - we weren't just being passively ignored, our waitress seemed to be actively doing things just to spite us. Food went back several times for glaring omissions and changes requested twice during ordering. When we finally had enough, we asked for our tab. Normally this is when you show customers the most prompt service, to get their money and get them out the door. No such luck here. We were left for nearly 15 minutes without a server in sight. We almost left without paying. Never again. Eat anywhere but here. I suppose this place might appeal to you if you're a brain-dead Harley aficionado with more money & time than sense. It seemed overly kitschy, dingy & downright dirty when we were there. Think a cross between the floor of the Mutiny's Men's room, the "atmosphere" of Ed Debevic's crossed with a redneck biker bar and you're 90% of the way there.
(1)Syngin A.
The Twisted Spoke has a special place in my heart. I wanted to seem cool when I first started dating my boyfriend so I brought him here for the porn and eggs breakfast special. It was actually more funny than sexy because 70's porn (cue that special music, DJ) was on the tv, and we ordered hamburgers. I'm not sure I could swallow eggs with that much hair on tv. The people were really friendly, and other than the decor, I'm not sure what part of it is a biker bar. It is populated by the neighborhood locals, i.e. yuppies and college kids. It is definitely a relaxing and chill hangout in the summer, and I just love this place.
(5)Lee M.
great place for lunch. the fatboy burgers are awesome and comes with a choice of drink which includes select domestic bottles. the beer selection is one of the best in the city, so many to choose from. food is great but service can be slow at times depending on the time you are there.
(4)Purnima M.
I really like this place, much to my surprise! We were walking by, looking for somewhere to pass an hour's wait for a table at Butterfly Sushi, and the skeleton on the motorbike outside was an immediate draw! Thankfully, this is so much more than a biker bar. They mixed some mean drinks - the absinthe cocktail and mardi gras specials were pretty potent! And I was truly impressed by their range of beers - they've paid special attention to local and regional microbrews, and have some hard-to-find ones on the list. We ended up nibbling a bit too, and they have some of the best, most gourmet, jalapeno poppers I've tried, although that seems like a contradiction in terms :) We'll be back, and not just while we're waiting on a table elsewhere. The only downside was they were renovating, and the space seemed a bit cramped. I'm sure this is just temporary though.
(4)candace l.
Oh how I miss this place. I used to live right down the street so it was a natural choice for brunch (their breakfast tacos? YUM) and cocktails. The service has been up to par and they have a great rooftop patio that's a hit in the summer! Oh, and my friend swears by their bloody mary's as being among the best. But veggies be aware as I learned the hard way: They use beef stalk in their recipe.
(4)Jerry M.
As everyone knows, I'm a burger girl. Oh, you didn't know? Well now you do. I LOOOVE me some burgers and I'm a total snob about them. Twisted Spoke doesn't have burgers - they have fat boys, which is a bit sexist because they'll probably make me a fat girl if I ate them daily, not a fat boy. Unless they have some funky hormonal mojo in them that'll make me a boy, since all the cows are doing it, you know. The burgers were good, but it fell apart on me. Granted, I'm a legendary messy eater, so I'm not sure if I should even be counting this against them. And the burger was good, big and juicy. And apparently during this visit I discovered that I'm a beer snob as well. They have tons of beers to satisfy the snobby beer girl I am. And while this may appear to be a total punk, biker haven, I feel that's more for appearances for the tourists who want to pretend to take a walk on the wild side without getting dirty because there were the 2 cops sitting a few tables over. How was I going to talk about my illicit activities with them eavesdropping? Not that I have illicit activities to talk about, but still.
(2)Paul C.
This was supposed to be a relaxing lunch and it ended up being all I hoped for and then some! The wait was minimal. My friend and I were just deciding if we should get a beer while we wait and then they sat us. FOOD: I had the Turkey and Swiss. It was so friggin good it was relatable to a Monte Cristo with no ham. Fries were nothing to write home about, but the sandwitch just used them to be more delicious. DRINK: I do not drink Bloody Mary's but my friend Chris had one which appeared to be the greatest drink on Earth. Not only did it nerly have a sandwitch on top, but it came with a beer. Now thats a drink!...or a meal? I had some deliscious tap brews. I was shocked I had never tasted Half Acre and it is from Chicago. Now a trip to their brewery is in order, because I severely enjoyed it. ATMOSPHERE: It was a lunch crowd on the Saturday before St. Paddy's so try to imagine that. There were families, rockers, scenesters, hipsters and idiots wearing green beads.... and we al got along. The staff was very nice. I had such a blast we ended up having 5 rounds of booze, which meant 5 Bloody Mary's for Chris. HA! Can't wait to go back with my fiance and other friends! I hear "Smutt and Eggs" is a good time.
(5)Gene W.
It's actually kinda hard for me to get drunk here because I can't stop eating. I come more often for the Boss Hog (an amazing bbq pulled pork sandwich) than I do for the booze. That being said, they have some decent beers on tap. Great music and a friendly staff help make this one of the less intimidating biker/rock bars that I can think of, though there are certainly a lot of characters at the bar on any given night. What do you expect from a place infamous for it's Smut and Eggs?
(4)Dan E.
I had guests in from out of town and we were driving by this place. It was lunch time and of course they wanted to go here which was allright with me because I've always wanted to try this place. Our party had the chicken burrito, fried egg sandwich, bbq chicken sandwich and patty melt. All in all, the food here is good but I would not go out of my way to eat here. For lunch, the crowd was sparse. I'm sure in the evenings its wall to wall people and the alcohol flows abundantly. I'll be back but at night. I give it 5 stars for atmosphere and alcohol and 3 stars for the food.
(4)G R.
Always good and reliable, didn't want Italian or Mexican, just a burger or may be a BBQ beef. We go here often enough and it's pretty consistent overall. My husband had a "fat-boy" burger and said it was good, I had the Kobe BBQ beef. Mine this time wasn't that great a bit fatty. I don't know why the wait staff just can't write your order down though. Don't they have paper and pens? There is a Staples up Ogden now. I say this because, sometimes they just get the order wrong. Or tonight, the waiter forgot what we ordered. Came back a few minutes later, "umm, what was that that you wanted?" You're kidding right? No, so we repeated it. I think he was maybe at the bar before his shift. He asked my husband about every side, "do you want, lettuce, tomato, cheese, bacon, etc. Well, it was no on the bacon, burger gets there with a whole bunch of bacon on it. The bus boy was great, friendly when he brought us our food, kept our water glasses full and cleared plates right away when we we're done. So overall, good reliable food from friendly folks. Just please get some paper and pens, please. When your hungry the last thing that you want to see is your waiter come back several minutes later, and ask what was that again? Does anyone remember the old Spoke? Before the first remodel, they're doing a second one now. I miss that Spoke!
(3)Chan K.
The Spoke offers a decent selection of beers on tap and good whiskeys behind the bar. It's the only place I know where you can find Jack Daniels on tap. The are in the midst of remodelling, and the place is a bit in disarray. The service and food is average. The falafel was surprisingly yummy though.
(2)lauren p.
After a recent visit, it has been determined that the issue with the taps has been resolved. The fiance decided to give it a shot since they completely remodeled the bar, and he was pleased with both of his drafts. I stuck to a bottle, because I am extremely unforgiving. Don't listen to anyone who says the food isn't good- the food is great, you know, for bar food. Good burgers, Good chicken ceasar sandwich, good chicken tacos. When we were there last Friday, they were actually featured on the Hungry Hound for their shrimp po'boys, and I gotta tell you, it looked every bit as good as the one I recently had in NOLA. Also the fried egg sandwich is probably the best hangover cure ever. Don't expect 5 star dining, and you won't be disappointed.
(4)Jenny C.
Good burger, good fries, hot jalapeno. Enjoyed the $10 lunch time deal where you get a fatboy, cooked and served to your order, fries and a drink, either a domestic beer or a soda. Loved the whole theme of motorcycles in a graveyard. I spotted two Kawasaki, a Yamaha, and Honda. Parking was a pain, as usual in that part of town, plus the construction continues to add a level of street driving difficulty. Worth the trip and the parking.
(4)Greg O.
I am moving out of state, and man am I going to miss Twisted Spoke. We live in the neighborhood so we walk over often for dinner. The pulled pork nachos (add guac!) and the buffalo chicken sandwich are amazing. Top that with a good beer menu, very good brunch, $3 Jim Beam drinks from the barrel every day, and a really nice rooftop deck. Highly recommended.
(5)Steve R.
It's still ok, but much like the Exit I think this place has morphed from being an example of its true niche identity to a sort of living exhibit for those who were interested to see its niche but didn't really want to be IN that sort of environment. It's like the Disney Pirates of the Carribean ride...there may be some common piratey-looking elements but it sure as hell ain't nothing like dealing with the actual pirates. That said, the food was decent and the beer selection was good enough. I wouldn't call it a destination but it's fine for what I needed it for, sort of a pass through place. No need to avoid but it ain't no biker bar. i think those only exist in central illinois now.
(3)Angela T.
Very quirky, fun place. The fatboy burgers are to die for. Prepared exactly as we asked for them and the order was exactly what we told the waitress we wanted. There were families, early 20 post-partiers and couples dining at the same time. The biker-bar theme is great and carried throughout the menu and the staff - however, everyone was professional and good at what they did. A definite repeat in my book.
(4)Scott W.
Amazing Shrimp Po Boy
(5)Colin B.
Great neighborhood joint..... Always has a kick ass beer selection......any place that actually puts Left Hand Brewery's Milk Stout on draft gets 3 stars automatically from me, because you just don't f-ing see it...... But what truly makes this place win is the chicken wings, something I discovered purely on accident. I have been searching for good chicken wings in West Town since moving into the area 9 months ago...... The search ends here! For those of you trying to track down a good wing, throw this on your hit list and don't forget to sample the brews....
(4)David M.
My co-workers and I go here for lunch at least once a month and the food is always phenomenal. It's one of those places where you force yourself to finish your meal even when you're full, because the thought of that delicious food hitting the bottom of a garbage barrel makes you sad inside.
(5)Brent D.
I really wanted to love this place as it was a stone's throw from my last apartment. I just can't give it a glowing review. Where it does shine: the patio, the beers, and sometimes the service. Unfortunately the small bar area and average food brings down the average. (Keep in mind that my experiences were pre-additional bar space) Still, if you can grab a patio spot on a nice day, its a great place to knock a few back. Skip the less-than-flavorful food. It's not terrible by any stretch, just very average. The waitstaff can be fun, or surly, depending on the day. I like that aspect of the place.
(3)Alex C.
Great food. I love the cheese curds to start cause they're chewy cheesy fried goodness. A bloody Mary is good and filling. The ambiance is cool, and the rooftop is fun on a weekday afternoon. Sometimes the staff can be lacking attentiveness, but not always. Great whiskey.
(4)Amy T.
I'm quite surprised by some of the reviews. Came in here with few of my friends for a late lunch randomly, only because the resteraunt we were going to a block down was closed. We were very surprised how good The Twisted Spoke was! This place seemed to be set up as a biker bar, but it was also set up as family friendly. With rooftop and back room seating you can bring your family to seperate from the bar. Overall, staff was very friendly and helpful when it was time to choose a beer and food. Service was very quickly, it probably only took 10 minutes or so from the time we order to the time our food came out. Normally, "bar" food like this, is normally greasy and sits in your stomach. I was shocked how it didn't! I highly reconmend pretty much anything on the menu, but especially the burgers and slice homemade fries. They are to die for! Also, the meatloaf sandwhich and shrimp sandwhich were also a tasty treat! The only con that I have was that the menu was kind of confusing. Set up on a clipboard the papers were mixed up between food and drinks. A little bit more organization is need. Pricing is fair. Not too exspensive. And nosie level was average.. Wasn't too loud! If your in for a tasty meal then I highly reconmend the twisted spoke!
(5)Val B.
Note: I haven't been back here recently, and I read they had a makeover recently. This review is for the place *before* the makeover. I've been eating here for many years now and have loved it 4 out of every 5 times. I love their fries, burgers, breakfasts, and even their falafel platter. The bar area is cool. I attended a Smut and Eggs event once about 6 years ago which was pretty interesting...not sure if they still do it (Saturday at midnight, serve breakfast and play porn on the TVs). The rooftop patio is pretty cool in the warm months. Staff are usually pretty quiet and just do their job which is a good thing. The atmosphere feels cold in the main downstairs area, but it's all cool. I really like this place. It's a different, fun place to take visitors rather than Ed Debevics or something. Check it out! I will be back many times, I'm sure. By the way...the owners of TS also used to own a place down the street, Bone Daddy. WHY DID YOU CLOSE THAT PLACE??? IT WAS SOOOO AWESOME! Oh well. I can still get great BBQ at TS, so I'm a happy girl.
(4)Eve A.
BEST Bloody Mary I have EVER had, ANYWHERE! best rooftop, fast service, very good fries and very good all else It is always fun to be there and I have never had food I did not like! For 10yrs!
(4)Joanie S.
God love the spoke. You know you're gonna get to sit, in the summers you get the roof, and the Boss Hog (pulled pork) sanwich is always good, never lets you down. Open late, good to go for beers after going to the nearest theater (see my review for The Building Stage). I love this place. And you can get the cheap mysetery beer, wich is an exciting endevor.
(4)Grace G.
Twisted Spoke is a very fun place to be. If you want whiskey, you are at the right place. And if you want a good burger, you are also at the right place. I love sitting on the rooftop in warmer weather and most definitely will be back up there in a couple months. It's a great place to meet friends for dinner and drinks before going out for the night (or for ending the night too)!.
(4)Joyce P.
There is a reason why they need to use porn to get you in on a Saturday night. We walked in for lunch on a Saturday afternoon and no one was by the door and they didn't have a sign as to whether you wait or seat yourselves. The bartender seemed to ignore us as did the other workers. It seemed apparent that is it wasn't their job then they weren't going to assist the patrons. A woman came from the back up front and literally looked around us to look outside and look for someone. She completely behaved like we were invisible. So we decided to seat ourselves. The picnic tables on the roof are uncomfortable and hard to eat at. I'm sure they are fine since for boozing. We get our menus and I'm pretty excited about the selection. After deciding between a few selections and waiting a long time the waitress comes and apologizes that she was sorry and she didn't know anyone was at her table. Which I guess is understandable since we sat ourselves. She then tells us that the items we want to order off the menus (which were given to us just 10 minutes wrong) were not available. We could only get the brunch/breakfast items. It was 1:10 in the afternoon! She said we could also get the fat boy hamburger (thought the menu says it is only available M-F and it is Saturday) or the BBQ or grilled cheese. The kicker is that the menu is a series of pages printed off a printer and put in a clip board--not a laminated professional made one. Why not pull the 6 pages of the menu out that we can't order from? Or why not have the person who gives the menus say to wait for the waitress to explain or that we can only get brunch? It seemed again like no one waned to do anything that wasn't their specific job title. Since I had to look at my menu longer she took my husband's order and then came back for mine. Instead of waiting for my order she put in his and so his food came super fast and to be polite he waited for my meal. The waitress again apologized that she had instructed them to wait for order. During this time a group sat down next to us. I could overhear them talking about how slow the service was and after they all decided which appetizers they wanted the waitress informed them they could not order them. The group (rightly so) was confused as to why they couldn't order appetizers in the afternoon. My food came and I ended up ordering something I wasn't excited about because I didn't want eggs and don't like breakfast food so my choices were slim. I didn't finish my burger or fries. The food was better than average but not worth any special effort to go out of my way for--especially considering everything else. I have no interest to see what else they have to offer. If you want to waste your money on waitresses with pink or overly blonde hair and tattoos and a skeleton spinning on a motorcycle out front then go ahead. But that's all you're paying for. P.S. This is the 1st time in a long time I went to a sit down restaurant where I was neither greeted or said bye to.
(1)Michael B.
We have been going here for work weekly and love it. The BBQ nachos are great for starters and I love the buffalo chicken sandwich! Overall this is a great spot to grab good bar food. We also like eating outside when the weather permits, which is nice.
(4)Maria B.
I don't venture this far for brunch normally, but this place is a treat. I'll actually leave my north-side hood to brunch here. We usually only go places we can stumble to in the morning, but I'll gladly drive on over for their bloody mary's and corned beef hash.
(4)Ken R.
I've had brunch at the Twisted Spoke twice now, with both experiences being great and the second one even better than the first! First off, the bloody mary's are fantastic. The brunch is great too. The Fatboy burger with a slice of brie on top was exactly what I needed on a Sunday morning. Finishing that off with their banana buckwheat pancakes, and I just had myself a great Sunday morning! The decor of the place is also something to take in and it definitely adds to the experience. The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because I haven't been to enough brunch spots to justly declare the Twisted Spoke to be as good as it gets. What I can say is that it's definitely in the running. Great joint! Check it out.
(4)Katrina H.
Fills my TUMMY UP!!! .. I've always gone to get a sandwhich and Fries to go in the winter.. and to sit down on their rooftop eating area during the summer. The amount of food that you get is well worth the money. Two people could share! .. The food is always delicious.. don't let the bikers scare you away! It can be family friendly during lunch time :) My kids enjoy their food as well :)
(4)Ms. R.
I've been here twice. Once for breakfast and once for dinner. The atmosphere is okay, very laid back. I ate breakfast awhile back, but from what I can remember it was pretty good. Think I had a breakfast sandwich and a bloody mary. Had dinner a few nights ago. We shared guacamole and chips - the guac was pretty good, but the tortilla chips too greasy. My boyfriend had the shrimp po'boy; had too much bread, not much shrimp. I had the chicken curry salad which was quite good, but the pita bread served with it seemed stale. Ehh, it's an okay place, but probably won't frequent it too often since it's out of the way.
(3)Katie S.
I do enjoy the rooftop here on pleasant sunny days, cold beer and sharing some nachos with my favorite people. Too bad the weather isn't so generous with many days like this, but the ones we are lucky enough to get I do cherish=) Beyond the attempts to look cool, it's still enjoyable when you're surrounded by the best people you can hope to find. Oh! I guess the meds are kicking in=) LOL
(4)Naomi L.
UPDATED REVIEW! the server was smiley, despite waiting on a table of cops which I am sure were not going to heaily tip! The decor is spotless and unique. There is allot of love going on at TS. Falafel was great- Fries are a little cold each time. Chicken Sandwich good. Drinks excellent!
(4)Frida G.
I've ordered a few quick breakfast fixes here a few times and I wasn't really impressed with the place. The decor is pretty cool, but I really think they can amp it up with the food a bit more. For the prices that they charge, I can get twice the food somewhere else and the flavor at Twisted Spoke isn't at all unique. On their menu, their breakfast dishes indicate "Served with some fruit". Well, that's a lie. It's really just ONE slice of canteloupe.
(3)M. J. W.
I can't believe someone gave the Twisted Spoke 1 star because she has bad taste in men! Well, it is what it is, I guess it's their fault on t hers. I'll be fair to the Spoke in my review, the hamburgers are pretty darn enormous and cooked to order, the fries are just salty and crispy enough, but have on occasion run across some soggy batches. Nothing worse than that. The service is a little aloof at times, but they are really busy it seems whenever I go in there. The roof patio is good for a group who wants to pounding some drinks - but the service is really, really slow up there. I recommend eating in the main room is your there for lunch or dinner. The drinks are never strong (my last Jack and Coke was almost all coke and ice) and the bar always seems to be overrun with regulars, so if you're looking for a new hang-out, I recommend somewhere else. In all, the atmosphere is always friendly, it's pretty easy to find parking nearby and one of the best hamburgers on the west side.
(4)Laurie S.
So many beers to choose from your head will spin. Many eclectic cocktails. Cool decor. Had a BBQ chicken sandwich that was really tasty. Bartenders were friendly but not very at tentative and that is why I give this place 4 stars instead of 5.
(4)Carinne C.
After moving to West Town, I have gone to Twisted Spoke several times. The first time, I loved it. Subsequent visits have not been as successful. Gripes are as follows: - Music is annoying loud. Not all the time, but on random evenings the hard core music is headache-causing. - Staff is uninterested in working. I get it, you're a cool biker bar with attitude. But you still work for tips, and I'd love another drink. Please stop avoiding me. - Food is hit or miss. I generally order the same thing (boneless buffalo) and it can be amazing. Unfortunately, it can also be tasteless. And on one occasion when my husband picked it up to bring home, it contained plastic wrap. So, if you're in the neighborhood and starving, go for it. Don't go out of your way to get here though - there are better places all over Chicago.
(2)Sue K.
Picnic tables on the rooftop in the summer. Bloody Mary is like a meal in itself - shredded cheese inside, and garnish has salami on it! Served with a beer chaser - what's not to like?
(5)Caroline S.
Been here twice. Love burgers, but try to maintain a low annual quota since I consider them an unhealthy splurge. So I save the orders for establishments that are known for their burgers. All I can say is, "DRY, DRY DRY". The first time I went a few years ago I thought maybe they were having an off day. Then I returned earlier this summer, and had the same experience. I ordered it medium rare, and it was medium well, and beyond dry. I advise you to skip this joint and fill your burger quota elsewhere. The staff is pretty clueless too, seems like they have high turnover.
(1)Anjee J.
Went here for breakfast. I think you really do have to be very hungover/still drunk from the night before to enjoy their food, because otherwise you will leave feeling sick to your stomach. Its really, really greasy and anything that was fried will be overpowered by the taste of bacon fat. Furthermore, you could probably whip up something better at home. Their peanut butter and banana "stuffed" Elvis toast was just 2 soggy pieces of subpar French toast with a tiny bit of generic peanut butter and thin slices of banana slapped inbetween! I make tastier French toast using Wonder Bread. Bleh. I wouldn't come back here, even if they do play some good music. There's dozens of other breakfast places in the area that are cheaper and much better. I could live without the punk rock/biker aesthetic, just give me some food that actually tastes good, plz.
(1)Cassie K.
My roommate and I stopped in on our way to another event. The beer list was pretty great, the service was slow but once someone noticed me sitting there, it improved drastically. The salsa and chips were delicious and the jalapeno poppers were awesome. The windows were all open and the view is pretty cool.
(4)Moe f.
Great place for beer and a bite. Extensive beer list. Great burgers. Excellent brunch in which I reccomend fried egg sandwich and a Bloody or two.
(4)Amy M.
I went here last night with some friends around 10 pm and let me just say... yikes! This is a poor excuse for a restaurant. I am really surprised to see so many positive reviews about this place because we did not have a good experience. Our server (not sure of his name, but I'll just refer to him as Handlebar Mustache Man with the glazed over look in his eye) was by far the worst server I've ever had. He was rude to me right off the bat after he carded me for my Diet Coke because "Ummm.. this is a BAR, not a restaurant..." OK, fine. All he had to say was that we had to be 21 or over to be in there since no one carded us at the door. After his attitude, I decided I didn't even want to order food from them since their server was rude to me and probably would have spit in whatever I ordered. Most of the other people at the table ordered food and most of them were not satisfied with their food. My friend ordered a basket of fries, which she shared with the rest of the table. I find it difficult to refer to them as "fries," however, as they were really more like burnt potato nuggets. Not very appetizing. My other friend ordered a grilled cheese and some burnt potato nuggets, but between the server spilling drinks over her food and the low quality, she left the bar less than satisfied. When coming back to the table to "check if we needed anything else," he would stand at the end of our table and just hold his arms out waiting for someone to ask him for something. And when he came back to deliver drinks, he would never remember who ordered what and would just hold the drink out for someone to grab, meanwhile spilling drinks on whoever was in his path. Obviously, Handlebar Mustache Man was the main problem at this establishment, but I would not recommend going here if you are looking for good food or good service with a friendly atmosphere. If you want an unfriendly staff and low quality food, then this place is for you!
(1)Sharlene K.
This place is one of the staples of my competitive eating training. Why? Because their double fat-boy burger is a monstrous beast of unparalleled proportions (at least in Chicago). The price of their burger includes all the fixings including grilled onions, bacon, and cheese. Fantastic onion rings, and flame lit whiskey chicken wings are wicked awesome. I don't go there for a love of bikes because really, it's kind of tacky, but the food portions are great. Some days it's all you can eat meatloaf (which I wish was ketchupy rather than gravy-based), and other days it's breakfast buffet with porn (don't bring your kids for Smut and Eggs). I don't know where people are getting this bad attitude from, maybe it's the other location they're talking about and mistakenly putting it up here, but these guys are freaking great. Once, my friends and I were there, and we were totally bummed. His bike was just wrecked in a car accident and he was downing whiskey shots to calm down and the waiter brought us extra shots on the house. The other great part is that they play fantastic music. I mean, Death from Above 1979? That's some sweet stuff right there.
(5)Zach H.
OK, so this place is kind of corny due to the degree which they take the biker bar theme. It just feels forced and franchise-esque. I mean, if all those movies I have seen are true (aren't all movies?) bikers dig off-the-beaten-path dives with trashy bartenders and nothing but the cheapest ale possible on draft. But Twisted Spoke is clean, in a convenient location, and the staff is all friendly like. Anyways, aside from this dissonance I got from the aesthetic and ambiance, this place is pretty dope. All I have ever gotten there is bar munchies type food-- wings, poppers, fries, cheese curds, etc.-- and they have all been fantastic. They got a decent selection of brews and other drinks at reasonable prices as well. I have heard brunch, lunch, and dinner here are all pretty tasty as well. I'll be back to try one of those options out sometime soon.
(4)Corey G.
Loved this place. Great atmosphere and drinks. The bartenders were all cool.
(5)Josh S.
Here's the deal, I'm a big fan of the atmosphere and the bar, but for some reason the food always leaves something to be desired, not bad but nothing to write home about. The service is fine and the liquor/beer options are endless. I would recommend hanging out for a night and enjoying the endless possibilities at the bar, but don't travel too far for the eats.
(4)Kristi C.
I was told that this place has the best bloody mary's in the city, so I had to check it out for myself. YUM! They are loaded with meat, cheese and other pickled goodies. I've been here twice-both times were on a Sunday when I was nursing a hangover. The ahi tuna sandwich with fries, 2 bloodys and whatever beer they had on special put me on the right level to start all over again...too bad I work Mondays!
(5)Gavin G.
I used to frequent this place when i lived on Grand right down by it, but haven't been there in a year or so. the food is decent, a bit above "bar food" and the decor is cool. it's what i'd call 'biker-themed' but is far from a real motorcycle bar. i don't think i've ever seen anyone there that looked like a member of Motorhead or that guy in "Raising Arizona" who gets blown up by a grenade towards the end. good selection of draft beers and bottled as well, there was an assortment of strange foreign cheap beers that was the special for quite a while. surprised there hasn't been much mention of their Smut'N'Eggs. there's a regular who's got a large collection of pornography and they have screenings of his selections after midnight on saturdays. you can order from the brunch menu and "take in a porn flick filmed sometime between yesterday and 1970" according to their website. yes, it is for real hard core porno, and likely to be from the late 70's or early 80's, meaning wild hair on the performers' heads and other nether locations. in the summer the rooftop patio is killer.
(5)Laine K.
If you're in the market for the perfect brunch place to cure a hangover, this is THE PLACE! So start off with a substantial Bloody Mary that's has a great spicy kick and is garnished with salami, olives, pearl onion, pepperocini and lots of shredded Parmesan. Sip and let the tomato-y tastiness wash over you. Now order just about anything on the breakfast menu and soak your mouth and stomach in the flavors of fantastic that seem to absorb your hunger. Crispy potatoes and perfectly melted cheddar with fluffy scrambled eggs, mushrooms and just a few too many undercooked onions. Throw in some sliced brats and send it out with a piece of toast that tastes rich and buttery and a side raspberry jam and you have a wonderful Sunday afternoon meal with friends. I definitely recommend this place. The decor is pretty cool and they have some theme nights (Smut & Eggs night?? Sounds interesting.)
(4)Eric W.
I went in on Sunday with my family. It wasn't crowded at all. Busy but not crowded. We sat down around noon & they were still offering breakfast. I asked the waitress for an opinion She gave me one ++. I can't stand when they say everything is good. Even if its true most people would still have a favorite. I ate there fatboy burger Good Stuff! My favorite thing about the place is they have tons of unique beers. 5 bucks a beer 10 for a big burger w/ fresh cut fries. My only complaints were a Med cooked burger that I thought was medium well. But who wants to spit hairs & I think my fries were over cooked a little not inedible just a little darker than my linking.
(4)Furry P.
My 5 stars are for BRUNCH. So much fun! I loved the ginormous mimosas (16 ounces!) and hand crafted bloodys. The menu is eclectic and tasty.. I had the fried egg sandwich and it was TO DIE FOR. Loved all the waitresses with plenty of ink, pink hair and no attitude. Not your typical blah fare. Make the trip, you wont regret it. I have no idea what the place is like as a "bar" but with a huge selection of beer on tap, couldnt be all bad.
(5)Bruno R.
Good beer list, good service, but if you want to eat go some place else, food here is disgusting (greasy, badly made, bland, etc). They show porn on the TVs at night, which is just gratuitous = not fun.
(1)Chris R.
Not what it once was years ago before the big build-out, but still a good place to go grab some drinks with friends. The roof desk is great for lunch (or brunch on the weekends) alfresco when the weather permits... Food is OK, some things are better then others. The meatloaf sandwich is consistantly good, and the fries are awesome. Pulled pork is good too. Oh, and they have quite a selection of whiskys...which is good....'cause I love me some whisky!
(3)Heather S.
Great food and atmosphere. I am a big fan of the rooftop deck in the summer. It has a great view of the spinning skeleton on the motorcycle! The interior decor though stark has a sense of humor. Dont miss the Portabella Mushroom Burger - it is delish.
(4)Jason L.
Home of the original Fat Boy burger. Whisky specials, wings, and even billiards if you have time to kill after a great meal.
(4)Ted C.
The first time I went here was a few months ago and I loved it. A friend and I went for a late lunch on Friday on the rooftop patio-a great place to go if the weather's cooperating. The Bloody Mary alone was a meal in and of itself. The Fatboy burgers are awesome because they're so customizable-kind of like a Fuddrucker's without the suck. I haven't been there for the infamous brunch but I will one of these days.
(5)Niki C.
Came here with the band & another band for lunch after a hard night of singing & boozing. I have no idea what we ordered, but what I do remember is that we had a great time in a cool setting. Great after a long night, if you know what I mean....
(3)Gail C.
yeipeeee! (oops, meant yippee) This place is a great place for a burger and draft before a hockey game! I had a fatboy with provolone. Damn! Thick, juicy, fries with just the right amount of seasoning on them... Also, couldn't forget the floor show. There was a really, really drunk chick at the bar. Making out (falling all over) this guy! Everyone was watching. Food A+ Floor show A+
(4)Timothy M.
This place has cheap drinks: $2 whiskey & coke (Early Times). Fun during baseball season, they usually have the Cubbies on one TV and the Sox on another. Also awesome: the rooftop! I'm a huge fan of the neighborhood (the restaurant sits on the intersection of Grand and Ogden). Cool views. They also get props for the cool motorbike props and pictures of badass Brando. Two things I don't like: 1) The interior feels very stark (yes, I know it's a biker bar, but sitting in a restaurant/bar shouldn't feel like you're at the garage waiting for your mechanic to fix your Indian). The dining room is too spread out and the metal/grey decoration is cold and uninviting. 2) The bruch was a massive dissapointment. I love breakfast and bloody marys on Sunday, but the breakfast burrito was average and my partner's Wisconsin breakfast was mediocre too. Plus babies screaming and being placed in the smoking section wasn't too much fun for me either. Twisted Spoke's much-hyped bloody marys? Try Silver Cloud for EXCELLENT bloody marys -- even with the ham and cheese, the bloodys here were just about average. I would give it 4 stars if it wasn't for the last time being so blah.
(3)david b.
Ah the spoke - they are adding a bar which means even more seating - stick with chicken tacos (corn tortilla) you won't go wrong. bartenders are cruel to tools so try and look pierced. jim beam and soda tall with lime for 250 - yes i'll have another #$#
(4)Young D.
This is one of my favorite weekend brunch places. The steak and eggs are perfect with texas toast and potatoes, the grilled cheese sandwich is one of the best I've ever had, and the burgers are amazing and come with a bunch of add options for free. But the drinks. The Bloody Mary is AMAZING. It is perfect. They bottle and sell the mix they use, which I have bought, but you can't replicate the shot of Guiness or pickled veggies, olives, meat and cheese they load you with. It's truly just so delicious and the beer chaser isn't some icky beer. It's something pretty nice from the tap. Whether you're at the bar, at a table or on the roof, it's super relaxing and delicious.
(4)ness y.
order one of their bloody mary drinks for a healthfully balanced, low-carb meal-in-a-glass. surprisingly not busy the night i went - thursday.
(4)Frank S.
Really cool looking bar.Awesome buffalo wings. Hardly ever crowded. Parking is hard no lot. Love the atmosphere laid back kinda like biker/punkish Nice change of scenery great for food but i wouldn't make a night out of it. Once again great food.
(4)Michael R.
The rooftop is a great place to get lunch, nice beer offerings, but service and menu are average at best. Nothing really bad to say about the place, but I wouldn't go out of my way to stop in.
(3)Jessica L.
Some friends brought me here the other night for a few drinks. Being an out-of-towner, I had no idea where to go and was pleased with their selection. A great list of beer and some good bar food, as well. I appreciated that it wasn't overpacked and a scene on a Sat. night.
(3)Jessica L.
Check out their "RIDE TO SAVE BREASTS" fundrasier this month for breast cancer awareness month! best bloody mary ever!
(5)Christopher H.
meh. Not great. Decent selection of beers/whiskey.
(2)Blackie L.
Hadn't been to the Spoke in years, but went the other night before a Hawks game. Gotta say, the food was really really solid. Steak burrito was good, as was the chili and gumbo. Fatboys looked like they're still good, as a few went by the table. Three of us ate and we were all impressed. I remember liking the food, but it seemed to be better than I remember. Plus the beer list is pretty impressive. It's one of those tried and true spots that you used to go to years ago and forgot about... well time to go back and check it out again!
(4)Zack M.
I have had good burgers here roughly 10 years ago, but my most recent visit awarded me with a well done and dry burger despite ordering it medium rare. The bun was lacking any king of moisture too. Maybe the fact that the server seemed stoned out of his gourd had something to do with this.
(1)Jo Jo B.
Ok, this is an update because Cliff E. from the Twisted Spoke asked me to review my last review after their remodel. So here is my new opinion of the new Twisted Spoke. I have been there a few times since the remodel and I hate to say it my opinion has changed somewhat. Their food is awesome AND (this one is for you Mr. Cliff) their kitchen appears to be much cleaner than it was. I never disputed the fact that the Spoke did not follow sanitary guidelines, but I only go by what my eyes can see and a few times I saw a somewhat unclean kitchen. I am glad to report this has now changed. On the other hand, the Spoke has lost it's biker bar appeal and has chosen the path of keeping up with the Jones's. Ugh! High Def TV's in the Spoke and now sans pool table WTF! Why they did not keep what was unique and different from the rest of these bars I do not know. (Money maybe?) Now I feel it has lost it's character. I really do miss the local crowd and appeal. When I went there after Lollapolooza I was bored there except for their exceptional choice of Smut and Eggs that night. Where they find their vids from I do not know, but it's all about the action and not the acting right! Whoever picks these knows a thing or two that's fo sho. ;o) Oh I wish the Spoke would go back to it's original way, but I feel they will continue with their upgrade and for that I will take one star off. I will still continue to go there, their deck is nice and the staff and food are always above par. Their beer selection and back bar is awesome, you can definitely find your favourite bevie there. Now if anyone from the Spoke is really paying attention to what I am writing, please bring back the old school charm will you! OLD REVIEW It is hard to find a decent bar in the West Loop area, but the Spoke is not that far from there and it is a fun place to hang. I like the food here, decent, for pub grub and it is reasonably priced. I agree with the comment below about the kitchen. I think it could be cleaned up a little. They have a nice beer selection but sometimes you can have issues with their beers on tap. Usually when you mention this to the staff they are more than willing to exchange your drink for something else. Their Pool table is not that great and you only have a small area to play. Be prepared to ask a few peeps to move while taking a shot. The Spoke. A local bar, nice crowd. I would give it 5 stars if they corrected the negatives listed above.
(3)Audre L.
bikers brunch is good, and the bartenders are really nice. i like this place a lot for a laid back bar type brunch
(5)Kristin C.
I like Twisted Spoke on Ogden much better than the one in Wrigleyville. This is a place where bloody mary=meal. I love it! The salami and mini-onions = hangover bliss. The food here is OK for me. . .nothing really sticks out as being awesome except for the burger - top notch. I think I usually get the chicken sandwich as well but it's not so memorable. The service is just OK as well. Last time I was there, everyone seemed hungover and annoyed to be working.
(4)Phillie P.
Wednesdays are half off Whisky. Need I say more? May I recommend "Fighting Cock". If the name scares you, there's Jamesons. For $15 you can get SMASHED.
(4)Bad Ass Chic K.
for the last 10 years whenever i would visit my dad in chicago we would say we are going to go to the twisted spoke. we never did. he died a year ago. i went back to chicago this past new year's to hang with my step-mom on the first of his birthdays that we have without him. my cousin phil took me to twisted spoke for brunch on my dad's b-day. we missed him terribly and knew that he would have had the BEST time downing super yummy eggs and spuds and scary-ass watery road side coffee. we would have laughed at THE friendliest bad service known to mankind while he tried to set me up with our hottie waiter. and then would have happily gone with us across the street to starbucks and sold-out with a cup o' mass consumption, and yet tastier, joe. next time i am back in chi-town i am going back for a burger and a beer and maybe a tequila shot at their 'smut & eggs' event. my dad would have loved that too! i miss you d, and i made it to the twisted spoke...wish you were there!!!
(4)Anne P.
This place is delicious and its a ton of fun. They usually have a line for breakfast but the food is totally worth it!!! The decor brings the place to life with its fun biker vibe.
(4)Eric W.
Great dive bar, especially since the remodeled it. The Fatboys (burgers) are great and both the chicken and steak tacos rock. But above all, Whiskey Wednesdays is what makes this place the best bar in town (at least on Wednesdays). The bourbon selection is fantastic and everything is 1/2 off. Service isn't great, but if you're not in a hurry (and why would you be at a dive bar) the bartenders are pleasant and there's a good crowd for people watching.
(4)Gfiddy F.
So many great beers.
(5)Nicholas G.
I used to live a couple of blocks from here, and as a regular I thought this place was great. (That seems to be a theme for me, I find a place in the neighborhood I like and keep going until they have to be nice to me..) I think the meatloaf sandwhich is delicious, and love the burgers too. I never order bbq, but that's in protest over the fact they closed Bone Daddy (don't even get me started about how much I loved that place.) After BD closed I made the switch to the Spoke and can't say I was disappointed. Since I lived close by I tried to always go when I didn't expect it to be crowded, and usually sat at the bar. One of my fondest memories is the guy who was ALWAYS at the end of the bar reading science fiction novels. I felt as if I'd arrived when he finally asked me what I liked to read. Great place, great atmosphere.
(4)Beatrize N.
The place was a bit of a mess because of construction and the seats all torn up but the food was amazingly good. Their Fatboy burger lives up to the hype but I definitely would recommend that you get it medium rare instead of well as it as I did. It was a bit too crunchy and not juicy enough, but still good. The fries are amazing as they are hand-cut and really crispy, just like I love and the drinks. Fresh squeezed orange juice screwdrivers and amazing bloodymarys. The bloodymary is an appetizer just by itself.
(4)Steve D.
I am going to slide into first person plural here, people. Your mileage may vary, but it probably will not. Our beers at the Twisted Spoke on Ogden run the gamut. Our draft handles change occasionally. One Saturday, I noticed He'brew Origin Ale on for the first time. We recently put on Flossmoor Station's Gandy Dancer Honey Ale. The beers on draft are craft brews. If you must have the behemoths, they're available in bottles. I posted a recent directory of our beers on beermapping.com 's forum. What I typically have at the Spoke is the 'pot-luck' (or elsewhere as the 'mystery beer') known here as the "Butch's Beer Special". The language describing it is such: "We carry 56 good beers and one that really sucks. It's usually best not to ask too many questions like 'What is it?'. What it is is only two bucks." But this is hyperbole. Except for one beer which was, in my estimation, unquestionably stale and must have been bought by the Einhorn Bros. from the distributor which was allowing it to go away [and if you have read about Larry Bell's situation - you *know* how rarely this happens] to another distributor. Because the other beers that have turned up in this special have been great beers from Lakefront, Victory, Left Hand, Mac Tarnahan's, Anchor, *New Belgium*, and once [I do not have to make this up.] even Affligem Abbey Ale. Food: Our hamburgers (Fatboys) are really, really good. I noticed we have begun serving them on a pretzel roll. Despite that, I have tried some of the other items on our menu. The Kobe Steak burrito, and the BBQ chicken sandwich (available with the BBQ sauce developed when the Bros. had the lawsuit-attracting 'Bone Daddy' restaurant up the street [It is now a plebian sports bar called 'Mahoney's'.]) are very good. The French Fries are superb. I've been detected scarfing the remains from other diners' plates. And at 11:59 pm on Saturday, you can again order from the breakfast menu. I think the Wisconsin Scramble is the best option there. Bring the kids. What I show is better than anything they'll find on the Internet. O.K. That was a wisecrack. Bring the kids some other time. Transit: We're 3 blocks away from the Blue Line "L"'s "Chicago" station. (Walk south-southwest down Ogden Ave. It would be a five block walk if you exited at "Grand".) Parking is available on the side streets south and east of Grand & Ogden. If you're exiting the Kennedy at Ogden, continue the additional block south of Grand and turn left [east] on Fulton. There should be spots on Fulton, Elizabeth (a one-way northbound street between Fulton & Ogden), or Racine. This is a great place. We have migrated over to the new area facing the southwest corner. The old bar area will become a dining room. We now have Dish Network dbs as well as cable (for the tube televisions). The two Pioneer DV-400V DVD players can provide separate programs on each of the large flat-screen TVs. So for awhile, you could see one movie on VHS on the tube TVs, and a movie on DVD on one of the flat screens.
(5)sarah s.
It's a fun neighborhood place is you wan to get away from the shi-shi-ness of most of the west loop, but the food is chronically mediocre. The Bloody Mary is, however, fantastic and comes with enough condiments to make a meal. Everything else makes my tummy hurt. The fried egg sandwich is yummy as hell. But, again, tummy ache.
(3)Lauren H.
Really, 2.5 stars. I was meeting a fellow yelper and got there early. I waited a while at my table on the patio before anyone came to the table, yet people who came after me promptly got water and menus. I was basically ignored for 5-10 minutes even though the waitresses walked right by me several times. Finally a waitress brought water. I had to ask for a second glass for my friend (she should have asked if I was expecting anyone else) and for menus. My friend came shortly thereafter and our orders were taken. She ordered chicken tacos and I ordered a fried egg sandiwich. My food was pretty good, but I think she found her food kind of bland. It took 30 minutes between ordering and getting the food, and then the waitress came back only once to see if we wanted anything else, and we had to flag her down for the check. The patio is not so large nor was the food so exceptional that I can excuse the service; it really needs to be stepped up. The patio is large and well spaced, so the place does have a lot of potential, esp in summer. The downstairs also has a cool shape to it too. Also a minus was the bathroom--it smelled like a pool locker room, way too much bleach or ammonia, and no ventilation.
(2)Evelyn C.
I came here this weekend after not visiting in about 2 years. The decor was the same with all the bike parts and what not everywhere. Usually I only got beer here, but since I was there chatting with friends I decided to get some food. The food was okay, borderline blah. The cheese curds had no flavor, like they were frozen and not cooked all the way. There were served with spicy honey mustard? That flavor combo was not working for me. I then ordered the pulled pork nachos. They were okay. The bbq sauce on the wings is the same as on the pulled pork but it is semi-heavy in flavor so it overwhelmed the nachos. A couple of friends got a burger and a sandwich and they looked very tasty. The fries were good. I was drinking Oberon but it was pouring weird and was really cloudy. The service was okay, we did have to flag people a few times. The bathrooms could of used a good cleaning.
(4)Cathy B.
Great selection of beer but the food is nothing to write home about. Burgers are alright but the fries are bland. One of my other friends got a buffalo chicken sandwich and the chicken was soggy and hardly had any buffalo sauce. No ranch either. There are better places in the area, don't waste your time!
(2)Seth F.
I'm a beer drinker and homebrewer. This place has a good selection of regional micros, national micros, and imports. The food though, ugh, the food. I read the menu and I think, what a wide selection of potentially interesting items. Yet every time, whatever I order, its just sub par, mediocre, banal, etc.
(3)George G.
I love this place. They recently redid they bar to give the place a facelift. The food is decent but nothing fabulous. They have smut and eggs late night on the weekends which is always fun. The booze flows like water here which always makes for a good experience. The staff is always nice but a little tough because after all it is a biker bar. Go have some drinks scream your head off and enjoy.
(4)christine r.
when i'm all greazed out and hungover, this is the spot for a great breakfast and bloody mary (which can be a meal, in and of itself). the bloody marys are tasty, but also somewhat weird with all the shredded cheese in them. haha. it tickles my uvula. that might not be a good thing. they serve the marys with a beer chaser, usually something like point, or something just as hideous. before i spend a day in studio, i love to drag myself over here for a plate of breakfast tacos. ask for the bloody mary with gin - you'll get a funny look but it tastes so good. lunch/dinner food is good, too. order the bbq pork nachos for a face full of delicous (and if you're okay with not pooping for about a week - they're LOADED with melted gouda). please, for the sake of your health, share these nachos with others. the waitstaff can have a tendency to be pokey, so i don't recommend this for someone in a hurry. of course, if you're hanging out around grand/ogden you can't really be in a hurry, anyway - right?
(4)Philip P.
Went here years ago but I still remember the biker atmosphere and having a menu that presented me with too many good choices.
(3)Anna J.
the rooftop patio here is what makes this place awesome. what i love about it is that it's kind of a secret. on a beautiful friday night in the summer...this is the place to be. the food is pretty good...it's not off the chart. pretty standard bar food. the vodka lemonades are fantastic!! not to sweet not sour. perfect and a little bit to easy to drink if you know what i mean ;) the beer list is great. awesome happy hour place.
(3)Bobby D.
Not a bad biker-style restaurant at all. The Gazpacho is great. The Steak Tacos are good too. Nice when outdoors in the Summer, And not too bad indoors either. Quite a bit of motorcycle memorobilia in this place too.
(4)Rebecca T.
Got Hangover? This is your place. I highly recommend the sloppy, gooey, greasy, fried egg sandwich. Fixes you right up... well, that and the multiple drinks you consume over brunch.
(4)Chocolate H.
Different types of beer, rooftop, and good food what else do you need. To bad the neighborhood it is in is boring.
(4)Julie M.
Definitely a favorite!! We live a block from the old location in Wrigley and I think we're subconciously moving to the east village so we can continue to order from here often. Although, they caused me a little bit of embarassment when I took my entire family here when they were in town for my graduation. We were looking for some late night food and ending up unknowingly coming for smut-n-eggs!! Once we got our delicious food, I got over the uncomfortability of watching "porn" with my dad. We looooveee the fried egg sandwich, the turkey sandwich on texas toast is really good, and the wings are great. I see others have commented on poor service which we avoid by ordering takeout.
(5)Joe R.
I saw this place on Chicago Now as one of the 10 best brunch places in Chicago. So, when we were spending the weekend downtown I told my family we have to try this place out. The décor was neat and as expected, with a real biker theme. We sat on the upper outside deck on a great day. Well, everything went down hill from there. When the waitress brought our order out to us my eggs had a big black hair in it. We called the waitress over and she took it way and said she would get me another one. As my kids started to eat their french toast my son found a hair in his food too! That's two for two. At this point we were no longer willing eat at the Twisted Spoke. The waitress said she talked to the owner and he said that they weren't going to charge us for the meal. All we really had that wasn't furry were 2 blood marries (quite tasty) and my wife's food which really didn't look that appetizing. Note to owner, next time two plates go back to the kitchen with hair in them go out to the table and talk to the customer in person. Don't send the poor waitress to do your dirty work. We won't be back. Do your self a favor and go somewhere else.
(1)Kenny K.
Great food, but don't go in there starving because it may be a minute before someone gets to you.
(4)Kathy S.
I've always loved Twisted Spoke from day one, it's a stand-by that I keep going back to again and again. Their bloody mary is one of my favorite in the city, especially alongside their breakfast burrito. Normally, I probably wouldn't review a place like the Spoke, since it has been around for a while and either you love it or you hate it (and I think most love it), but I had to give a mention to one outstanding server, Dino. So, five stars for Dino (you rock!), and four overall for Twisted Spoke.
(4)Fred P.
I have been going to the Spoke since it had a patio in front, right on the corner of Grand & Ogden-since day 1. Even with the new, tendy bar up front (and clientele), this is still one of the best eating & drinking bars around. The new "big" bar houses one of the best bourbon and scotch selections anywhere in the city - their beer selection isn't too shabby either-I do miss the decal-laden cooler that sat in the dirty back bar. They've dropped a few menu mainstays, but the burgers and fries are still incredible, as are the tuna sandwich (w/ginger and water chestnuts), Boss Hog and BBQ Kobe brisket, The brunch (hard to go wrong with any dish) and, particularly, the reknowned bloody marys are over the top. Smut-n-eggs is still around on Saturday nights, although there are fewer "trench coat" types in the house. There are two outstanding service pros still there from the back bar days: Dino, who knows his clients, his menu, drinks and music really adds to a genuine experience without pretense, and a tattooed, purple-haired bartender who is very cool and pours a great drink - I forgot her name, but she always remembers me...my kinda place. I was informed by another friendly Yelper that Dino has left the Spoke and the bartender's name is Nicole.
(5)scot o.
the great rooftop deck was why we used to come to this chicago icon. it's awesome up there on a summer afternoon. but the spoke just sucks more than the roof is cool. more suck than roof cool. terrible wait staff. order two drinks at a time upstairs in the summer. they NEVER get to you. and avoid the food at all costs, except the burgers. even their salads suck. over priced. too loud and a bad makeover. we liked the bar in the back better. what happened to you spoke. you used to be cool.
(1)n r.
This place gets FIVE STARS for having the best bloody mary's in the city. Hands down. Where else can you get a meal in a glass? Spiked with shaved parmesan cheese, black pepper and garnished with a hunk of salami, a pearled onion, and a green olive, these things are a (tasty) meal in and of themselves. Not to mention the PBR "back." A little shooter of PBR draught comes on the side. This is my brunch spot. I never stray from my bloody coupled with the best Fried Egg Sandwich...to die for. Fried egg, smothered in mayo, melted cheddar, sliced tomato and thinly sliced white onion, oh and how could I forget, crispy BACON on a marble rye sammich served with home potatoes. IT IS THE BEST. If I get good service from the fully-tatt'd cast, it's a bonus. If not, I still get some cool artwork to stare at. :)
(5)M M.
The rooftop in the warmer seasons rocks! Great view, great service and the food ...man.,..love me some bbq chicken from Twisted Spoke!
(4)Stephanie D.
My first visit to the Twisted Spoke was during a lunch a few days back. A co-worker and I decided to give it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised. I had the turkey BLT (minus the T) and it was awesome. GREAT FRIES here!! My friend had the shrimp po-boy and was in love with that as well. Our server was slow and kind of rude... The decor inside is fun and the crowd is interesting. There is a pool table by the bar... Parking can be challenging, but they have a an outside roof-top patio that is awesome during warm days.
(4)Michael S.
Really great place. Good "fat boy" burgers and beers. Really good place to pick up some old fashion heart attach food! Also I heard they change the channel on all the TV's on Sat night. Not sure what thats about... The bloody mary's are great! Try it out!
(5)Ethan S.
Twisted Spoke means one thing to me: hangovers. I go there the day after drinking for some great hangover food. The appetizer section of the menu is pretty can't miss. Their nachos are very good, the cheese curds (may sound disgusting) are fantastic, and they have very good quesadillas. I graded them down from 4 to 3 stars for two reasons: First, their service is pretty bad. When we were in yesterday, they took our appetizer orders and brought them out and we had been finished with them for a good 10 minutes before we even placed our orders for the meals. Also, good luck trying to get a refill of anything. Second, on weekends they don't open up their full menu until after 2:00 PM. Their breakfast is not as great as the rest of the menu. It also should be noted that this place does not allow you in without a 21+ ID. This can be annoying if you are in a large group with a bunch of hungry people and either one person forgets their ID or someone isn't 21.
(3)Allison W.
Waited two hours for Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout to be tapped tonight and sadly it was sour. All six people of my group were completely turned off. We came just for this beer and it was BAD! Luckily the bartenders took it off our bill and gave us a shot to ease the sourness of our tainted pallets. Would go back but be careful about shelling out $10 for a glass
(3)joanne y.
went here for the first time tonight. on the menu it says they serve corn fries but was disappointed when our waiter said that they have discontinued serving that item (but it's still on the menu). so, i got the guacamole and chips instead. it was not $7 and some change good and the chips they served with it were really greasy. i ordered the shrimp po' boy sandwich and that was really tasty. definitely worth the $10 and some change. the reason why i gave it 4 out of 5 stars is because my friend said his crazy bloody mary with meat and cheese in it was definitely worth that extra star.
(4)Sarah D.
I can not remember what I ate but it was good. Everytime I have been there the food is good. We went for brunch once and while I know that it is laid back and all when the waitress sat down at the table I was a little turned off, just a little too close for comfort. Bloody Mary= A+++
(4)olivia p.
3.5 stars. came here before a bulls game so had to have a drink and a fatboy burger. had a vesper. a very strong vesper. =) burger was good. don't know what else to stay. reasonably priced. heard good things about other things on the menu, so would definitely go back and try some other dishes. if burgers were the only thing on the menu though, there are other burger places i like better.
(3)Brad C.
Stopped in here with a few friends after Coal Fire Pizza for a couple drink. They have some great out door seating on the roof, which was the main reason we went here. Half the beers on the menu they didn't have in. They also kicked us out pretty early, which I understand it is a restaurant. I'm not sure I'll be making it back in, from the sounds of it there food is hit or miss.
(3)Ren H.
What a fun place to have a drink! We came in and sat at the bar for a while just ogling the huge exotic beer collection! The decor is really funky and their outdoor patio is huge! Great place to come with a group of people.
(4)Jonathan K.
cool bar. rooftop which is always good, made the place for me. their menu is fun and unique too. they have a biker theme here, so it has personality. their bar is stocked with a huge selection...
(5)Sara P.
You just cant go wrong with the huge servings and great service. Okay, so the service isnt always great, but who's perfect? The rooftop patio is a perfect summer hangout to sit back and drink ... this is where we come to revive after a long day of moving or hanging out on the beach. the bloody marys are meaty ... literally And if you are driving the neighborhood always has parking.
(5)bill s.
Man this place is awesome. It's totally badass. I've been there probably at least 6 times now and every time that I've been there the staff was beyond great, friendly, and helpful. If you have a taste for a Corona they don't have it but you'll be pleasantly surprised to have a Sol which is a beer very similar to Corona. The Fatboy Burgers are a burger person's dream. They come prepared with several types of cheese and maan are they great. The Bloody Eggs are also excellent. They are eggs mixed with all kinds of bloody meat fixins'. That might sound disturbing but it's delicious. The Portobello Mushroom Burgers and pretty awesome too. Their fries are not the regular kind, they are the better kind, sort of like Rally's fries. MMMMMM...They are open until 2 am, they have a nice bar, plenty of neat things on the walls.. like a picture of Marlon Brando for instance, and they have Twisted Spoke merchandise available.
(5)One T.
When I first moved across the street from this place all I could think of was the Wrigleyville Twisted Spoke and that place makes me queasy. But then one day my boyfriend and I were starving and wanted instant gratification, so crossed the street we did. I recommend the Portabella Mushroom Burger it's vegetarian friendly and extremely delicious. The waiters are nice and friendly, but not overfriendly, they let you be while you're enjoying your meal. And if you just want to get a drink they're one of my favorite places to get a gin & tonic. I don't recommend coming on a weekend day though, it's overcrowded with tourist-types and families. (Oddly enough).
(5)Tina T.
Gosh I love this place! Haven't been at night but we go for the biker brunch. Not the healthiest meals but it does cure a hangover. Did find a good egg breakfast without meat, so there are some good things for vegetarians and non meat eaters. For the hair of the dog, try their Bloody Marys served with a beer chaser, with a side of coffee. Their upstairs deck is cool; love the music and atmosphere; it is a little disturbing to see how yuppified it can get there; although I'd bet it's not too yuppie during the "smut and eggs" porn breakfasts late night (perhaps a little too crazy for me)
(4)Liza O.
i went for brunch after hearing good things about this place. I ordered a pear bellini, which was sort of weird, but ok. Points for actually serving it in a champagne flute, which most places fail to do. Service was prompt and polite. My friend wasn't too impressed by the coffee, but it served it's purpose as a source of caffeine I guess. I ordered the mexican scramble and my friend ordered the breakfast burrito. The scramble was good, nice cheese. And the burrito was proclaimed to be the best ever. So points for twisted spoke there. I was also impressed by the nice selection of beers. Definitely need to come back and drink some of those in the summer on the roof.
(4)Edward H.
Twisted Spoke is a place where riders come to chow down and nerds/yuppies gather to feel bad ass. As the name implies, there's a biker theme to this establishment (no not the ones you pedal) - from the handlebar doorhandles to the various bike parts on the wall. The staff here are cool and knows how to treat ya right. The food quality here is consistently good. I love coming here for their Biker Brunch menu - the star of the show would have to be their fried egg sandwich (3-4" tall, thick fried eggs, cheese, thick slices of bacon, mayo, thick slices of toasted buttered bread, ... and I think there was some form of lettuce and tomato in there). Basically a heart attack on a plate... but it's so good that you'll forget all the exercise and visits to the cardiologist this baby will require afterward. They've also great BBQ sandwiches such as their pulled pork (free range pigs... go figure). Falafels aren't bad either - quote from their menu "made from women peas - the peas formerly known as chick." Elvis french toast is good stuff as well (french toast + PB + bananas = CRAZY DELICIOUS). *+10pts if you can tell me where I ripped that off from.* Warm weather will allow for a sunny meal out on their upper story deck. Saturday midnights feature their Smut & Eggs - that's what staff shirts say at least. All in all, Twisted is just a kick ass place to be.
(4)Brandon H.
Best burger in the city, hands down. Great beer selection and great service have made this a monthly stop for me & my friends. Do yourself a favor and try the BBQ Nachos. Holy crap.
(5)Kate H.
Great place, but I don't know how I feel about seeing so many yuppies hanging out in a 'biker bar.' I grew up around the backwoods biker bars of the Midwest, and this place is pretty authentic in its atmosphere (greezy old aluminum tables, and multiple pieces of biker paraphernalia), but not so much in its clientele. Either way, they serve great brunch. Try the Road Rash -- their spin on a Bloody Mary. Instead of being served with a sprig of celery, though, they use salami, green olives, and hot peppers on a skewer for the garnish. To top it off, it's served with a beer chaser. The scrambles are awesome, as well as the buckwheat pancakes.
(4)HK L.
it pains me. really, it's like having to listen to some bullshit five year old shit that's hip again in you little sister's car. awful. i live in memphis, work in dallas, kill time in tulsa. as you can read, it pretty much blows. now and again i get to take the metal hot dog on the company dime to the big, bad city of chicago. let's cut to the chase..... when i do; i go to a bar called the twisted spoke on ogden and something. it's pretty fucking cool since i'm a motorcycle afficianado, nacho lover, and drinker. normally when i go in there's a bunch of hot rocker chicks that remember me (that's why you get five stars). and me? i kind of dig that. however, today i'm told that the short abrasive blondie (yeah right) is not working the normal days. listen. and hear me later. i only get to roll in that bar twice a year. please discontinue w/ the getting rid of the hot chicks. i can get nachos anywhere, hk
(5)Myron M.
Like Hogs? Like burgers and beer? Twisted Spoke has it all. There's something for everybody on their delicious menu but the portions are HUGE so you better watch what you ask for. You can peruse the motorcycle memorabilia while you suck down a beer in this diner styled eatery or hit the roof and catch some rays while you chow down. I suggest the weekend brunch specials. The bar area is a bit cramped but good for a drink or two.
(5)Johnna B.
I've been going to the spoke for many years... way before the remodeling and improvements. The food is good. I like their tuna sandwich. Sitting upstairs on a sunny day is the best. Great bloody mary's and Stella on tap make me happy. The waitstaff is okay... the bartender's rule. I have spent many hung over Sunday's ponied up to the bar. By the time I leave... my hang over is gone... replaced by a nice buzz and a smile.
(4)molly c.
blah. i don't really like this place. enough said.
(3)Clark K.
been there many times, great bloody mary's and fried eggs and sunday porn!
(3)Doug H.
Whiskey Lover's Paradise. It had been a couple years since I had been to the spoke when they only had that little length of bar in the back that wasn't that inviting. I went there recently to meet some friends on Whiskey Wednesday. OMFG!!! I can't tell you how much I was surprised. Yes, the bar is in front and longer now but that's not why. The whiskey selection was the best I've seen in Chicago. Yes, there may be some bars that carry more of the standards of scotch but who wants the same old same old anymore? Wednesdays are 1/2 all brown liquor. Even if it's not brown yet. Even if it's not whiskey yet. I tried a 41 year old Scotts scotch from 1964 for $16.50, my standard of Glen Fiddich Solera Reserve and I couldn't resist trying out a single malt spirit. Yes, SPIRIT!!! What scotch and whiskey are before they are three years old. Ever had whiskey straight from the still? It's a young taste that's only found in spirits. I was so impressed that they not only carried this rare booze but they had a surprising selection of it. The Spoke also has an impressive selection of whiskey, bourbon and scotch (my fav.). Jonnie Walker Blue... yes, but who cares. There's so much more high end it make Blue look like McDonalds compared to a back yard BBQ. I'm going back as soon as I can to expand my ever growing scotch tasting history. Oh, and the cheese curds were yummie.
(5)Denise N.
i am a firm believer in the old adage. " Don't Yuck my yum" with that being said i will not say "yuck" to Twisted Spoke, but I sure as hell am not saying 'yum'. I'm thinking about settling on a "WTF, eeew." this place got rave reviews from everyone. the bloody's are supposedly the best in town. the burgers made with love. not so. the bloody's were ok. the burger took for freaking ever and it didnt taste like anything, not even with all the condiments that i put on it. Two stars 'cause someone else says that there's Jack Daniels on tap. I'm a Jack lovin' kinda girl.
(2)Mo L.
I've only been in the city about two weeks, but as far as finger food / pub food goes, this place holds its own. I recommend the cheesy nachos and fried portabella mushrooms. There is also a nice selection of beers on tap. However, the service is only fair to good. You'd think they'd be happy that my group ran up a huge tab, but if they can't keep up with the customers, their attitude shows.
(3)Jonathan S.
This place has been great in the past, but it can be hit or miss for brunch. For example, today our group had to wait over 2 hours for a table and after being seated it took them nearly 45 minutes to bring us our food. One of the orders was forgotten, so one of our party was not able to eat until over 3 hours after arriving.
(3)Lindsay M.
great food amazing staff always sweet. wide variety of amazing drinks, beers and great food. i've eaten there many times and always have great, great food never a problem. many of the negative reviews are from people who clearly have a negative personality and are just angry people!! It's a bar/restaurant that has a bikes all over the place if you're expecting a classy place maybe you came to the wrong place! im just saying the place plays porn on saturdays and thats alright by me, not to mention half priced whiskey wednesdays!
(5)kate s.
i miss the wrigleyville location!!!!!!!! Pulled pork is delicious!
(5)Tobia C.
Strangely enough...this motorcycle themed bar/restaurant has the best Bloody Mary that you are going to find. Salami, pickles, and cocktail onions garnish the drink...served with a beer back. The food is decent...but it's not going to make you write home (do, however, write a yelp review). The roof deck makes it all the more enjoyable in nicer weather.
(4)Tracy M.
Great outdoor deck upstairs! The BEST fried egg sandwhich (one of the main reasons I come here). Good specials. Tons of drink options. Most of the food is good but not great and service is wishy washy (sometimes good and other times not).
(4)Elizabeth C.
If anything go there just to sit on the roof during nice weather. Food is execlent, and service is good. And there's a pool table so you have something to do while waiting for a table.
(5)Tom S.
I've been going here for a very long time. Just went for breakfast after a long bender at Three Floyds Brewery in Indiana. I had some sort of gumbo omlette skillet thingy. It was pretty damn good. I was losing faith in this place...I'd see those little fruit flies buzzing around and the food wad just blah. So this visit really brought it back. The road rash bloody mary was exactly what I needed, and who else has Surly beer on tap? Or Founder's Kentucky Breakfast?? Double-friggin'-yum. I'm not one for eating outside...it never made sense to me that you pay to eat somewhere and end up outside with the bugs, dust, and wind blowing shit all over the place. If you like that sort of thing...go upstairs and save the air conditioning for me you moron. I went for smut and eggs once...by accident. It was a little odd sitting next to beautiful women and acting like hardcore porn wasn't on the television, but it was alright after a few drinks. I'm not sure how it's gonna work with the new bar setup, but I intend to return soon. Porn or not.
(4)Amanda L.
Food is terrible, service is slow. I've gotten dirty dishes here. I only stop here when friends are dying for one of their drink specials. I'm not a snob but this is definitely not my kind of place. Just feels dirty, especially on the grimy rooftop.
(1)Jennifer C.
a staple. good beer selection, nice tunes, and a rooftop deck. the clientele has really switched to the SUV stroller mommy types, but it's still a good place to hang.
(5)Theresa K.
i love twisted spoke! they have the best weekend brunch and the best decor! it's fun, rock'n roll, motorcycle theme/restaurant with plenty of food, drinks, and attitude! cheers! if you plan on going, don't miss out on eating brunch on the rooftop.
(5)Mark P.
Decent bar food. Enjoyed dinner and brews on the rooftop during the summer.
(3)Adam K.
hands down the best bloody mary in the city. outside of hopleaf, one of the best beer selections around as well. the burgers are excellent. the rooftop pushes it over the edge. in the summer, this is one of the best places in the city to have a drink.
(5)Arthur M.
There was a fire across the street from me. It was ninety degrees and a roof deck burst into flames. Folks in the hood treated it like "bring your kids to a fire day." youtube.com/watch?v=Dzrn… My companion and I walked past the emergency vehicles and smoke column billowing into the dusky sky... to the Twisted Spoke to eat. Waitress and busser on the roof top patio were on point. We split the buffalo wings and caesar salad. The wings were small to medium size crispy on the outside. The sauce started with a fire-y flavor and finished with a note of sweetness. There was lots of celery, carrots and jicama on the side. I think the blue cheese was Robo Coupe-ed the same way as the caesar dressing. The salad had anchovies and instead of croutons, toast points. It was generously dressed. To drink I had the cheap margarita and $2.50 draft special Boulevard beer. Companion had bloody mary with meat and pickled string beans and scotch instead of vodka. By the time we got home the fire was out.
(5)Andrew P.
Just had lunch there a few days ago. Had no idea that they offer a tremendous lunch special that consists of a DAMN GOOD FULLY LOADED FAT BOY (ie burger), very tasty french fries and an ICE COLD BEER for $10. I had half my burger and got pretty full (ie bloated) after finishing my beer. Their beer list is top notch and they always seem to offer great specials for people looking to save a few dollars. This place is one-of-a-kind and it's quickly becoming one of my favorite places to have lunch in the West Loop.
(5)Caroline A.
I came here for drinks with a friend, and thought it was okay. It is super casual, very loud and feels a little grimey, but a nice change of scenery for me. There is no wine listed on the menu, but they do actually serve a Shiraz. My friend ordered it for me while I was in the ladies room (which was not scary, btw), and it was pretty decent. They have a very extensive wine and liquor list. I will have to try their brunch menu.
(3)Ashley E.
This place is absolutely perfect! From service to food to bloody Mary's, this place has it all! (Started following them on twitter and I received a free bottle of their bloody mary mix!) My husband and I shared the bacon tempura, biscuits and gravy, and the corn beef hash!! Phenomenal! Our bartenders were very helpful and let us sample some beers! Not sure of their names! They were both bearded and one has dreads! The barback was even on key with teaching us about the Bloody Mary mix! We are from Cleveland and will definitely be coming back!!
(5)Adlyyn Z.
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.
(5)Angie M.
The Twisted Spoke on a diet? Can it be done? Hells yes! Now, if you're not watching the calories do yourself a favor and get the Big Boy. It is The Twisted Spoke version of a burger and based on the one teeny bite I had of my dining partner's Big Boy, I can categorically say it's pretty fucking phenomenal. The burger comes on a huge, soft roll, has tons of toppings and is served with a mammoth pile of fries. Yeah, pretty much the most awesome lunch you can imagine. But if you're one of those people who can gain weight in the blink of an eye (much like myself), the garden salad topped with grilled chicken is a pretty good bet. My salad was heavy on the yummy veggies like red onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, celery and cucumbers, didn't come with cheese and was served with pretty tasty balsamic vinaigrette. Granted it's not a Big Boy, but hey. You take what you can get, right? Service was lovely on a cold, rainy December afternoon, so no complaints there. The bloody marys and mint juleps came out in a jiffer and our food was served with lightening speed. Our server didn't even scoff when we literally paid for our mostly liquid lunch with a huge pile of singles earned at my triumphant win in the You Swoop money booth. Um, $52 worth of singles. Trust me; I had to assure the poor waiter that I wasn't coming off a shift at the strip club...
(4)David S.
This fat boy enjoys the fatboy burgers at the Twisted Spoke. Always juicy and flavorful to the last bite. I also like that they have Green Goddess salad dressing available.
(4)Carrie S.
So i returned again with another bestie, Mandy (yes, a girl can have more than one!) who was in town from Texas for our nephew's first birthday in April. Once again we craved bloody marys. SO DAMN GOOD. We also ordered a couple apps. Portobello mushroom fries that were outstanding, with a yummie little dipping sauce (that I can't quite remember exactly what it was) and cheese fries.....that were ok. Once again....i will be back for more bloody marys....if fact, I have a craving as I type this!
(5)Terry S.
I love the Twisted Spoke, to some the place may take on a intimidating,hardcore. sorta biker like appearance.[revolving motorcycle with skeleton atop)but once inside you"ll encounter a very pleasant staff and fun atmosphere, let me keep it simple..Great selection of beers, Huge selection of Bourbons..some totally unique signature drinks,and a selection of not just one but several different Bloody Mary styles , which go perfect with a Sat and or Sun brunch hangover. The Menu is equally impressive with a delicious lunch or dinner selection..kinda cajun/barbecue id say! Fun place to take a date..great place to hang with friends! Twisted Spoke has it all..
(5)J P.
This is a classic three-star review. Twisted Spoke is exactly what it makes itself out to be- a kitschy breakfast place with a cool rooftop deck. Pretty fun place to go- nothing super special about their menu, their drinks, or their service. Was not a bad experience. Nothing mind-blowing. Would return if it was convenient for a large group to meet there.
(3)Erin J.
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.
(3)Omare V.
I highly recommend the Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich! Before I came to this place I thought I had a better PP BBQ sandwich, but I was mistaken. This place has the best one so far. The fries were good, but the only thing was that the coke was flat. For $11 you can't beat that! In fact most of the things on the menu are around $10 dollars. I'm coming back soon!
(4)Jon A.
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.
(5)Samuel M.
I am a proud American and I respect the hamburger, so I've felt like a fool for having missed out on the Twisted Spoke, which has appeared on various "best of" lists in the city for over a decade. While I enjoyed myself here, burger-wise, I was not missing very much. Burger ($11 base, $12 with fried egg) is in the "build your own burger" style. I went with lettuce, tomatoes, bacon (not an extra charge, which was a pleasant surprise), raw onion, and a fried egg, on a pretzel bun. So much about this burger was so very mediocre. Most egregiously, the patty, which I ordered medium rare, was medium well at least, with rare flecks of pink peppering an otherwise grey mass of beef. It had a decent flavor, however, despite the crumbly, overcooked consistency of the patty. The pretzel roll was very bready and at times overpowered the burger. Otherwise, the bacon was crispy, the egg was not overcooked, and the fries were pretty good, but on the whole, this burger was solidly below average and not really worth trying. Service was also consistently off; I erroneously got cheddar on my burger despite not asking for it, it took us 20-30 minutes to get waters, and we were brought honey mustard after asking for dijon. However, the waitress was attentive and pleasant enough that these misses did not disturb me. After a pretty uniformly panned review of the burger, why does Twisted Spoke earn three stars, which I usually reserve for restaurants that at least give me something good to say about their food? It has a great beer list (including Half Acre Akari Shogun), and the roof deck is awesome. Seriously, I could have eaten a hockey puck on a bun up there on a nice day and still enjoyed it. These factors alone make the Spoke a worthwhile experience. I'll be back to drink and probably to try the wings, but I'll skip the burger.
(3)Christine S.
If The Twisted Spoke were a guy, we'd be dating... Or at least doing it (ya know, just in case he wasn't looking for something serious). As you can see with my other reviews, I LOVE THIS PLACE. Again, Nikki, 10 fucking thumbs up, you rock! My beer will never go empty, and my stomach will never growl when you are around. If you like Lemon and you like Chicken Wings, you've GOTTA try the Flaming Lemon Wings. OMG, mouthgasim! And, they light the damn wings on fire at your table (think saganaki). The hummus, is thick and wonderful. They serve it with cut up pitas, celery, carrots, and jimica. Everything I've eaten here so far has been delish! Damn it, now I'm starving.
(5)Wendy A.
For Brunch: Lavache Poire. Yes, please. Anything that has brie cheese and cooked fruit, seriously. Yummm-eee. Great bloody mary's. I wish they were just a tad spicier.
(4)Nicole M.
The rooftop here is beautiful, not what you'd expect looking at the place from the outside (or from the inside). The breakfast was great, my only gripe is that the service was a little lackluster. We had to ask for coffee a few times until it finally came right as we were filling out the check.
(3)Michael E.
Twisted Spoke is a great place that is (a) low key, (b) full of character....and most times "characters" (c) great staff (d) attentive bar tenders and (e) great food........that is code for "it'll make you fat because it is so good" *wink* In addition, and this is important for this time of year, is a nice deck on the roof. My visit last night......I was going stir crazy sitting around watching my injuried foot heel so I had to get out.....this was a great place to have a few beers, enjoy the weather and do a little people watching. I've also done Sunday brunch here and the Bloody Mary's are some of the best. They come with a beer chaser too which is a deal in my opinion. There are several other bars in the area, so you can actually make a night of it just within walking distance.......and a recently open venue and one some Yelps just tried out is Borders Tavern, just around the corner on Lake.....but I digress. TIP: For you folks on a date.....go up on the roof and if you can, try and get the small table just to the right of the corner of the building that faces out to the Skeleton on the Motorcycle....great view of the street...you can sit side-by-side with your backs to the deck and just drink, talk, and watch the rotating dead guy and watch the sun set......or just turn around and view the entire deck.
(4)Benny J.
The food is great here and the bloodies make it a great Sunday lunch spot. Haven't been there in good weather yet but the outdoor rooftop looks pretty awesome!
(4)B V.
Walked in. Asked for food menu. Sat down for 15 min. No one came to my table. It was 4:50 pm with 5 other people there. Won't be back. Thanks.
(1)Chuck W.
I came here for brunch and had the gumbo with poached eggs. Admittedly, it was the only gumbo I've ever tried, but it was delicious. As a huge beer fan, I also had a fun time checking out all of the rare bottles along their shelves. I'll have to come back here and try a bloody mary some time.
(4)Kevin J.
Bartenders and staff were dicks. I just asked for a drink. Why the fucking attitude?
(1)Nicole S.
OK, tempura bacon?!!? Banana fritters!?!?!? Amazing bloody Mary's with a side car?!?! And a wonderful and fun waitress to top it off. Like Yelp says "Woohoo! As good as it gets!? I have been to Twisted Spoke a few times over the years and sometimes as I drive past I wonder....is it still good? Are the bloody Mary's still killer? And every time I go back in the answer is yes, yes, YES! The staff is kind, courteous, helpful (we added a few chairs and bodies as our brunch progressed to lunch and almost to dinner time) and an A+ on the prompt service. Our waitress was amazing and remembered to check in with the vegetarians at the table (beware the bloody mix has beef stock in it - who would have thunk it?!) and for food allergies. So nice and thoughtful. I think we will be bringing more and more people back here. I want to be sure they stay a staple in the neighborhood and, frankly, it doesn't get much better than tempura bacon.
(5)Oscar G.
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...
(2)Jenaia F.
Went to the Twisted Spoke for the first time this Friday. My husband, being a Chicago native and a huge fan of the Spoke, insisted that we give it a go while in town. Everything from top to bottom was fantastic. The bloody mary was one of the best I've ever had!! They also had an impressive beer list and food menu. While the service was excellent, the food definitely stole the show - not what I expected at all. Everything that we ordered was delectable and next time we return I'll definitely have a tough time ordering knowing how good everything was. Between the 3 of us, I got a chance to taste the following: -Pulled Pork Sandwich - Delicious, not too sweet. -Steak Burrito - Recommended by our waiter and it was perfection on a plate. Very tasty. -Meatloaf Sandwich - AMAZING!! The meatloaf was so light and it was served in between 2 thick slices of garlic bread. Who does that???? Apparently, the Twisted Spoke does and they do it well. Will definitely be back again next time I'm in town.
(5)Larry V.
This place is great for lunch, dinner, drinks, etc. Great burger options, as well as, other favorites (pulled pork, fish tacos, etc). The bar has a big variety of whiskey options. As the weather gets warmer, enjoy the upstairs deck for food and drinks. The staff is always good, and this place is a favorite.
(5)Aurore L.
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.
(5)Elizabeth W.
This is quickly becoming my favorite brunch place in the city. Their brunch menu has a wide variety of classic breakfast, fatty hang-over busters, and delicious burgers. And their bloody mary's are to die for! I went here Sunday with my sister and I ordered the Road Rash Bloody Mary and the heart attach biscuits and gravy. Delicious, filling, and exactly what you want on a sunny Sunday. I will be back again and again. 4 stars becasuse sometimes their service can be a little slow or the waitstaff a little distracted.
(4)Mandy A.
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.
(5)Alessandra Z.
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?
(5)Kaybee K.
i think my favorite thing about twisted spoke is the consistency. that's always the hardest thing to find at any restaurant and it's a very comforting thing when you do find it. i usually go here for brunch and always leave happy. they'll tweak your orders to make you happy without scowling at you. their bloody mary's are served with salami and a beer back. that's one of my favorite things when ordering a bloody and not a lot of places in chicago serve the beer back. but they all ought to. says me. there food is typical average bar food fair with their own twist on it. [get it, twist..] they do have eggs and smut on the weekends. it's fun, old porn. the only thing that makes me uncomfortable about it is the old men that go and creepily watch and then stare at the girls at the bar. because of that, i normally just stick to brunch at this place. i LOVE their roof deck. it's spacious and just straight up awesome.
(4)Linda M.
I've eaten here a few times and have always had a great experience. My only critique would be to update your beer list! I asked for about 3 different beers and the server kept coming back to tell me they were all out! Their outdoor patio is great on a summer or fall day. I will be back.
(4)Sara A.
What more can be said then the 172 others reviews? Well for starters, the bloody mary's rule. They are good. Not great, but good. Served up in a pint glass, how they should be, with an eff-in smorgasbord of salad toppings and MEAT! Yes Meat. Damn you Chicago, you make it very difficult to be a vegetarian in the city. Seriously, I would come here just for these hangover helpers. The Elvis french toast, stuffed with peanut butter and bananas is frightfully delish. My friends had the burger and steak and eggs, which was too small to be called a steak, it was more the size of a cow's ear. There is always a wait, unless you are an early riser. The wait staff ok, kinda grumpy guss-es, which is expected given that its a biker bar. And the music way too loud for a hang over hang out on Sunday mornings.
(3)Sean B.
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.
(5)Claudia D.
Again, the husband and I visited The Twisted Spoke following cardiac rehab for lunch. All that treadmill work creates an appetite. What keeps calling to us is the Seared Tuna Sandwich. The Seared Tuna Sandwich is never dry. The thick rare tuna, perfectly seared on the outside, is stacked in ciabatta bread with swiss cheese and grilled onions as well as a mango tomatillo salsa which is to die for---upgrade the plate with a salad and the balsamic vinegrette. The husband and I share one of these making the total pre-tax price only $6 each. I love it. The chicken tacos are very good as well---especially if you ask for extra pico de gallo instead of the black beans, and then mix the rice and all of the pico de gallo into a rice salad---then use the scrumptious tomatillo salsa which contains bits of ripe avocado as a salad dressing. We share that as well. These are the only heart healthy items on the Twisted Spoke menu, that we like. Notice---both contain cheese---which the wait staff can have omitted if requested. Today, the husband had an Allagash White draught. I splurged and indulged in a Koningshoeven Quadruple Trappist Ale at $11 for an 11.5 oz. bottle---heaven! Pueblo AKA Pablo AKA Paul was our wait person. As always, superb service and attention to detail.
(4)Casey P.
Tried the Mescen scramble and the breakfast tacos. Both were pretty underwhelming. Both dishes said they came with chorizo, at the twisted spoke that means a light dusting of chorizo particles over your eggs. The food had absolutely no flavor. The only way I can see this being good is if you are either drunk or very hungover which seems like the crowd they cater to. If you go there stone cold sober, I would think about going somewhere else.
(1)Niraj G.
Really good brunch spot. The rooftop adds a nice touch on a summer day. The "Chilla Killas" was fantastic and a must try for veggie lovers.
(5)Kevin M.
My food was cold in the first place - cold fish and black beans. They forgot the tortillas with my fish tacos. My waiter (the bartender) disappeared and I waited over five minutes to be able to tell anyone my food was cold and that I needed tortillas. When I got the tortillas there were only three and they were soggy, dripping with grease. I still got charged the full price, $12 which is a little much for what is served in the first place. They forgot to charge my card after taking it from my area, which was another five minutes of waiting around ready to leave. It was a Monday night after 8pm and I was 1 person. It was a very standard order on an apparent non-busy night with two bartenders staffed. I'll come here again, just not on a Monday.
(1)Grace N.
Come for the bloody mary. Stay for the fatboy burgers. Leave because the metal chairs are killing your butt. Great brunch items, the scrambles are awesome and I LOVE the Texas Toast and the jam. Seriously, I was upset because they didn't bring the jam once, it's some darn good jam. I'm leaving a star off because the waitstaff is lackadaisical (don't they WANT my money?) and the weird porn night on the weekend (Smut n eggs) grosses me out.
(4)Samantha J.
have been here a few times and was very disappointed with the food. the biscuits and gravy is more like biscuits in soup. however, the bloodies are excellent and make up for it!
(3)Haley S.
My boyfriend and I grabbed a burger here today on our apartment hunt. Good burgers, friendly service...just remember to tell them no mayo, my boyfriend forgot and could barely eat his. I don't get the whole midwestern gross mayo thing. Ick.
(3)Angela S.
If they could just improve the food slightly this would be one of my favorites. The service is awesome. And the atmosphere and vibe is super cool. But the food is lackluster.
(3)Philip V.
Went to try out the burger. Have been checking out all the great burgers in the city, and this was on a couple of lists. Easily found a place to sit on a Saturday evening. Loved the decor (motorcycle stuff everywhere). Terrific beer selection: had some more obscure Bells and Great Lakes choices, two of my favorite breweries. Oddly, they also had Genesee Cream Ale, which was nostalgic. It's not good beer, but it's one of the very first beers I ever drank back in the early 90s in my late teens in upstate New York. A nice touch. Was a little turned off that the whole burger thing was build your own. I really like the idea of a burger place crafting what they feel is the perfect burger, whether it involves a fried egg, or their home made ketchup, or their locally sourced bacon or whatever. But, no problem. I constructed MY idea of a great burger and it was absolutely great. yummy fries, too. Not sure I'd place this one at the top... but man, it was perfectly done (medium rare for me)... I do like the egg a little more runny, but... I have to say, I need to recommend the starter we had: BACON TEMPURA. whoa. I mean, whoa. Deep fried bacon. Absolutely amazing. Great place. Will be back.
(4)Matthew B.
First of all one of the best beer selection I've ever seen in a restaurant/bar huge craft selection on tap and in bottles. If you can't find anything here to your liking you have problems. Secondly Bloody Mary's are done here very well, from the moment it arrives you are in awe as it is done very well in it's presentation and everything after that follows. We went on a Sunday afternoon and were seated right away. This place just has the right feel of divey that me and my wife like in a bar/restaurant feel. But other than that feeling the food and beer/drink selection is top notch. We started out with the cheese curds. Some of the best that I've ever had, done extremely well just the right amount of breading plus they give you a cheese dipping sauce lol some cheese for your cheese why not!!! We both went with sandwiches one of us having the pulled pork and the other having the shrimp po'boy. The pork arrives with a tremendous amount of pork that my wife was able to scrape off some from her sandwich and pour it over her fries(hand cut fries btw) with the left over cheese sauce and make a version of pork poutine fries(Twisted Spoke if you would like to put that on the menu as a app just put her name on it that's all :) ) the pork was very good my wife liked the fact that the bun did not get soggy at all, Seriously there is enough pork on there to make 2 sandwiches very good sauce and pork would definitely get again. I had the shrimp po' boy and it was very good also. The shrimp tasted so fresh, all the ingredients blended seamlessly together to make a great tasting sandwich. The bread was slightly toasted and crispy which again held up throughout the sandwich. We also got the boneless wings to go and the word on those were that they were some of the best tasting wings. All in all would definitely go back, the vibe in the place is awesome, great food and drinks what more could you want in a place? If you are in the area stop on in we for sure will be back again very soon
(5)Kristy F.
VERY GOOD. Ordered a single patty fatboy with chedder, onions, lettuce, bacon..etc. Will likely return...someday.
(4)genevieve b.
So I have to start this review by saying that I love this place. I got there a lot, and its casual, laid back, the liquor selection can not be beat anywhere in the city, and they have amazing food and bloody marys that make me come here about 3-4 times a month. Usually the service is fine, if a bit slow, but I have never cared since its not fine dining, its a bar... and so I've never had a bad experience, at least until this past Saturday at brunch. Ok, I used to wait tables and I know what an absolute horror brunch can be for servers... but on this occasion I really felt like our waiter couldn't wait until we left. We sat on the patio (which I love) and we received menus, and water right away. Great. We sat there for at least 25 minutes (was watching my watch because I had an appointment later) and the waitress who was also working out there went and took two other tables orders before anyone had even approached us. I didn't realize there was another server out there since I hadn't seen anyone else so I asked her and she said she'd send out server over. It appeared to me that he was new at serving since he didn't greet us at all, apologize for the wait, but rather launched into what do you want.... not good. I ordered coffee and a bloody mary and every time he put a drink on the table, he put it on the very edge of the table closest to him rather than putting it in front of me. I waited tables for years and this was so irritating I couldn't stand it. I asked for more coffee and he picked up the cup from in front of me, filled it, and then set it again on the very edge of the table closest to where he was standing so I had to then reach over to pick it up. Its a small thing but it is just bad service. Food was great as always, but I noticed that he was much nicer to other tables that us. My girlfriend and I were just out for brunch, we weren't begin bitchy or rude thought I was a bit annoyed at having to wait so long to be acknowledged, but I guess since we were bothered he stayed away from us as much as possible instead of apologizing which goes a long way with me. I'll definitely come back... like I said I love this place, but I feel like this service was too bad to not mention. :/
(3)Casey Z.
Three words: try their wings. My boyfriend absolutely loves wings, so much so that he has become somewhat of a wing snob. We stopped into Twisted Spoke to grab a quick drink and an appetizer and naturally we decided to go with the wings. They were incredible. They make their own sauce and are very secretive about it. If you are wing fan, you have to try this place.
(4)Al G.
It wasn't bad at all despite being limited by the Sunday Brunch menu, which pretty much seemed to limit the normal menu, if I'm not wrong. I had the gumbo with the poached eggs super satisfied with a side of potatoes. My girlfriend had the eggs smoked pork and peaches with a hell of a slice of Brie cheese. Both dishes were great, and would return just for them. I definitely want to plan another trip to try the full menu. I'll get back then, hopefully just as good if not better experience. The service was o.k. Could have used more water or ice in the water, when they were around they were somewhat pleasant. But not bad...
(4)Kevin C.
The menu caters to hangovers on Sunday. In search of a Bloody Mary and a hot breakfast plate then park your Harley here. They have 8 different bloody's to choose from and long beer list. Any whiskey or scotch you could ever want with Jim, Jack, and Jameson coming from the barrel. The dining room full of folks trying to get back to sea level. I opted out of breakfast since it was almost two and went for a burger. Standard, medium-rare, could have used a little more seasoning, but it fit the bill. And the mussels with a roasted tomato broth were awesome but needed additional bread (who in the city serves mussels with an ample amount of bread?!). Our waitress was a rock star and by no means was rushing us even though there was a 30 minute wait. She was straight up about menu items in question and truly made the dining experience pleasant. They will be packed on Sunday. The bar will be full and when groups get called for their table the vacant seats will surely be sniped instantly. Don't hesitate, just go, before its too late. Bloody's are popular, you'll see beer side cars everywhere, and that's a good indication. Biker bar, biker dudes, biker beers...you get the point. If you can't find the booze or beer you are looking for then you need to leave. Jameson from the barrel will change your perspective and having it from the bottle will not impress you. A solid option on a Sunday afternoon, or stop in for half off loud mouth soup on Whiskey Wednesday, and you may find yourself sticking around for an extra beer.
(3)Natalie T.
Cant get enough. Love the patio. The bloody marys are, hands down, best ever. I have been coming back for years for them. This summer we have chosen twisted spoke's patio as our brunch "spot" to bring our out of town guests regularly. Noone ever leaves dissappointed! I highly recommend the bacon tempura and jalapeno poppers to start. Entree-wise the chillakillas, fried egg sandwich or four cheese grilled cheese (add bacon) are all personal favs. Don't be intimidated by the sounds of the concoctions some of their bloody marys: there is not one bloody mary that will let you down. Awesome beer and whiskey selections, also! I cannot rave enough about how much I love the Twisted Spoke!
(5)Ryan K.
Had brunch on the rooftop with friends and a total of four kiddos. I had the Chila Killas, which is a Mexican egg scrambler with peppers, cheese, and baked tortillas, it was really good. Friends had the burgers which as many other reviews have stated are excellent. Kids had French toast and grilled cheese which they loved. They only have one item on the kids menu, grilled cheese, but our waitress Thelma let us order single pieces of French toast rather than ordering the full adult portion, yes this place is kid friendly. Everyone loved the atmosphere and we had great service. Will be back again soon.
(5)David C.
Don't let the cadavers on bikes fool you!!! I love going to this place for brunch on Sundays and having their AMAZING Bloody Marys!! The bloodies come with bologna, an onion, cheese...and a sidecar of their beer. The food is not half bad and I always seem to get the breakfast burrito with a melon slice. I also come for the rocker\biker vibe. My server is always a badass Phillipina who is very attentive and always so nice. I also hear they play porn during the night bar hours. My kinda place! Lol...
(4)Kenny O.
Favorite place to go to in my neighborhood. I like to stick with the breakfast tacos, breakfast burrito, jumbo chicken burrito, or burger if I'm feeling fat. I see a few people complaining about unhealthy food on Yelp... if you want to eat healthy, don't eat out. Simple. Not like they advertise themselves as a healthy restaurant. The staff is very nice and the food always comes out quick even during busy times. I would just suggest avoiding breakfast rush... cause aint nobody got time to sit there for an hour+ in the morning.
(5)Jen K.
I love this place. They have a phenomenal beer menu, with hard to find BCS usually available. Not many places can boast that...so barrel-aged beer lovers, head here! The bloody marys are really good. Not the best in this world, but really good. I like the flavor of parm cheese in it, but sometimes it becomes really annoying to try and fit the shredded cheese through the straw. The brunch is great...usually potatoes are served with breakfast food as a cheap filler but have zero flavor. Not here! They were one of the best parts of the meal! The corned beef hash is a perfect hangover remedy. Basically, I mix the hash, the potatoes, and the poached eggs together for one big breakfast mess. The blood mary washes it down, and I'm cured! The only complaint is that this place could stand to expand, especially in the bar area. It gets very, very cramped. This place is always busy, too. There is NEVER any good parking, prepare to walk or park illegally. So get there early, have some barrel-aged stouts to comfort the soul, and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Nichole M.
This is definitely a unique bar/restaurant. Our server was super friendly and helped us with the beer selection and food menu. I was pleased with both. Plus they play really good rock music! The food is quite good. The brisket was the recommended dish, but I'm not a brisket gal. Everyone else at my table had the brisket and loved it. I had the buffalo chicken sandwich which was delicious and also extremely messy. Totally worth it. Had a really good time with the music, beer, food and service accompanying my great company.
(4)Mike W.
Had lunch at the spoke today with a couple of friends. The service was great and the food was good. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Lena D.
I love spoke but was disappointed having breakfast there last saturday. My friend and I ordered scrambles and if it wasn't for not wanting to waste food, we would have likely sent back both. So sad I love lunch, dinner, snacks there but was so darn disappointed. Red potatoes were just all pepper and tasted still uncooked. The Mescin scramble I had was so dry and lacked any flavor for having chorizo in it. Coffee was great and the toast but think I'll definitely stick to lunch or try something else. Super bummed.
(2)Paul M.
If you love bad service, mediocre food, has a funky whiz/beer odor, and won't sell a plain grilled cheese to a Mom, then this is the place for you. If any a place is in need of an appearance on Bar Rescue, the Twisted Spoke is it. I have been there a ton of times over the years and have always had a great experience until last Sunday. Stopped in w/my wife and teenage son. Typical dive bar which I love, but that funky dive bar smell of beer and whiz permeated throughout was the first time I'd experienced this at the Spoke. It was slow and there were plenty of staff just stading around talking to each other. It took a while for our server to get to us. My son and I ordered the burgers and my wife wanted a simple grilled cheese and that was on the menu but under the 'KIDDIES' section. The waiter explained that he would have to charge her $5 more for the grilled cheese because she's an adult. She said she didn't want anything then and I mentioned that charging $5 more for a menu item because someone is not a kid is a bit strange. He agreed and went to get the manager. It was evident that the Manager has really never had any experience in customer service experience. He said that my wife could order the adult grilled cheese on the menu which had thicker bread, 3 types of cheese and a lot more fries. She said she just wanted an old fashioned grilled cheese with just American cheese. He said he couldn't do that for her. Huh? We even offered to throw in a few more bucks (not $5, though) and he said he still couldn't do it because if he did all of Chicago would be in the place ordering grilled cheese cuz it's such a great deal. Even the table across from us were in disbelief. Our burger and fries were good. They could definitely have used a bit of seasoning. Overall, it was really weird and I have been telling everyone about this experience. Needless to say we won't be returning and from the recent reviews I've read, this place won't be around long unless they make some major changes that get them back to the great place they used to be. One place to start is to take advice from legendary Chicagoan Marshall Field. He coined the phrase "Give the lady what she wants." And in this case, the lady was asking for a grilled cheese and that simply couldn't be done. The spoke is twisted and apparently so is their logic and thinking.
(1)Nicole W.
Gross gross gross. Stopped by here for a beer and a bite, the fries taste metallic and gross, the ketchup tasted off. Portobello sandwich was impressive LOOKING, however, it tasted like shit. And how does a place fail with a grilled cheese? C'mon. Cheapest cheese ever, yuck. Barely touched the food. Beer and poppers were the only things we ordered worth consuming. Don't waste your money.
(1)Kris R.
two thumbs up. not my go-to, but it's definitely delicious. no matter what time of day, get a tasty bloody. i love it when they stuff meat in it. they put it all up in there, all folded, with an olive, all up in your cup. i think they put cheese in it, too. all up in there. and it's spicy! which i sometimes have trouble with, but it's totes worth it. i've had the biscuits + gravy for brunch on the roof deck - that was pretty damn good. the chili is okay - kinda runny if you ask me. it comes in a metal skillet, so when you're scooping it up with a spoon, you get that metallic taste. ew. it's a great place to hang and drink. i think i was there one night for the 70s porn and chicken (or is it eggs?). i just have an issue with the 1970s in general, so seeing all kindsa hair makes me feel uncomfortable. outdated porn, especially from that era, makes it hard for me to eat anything. #puns
(4)Stephanie L.
SKIPPPPPPPPPPP! Oh Twisted Spoke, I heard so many good things about you so I was dying to try you and finally I was going to eat bad on a Sunday after doing so well for about a week and a half. Sunday afternoon, no line, perfect. Walk in and no one pays a bit of attention to us. Maybe we were to preppy or maybe they were just busy. After a couple of minutes a guy that was sitting on the stairs gets up and gets us menus and then shows us to a little table right in the front. Fine with us. It was too hot to sit outside. He proceeds to rattle off something about a limited brunch menu, but they have some sandwiches. I distinctly remember hearing him say portobello mushroom sandwich. Anyway, we sit and wait and wait. No one comes. Finally water comes out. We wait and wait and wait. Finally our server with hot red lips comes over. The weird thing was that she must have walked by us at least 5 times before stopping. WE ARE STARVING! Please, help us get some food! We order up the Bloodies! I have to say 5 stars on the delicious bloodies. They really were a great TREAT! YUMMY! Not to mention, spicy and loaded with cheese, meat and all the fixings. This would be worth coming back for. All for $8! So I was kind of confused about the menu because they have limited lunch menu on Sundays. However, the server stated different things were available than the guy that sat us. So that was annoying. Just make a printed menu of whats available on Sundays...is it that hard? Its not like their menu is this extravagant thing. Instead, one person is telling us one thing and then the server is saying, 'oh no, thats not available today.' Get your shit straight. We decided on the shrimp po'boy and the bbq chicken sandwich. The po'boy was FISHY! It was like I had a bite of the shrimp and seriously tasted it in my mouth until after we left the restaurant. GROSS! Out of the places that I have recently went for po'boys, this was by far, my least favorite. The chicken was good, however, I wouldnt go out of my way for it. I also found it interesting that they dont have ranch here. They serve wings, etc. No ranch. Just Green Goddess, which is good, however, its not ranch??! Overall, I was disappointed in Twisted Spoke. I get the grungy, biker look, however, I still expect good service and people that know what they are talking about. Also, if you are going on a Sunday and looking for a healthy option, this is NOT the place for you. Everything was like a heart attack waiting to happen. Where I also was kind of disappointed about.
(2)Glory O.
the best gumbo in the worlddddd! its serious stuff when you get it with the two poached eggs for brunch (they only do the eggs on weekends unfortunately). although everything else on the menu always looks great -- the only thing i ever get is the gumbo. GUMBO GUMBO GUMBO! great food and booze with friendly service. doesn't get better than that!
(5)Brandon T.
Came here last night with friends and had a fantastic time. The place has a weird old school diner feel. The bar top is metal, the bathrooms are strange, but in a good way. The drinks they make are really good. The old fashion was surprisingly well done. Also the beer list is huge, and the bartender knows his stuff about everything on it, so feel free to ask for a recommendation. I ended up getting a few appetizers. The fries were just ok, the cheese curds and wings were much better, but nothing to write home about. I would definitely stop in again if in the area.
(4)Sara S.
This place is on our regular rotation of places, we go probably at least a few times every month. Alex and Jen are our favorite bartender duo, but all the employees are fun to talk to. The atmosphere is casual and fun. If you are in the mood for a beer I suggest getting one of their recommendations to try something seasonal or different. If you are in the mood for a mixed drink they have quite a few unique options as well. Their bloody marry works wonders and their hot toddy is my go too when I have a cold. The food is always delicious! We have tried multiple items on the menu; the burger is always great, I love the cheese curds with the mustard sauce, the Wisconsin Scrambler is fantastic, and the flaming lemon wings are also great (and entertaining). Those are just some of my favorites, but like I said, I have yet to order anything and be disappointed. Great staff, great drinks, and great food make this one of our regular spots!
(5)Carly G.
I'm here every weekend. That says something. Best bloodies and their biscuits and gravy are to die for! Oh and their mussels are nothing short of extraordinary!
(5)Merissa L.
Ambiance is good but food is mediocre at best. I have been here 2 times now. The first time I had poached eggs with were ok, the potatoes were just whatever. Last night I ordered the chicken tacos and they came with melted cheese under the chicken, and a small plastic side of black beans. The tortillas were hard and almost crunchy and anyone who knows tacos knows that melted cheese just aint the way it supposed to be. i wish this place had better food...service was also mediocre at best.
(2)Steve H.
Wow! Massive whiskey list! The best is Wednesday nights where they are all half off :) Their beer list is also impressive! Came here and tried some of their sandwiches. The Boss Hog pulled pork really could hold its own against any BBQ joint. My buddies Fat Boy burger was ridiculous as well.
(4)Brian R.
With today's foodie population splitting multiple items to try as much as possible I find it absurd that you would charge a 50% extra surcharge if I want to cut off a piece of my burger and give some to someone else. . Go elsewhere.
(1)Estevan F.
Dont expect the red carpet to be pulled out for you when coming here.. In return shall receive amazing beer, great burgers, sandwiches and chicken tacos. Music is good the beer lists are amazing. Did I forget to mention fried egg, bacon and cheese on your burger? The place has a dark biker bar feel, bar area is a bit small when its packed. Luckily they have a dining area good place to keep the children and health junkies. Great place to chill and relax take your time to enjoy that great beer. Not really the place to get quick food if your on a time crunch. Always enjoy the patio after a long day of motorcycle riding has a great view of your bikes.
(4)Kari F.
It is so glorious to go to a place that really knows how to make a Bloody Mary... I say spicy, they give me ze spice. I can't go on without mentioning their shrimp po boy... This sandwich is huge, crunchy, and so fresh. I love when a restaurant understands the importance of using quality bread. I can't count how many times I've ordered this. When I'm feeling crazy, I get the fried bacon (...Is this real life?!). It's not too greasy or over-powering at all. The beer selection makes me so :). I enjoyed a $2.50 special for Alpha King on Tuesday night (...no really, Is this real life?!). The service is good most of the time- the bartender was knowledgable and made some great suggestions for beer as well as mixers we tried. He made a heck of an Old Fashioned. The service does get pretty slow on the rooftop in the summer, since they had one guy serving the entire bunch. Only thing that puzzled me was the night i wanted to grab some grub and a beer with my sister, and porn was on every TV. It was awkward. It would be funny if they aired it for like a half hour, but it was the rest of the night. I'm trying to eat here.... c'mon. Besides that once instance, I come here all the time and always had a good experience. I will keep coming back for the quality food and bevs any day.
(4)Theresa F.
2nd time around - still good food. I had the lemon wings - they were ok - I think they do better with sandwiches and breakfast food though. Server was Andy and he was AWESOME!
(4)Jessica B.
Best corn beef hash in the city and the bloodies are everything that people have said and more.
(4)Elizabeth E.
Bloody Mary. Bloody Mary. Bloody Mary. I'm not sure what else to say. Oh, also the rooftop patio is fantastic in the summer, though maybe not if you're already sunburned. And the shrimp po'boy is the truth, and big enough to share if you're not awfully hungry. In fact, most of the menu is big enough to share. Your tastebuds will thank you for the greasy breakfast (or dinner). Your arteries will thank you for having some restraint. Also: Bloody Mary.
(4)Monica Z.
Delicious bloody's and breakfast food. I love coming here after a night out. You leave full and satisfied.
(5)Mary N.
When I walked into the bar all I thought was "Bar Rescue". Roof top was OK. Service was terrible! Waitress should be fired. She was so rude and abrasive. Food totally sucked. Went downstairs to the bar to escape the waitress, it was so hot in the bar we left. I don't understand what people see in this place. It may have been good at one time, but not now
(1)Olivia B.
Sick rooftop, hot as hell though. Amazing beer and cocktail selection. American and Mexican food, great hangover cures. Service is on the slower side, but I love this place. Steak burrito is amazing, same with their margaritas.
(4)David S.
This place is awesome. We visited april 18th, and had breakfast. The food was great exaclty what we were looking for after a long night out the night before, and the bartender Jerome was awesome. Cant wait to come back.
(5)Mary Kate D.
Love this place. Hangover hospital menu for brunch is the bomb. Took some friends and family from out of town here a few weeks ago and they really enjoyed the food and the rooftop atmosphere. I've had the breakfast tacos and the BBQ nachos. Both are really good. Best Bloody Mary in Chicago so I'm looking forward to my next visit here. Service was also really good. No complaints!!
(5)Masha M.
BEST place to be on a sunday!!! Love their Bloody Mary's and Dessert shots! That place always brings back lots of good memories. Also, upstairs patio is amazing for the summer time. Staff is very friendly!!! You should definitely try it out!!!
(5)Laura P.
Ya know, I dig this place because it reminds me of my daddy and his bikes. I like the motorcycle parts and pictures and paraphernalia probably because I grew up around all this stuff and it feels comfortable. I tipped over my Dad's bike onto my brother when he was 4 while trying to pretend ride the bike....but all that doesn't matter now. Oh, my brother, he's fine. Thanks for asking. He does have male pattern baldness but I don't believe that was caused by having a motorcycle tipped over on him. Anywho....brunch here today was almost inedible. French toast that had been sitting in the warming tray or on the counter for at least 10 minutes before it was served. Bacon was microwaved and hard and could have taken out a steel filling in a tooth if you bit down too hard. Waitress claimed juice was fresh squeezed but was clearly concentrate. Some people know the difference..... Kinda hate writing this review because the service is super good here and the bartenders are friendly and the roof is cool and the everything else is sweet but jeezus H. Christ can you get it together with the food? I mean you already have a customer base and NOT just people that are hungover or are drinking. Why not make a LITTLE bit more effort. It wouldn't even take much. Just serving the food when it comes up would help. Seriously.
(2)Taylor B.
Everything is good here. Everything. I'm talking about the food & beverage, not the after hours television selection. But I have been impressed with every item I've had on this menu, so much so that I'm able to branch out often and try new things, instead of relying on stand-bys and favorites like I do with other restaurants. I have had, and rate 5 stars, to the following menu items: - Jumbo Steak Burrito Not quite as big as Ty Domi's head, but the perfectly cooked steak and the great ingredients make up for quantity with quality. - FatBoy Burger You can add grilled onions, barbecue, lettuce, tomato, BACON, cheese. You can choose the bun. You have the option for fried egg and avocado. It's all gold. This is the cure for the hangover before it starts. - French Fries Cut and seasoned perfectly, a great compliment to their homemade barbecue sauce, which I would drink on its own. - Fried Egg Sandwich I order this the most, because if anyone else in the restaurant orders it, I get food envy. It's beautiful, it's huge, and it's delicious. - Bloody Mary w/ Scotch It's like drinking a campfire. A delicious, smokey, bacon filled camp fire. I highly recommend this place...it's worth traveling to if you're not in the neighborhood. I can't wait for summer and the roof deck.
(5)Liz K.
(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...
(1)Emily C.
Decided to come on a whim for a bloody. I had heard they were great here and wanted to try. The place was packed on a Sunday, to be expected, so we went straight to the bar and by some miracle were able to procure seats. We tried the classic bloody (loved the bloody, would have preferred normal bloody "fixins" like a pickle and olives vs. the pearl onion and salami, but that's just me). Our friend tried the smoky version and thought the bacon in it was great. I loved that you got a little shorty of beer to go with it. Totally hit the spot. I also tried the "Pedro's Just Dessert" and the bartender made it a bit sweeter for me. LOVED this drink - a mix of sherry and prosecco. The best were the names of the drinks, bathrooms, general concept of the bar - hilarious. Would definitely go for a bloody again. 82/365
(4)Anna E.
I can't believe I've never reviewed this place before! I've been coming here for years and always enjoy the cast of characters. Don't let the biker vibe deter you. They have great, friendly service and an amazing rooftop patio. The burgers are the way to go, but the brunch is good too. They also make a solid bloody mary. Great place to spend a Sunday on the roof day drinking.
(4)Tim B.
$10 lunch special - burger, fries, drink (certain beers available if you want one). Can't beat it. Burger was very good, cooked how you like. List of available free toppings longer than most (bacon and jalapeños among others). Fries were great. Beer selection is huge. Whiskey selection even bigger. Rock music playing. Sports on the TVs. Friendly staff. This is a man cave away from home.
(5)Melinda W.
I really wish I was able to make it here more often...it's not terribly close to my house but I've had nothing but great food and even better drinks each time I've come here. As you probably know by now...go outside of your comfort zone and order something crazy. Gotta love the Bloody Mary though, it's fantastic. Such a fun vibe, great place to drag someone from out of town for brunch if they want a taste of "local" life that's for sure. Enjoy!
(4)Danielle C.
My bf and I came here tonight and had the worst experience that confirmed for me why I'll never be back. We ordered the 3 chicken taco meal w/ rice and beans and a garden salad. We each had 1 beer. The chicken taco plate came out cold. We sat there for about 10 min before the server could even be found. My bf asked the server (his name was Matt H) if the rice was supposed to be cold, and he said 'yes it is, but i can warm it up for you if you want'. The plate came back to our table with the same temperature....not sure what happened here... The salad I ordered was pretty mediocore..Just letuce, 2 tomato wedges and 2 cucumber wedges drenched in dressing and a rock hard crouton. When we asked for our check, we spoke up and told him we were unhappy about the plate coming out cold and it was pretty bad. He said he couldn't do anything about it and became defensive and explained if we had eaten less, he could have done something about it earlier. I was actually shocked at this remark and told him that we had been sitting waiting for him to come back---he never came to check on us once after he brought back the cold plate of rice. Even if this server would have apologized or something, I could have been ok with this..but the fact of the matter is, you just don't treat customers like this. Needless to say, we will never be coming back to the Twisted Spoke. I would have considered coming back here just to drink, but after tonight, they've lost my business 100%. Stay away from this place and give your business elsewhere.
(1)Tiffany K.
Came here for a double birthday celebration, and it was pretty busy but not too crazy on a Saturday. we were a large group, but this didn't make anyone who worked there angry. Our server was the nicest person on earth! I ordered a Cock Smasher and it was really boozy. I don't know if it was worth $10, but it was good. I wasn't too hungry so I ordered the onion rings ($5) and they were OK. The sauce that came with them was too sweet! I tried a bite of the shrimp po' boy and that was awesome. The Gutterslut is a great drink, too, and well worth the price. Overall, I felt that this place was a Chili's or Applebees for bikers? There is all this memorabilia on the walls and the menu was mostly burgers and things like that. Not the worst place, but it didn't completely blow me away. I'd like to come back and try a different dish and drink.
(3)Damon T.
Yes 1 star. Cannot base this on the food, as I have read rave reviews about the "fat boy" burgers and bloody marys. How I would have loved to have reviewed the food for myself, but... I went here on a Friday afternoon, a little before 3pm. The place wasn't terribly busy, but staff was terribly inattentive- after walking in and not receiving any greeting from anyone, I asked the bartender if I could just seat myself, and she nodded an affirmative. What happened to a "hello"? Here's where things get mind-blowingly ridiculous for me. The waitress passes by, says she will be with me in a minute, and goes over to the next table, to attend to their drinks, make small talk, etc. I already know what I want. The $10 fat boy special, which as advertised, comes "fully loaded" and with fries + a pop/beer. Served between the hours of "11am - 3pm Monday thru Friday". Aw man, I'm cutting it close. It's now 2:57 to be exact. Meanwhile, waitress is just chatting up a storm/joking around with the peeps at the table next to me. When she comes back to my table, it's literally EXACTLY 3. She asks me for my order, and I respond, "I know it's cutting it really close, but I'd love to get this lunch special here". Her response- "ohh...is it 3 o clock...hmm" as if in disbelief. I whip out my cell phone, displaying the exact time- 3:00, to prove my self. She then says, with a crooked smile, "mmm they're not going to do it...". Wait- WHO'S not going to do it? You're not going to bother placing my order, despite it being within the time that this special is available, explicitly stated in the menu?? Or no, the cooks that are working the kitchen, because god forbid no $10 burger special is hitting the griddle at anytime near 3pm? These, by the way, are my thoughts, not what I actually questioned the waitress. She hesitates, walks back towards the kitchen, pops back up to my table, and says "no....sorry." I hand the menu back, incredibly agitated, letting her know that I'm taking off and will not be ordering ANYTHING, based on the simple premise that you are not providing a special as advertised on menu. And, really, Twisted Spoke, this is your loss. The waitress lost a potential nice tip, you guys lost business, and a customer who WANTED to try your famed "fat boy" burger will never return to the establishment. Good job.
(1)Sergio V.
Best american food in town. The place is fun with its bicker-run-down style but it's in reality very friendly (also children friendly). If you live or visit Chicago you must go! The FOOD: best part. they have the BEST BURGER IN CHICAGO. I don't care what everyone else says...meat is juicy and full of flavor. It's so good they don't need to add any fancy topper to make it tasty...and that double burger is amazing. Best Buffalo WINGS ever, as well. Fries are incredible, BBQ sauce too. I tried few other things on the menu all excellent. Lastly few words on the amazing WHISKEY selection...
(5)Shelby B.
Listed in the chicagoburgerbible.com website as "Elite Status". Now, I've had a good number of ground beef sandwiches in my life, and this was one of the better ones. The best? ... Be ready to 'build your own' hamburger from a list of fixings. HUGE beer list and great bloody's. Service was good too. Why 3 stars? Burger was great, not the best. Lunch for 2 = over 50 bucks if you each get a drink and a Fat Boy burger. Would I go back? You betcha, after I've tried the rest of the burgerbible recommendations. PS: Atmosphere was hard to beat, I'll be sitting at the bar next go around.
(3)Rachel F.
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.
(4)Carmen G.
The burgers are awesome and they have really great lunch specials. The red chili peppers are my absolute fave, but I am a sucker for spicy food. The wings are also the best I've had in a long time.
(4)Carol K.
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.
(4)Deb P.
Twisted spoke bloody Mary's are wonderful. Staff and food all good. Nice biker bar
(5)Carly T.
I live down the street, so we come here a few times each month out of pure convenience. I generally get a tostada appetizer as a meal, and my fiance binges on beer while I drink a vodka soda. But FINALLY, this weekend, we did brunch here (also known as "Hangover Hospital," even though we weren't hungover). That's really something to write home about, so to speak. I had a delicious fried egg sandwich that usually comes on rye bread but, trust me, ASK FOR A PRETZEL BUN. A Fried Egg Sandwich on a PRETZEL BUN?! Does life GET any better? (Answer: Probably. But still). And the bloodies! So delish. I had the smoky bloody and it was absolutely wonderful, but I suspect I would have loved the scotch bloody as well. I. Will. Be. Back.
(4)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.
(4)J P.
Cool place with a great rooftop in the summer. Good place to hang out with your friends. Drinks are good too. Food is ok. I cannot remember what I ordered last time but the first time I went there I ordered sandwich with shrimp and I was not 100% happy with it. All that said I went back, so I guess what I try to say give this place a shot or order too ;)
(4)Aidan B.
This place is an experience and a destination. I went there for their renowned hangover brunch and was blown away by the large and playful menu. Fantastic bloody mary and delicious breakfast items. I had the corned beef hash with poached eggs. So fantastically rich, and a huge dish. I did have to recover from my recovery brunch, and my solution was a simple nap.
(4)Alyvia M.
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!
(4)Kyle H.
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, so I guess servers aren't being trained in beer types. I wonder how she does with their extensive whiskey program. 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.
(3)Claudia S.
I like the food here. I used to come for brunch, and sometimes I could convince a co-worker to go for lunch after work and every now and then I'll go for dinner.............................but my favorite thing is surprisingly not the mimosas (which I love) but the bloody marys. OH.MY .GOD. Now, maybe I always had a distaste for bloody marys because my palette wasn't developed at 18. Or maybe it was the fact that my friend used that horrible bloody mary mixer from Jewel and poured way too much vodka. Add to it the fact that I hate tomato juice. Regardless, I HATED them, and then I came here. My friends would order them and eventually I tried and fell in love. There has only been one other time I've enjoyed a bloody mary and that was at the Map Room by a certain bartender.....other than that....not so much. My friend is a vegetarian and drinks the bloody marys from here, telling the waitress "I know, let's just not talk about it". I love sitting on the roof! If it's nice, sit up there. You get a nice view (assuming you're not in the center) and usually a nice breeze. I'm always full, have leftovers and satisfied when I leave here.
(5)Miguel M.
Awesome burger, juicy nice selection of toppings. Fries aren't bad either. Also a very large beer selection.
(4)I A.
Back in the day I would have given this place SIX starts but they have just totally ruined themselves. This was the only good biker bar/restaurant in the city, now it's just a hang out for posers who just bought their brand spanking new fake lofts in west town. They can all pretend they are edgy or take their chick with them so they look a little cool, pathetic. Retraction, the Spoke does have smut and eggs my apologies. But they threw out the junked bikes and built like a really nice all wood bar so all that Lincoln Park Trash can appreciate it. Sure the rooftop is nice to have a pretty decent burger but the Fat Boy used to waaaay bigger and waay better, they used to season it, and you could barely eat the whole thing, now its just a little tiny beef patty. To show you how much this place has strayed, this summer I DROVE to this place and had lunch there with my 2.5 year old son and my wife. Back in the day this was not the place for them, this is just plain pathetic. If you go there for the first time, you will probably think its cool with all the junked bikes around, but you are really missing out. I wish this place would go back to it's roots and make it too scarry for these grown up Lincoln Park Trixies that go there now. It went from a biker place to a biker "themed" place. What is wrong with this world.
(3)Stef B.
It's great for those who are into Motorcycles... anyone not into motorcycles just do not understand, and will badmouth anything they are unfamiliar with. It makes them sound smart. To cure a Hangover - The patio tables and umbrellas on the roof are WONDERFUL when paired with a meaty-Bloody Mary and heavy garnish. Finish off a hamburger with a few beers, and you're back to normal. Only bummer is that there is no music, so it's just you, and the sun, and low murmur of all the other hungover patrons from the night before. Highly recommended - for any Bloody Mary enthusiast!!
(4)Bob S.
My rating is mostly based on my dining experience. The food at Twisted Spoke is surprisingly good if you were expecting bar food. Their Shrimp Po-boy is a huge meal. Their tacos are pretty decent. Their cheese quesadilla is a tasty snack. Unfortunately their food can be hit or miss. I usually find it pretty good, but even I have my complaints on occasion, such as with the quality of the chicken in the tacos. Friends I've taken here have expressed disappointment with the food (eating dishes I don't eat, like the fish and chips). I would have to say that everything I order from Twisted Spoke is done better by other restaurants in the area, hence I don't often end up here. The whole restaurant is decorated with motorcycle stuff and it creates a neat atmosphere. Despite being a bar I've never had a problem with noise when I'm in one of the back dining rooms (though maybe I've never gone at peak hours). Service has always been friendly and usually prompt. I think it's Saturday night when the have "Smut and Eggs," and it's exactly as advertised. Despite what you might expect the bar does not fill up with creepy men in trenchcoats at tables for one.
(3)Giovanna B.
I'll say this much: The Twisted Spoke isn't for everybody. Fortunately, it is for me, kinda. I've gone quite a few times knowing that we would be served the greasy fried food most reviewers before me have noted. Overall, the food is not bad. My favorite items of all are the chicken wings. I don't know what my obsession is with these fatty bird limbs, but dang it, I love 'em chicken wangs! I am especially enamored with the lemon ones, and though taste-wise they aren't mind-blowing, they set them on fire right in front of your eyes. Pyromaniacs, unite! The place itself isn't, well, it isn't "pretty", and I understand why people would feel that it is dirty - it's not though, the illusion of grunginess is part of the ambiance. So, if your scene includes martini bars or ultra hip lounges, this may not be the place for you. But, if you are open-minded, crave greasy (but good) food (especially flambed chicken wangs) and are willing to give a place a chance (like yours truly, as long as there aren't obvious signs of serious health code violations), I say go check it out. With the right group of people, and knowing that it just ain't fancy, you too might enjoy it. Fortunately, I've never been treated badly, and hopefully you won't be either. As a side-note, I'll be completely honest and say that the main reason I went the first time was because of the Smut 'n Eggs. Now, I'm no porno fiend or anything like that, but I never heard of such a thing and just *had* to see it for myself! Of course, one thing was what I *imagined* it would be like, and quite another was what it actually was. Unlike what took place in my overactive imagination, in reality it was pretty much people sitting at a bar with a couple of TVs showing a bad 70s naughty adult film. The kicker is that I don't think anyone was even looking at the screens! Would I do the Smut 'n Eggs thing again? Probably not, but it makes a great tale for my non-Midwestern friends about the craaaaaaaazy things that people do around here =)
(4)Bess R.
I've been here quite a few times for dinner, but just had my first brunch experience and was pleasantly surprised. I'm not consuming alcohol right now, so I couldn't try a bloody mary though it looked SO good. I had the Mex Scramble which came with potatoes (crispy potato chunks with green pepper and onion - very tasty). Like dinner, they were huge portions - probably could have shared! Also tried a cup of the red chili (they also have green?) - lots o beans and chunks of beef. For dinner, I've become a big fan of the wings - both BBQ and Buffalo- which come with lots of veggies on the side and fabulous bleu cheese dressing. Their side salad is HUGE, enough for a meal. The man-friend loves the burgers and the fries. Overall, great bar food with a twist, never busy, fast and friendly service (better for brunch than dinner/late night), and easy parking outside. Definitely my go-to when craving wings.
(4)Abby T.
I have been here a few times.... the FatBoy burger is pretty flavorful....so flavorful that you can actually taste the burger HOURS later, after a burp. (4 *s)The FatBoy burger is just that.....definitely share-able....unless you's a fatboy that's able to scarf the whole thing down. Pretty dirty in Twisted Spoke (minus 1 *), as one could probably gather from looking at its exterior. Great rooftop patio space though!!! Get there early to claim a seat in this small area.
(3)Jori R.
Everything was absolutely splendid during my last visit to The Twisted Spoke, from the rooftop seating, awesomely friendly waiter, the burger, and DEFINITELY that fried bacon!!!!
(4)Chris B.
So I'm trying to figure out a way to put this joint on wheels, tie it to the back of my car and literally tow it down to Miami! I have eaten here over a dozen times but just returned, after a five year hiatus due to my move to Miami, and was glad to find the Spoke just as good as when I left her. First off the beer selection is incredibly extensive (as an out of town-er I always start with some type of Goose Island) and there is a type and flavor for every beer drinker. However if beer isn't your bag they have a HUGE list of whiskeys, full bar and one of the best Bloody Marys in the city... A "family oriented" biker bar, whatever the hell that means, the Twisted Spoke offers some of the most memorable sandwiches you'll ever eat after which you will be literally be asking for more! The Boss Hog (pulled pork sando), Giant Steak Burrito and the Meatloaf are three that immediately stand out as front runners. The Meatloaf is better than any of your Mom's meatloaf which is served on light, yet not soggy, garlic bread and the Boss Hog's sauce is sweet and savory. Did I mention that the fries that come with each sandwich are cut from fresh potatoes that day? Obviously I am incredibly biased but the Spoke is one of my personal favorite spots in Chicago for a beer and a bite. I recommend that when in Chicago you make the trip and if you can't find anyone to go with you gimme a call.... Enjoy.
(5)Angela T.
Excellent burgers and sandwiches with one hell of a beer selection. The staff is always friendly and the service prompt. Never had a bad meal or dish here. If anything, I feel so stuffed from their food as it can all be a bit heavy. Loads of grease and when there's cheese involved, you can bet there will be LOTS of it. The sort of stuff you need and want on a hangover. Pricey hangover cure but one worth shelling out for if just any old burger or sandwich just won't do.
(4)Patrick R.
I have been to the Twisted Spoke probably 25-30 times in my life. I went there well before a lot of the gentrification took place in the area, and continued to go every now and then for the good beer selection and daily specials. I have never been a big fan of anything in particular that they had on their menu to eat, the food is just okay. My reason for the one star, and reason that I will never go there again mostly has to do with my last experience. I took a seat near the bar with my soon to be brother-in-law, and his brother. We were planning on a couple of beers and a bite to eat before the Blackhawks play-off game. We got there at about 4:30, with the game starting at 7pm the Blackhawks crowd was not overwhelming. Shortly after we sat down we were approached by a waiter. We ordered beers and had not yet committed to ordering food. I had a couple of questions about beers on the menu that I wasn't completely familiar with. The fauxhawk, aging hipster waiter, who's knowledge is likely steeped in PBR and cocaine told me that one beer I asked about was somewhere between my brother-in-law's beer (Stiegl Pils) and my beer (Dark Horse- Smoked Stout). Okay, maybe this guy is not an expert, but we had polar opposite beers, could he be a little more specific? I asked if the beer in question was hoppy? "yeah, it has hops". That really didn't bother me that much, I just thought it was funny that a beercentric place like Twisted Spoke doesn't require some sort of beer knowledge from their wait staff. So... our beers are empty for 20 minutes. We see our waiter walking around, chatting up regulars, talking to other staff, we try to make eye contact, tried to wave him down. It almost seemed like we were being purposely ignored. I finally told my brother-in-law who's back was facing the bar to just order another round from the bar tender. He get's her attention and the bartender asks if we have a server. He says "yeah, but we have had empty beers for 20 minutes and have not been approached." Our waiter overhears the conversation from the back of the bar and sticks out his head, looks at my B.I.L. and says "Dude!" The bartender tells him that our server will be right with us. A few minutes later "Dude" shows up and takes our beer order. I watch him then to see if he puts it in to the bartender. I could not tell for sure, but I didn't see her pour our beers. "Dude" continues to chat up regulars, talk to the bartender about something... 10 more minutes go by, no beers... I look for $5 out of my wallet, don't have it, my B.I.L. slaps it down ($2.50 beer special x2) We get our jackets together and head for the door. All of a sudden we have "Dude's" attention. "Dude, hey guys, dude, where are you going? I tell him the money is on the table, later. What a fuck face! If you want to look at tattoos and ironic facial hair on a disinterested staff, come here!
(1)Sarah T.
This is one of the few restaurants in my neighborhood that I frequent (note to aspiring restaurant owners.....we are in desperate need of better grub around Chicago/Milwaukee/Ogden/Grand area!). I go after work with pals....when we go on weeknights it is really laid back and we always have good service and great food. I am kind of surprised at some of the mixed reviews here. Oh well, I think it is a gem in my 'hood.
(5)Karen C.
I was brought here by a new friend for a few drinks and eats mid-afternoon on a Saturday after my massage, so I was wonderfully mellow and in a great mood. Street parking was available, but it was $2 for 2 hours and that was the max you could choose, which sucked. However, the fact that parking existed was a nice surprise. We started at the bar downstairs, which was sparkling with alcohol choices, thinking it would be cooler than sitting outside. The bartender was nice and gave me a beer suggestion (which I honestly can't remember) that ended up being a very yummy stout as well as a few suggestions to my drinking companion. After sitting inside for a few minutes we realized that the air conditioning wasn't on and the wall of windows at our back wasn't really helping with the muggy closed feeling at the bar. We decided to move upstairs to the outside deck and within a few minutes they'd found us a table with an umbrella as I am terribly pasty and unable to stand direct sunlight for very long. The upstairs deck was cute and we were given a table (picnic like) in the corner to ourselves. The menu selection was pretty decent and although we considered ordering one of their giant burgers we never did get around to it. Instead, we ordered appetizers and ordered the Portabella mushrooms and cheese poppers. The food arrived promptly and although it wasn't bad, it was pretty bland. The breaded mushroom poppers really just tasted like fry grease and the cheese poppers weren't really any better. However, they had an amazing beer selection listed (although I was unable to partake of more than a few as I was going to be driving after lunch) which I'm sure makes up for the lackluster food. A few other things: Our waitress, the poor dear, appeared rather wilted from having to run up and down the stairs in the heat without even the respite of air conditioning inside. However, even being close to collapse from heat exhaustion, she was friendly and sweet for which I give her huge props. The bathroom was clean and well stocked with toilet paper, which is a huge deal for us ladies. Overall the place appeared well kept and well run. I only gave it three stars as the food we tried was nothing to write home about and they didn't have the air conditioning on when they clearly needed to. I would like to return with a few more people and without my car to taste some of the other beverages they have to offer.
(3)Francis K.
I have the hardest time giving a place a one star because generally I try my hardest NOT to be 'that guy,' Twisted Spoke however made it very easy. I truly honestly want to return here and have them prove me wrong. I doubt that I will though. We went here on the recommendation of a friend. It was after a playing a game of soccer, it was a beautiful Sunday morning still and we were all day dreaming of going to a place that would welcome a sweaty group out to eat food and have a few pints. We walk in and are told the wait would be 45 minutes. (Fair enough for a party of a dozen) Since some of us were real hungry we walked about the neighborhood looking for second options. As soon as one of us found one (a restaurant) a table miraculously appeared. This should have been a harbinger of things to come but sometimes it is best to retain a sunny disposition. This was followed by prompt water service and the nightmare began. I initially didn't want to blame our server, after all when you have over 30 beers on your menu it will be difficult to keep track of all of them. It would ALSO be nice while we were sipping our water if we were provided with a beer menu. We were still game at this point so we all hastily started picking our drinks. Of the 12 of us ONLY 3 were able to get the drinks that they wanted immediately. We weren't ordering obscure beers. Corona, Amstel Light and Miller Lite are as mainstream as you get, but none of these were available. Still fair enough, we persevered. When we finally were able to settle enough to get our drinks, after 3 or 4 tries in some cases our server disappeared. At this point we notice one in our party didn't get their drink. WHISKEY! TANGO! FOXTROT! Our server finally returns and yet again dismissively answers that, they were out of the drink. We still gamed on. -Like I said I REALLY let places treat me like crap before I blow them off. At this point some in our party have just about had enough. My breaking point came when FINALLY our server remembers that the reason people come to restaurants is to eat. She stopped by to inquire what we would be dining and it is at this point that I gave up. We were now close to 45 minutes but it felt like an eternity. When one of us attempts to order a meal on their menu she declares that the only meals served were from the brunch menu. Hello!? This would have been useful information while you were handing out the menus, taking our drink orders multiple times or EVEN while checking on us. At the point we asked for the check and promptly left.
(1)David W.
I'm a mutha fuck' n carnivore and like my brunch big and meaty. Twisted Spoke delivers the big, the meat, and so much more. When I go to a brunch place I like to look at the percentage of meat based options to non-meat based as an indicator for success. The heavier on the meat the more likely I am to enjoy my experience. Having said that the Spoke's menu offers a total of 15 Brunch entrees of which 9 are meat based. That's a lot of meat! As a matter of fact if you calculate the percentage we are talking 60% meat. Just to give you some perspective the Bongo Room's menu is roughly 5% meat based (Fuck'n Weak!). I'm not going to let myself get into another Chicago brunch rant, but seriously Chicago Brunch Places hike up your skirts and put some meat on the menu! And I'm not asking for asiago shitake chicken sausage! I want chicken fried steak, corned beef hash, steak & eggs.......... (Deep Breath....Find your center....Ahhhhh) Ok, back to Twisted Spoke. The menu is great. For those of you who like sweet vs savory the Elvis French Toast is silly good, the buckwheat pancakes are solid, and the oatmeal is yummy. For those of you who like to put the lunch in brunch, the corned beef hash is one of the best in the city and the burgers are can't miss. Twisted Spoke also offers scrambles that include Polish Sausage, Italian Sausage, or Bratwurst. In my opinion they have one of the best brunches in the city and we haven't even talked about the Bloody Mary's or the porn yet. You may have picked up that I have affinity for meat and this also applies to my breakfast drinks. Twisted Spoke loads their bloodies with cheese, pepperoncinis, olives, and yep you guessed it salami. They are spiced just right and pair well with the corned beef hash. Good food: Check. Good drinks: Check. Hardcore porn from the early 70's: Check Yep, that right! On Saturday nights starting at midnight and running through around 3:00am the Spoke serves up their amazing breakfast delicacies with a side of nasty sweaty hardcore mostly old school porn. Amazing. The service blows. 1 Elvis Toast 1 Corned Beef Hash 2 Bloodies ------------------------------ $30 PS... They have a great beer selection and a huge outdoor roof top patio.
(3)Kera E.
I had initially wrote a bad review of this place, due to two bad experiences I had with a particular bartender who let me sit for way too long without service. I have to say now that TWISTED SPOKE HAS REDEEMED ITSELF!! I was contacted about my review by an employee of the Spoke who apologized for my experience and asked if I would give them another shot. She offered me a gift certificate, which I thought was really nice. I went there yesterday and got fantastic service from 2 bartenders (the shift changed as I was there). I also ate appetizers that were yummy and had a good overall experience. I am enthusiastic to go back to try some of the menu items. Thank you, Spoke, for caring about the customer.
(3)Mysel O.
Drinks were poured heavy and the po'boys are delicious! Alex the bartender was super cool. He gave my boyfriend a complementary shot of his favorite whiskey. The only thing I didn't like was the menu was so limited.
(4)Dustin H.
Go for the burgers. Topping options are SOLID, and the prep is perfect. Service is just ok, and yes the atmosphere is very bikery. One thing to note, due to their liquor license, everyone in your group must have their ID. We were turned away on one occasion because a coworker didn't have his wallet. Regardless... yeah, good burgers.
(3)Giancarlo G.
Bar is good, if you are drinking you're ok. If you are coming for the food stop and turn around. They USED to have a good menu with lots of options. For some reason unbeknownst to me they reduced it to less than a page. I understand if all the favorites were left in but they weren't. Somehow in this place the patty melt was taken off the menu and now a can of cheese and ritz crackers is. Unacceptable. Literally a can of cheese whiz and boxed ritz crackers for 15 effin dollars. GTFO. Where is the culinary expertise in that. Not coming back.
(2)Jaime S.
I've been going to this place for years but recently took my boyfriend here as a brunch compromise: I wanted tasty bloody marys and he wanted something deep fried. The mexican offerings and 1/2 pound burger are really the way to go in terms of food, and the 8 different bloody marys along with over 120 beers make it so there is something for everyone. On the Sunday we went, there was some PGA tournament on TV and no heavy metal, which kind of put it into the top 5 places I've taken my bf to eat.
(4)tara j.
Their PoBoy sandwich was excellent,I say was because they are using different bread which isn't as good as before,their fries were skimpy. I ordered a salad and it was just lettuce and a couple of tomatoes with a tomato vinaigrette dressing that was very spicy and for 8 dollars it wasn't very impressive.
(3)LuCretia T.
This was a great place for drinks after work on a beautiful day. Chilled on their rooftop. The drinks were great. My mint Julep was very strong and could have used a bit more lemon. My friend had the whiskey sour and it was delish! Scenery was ok, but there is not much to see on Ogden. We ordered guacamole, chips and cheese quesadillas. They were bland and lacked flavour. We added salt to the guac with hopes to resurrect to no avail. Other people ordered massive sandwiches as well as wings that smelt delish. I would definitely try those if I visit again.
(3)Chris d.
"Draft: No Crap on Tap" Right after seeing that on the menu, I knew I was in for a treat. So sick of all these other places that glorify horrible beer like Bud, Miller, etc. Also, it's annoying to have to go to some lame, upscale yuppie joint to find decent beer. About time a place has the right combination of quality brews & attitude. Our server was cool, knowledgeable and willing to take his time if we had questions about the menu. He never made us feel rushed. The sandwich & fries were good & so was the beer. No complaints whatsoever. Just a really cool place overall. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Tom D.
Was there Saturday. Terrible service . A inept bartender cost a bar so much money over the course if a day, week, year. Waiting 20 mins at the bar with zero service. It was busy but not packed. Love their food but had to go down the street. If I was the owner I'd be firing people.
(1)Jack P.
I would have given two stars, but for the fantasic, creative bloody Mary's and the nice bartenders. Don't know how they get so much food on top of a cocktail. I have had brunch or breakfast here twice and thought the food was just average. And for some reason I thought it would be some authentic Biker Bar, like a Hop Leaf or an Old Town Pub is authentic ;not a gimmicky uber-faux, overly-decorated place that you might find in a suburban mall.
(3)Kelley B.
For a place known for their burgers... not the best I had... actually not good at all. The burgers weren't cooked like we had ordered them, and the frys tasted like the oil hadn't been changed for quite awhile. Won't go back for the food, ever. The only redeeming quality was the beer list and the bloody marys. If you want a good burger, go to The Lockdown. I've never been disappointed there.
(2)Jen H.
This place has a crappy gay joke on their menu. Wish they didn't- I would love to come here again but don't want my money to go to a bunch of homophobic folks.
(1)Nicole S.
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.
(3)Ms G.
Best Bloody Mary - anywhere - repeat - superb Bloody Marys. Tremendous food value, too. Monster burgers and much much more. Most nights there are excellent drink specials. This place is not to be missed: thanks to my Seattle friends who nagged me to go out of my way to try it. Note! Their website is WAY out of date. This is the only Twisted Spoke, the one up North closed some time ago.
(5)Christina R.
It was past midnight on a Saturday, rainy and cold, my boyfriend was hungry and annoying. As usual we couldn't decide where to go. When I mentioned the Spoke, he sulked. Until we drove by...PORN! I don't think I've ever seen him turn such a 180. Yep, every Saturday late, Smutt N Eggs. Old school cheesy porn on two flat screens viewable from the street, a fabulous liquor selection and a side of eggs. Or how about a meaty cocktail? The food is great and I always enjoy the crowd. Tempura bacon, need I say more?
(5)lois c.
What is it with the Chicago food shows--they tend to lead you astray. I thought this restaurant would have large portions and tasty food. I went there for brunch. The home fries were burnt and had no spices or seasoning as the menu had stated. The soda was flat. The hash which was homemade consisted of a about a tablespoon of corn beef (I am stretching the amount) and burnt potatoes, again, no seasonings. The french toast was okay, however, it was cold within two minutes. I spent almost $20 for a meal that was not tasty. The waittress was very nice, however, that isn't enough to make one come back. Don't make a wasted trip to this restaurant.
(1)Blackie L.
Hadn't been to the Spoke in years, but went the other night before a Hawks game. Gotta say, the food was really really solid. Steak burrito was good, as was the chili and gumbo. Fatboys looked like they're still good, as a few went by the table. Three of us ate and we were all impressed. I remember liking the food, but it seemed to be better than I remember. Plus the beer list is pretty impressive. It's one of those tried and true spots that you used to go to years ago and forgot about... well time to go back and check it out again!
(4)Sara P.
You just cant go wrong with the huge servings and great service. Okay, so the service isnt always great, but who's perfect? The rooftop patio is a perfect summer hangout to sit back and drink ... this is where we come to revive after a long day of moving or hanging out on the beach. the bloody marys are meaty ... literally And if you are driving the neighborhood always has parking.
(5)Kristy F.
VERY GOOD. Ordered a single patty fatboy with chedder, onions, lettuce, bacon..etc. Will likely return...someday.
(4)Lena D.
I love spoke but was disappointed having breakfast there last saturday. My friend and I ordered scrambles and if it wasn't for not wanting to waste food, we would have likely sent back both. So sad I love lunch, dinner, snacks there but was so darn disappointed. Red potatoes were just all pepper and tasted still uncooked. The Mescin scramble I had was so dry and lacked any flavor for having chorizo in it. Coffee was great and the toast but think I'll definitely stick to lunch or try something else. Super bummed.
(2)Michelle M.
Eh. I had been here before for lunch and thought the sandwiches were great. There are much better brunch places in the city. I ordered the chilaquiles. They were probably the worst I ever had. I often order this as a brunch item. There was nothing on the tortillas! No meat, no eggs, nothing. I also ordered a cinnamon bun to share with my guest and I could tell it was either frozen or made quite some time ago. I do have to say that the bloody mary my guest ordered was great.
(3)Brian S.
I have more and more fun every time I'm back.
(5)Andy M.
About the only good thing about this bar is that there are not any bikers ever here. This is a bike themed bar and resteraunt with about average bar food. There is a nice view from the roof top and they seem to serve some bloddy mary drinks that only women like. They do have a great large beer selection for men however and this place is OK. It is overrated in popularity and has a bad location if you are looking to park a car.
(2)Kimberly K.
I've eat here a few more times now and have to say the food is just okay. The drinks are good and strong and interesting though!
(3)Kenny O.
Favorite place to go to in my neighborhood. I like to stick with the breakfast tacos, breakfast burrito, jumbo chicken burrito, or burger if I'm feeling fat. I see a few people complaining about unhealthy food on Yelp... if you want to eat healthy, don't eat out. Simple. Not like they advertise themselves as a healthy restaurant. The staff is very nice and the food always comes out quick even during busy times. I would just suggest avoiding breakfast rush... cause aint nobody got time to sit there for an hour+ in the morning.
(5)Erika G.
I loves me the spoke. Had a taste for wings last night, and popped over. They have the perfect sauce, tangy/sour, but the wings are a bit fatty - need to be broiled so the fat drips off. Otherwise good, though. I've been here for breakfast before, and it's all about the WISCONSIN SCRAMBLE, yes, I like brats! Is it wrong? And the Bloody Marys - they may be the best in the city here, with the salami and the spices . . . mmmmm . . . I want one right now! And the rooftop is fab. Oh, and the place is free of attitude, I've always found the biker types to be extremely friendly.
(4)Erin P.
Mussels, mussels, mussels! 135 reviews; the majority mentioning the amazing bloody marys (which come with so many accompaniments you could make a meal out of the drink) or the smut 'n eggs porn nights on the weekends. But the only ones mentioning the amazing mussels are from the girls I went there with. How did you people miss this winning appetizer made flavorful and spicy with the (famous) Twisted Spoke bloody mary mix and bacon? Next time you are catching sun on their rooftop patio, (and drinking) make sure you add an order of mussels to the mix!
(5)Kush D.
3.5 stars in my book. The food is very unique, but sometimes the service (on the terrace most notably) can be a little off, though friendliness from the staff is plentiful. I've just had stuff forgotten a few times...though it won't stop me from coming back. The tempura bacon is over-the-top...and delicious. Burgers are good, probably not in the top echelon though. I do like the flexibility in constructing my own burger monster, however. Beer selection is good, though my first choice always seems to be gone. I don't hold this against them though, that's probably the reality of having craft beer from all over the country. My next visit, I'll hit up the whiskey off the cask.
(3)Bryan T.
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
(4)Jamie A.
My favorite restaurant in Chicago. But I'm not fancy. If you like heaping helpings of greasy, fried food, the Spoke will speak to you. I love, love, love the shrimp po'boy; I wish more restaurants - outside of Heaven on Seven - had this. Their falafal is a close second fave. They also have a kick ass brunch with a world-famous bloody mary (you can even buy their mix!). But I prefer their ginormous mimosas. Can you say "hair of the dog"? Service is hit-or-miss. Sometimes you'll get an easy going biker chick; sometimes you'll get a d-bag who can't even be bothered to look you in the eye. But the eye candy and grub is worth it.
(5)Chris R.
Not what it once was years ago before the big build-out, but still a good place to go grab some drinks with friends. The roof desk is great for lunch (or brunch on the weekends) alfresco when the weather permits... Food is OK, some things are better then others. The meatloaf sandwich is consistantly good, and the fries are awesome. Pulled pork is good too. Oh, and they have quite a selection of whiskys...which is good....'cause I love me some whisky!
(3)scot o.
the great rooftop deck was why we used to come to this chicago icon. it's awesome up there on a summer afternoon. but the spoke just sucks more than the roof is cool. more suck than roof cool. terrible wait staff. order two drinks at a time upstairs in the summer. they NEVER get to you. and avoid the food at all costs, except the burgers. even their salads suck. over priced. too loud and a bad makeover. we liked the bar in the back better. what happened to you spoke. you used to be cool.
(1)Myron M.
Like Hogs? Like burgers and beer? Twisted Spoke has it all. There's something for everybody on their delicious menu but the portions are HUGE so you better watch what you ask for. You can peruse the motorcycle memorabilia while you suck down a beer in this diner styled eatery or hit the roof and catch some rays while you chow down. I suggest the weekend brunch specials. The bar area is a bit cramped but good for a drink or two.
(5)Johnna B.
I've been going to the spoke for many years... way before the remodeling and improvements. The food is good. I like their tuna sandwich. Sitting upstairs on a sunny day is the best. Great bloody mary's and Stella on tap make me happy. The waitstaff is okay... the bartender's rule. I have spent many hung over Sunday's ponied up to the bar. By the time I leave... my hang over is gone... replaced by a nice buzz and a smile.
(4)molly c.
blah. i don't really like this place. enough said.
(3)Clark K.
been there many times, great bloody mary's and fried eggs and sunday porn!
(3)Melissa H.
Not nearly as good as it used to be. Menu changed some, but the shrimp po boy was still on there, so being my favorite sandwich ever, I ordered it. It was so soggy and just gross. Friend ordered shrimp BLT. Shrimp was very good, but the sandwich over all was very soggy and the Bacon was basically raw and inedible, ruining the whole thing. Also, I don't know why they seem think grape tomatoes belong on sandwiches, because they don't. Hoping they can step it up an be as good as they used to be, which wasn't very long ago.
(2)Benjamin A.
Good whiskey selection with over 400. Good place to watch a ball game. All the food looked amazing. I've never seen so many bottles of whisky. I can't wait to go back in the summer to enjoy the rooftop patio. Really enjoyed the burger I ordered.
(4)Sarah R.
I cannot say anything bad about this place! Amazing Bloodies and the breakfast was fantastic! Great tastes. First timer in Chicago and so glad we came.
(5)Jessica M.
I've only had brunch at the Twisted Spoke, and I've only had the Fried Egg Sandwich. But I had to write a review to say that: This is the BEST FRIED EGG SANDWICH I have ever had. It is absolutely amazing. I am literally am obsessed with getting back there to have it again. Go now.
(5)Dolly V.
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.
(3)Zoran O.
Its seen better days - really miss the small BAR there - it has really changed over years - not sure why!? The only addition I like is the the roof top eats - they is fun with a few people. The food Is still good and the beers are ok too - both lost a little bit from what was a few years back - but I will still go back for more.
(3)Chris G.
Horrible service. Have a great selection of whiskey but bar tender couldn't help me with a selection shad to wait 10 minutes for someone else who knew what they where doing. Got seated on roof where they serve food and smoking is allowed. Have been waiting a little over 20 minute for server to great us. She had time to take a shot with another table but not even meet us yet. Awful place do not come here!
(1)Emily L.
I'm giving this place 4 stars as I felt the drinks and appetizers were totally awesome!! we ordered the pork nachos which was delectable with the perfect amount of cheesy meat and tangy sauce. I have to deduct a star for the ketchup--which sounds silly--but the ketchup was a thick spicy sauce that I accidentally slathered on my burger before tasting. Overall the vibe at the bar is relaxed and the drink and beer menu were totally on point.
(4)Frida G.
I've ordered a few quick breakfast fixes here a few times and I wasn't really impressed with the place. The decor is pretty cool, but I really think they can amp it up with the food a bit more. For the prices that they charge, I can get twice the food somewhere else and the flavor at Twisted Spoke isn't at all unique. On their menu, their breakfast dishes indicate "Served with some fruit". Well, that's a lie. It's really just ONE slice of canteloupe.
(3)Miglissa M.
Ok this was my 1st time trying this place and I absolutely LOVED it and will definitely not be my last time!!!!!! I had the lunch special which is fantastic who else has a lunch special for $10 bucks you get a half pound burger with anything on it. I got mine with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoe, jalapeno, grilled onions, BACON and their house bbq sauce which is delish!!!! The Bruger comes with fries and a beer or fountain drink I mean it honestly doesn't get any better than this! i'm a huge fan and I will definitely be coming back. Their patio which is on the roof is an excellent place to sit on hot days!
(5)Chuck T.
I used to be a regular visitor....It's bad now. I won't be back. Fired. It's pretty much what it always was, a pretend biker bar. The food was pretty good, but the new menu is terrible. The music is dumb loud. I'm a musician. My job is loud, but if you have to yell when you talk at a bar it's silly. Not hip. There is nothing cool about twisted spoke- it's just bad.
(2)Zack M.
I have had good burgers here roughly 10 years ago, but my most recent visit awarded me with a well done and dry burger despite ordering it medium rare. The bun was lacking any king of moisture too. Maybe the fact that the server seemed stoned out of his gourd had something to do with this.
(1)Beatrize N.
The place was a bit of a mess because of construction and the seats all torn up but the food was amazingly good. Their Fatboy burger lives up to the hype but I definitely would recommend that you get it medium rare instead of well as it as I did. It was a bit too crunchy and not juicy enough, but still good. The fries are amazing as they are hand-cut and really crispy, just like I love and the drinks. Fresh squeezed orange juice screwdrivers and amazing bloodymarys. The bloodymary is an appetizer just by itself.
(4)Daniel N.
The food here is awsome! But that said it is for an older crowd. I was there a Saturday night. Early 30 s , mid 30 s . Oh and they play old school porn flicks lol. not as interesting as it sounds lol. They Could go Heavier With THE liq. this is a good place to have a couple of drinks and a snack.
(3)AJ M.
Came here late after a hawks game. This is deff one of the better places to go before or after a game around the U.C. The layout inside is a little awkward cuz its kinda on a curb. Atthough the inside is full of motorcycle themed decorations which makes it unique. I heard the food is great. Although all i had was a Fatboy which was dissapointing. Sat at the bar and the bartender didnt seem to want to help us at all. Overall the outdoor seating seems nice and gotta go back and give them another shot .
(3)Jennifer P.
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!
(4)Michael R.
I visited Twisted Spoke about a month ago and got their lunch special with burger, fries and a drink. It was only $10!!!! Such a great value ! The burger was good and I would probably go as far as saying it's the second best burger I've had in the city, so far. It's not super close to a train, but if your drive you should check this place out. Also, there is a hilarious spinning skeleton riding a motorcycle out front.
(4)George H.
Great drinks - they have an incredible whiskey selection and the food here (for bar eats) is great! Love the tempura fried bacon!
(4)Adlyyn Z.
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.
(5)Amanda N.
The wait staff was incredibly nice. We had to wait a bit for a large group of us for Sunday brunch, but the staff communicated to us about the status of our table. I hesitated about bringing my 2 year old, but they had high chairs or booster seats and chocolate milk. It was great. Do I have to mention how amazing the bloody Mary's and French toast are? Great service.
(5)Casey P.
Tried the Mescen scramble and the breakfast tacos. Both were pretty underwhelming. Both dishes said they came with chorizo, at the twisted spoke that means a light dusting of chorizo particles over your eggs. The food had absolutely no flavor. The only way I can see this being good is if you are either drunk or very hungover which seems like the crowd they cater to. If you go there stone cold sober, I would think about going somewhere else.
(1)Niraj G.
Really good brunch spot. The rooftop adds a nice touch on a summer day. The "Chilla Killas" was fantastic and a must try for veggie lovers.
(5)Bryan H.
Freakin Great bar! The people, food, and atmosphere are top notch! My wife and I love to belly up and see what is new on tap. I LOVE the hash and eggs and a bloody on Sundays. I miss the spoke!
(5)Lili V.
Currently, I'm drinking a horrible margarita. It costs the same as a drink from Maria's, which are drinks that do not make you cringe as you drink them. The waiter also showed up 15 minutes after we sat down. Girl from a neighboring table threw a menu over. When the waiter did show up, we couldn't make out a word he said. Do NOT order the chicken curry salad. Just take the halsted bus down to Maria's.
(1)Shayna N.
Bloody Mary's were excellent! garnished with salami, olives and peppercini's it was not too spicy, or too heavy on the tomato juice, instead flavored to perfection! Fries were excellent. the bacon and egg sandwich was hefty and delicious, unfortunately the burger was seriously under cooked. Service was at a slow start, but once we got our waitresses attention everything was fine. i will definitely return.
(3)magic g.
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 :)
(5)Julie Z.
I really, really like it here. I've only been in the summer and I sat outside. Great atmosphere. I had the shrimp po' boy...huge and super tasty. My bf had the buffalo chicken sandwich which got 2 thumbs up. Our waitress was super cool too. She gave great recommendations for beer and came around to check up on us appropriately...not annoyingly.
(4)Heather S.
Great food and atmosphere. I am a big fan of the rooftop deck in the summer. It has a great view of the spinning skeleton on the motorcycle! The interior decor though stark has a sense of humor. Dont miss the Portabella Mushroom Burger - it is delish.
(4)Jason L.
Home of the original Fat Boy burger. Whisky specials, wings, and even billiards if you have time to kill after a great meal.
(4)Ted C.
The first time I went here was a few months ago and I loved it. A friend and I went for a late lunch on Friday on the rooftop patio-a great place to go if the weather's cooperating. The Bloody Mary alone was a meal in and of itself. The Fatboy burgers are awesome because they're so customizable-kind of like a Fuddrucker's without the suck. I haven't been there for the infamous brunch but I will one of these days.
(5)Mike B.
Chila-killas (w/ home fries instead of rice and beans) were great and the bloodies were pretty good. However, the service was terribly slow.
(3)Jade T.
Observations. - Is Twisted Spoke truly a biker bar, or just a bar with a biker theme? (I think it's the latter.) - Large menu. The one on their website is just a few pages of the real deal. - BEER BEER BEER BEER! (Shouldn't bikers NOT drink?) - Not too vegetarian friendly. (Bikers, who sport metal and leather EVERYTHING, aren't known to be loving of vegetables.) - Moderate prices. ($9 for a Portabello Sandwich? Not bad for the portions.) - The Jalepeno poppers are mini-sized and great for sharing (12 for like $6?) I would totally bring my imaginary children here too.
(3)Tom H.
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.
(4)joanne y.
went here for the first time tonight. on the menu it says they serve corn fries but was disappointed when our waiter said that they have discontinued serving that item (but it's still on the menu). so, i got the guacamole and chips instead. it was not $7 and some change good and the chips they served with it were really greasy. i ordered the shrimp po' boy sandwich and that was really tasty. definitely worth the $10 and some change. the reason why i gave it 4 out of 5 stars is because my friend said his crazy bloody mary with meat and cheese in it was definitely worth that extra star.
(4)Sarah D.
I can not remember what I ate but it was good. Everytime I have been there the food is good. We went for brunch once and while I know that it is laid back and all when the waitress sat down at the table I was a little turned off, just a little too close for comfort. Bloody Mary= A+++
(4)Mary Kate D.
Love this place. Hangover hospital menu for brunch is the bomb. Took some friends and family from out of town here a few weeks ago and they really enjoyed the food and the rooftop atmosphere. I've had the breakfast tacos and the BBQ nachos. Both are really good. Best Bloody Mary in Chicago so I'm looking forward to my next visit here. Service was also really good. No complaints!!
(5)Masha M.
BEST place to be on a sunday!!! Love their Bloody Mary's and Dessert shots! That place always brings back lots of good memories. Also, upstairs patio is amazing for the summer time. Staff is very friendly!!! You should definitely try it out!!!
(5)Carol A. R.
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!
(4)Ania G.
The food is average, I once got a really bad stomach ache after eating their fries, they seemed to be cooked on very old oil. The place is also dirty and a bit smell, I once took a glance into the kitchen on my way to the bathroom, never going back again.
(1)Karen D.
Love this place! Drinks are excellent, food is great and very reasonably priced. Love the rooftop!!! Always a favorite.
(5)Shereene M.
Food was eh. Place is cool. We sat on the rooftop because that was the main reason why we were there. It's cool but nothing amazing. We got these flamin garlic wings and had the craziest presentation with the fire and all. Then we tasted it.. :/
(2)Ashley I.
I came here after church today. The bar has an industrial, biker theme. We ate on the bar side, and it was pretty busy. The food is very reasonably priced! We got the pulled pork nachos, which has a sweet sauce and melted cheese. The breakfast tacos are simple, but tasty. The burger is huge, and you can add a ton of toppings for no change. I would love to come back in the summer and eat on the rooftop patio.
(4)Daniel C.
I went to Twisted spoke as part of my chicago burger club monthly event. I had been before but considered it unremarkable. For a large group (16) they were able to accommodate us on either the roof or in the back room seating are which was nice. We picked indoors which was good because a monsoon opened up before we were done eating. Our table ordered a few appetizers including the bbq nachos, chili and the guacamole. The chili comes out in a 9 inch skillet and is a huge portion that includes 2 cornbread muffins. The chili was delicious. I'm not a take leftovers home kind of person but i definitely took the extra chili home and had it for lunch the next day which was even better the second day. We all got the fat boy which comes with free add-ons of cheese, onions, grape tomatoes and lettuce but also offers $1 add-ons of bleu cheese, chorizo, avocado, bacon, and fried egg. Some rock and roll style burger places blast loud music which is tough to have conversations over but Twisted spoke did not on this Tuesday which I appreciated. Overall, a great memorable experience my second time at twisted spoke.
(4)Alexandria T.
The first time I went to Twisted Spoke was last summer for brunch and had an awesome experience. They had an awesome po' boy, amazing Bloody Mary's and great rooftop seating. I never got around to reviewing it then, but if I had, my review would be much, much better. We headed to Twisted Spoke after Pitchfork to grab a drinks and bite to eat with some friends we met up with after the show. It was around 11pm, and there was an insane wait. We were attempting to order drinks at the bar while waiting, but the bartender ignoring us and cleaning glasses that she didn't need at the moment instead. They somehow were able to seat us right away, which we were relieved about. The server warned us that the bar was a bit backed up when we sat down. We had just come from the bar and didn't think it should be that bad. We ended up waiting about forty-five minutes for four beers and one neat pour of whiskey. We placed an order for cheese curds, guacamole and BBQ nachos, which took just as long as the drinks. I don't know if they were slammed from Pitchfork or what, but the amount of time it took to get drinks was ridiculous. I really liked Twisted Spoke before this visit, but they really need to get it together. When we left there were even more people than when we arrived waiting for tables. Like I said, I don't know if it is typically like that, but man, it was insane.
(2)Adam K.
Headline - It has so much promise; it should be great. It's not. Have driven by Twisted Spoke on many occasions. But, never stopped in. Tonight, the wife and I came in for dinner. Let me start with the good: 1. Great location 2. The bar is well-stocked, with a great assortment of beers on tap. 3. The rooftop is really nice. Lots of seating. Good views. 4. The BBQ Nachos were killer. Definitely a must have. Now, let's talk about the bad: 1. The burger was greasy. I mean really greasy. As in greasy enough to turn a toasted bun into something soggy. 2. The po boy was not fresh. A basic rule of "fish" is, it shouldn't smell fishy. My po boy did. Not good. Also, similar to the burger, a toasted roll was rendered soggy. In this case, it wasn't because of grease, but because the slaw was so plentiful. 3. The bathroom was disgusting. It's a health hazard waiting to happen. I get that it's a "biker bar", but cmon, the bathroom can't be a toxic war zone. 4. Service was meh. I'd put it on the slow side, not the worst, but worth mentioning. This might be a good place for a great cocktail, but I can't recommend the conditions or the food. A real disappointment.
(2)Vanessa B.
Wow. I would get food from here multiple times Per month when I used to work nearby. Me and my fiancé came and I was excited to get a buffalo chicken sandwich! Oh.my .god. This was probably the worst food experience I have had in an extremely long time. I got my sandwich, it looked burnt and maybe just used the sauce to cover it up. The waitress recommended the fries which turned out to be cold spongy things. Didn't even swallow one.. The cheese curds were pretty cool, not enough quantity for the price and man was it strange biting into that glorious huge curd that was cold on the inside. I'm so sad. :-(
(1)Timothy N.
"Broken Spoke" After coming here almost weekly for years, I was surprised on a recent visit to find a drastically cut down menu. The staff explained that the kitchen was abruptly closed for three days last month and upon reopening that this is what they are now serving. Gone are most of the signature Mexican dishes that held up one side of the old menu - no more tacos or burritos - sadly, even the remaining standards have been thoroughly mangled. My typical order used to be chicken tacos or a burrito, but left to the limited options, I went back to an old favorite - the BBQ chicken sandwich. The breast itself was dry and about a half the size of the prior offering and inexplicably they have abandoned their delicious brioche bun for an oversized dry, almost stale style of bread - maybe to compensate for the smaller chicken breast. Either way, it was terrible. This was all heartbreaking and I left wondering if this was just a bad day, a change in owner, manager, chef or all of the above. With a sunny spring day at hand, my wife wanted to go for lunch outside the following week and suggested the Spoke for some fish tacos. I explained that they were no longer on the menu and tried to describe my experience from earlier this week and she scoffed at the possibility it could really be that bad. So we gave it another try... Shockingly, the second experience was even worse. We tried a burger and against hope it showed up on that same inedible bun the chicken sandwich arrived on during my prior visit. Instead of a regular sliced tomato it came with a pile of grape tomatoes that spilled off the patty like a fistful of marbles. The salad which used to be a generous portion of crisp greens was an undersized and wilted mess. At $8 it is the certainly the worst value in salads in the city. I took notice at the tables around us and the amount of uneaten food on peoples plates is notable, typically sandwiches and burgers picked apart, to eat around the dry, oversized buns. Read other recent reviews - post May 1 - and they are all on this same theme. The staff are polite and apologetic about the changes and customer disappointment. I know most of them from my literally hundreds of visits to the Spoke. They reported that there has been no change of ownership or chef, just a willful act of abuse on a very loyal customer base. As we were leaving, there was a table full of police officers eating lunch and it was all I could do to not stop and report a crime. I caught myself, because at heart I am a capitalist and respect a business owner's right to change the product as they see fit - whether to cut quality, reduce portions or raise prices. I do however also believe in freedom of choice, and like many other regulars will be choosing to not return to this shell of a once great establishment.
(1)Antaash U.
I've passed by Twisted Spoke on almost a daily basis for nine years. Perhaps I was intimidated by the biker feel the exterior of the restaurant exudes? In my defense, I haven't been to any restaurants with a skeleton riding a motorcycle spinning on top of the roof (not your typical weather vane). Either way, I regret letting my prejudice keep me from one of the best brunches I've experienced in the city. Twisted Spoke is comfy in its own, very rock and roll skin. They put their own spin on traditional brunch items, which really sets them apart in my opinion. I ordered the Chila-Killas. One of the best chilaquiles I've had outside of Mexico. The tortillas weren't soggy and overpowered by the ingredients on top. There was the perfect amount of heat so the additional hot sauces that came out with the dish weren't even necessary. My friends and I shared the fried cheese curds...D-LICIOUS! We also shared the banana fritters, which were thin banana pancakes as is the traditional Jamaican way. I love that I got to travel to Wisconsin, Jamaica and Mexico on a delicious culinary journey without leaving the near west side! I know I'll be back because so many things caught my eye! Also, they have a killer rooftop. Not so good during Chiberia but definitely well worth the wait for the blissful Chicago summers! Twisted Spoke exceeded every expectation of mine and I can't wait to go back and work my way through their menu!
(4)Joe L.
Best Manhattan I have ever had. That's really saying a lot because I can not really drink them. This place has a kick ass whiskey list, sets wings on fire when they are brought out to you. Nice rooftop deck. Burgers are great. Just a cool modern, trying to look like a scary biker bar.
(4)David W.
A different twisted spoke then it use to be. Different crowd, different employees and just higher prices. Motorcycle theme throughout but don't think any bikers come here anymore. Kind of miss the clark location now.
(3)Brian S.
The Spoke is a veteran of the old Chicago brunch scene with the same super tasty bloody marys. However, it is need of a few upgrades with the neighborhood changing. The food is typical bar/tavern fare, consistent with a large selection of fried item but nothing jumps out at you. Go for the bloodys and everything will taste and look better - even you!
(3)Rod C.
Chill crowd. They have micro brewers on tap. Nothing you would see or know but always good to try new great tasting beers! We came here on a Saturday and they had 70's porn on! Big plus! Totally unexpected. People are cool about it. Enjoy your beer and enjoy the porn. Arrgh thank you!
(4)U.M. S.
Came here for a lunch date today, our sever was a female brunette bartender, very attentive and service was good. I really liked the theme of the place and thought it was pretty cool, def hoping to see it at night. I got the Chilakillas (yes, that's how they spell them), I didn't want and meat on it so the bartender offered avocado which was very kind and a perfect addition. My date got the wings, which were flambéed but that sever seemed less than thrilled to be doing it. My drink was delicious, downside is the cherry that was tossed into it looked a gross shade of brown, and honestly, could do without that. My Chillakillas were delicious, although barely had any eggs on them.
(3)Angie K.
Twisted spoke got it twisted.. And not the good, Keith Sweat-kind of twisted. My friends and I were looking for a beer and a bite in the area. It was fairly nice out and I suggested we do the rooftop every chicago mag raves about. Our server was cool and the biker vibe was strong. We ordered drinks, the jalapeño poppers, cheese curds, seared tuna sandwich, couple fat boy burgers with egg and bacon, wings, and a shrimp po boy. My friend asked if her po boy could be on another type of bread and the server was hesitant, saying she wouldn't get the full experience with less shrimp. Umm, how does a diff bread = less portion of food? Just put the rest on the side or something. When our food came, poppers tasted just like the frozen ones you get at target, cheese curds were barely cheesy and had the grossest salad dressing as a dipping sauce. My tuna 'wich tasted exactly like the tuna steaks I buy @ Trader Joes (2 for $7) that I make with with way more seasonings. Her po boy was blah. I had a bite and felt like the shrimp was 99% breading with dried out lettuce. My hubby and his friend loved their burgers, so I guess this is a strictly burger and beer place. That's cool. Over the course of our meal, we asked for extra utensils, glasses and finally the bill. Each time we needed something, our server was missing and another server with a pretty stank attitude assisted us but took an eternity. I get it. Bikers are badasses and the vibe is supposed to cater to beer, burgers, machoness, etc. But if you're gonna have 20 other menu items, make them a little better, ok? There's definitely better rooftops and food spots in chicago. Don't get it twisted!
(2)Bobby G.
I should stop going here, except when I'm really really hungover. The food and mood are damn heavy. Or if there's room on the patio in a sunny day. Then I'll go. Because, patios and 2.50$ mystery beers are my jam. The mystery beer is usually Blatz! which is also good. But still, heavy.
(3)Marcus H.
Where to start? 1. We didn't see a server for about 20 minutes and another 20 minutes to get our drinks. 2. One side of the rooftop got service regularly and promptly while our side didn't. 3. Here's the kicker, IT WASNT BUSY. Whenever we did see our server, he kept mentioning that "their system was down." Still doesn't explain the lack of service to one side of the room. There are better bars in the area. Don't waste your time.
(1)Katy S.
Unfortunately this place just didn't do it for me but I'll try to paint you the entire picture, both good and bad. The good: Nice rooftop to eat outside! Funny bathroom signs. The bad: Service was slow and awful. Prices were a bit much for the quality of the food. Weird location; no nice view. The ugly: My meal. I ordered the shrimp po Boy. The shrimp was wayyyy too fishy, tasted bad. :( they give you a massive amount of Bread too. The side of fries were bland, zero seasonings. The apps. We ordered jalapeno poppers and cheese curds. They came with some strange sauces that didn't match! Honey mustard for cheese? No bueno. Overall, glad I came, saw, and conquered. But skipping this one next time.
(2)Raj R.
Average, ok, decent. Etc. is what I can describe this place as. No big Cons. But no significant Pro's either. Not sure the biker bar title is accurate- a few pieces of Junk motorcycle parts strewn around is all.
(2)Ruggy J.
I think in the four our so days I was in Chicago, I went to Twisted Spoke three times. More than likely because it was on the way to the Pitchfork festival that I attended, but mostly because it's an awesome bar and restaurant with a pretty dope rooftop. The roof is prime for a sunny brunch. With killer chilequiles and a really good bloody mary complete with a beer back, it's the perfect way to start off any weekend day in the city. Downstairs, the decor is littered with motorcycle paraphernalia (hence the name) and the bartenders were all quick and talented. Oh, and they definitely carry Malört. Whether or not you should actually be consuming that disgusting spirit is one thing, but if you want a unique taste of Chicago, you know where to find it.
(4)Robby K.
An entire menu of Bloody Mary's and amazing bar food prepared with skillfully elegance. this place is just soo solid. the tempura bacon is amazing. the wings are way good though i wish the original buffalo sauce was spicier. i've been here a bunch and love the rooftop patio in the summer. chill motorcycle vibes. real hip spot to mingle at the bar or enjoy a meal.
(4)Gina B.
I used to LOVE their fried egg sandwich. But on a recent trip I discovered their newly revamped menu featured an imposter under the same name! Toasted marble rye now replaced with soggy Texas toast, scant bacon, mayo absent, onion absent, unnecessary cherry tomatoes added. Why Twisted Spoke, why? The perfect egg sandwich I used to try to replicate at home is GONE! At least I had a mimosa to console me. I remain hopeful they'll return it to classic form in the near future.
(3)Brianna B.
Lots of whiskey-based cocktails (in fact, if you want a cocktail and don't like whiskey, this might not be the place for you). My rye/blood orange soda/angostura bitters cocktail was good. The space was kind of loud. Overall a fine place to grab a drink if you're nearby, but I'd probably just as soon try out other bars in the neighborhood next time I'm in West Town.
(3)Kaylyn W.
I've gone here a few times now, brunch and dinner. I'm a huge bloody mary fan and I would have to say that there are interesting choices here. I tried my friends bloody mary that had some wine in it and I wasn't a huge fan. There's also an amazing beer selection to choose from (love). I ordered the flaming lemon garlic wings and little did I know that they actually light them on fire. They were crispy yet wet with the delicious marinade put on them, and were still good after taking them home and popping them in the oven. I would say they would be my go-to suggestion for any first time visitor. The deep fried bacon. I mean come on, it's deep fried bacon. If I could eat this every day all day without getting fat I really would. I've also tried the buffalo chicken sandwich. The chicken had the perfect amount of batter and was extra crisp after being deep-fried. I prefer a little more kick than others-- there was the perfect amount in this sandwich. The fries were just okay, a little soggy for my taste. Check out the amazing rooftop!
(4)Christopher M.
I can't give it 5 stars quite yet because we have only had Bloody Mary's here, but they were awesome. We will be back to try the food for sure, but if you need a Bloody head here. A few different kinds, all of them great. 304/365
(4)Heather L.
Look here. You are NOT looking at a bloody mary fan. To be fair, I gave V8 juices plenty of chances throughout my childhood. And after one or two sips, I'm consistently appalled that tomato soup can be sold as a beverage. Fast forward a decade or two, and Twisted Spoke provided the setting for one of those life-changing culinary moments of "wow, this isn't bad." TS bloody mary's are complex and savory, with a reasonable price-tag so you can try a few. I can appreciate the meal-in-a-drink quality of some of their concoctions: The gherkin pickle, cocktail onion, bacon, salami - everything fits in a highball glass. There is practically no room for the average bar-food that is also served.
(3)Geoffrey D.
The menu has been completely overhauled. Our waitress confirmed that the regulars are not thrilled. Unfortunately, this is now off my go to list for bar food.
(2)Christina M.
Walked in and was told 10 mins for outdoor seating. Restaurant was clean Portions were huge. I had 3 bloody Mary's, I loved all of them! We sat on the deck. Super awesome. Had a phenomenal time. I can't wait to go back! Fried egg sandwich Please share.
(5)Michael F.
5 stars for the service and vibe. Eduardo said it would be a 15 - 20 minute wait for upstairs, and he was spot on. He handled everything with class and good vibes. All you could ask for. Similar experience with our server upstairs. 4 stars for the solid beer selection. 3 (maybe 3.5 stars) for the guacamole. Want to go back for a burger. And to enjoy the rooftop and quality service again.
(4)Veronica T.
Loved the service and the food was awesome. Must come back! I was so full! My guy was in heaven with po boy. Fries where awesome. Chill spot. A must go!
(5)Kat C.
I've been going to this place since it opened because I have lived in the area for most of of those years so I recall it being a great place for a drink (especially a bloody mary) and a meal (meatloaf Mondays!). Today, we went to the roof and they were playing tunes from a streaming music service with COMMERCIALS (unnecessary and obnoxious), a hungover waiter (which was actually fine cuz he admitted it) and meh food. Overall it's going down and I don't think I'll be back unless I'm forced to meet a friend there. Management might try to get the vibe back that it originally had because it's gone now.
(1)esteban g.
Wait, regulars! They changed the menu and axed the weekday lunch special! Too bad I didn't find this out until I was almost finished with my (now, $20+!) burger! The rolls are now bigger and dry, no more cut tomato slices, some kind of grape tomato mix, and, at least on mine, two tiny bacon strips that didn't even cover the burger. I did get to talk to the manager, who was cool and explained things are in flux, the cost of beef, and listened to my love of my regular meal. But then, he didn't even bring up a small discount or comping my drink. Oh well... Big things: grilled cheese is gone, fish and chips are gone. Bottom line -- this won't be on the lunch playlist any more. Big bummer. Yes, change happens, but for regulars, this doesn't necessarily mean for the good.
(3)Dustin G.
I recently visited Twisted Spoke for a friend's birthday dinner. The first thing that struck me was the decor. They've really run with the biker theme and it kinda felt like I was stepping onto the set of Mad Max...in a good way. The staff was a wonderfully pleasant group of black-haired hipsters who gracefully accommodated our large group of hungry revellers. First, I must say I enjoyed my food and especially my drinks, but I want to return for brunch as it seemed like more of a brunch place. Then again, isn't everything in Chicago? So, I'll withhold a fifth star until I'm able to sample their fare in the light of day. However, the food was really good. I split an order of the spoked mussels and a shrimp po' boy with my friend. I usually wouldn't order a po' boy this far north but was encouraged to do so by a native New Orleanian. The mussels were excellent. They're steamed in bloody mary and it was so good. I wanted more bread to soak up all the sweet juices. The sandwich was pretty good. Not the best po' boy I've eaten. The batter on the shrimp was a little off. Too crispy. Also, I didn't really like the fries. The best thing I had was the Naked Bloody Mary. It's a deconstructed bloody mary made with heirloom tomato juice. It was so good. I can't describe how good it was. It was like biting into a fresh tomato at a farmer's market. I also had a Bloody Franco and it was good although I'm still on the fence about cold chorizo as a garnish. I tried sips of the Road Rash and Delivrance. Both were very good, too. You get a beer chaser with each bloody which I absolutely love. In short: I'd love to go back again. I'd order different food...or maybe just a double order of the mussels and probably as many bloodies as I could drink.
(4)Aaron Jae M.
Had a great time here. Was going with a friend to get his tattoo at Great Lakes Tattoo (right down the street from it, on the same block) and decided to eat here while the artist made a sketch for him. I heard they were great for bloody marys so I tried one. I got the D'liverance which I thought was a good bloody mary, just not for me. It has scotch in it, which was just too much of a peat smoke flavor for me. I think next time I will stick to the classic. I also had their shrimp po'boy which was delicious. I wish the bread was a little softer since I'm not a fan of fighting through my bread to get to the rest of the sandwich but all in all it was a great sandwich with a lot of flavor, accompanied by some delicious french fries. P.S. If you get a tattoo from Great Lakes Tattoo, Twisted Spoke will give you a drink on the house. There are some limitations on this, no idea what they are.
(5)Melissa H.
I like my meat. And I prefer it to not come out a of a can. That's why I love the Spoke's version of corned beef hash. Big ole' chunks of fresh corned beef, delectable potatoes, perfectly poached eggs. So yummy. And I wasn't even hung over! And a big plus - the bloody marys. What could be better than taking in the nectar of the gods, complete with a stick of salami shoved down in the glass? Nada. Nothing. Zip. It's like heaven. Meat heaven.
(4)Brandon S.
Have been here twice since the beginning of Spring, both times we had horrible service, both times same server. The waiter literally came to our table a total of three times both occasions. I want to like this place because they have a great beer menu but that doesn't matter when your server only comes enough to be able to order one. Both times my gf and I got seated in the back just behind the hostess stand and got the same server. He acted like he didn't give two shits either time. On our second visit, our potatoes came out cold and the egg sandwich was barely warm. Not sure if it was the kitchen fault or our server let our plates sit there forever. I could tell the food would have been good if it was warm. Also on our second visit we sat right across from the waitress area from the bar. Each bloody mary is made by the bartenders but the waiters use their hands to place the meat, cheese and etc on top of the bloody. I'm not a germaphobe, but you can't help to think where their hands have been while serving. Use some utensils!! Overall, great beer menu, food would probably be just good if not cold and the service from the one server was horrible. It will be a number of months before we come back........but their beer menu rocks!!!!! :(
(2)M K.
I think this is the type of place you drink at. This was my mistake, but that doesn't mean the service should be nonexistent. I went here the other night for a sandwich and it was awful. The chicken on the sandwich was burnt and had no flavor. It did look like a cool place to drink, I just wouldn't order the food. I also had to wait 15 mins after I was done eating to ask the person cleaning my table to get me my check. This would not be a problem usually, but the whole place was empty I felt like the waitress was just ignoring us.
(1)Ryan R.
This place has great wings. Try the flamin' lemon pepper. Yes, they actually come out on fire. They are absolutely excellent. The brew on tap...micro brew and a very large variety. This place is a little loud (because it's small) but the service is always friendly and the food is always good. Four stars because I asked for three different beers...listed on the menu...out of stock. The last beer I requested was a blonde which was good. I would have rather the pale ale. Anyway, try this place if you are in the city. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Marie B.
Having grown up in Chicago, it's a surprise that I have not been to this location. I had brunch many years ago when their Wrigleyville location was open. We came to sit outside of Memorial Day. Their patio is great because it's outdoors and 80s in Chicago and thats it. We sat down and the waiter did not come to offer us a drink/food menu till about 15 min later. When he did come, he had to ask another table if he could have one of their menus to give to us. Besides that he was not in a good menu. Ok, fine we all have bad days, but the 10 min continuous wait for drinks is not acceptable. I ordered a classic margarita at the bar and when we arrived to our patio table and asked for a classic margarita the waiter explained that since it was not on the menu I wouldn't be able to order it. I explained that I ordered it at the bar and he asked for the bartender's name. What?? When you see the bar you'll first note the vast amount of liquor that they have. How can they not make a classic margarita? Regardless of that, the drinks were below average. I would not return.
(2)Lily Z.
I came here with a bunch of friends for dinner. We ordered a variety of things and I was getting "hangry," which means so hungry I was getting angry. We ordered the tempura bacon, jalapeno poppers and fried shrooms as an appetizer. The only thing that stood out was the dipping sauce for the jalapeno poppers. I wish there was more because everything else seemed boring and lacked spice. I enjoyed my shrimp po'boy. There was plenty of shrimp and I do have to agree with other Yelpers that the bread was a bit tough. I didn't mind going carb free! Boy didn't like his burger. He said it was very bland. The only complaint that I have is that we were a table of 6 sitting at a table of four. I know you can't do anything about people who take forever to sign the bill, but it was ridiculous watching people walk past multiple times and not pick up the bill when it was done and ready for 10 minutes. While I was waiting for someone to finally notice, they kept switching the channels. I understand if it was an honest mistake, but we came here specifically to watch the Bulls game and made it clear before we sat down, again when the channel was changed, then for a third time when the channel was changed. Aside from that part of the meal, service before and after was nice. They communicated constantly about where we were seated and provided a shot of half and half when a friend couldn't handle the roasted jalapeno. I'm not pleased with how the meal turned out due to the fact that I couldn't eat until I had proper elbow space. However, the service was nice when they were paying attention.
(3)CJ J.
Service seems to have improved over the past 6 months. Still a good drink selection, with good bloody marys and ciders available. Food is consistently good, but nothing to go out of your way for. Last time I was there, they had a tomato salad dressed available that was AMAAAAAAZING. Think slightly chunky bloody mary mix with a bit of a kick to it, but not so spicy it was out-of-place on a salad.
(4)Jamie N.
Sat at the bar and had Jillian as our server/barkeep. Food was good. She was amazing! Great time yet again at twisted spoke. Left smiling and satisfied!
(4)Megan S.
We decided to hit up Twisted Spoke after a Hawks game. So glad we did! The place has a dive-ish vibe and the service was great! Try the Shrimp Po' Boy. It was seriously delicious.
(4)tim d.
Recently went to N'awlins. Did tons of research before we went to find the best Shrimp Po' Boy sandwich. We settled on Killer Po' Boys and The Parkway. They were so damn good. Fast forward to Dec '14 at Twisted Spoke here in Chicago. The Shrimp Po' Boy here is better. The shrimp are larger...that batter is better...the bread is from D'mataos (just can't compete with D'amatos bread anywhere in the country....Bari found that out the hard way.) The sauce is perfect. Again...and I have since read reviews from others....possibly..THE BEST PO BOY IN THE U.S. (so, in the world unless some bastard in Bali is banging out Po' Boys "off the grid" that are "off the chain")
(5)John S.
Went here before the blackhawks game with my sister. Place was packed but that is to be expected before a game. Like the whole biker theme here. Favorite part of the decor is the door handles made from motor cycle handle bars. Very crafty. Service here was very good considering the crowds. I found the food to be ok but nothing exceptional. The burger like others said is very greasy. You may want to ask for extra napkins. I liked the cheese curds but wish they came with marinara sauce. The tempera bacon was quite messy and actually too greasy for me. That is saying a lot because I like fried foods. Over all found the food to be good but nothing special. If you are in the area for a game it is a good choice for the speedy service and close location to the UC.
(3)Ajay H.
THE BEST WHISKEY BAR IN CHICAGO!!!! Shut Up!!!!! THE BEST WHISKEY BAR IN CHICAGO!!!! Shut Up Again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok, so you're still intelligent and reading - Cheers! All I can say is that if you get the Fish & Chips, then you will experience the Best (and I mean BEST) Tartar sauce, beer, whiskey and whatever else you will ever want from a place that happens to serve it all!!
(5)Kati H.
What can I say. SUPER crowded on a Sunday at noon, which only means I'm at the right place. -killer bloody mary -awesome corned beef hash -delicious biscuits and gravy -shitty service...but I understand. The servers were overwhelmed and that's ok. Will definitely be back to try a burger!
(4)Matt L.
This place is for sure a winner for drinks more than the food - specially brunch where their Bloody Mary's and drink specials every night shine. Went here for late brunch, more like late lunch than brunch. You can tell it was busy earlier but the crowd has died. Ordered up my usual bacon and eggs to recover from a late night of fun. Must be a hidden Denny's in the area since I didn't know the West Loop had one. Eggs done right as I ordered them but with the grease from Denny's. The bacon wasn't crispy at all ether as if they did go to Denny's to get my order. Bloody Mary done right though and you can tell this is what they are good at. If there was alcoholic drink, they can pour it. Their Blood Mary comes with a nice beer chaser as well as a nicely dressed Blood Mary should. You can order your standard Bloody Mary or several other variations. Service was okay. Not sure if it was because it was after a morning rush but there were not many people in the place. Like all places, I'll give the food a shot again. Next time maybe ordering something off their secret menu like their McGangBang which is a massive sandwich with a fried chicken breast, two hamburger patties, three slices of cheese, tomato, lettuce, pickles and a few secret sauces for good measure to add a "Mc(name your sandwich)" to the name. The place has a biker bar feel and the looks plays the part. If drinks are your goal, come here but I would consider Haymarket Brewery which is close by. For brunch, I'd suggest Little Goat Dinner as a consideration which is also close by. Bloody Mary on your mind then come here for sure. Food - 2 Décor - 5 Service - 3
(3)Bart J.
What a great place. went there for brunch and was so very satisfied with the meal the service and the beer. what should have been a 30 min eat and scoot turned into a 3 hour awesome meal with friends. the Place is bright and inviting. i would say medium loud with a pretty good music selection for the classic rock crowd. Had Chila-Killas and it was a magical home cooking journey. went awesome with a few pints. Will certainly be back for more. Can't wait to try what else they have cooking.
(5)Mike J.
I'm limiting this review to whiskey, and specifically to Whiskey Wednesdays. If you don't know, the Spoke serves half price, full size pours of EVERY damn whiskey they carry on Wednesdays, all day and night. Whistle Pig 11 for 12.50...Pappy van Winkle 23 for $15? And the cheap stuff is a steal. The staff is wonderful...knowledgable, friendly, and they'll leave the bottle if (like me) you like to read about what you're quaffing... Sean Thompson, manager, is a great person; if you're lucky he'll be able to talk for a bit, but he's usually too busy because this isn't an under-the-radar place...it's popular, because it's GOOD. Go there, have 4 like I do. Call a cab, your wife, a friend, or your friend's wife,, whatevs. This is the best place in the city to spend a comfortable Wednesday evening.
(5)Derrick P.
Stopped in for a drink last night. Great whiskey list with over 400 to choose from. Also great service and atmosphere.
(4)Brian S.
Good food, good beer list. Delicious cheese curds.
(4)Nick F.
I was visiting Chicago for fun a couple weeks ago and we stumbled upon this place on the internet. We saw that they had over 500 whiskeys and being into whiskey, we decided to give it a go. It happened to be Whiskey Wednesday which means half price whiskey. Terrible news if you have been drinking most of the day and all through the Cubs game (They sell cocktails at that Wrigley Field joint!). Anyway, the place was great, I loved the humor in their menu selections as well as their absurd $125 Manhattan, which I asked the bartender about and he said that people have actually ordered it in the past. We also enjoyed the bartenders company as we got quite a bit of time to chat with him on a slow night. Ill definitely be visiting Twisted Spoke again on my next visit in the Spring!
(5)Travis W.
It was my first visit but hopefully not my last. We popped in here for a brunch on Saturday and just looking from the outside I knew we were entering a pretty cool spot. The entire building being clad in iron and the skeleton riding a motorcycle on the roof pretty much tells it all. It's got a bike bar feel obviously but the crowd is way more diverse. We sat at the bar and it had to have been 40 feet long and backed with more liquors than I could have imagined even existed. After deciding on a bloody mary - of which they had like 8 to choose from we ordered our food. Everything on the menu looked delicious. I decided on the gumbo and wasn't let down. The blood mary was incredible in and of itself but the gumbo hit the spot.
(5)Melissa B.
I LOVE me some Twisted Spoke!! Unreal bloody marys (a LOT of options) and the one i had came with a beer chaser! YUM!!! That itself was spicy and almost felt like a meal. I also ordered the Mexican eggs - YUM!!!! All of my favorite flavors - spicy chorizo, eggs, veggies and cilantro. I was in Heaven!! It was served with breakfast potatoes and bread and jam. Outstanding - i just couldn't finish it all. So much food!!! We ate at the bar and service was excellent. Love the decor, love love - will definitely be back!
(4)Karen G.
This is a pet peeve of mine but this was a bit extreme. Spraying the table next to us with cleaning solution directly on the table rather than on the rag itself ruined a rather decent appetizer. I could taste the solution in my mouth and we started coughing. Considering this isn't the cleanest restaurant based on the restroom and a quick peak in the kitchen it was surprising that this is what bothered me most. To be fair this happens at most restaurants but this was so much spray and such a strong odor that I won't be back anytime soon.
(2)B C.
Went in the other night. Hadn't been back in a while. What happened? The food was really mediocre. They took Caesar salads off the menu. Bummer...and weird. The shrimp PO boy used to rock but they ruined it by getting rid of the Cajun Mayo, putting these disgusting (soo bad) roasted tomatoes on it, strange flavored lettuce, and seriously skimping on the shrimp. Did the chef lose a taste bud? They had chicken and cheese quesadillas but were complaining about making them without the chicken for my kid. No beer specials. I don't know, for the price, the food was really weak. The waiter knew we were not happy. Did he get a manager? Nope. That, I will have to assume is because they just don't care....and neither do I.
(2)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.
(5)Mandi P.
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!!!).
(4)Kevin W.
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.
(4)D K.
Perfect spot to have an extremely extended lunch sliding into a long enjoyable evening. Can't beat the 10 bucks deal: burger, fries and a drink (cheap domestic beer or soda). Very extensive whiskey and bourbon selection, 6 different Papi van Winkle!
(4)nicole m.
The bloody marys are amazing. I go there for that. Only that. I mean, I know the whole biker thing is cool and the porn n' eggs is a great late Saturday night concept. I really want to give them more stars, but although the food isn't bad, the service really subtracts from the enjoyment I might otherwise experience. Service on many occasions is slow/apathetic, and the hipster attitude/vibe that they cultivate there always makes me feel like I'm not cool enough. I went there with a friend to eat one night and they sat us in the dark section by the bathroom, and we were the only ones seated there the whole time, but there were many people in the restaurant. It gave us a very twilight zonish outpost-on-another-planet type of feeling. I also ordered take out one weekend afternoon and when I got there, starving, to pick it up, there was no order for me. Oh the humanity. Not only that, but the manager (I'm assuming) told me that what I had ordered (the sloppy eggs from the online menu) had not been available for about 3 years. The girl with whom I spoke on the phone hadn't bothered to tell me that when I ordered and no one bothered to call me to let me know. Apparently they just threw away my order, hoping I wouldn't come to pick it up. I tried to hold back tears (you know how anything will make you cry when you're hungry?) as the guy with dead eyes shrugged a disingenuous "Sorry." They could not have possibly cared less. I have been back very few times, and only for drinks, since then.
(2)Mikaela R.
Best bloodies in Chicago. Their weekend brunch menu is perfect. Go here if you're hungover (before 3, after that they stop serving brunch) and you won't be disappointed. The staff is very friendly too!
(5)Tanya K.
Went on a Sunday for brunch. One star for the rooftop. Minus one star for the nasty tasting eggs and that's really saying something because breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I love brunch but not here. Minus another star because the place looks dingy. Minus an additional star for the shitty, pretentious hipster service. Last but not least, minus a star for the hair in my eggs. Eggs should never have hair in them, feathers maybe but not hair.
(1)Rich Z.
Its been a while since I had been to The Spoke (almost 10 years in fact) mostly due to living in Wisco. I had some friends in for a day/night of revelry and debauchery. Got there about 2pm, was seated and 'watered' fairly fast. 3 words to describe the start of the day-TEMPURA FRIED BACON. Bloody's were spot on, I had the breakfast tacos, one of the guys had the Mesckin scramble, and one had a fully dressed fat boy. PHENOMENAL. So much so that we were talking about it all day. Finished up the day(evening ) with Smut and Eggs. the Corned beef hash is the best in the city BAR FREAKING NONE!! The owners, Mitch and Cliff have really gotten it right.
(5)Emilie N.
It was a Friday night. My boyfriend and I were interested in trying something new in our neighborhood. I suggested "that place with the skeleton riding a motorcycle." We thought it would have a cool biker theme inside to match. As soon as we walked in, it hit us. The "oh-my-god-this-is-actually-for-bikers" feeling. We're talkin' leather vests, boots, and all the "Mom" tattoos you can imagine. It was crowded and we felt, as normal non-bikers, that we had trespassed. We slowly backed out and went to Mahoney's instead, which was alright. But the review doesn't end there. Later that evening, as we were driving by (around midnight) we noticed something unusual in the windows of Twisted Spoke. Actually, "unusual" is an understatement. "Raunchy" works better. The very very large screen TVs were showing VERY hardcore porn. Our jaws dropped and our tires squealed as we turned the corner. Needless to say, we are happy we didn't dine there.
(1)Colleen W.
This is a not so hidden gem. It's pretty hard to miss the place, and I'm glad we didn't pass it up! It was a gorgeous day so we sat up on the rooftop which is filled with picnic tables, trees...it feels like vacation up there! The vibe of the place is super laid back. The menu is funny. There is a lot of tongue and cheek humor to describe the food items. Nothing gets me like a cheese curd that is WHEY better than the rest... :) And while we're on the topic, the cheese curds were awesome. So were the fish tacos, served with a mango salsa, avocado, and grilled fish in a "build it yourself" presentation. The curried chicken salad was just OK. The beer list is extensive and the staff is very knowledgeable. We will absolutely be back!
(4)An P.
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!
(4)Adam K.
Dude, I used to live literally next door to this place. This neighborhood is great, you have the mafia, a biker bar & a sex dungeon all on the same block. Not to mention some of the best damn bread & toffee down the street. When I was living near here as a very young man with a baby, I remember walking across Grand ave very late, holding my infant daughter. There were 2 bikers outside of twisted spoke. This guy revved his engine super loud, unnecessarily loud, then ROARED an inch or two from me and my baby. I never wanted to strike someone so badly, thankfully my baby is ok but she could have seriously been injured from some prick on a harley. Kind of had a grudge against this place ever since. Enough prequel, here it is: The good: They expanded their menu, they used to have these AMAZING corn fries for like a year that were great and came with a strange dipping sauce. Now they have like 35 different kinds of burgers, sandwiches & salads. The menu is very large, the drinks are all different also. They have fish tacos for us trying to squeeze into a size 18. Their rooftop is one of the best in the city IMO. Love the spinning freaky ass skeleton. Service seems to have really picked up. Scruffy looking dudes but they live to serve you. I left a 25% tip. Smut and eggs: do they still do this? I hope so, it was so weird and radical. You get to watch 70s porn and eat eggs at like 3am. This was my " I am too drunk to go home" spot. Tons of bikers. The harley kind. The bad: Fish tacos are kinda bleh. The Smokin Salma bloody mary was really gross, the cold cheese pieces were all I remember, and they were awful. I want to try some others though. The scruffy dude waiter forgot I asked for another tortilla, but they were kinda dry and hard so whatever. Tons of bikers. The harley kind. Worth trying if you have never been here, and I will hit it up on occasion, but they need to tighten the bootstraps a bit more and I will be in here puking up eggs at 3am on the regs. Hey that rhymed!
(3)Celina B.
I haven't reviewed this yet? No way! I had an art review to do for school so I dragged my boyfriend downtown to the art museum with me. He wanted to make a day out of it so he researched places with good bloody mary's. He found this little gem. We walked in, not really sure what to expect and sat at the bar. There were a few different bloody mary's to choose from. He of course had the one with bacon in it and I thought I would regret my decision of not ordering the same but mine was just as delish! (However every time I go, I now get the one with bacon and hickory vodka.) I'm pretty sure I was hangin' a little bit and that's always makes it hard to pick food when you're feeling like that. As soon as I saw corned beef hash and poached eggs, it was the easiest and best decision I've ever made. The corned beef has was NOT out of a can or anywhere near that. REAL corned beef! SHREEDED! REAL! with decent sized potatoes as well. it was AMAZING! Also a pretty good portion including 3 poached eggs with toast and a side of their potatoes. Our bartender was so nice! After our bloody mary's my man tried walbanger, and i tried a cock smasher. She had served one to someone next to me and it looked amazing, and with a name like that how could I pass it up? It was great! And loaded with alcohol. Let me remind you this is around noon. With so many good drinks being served up we couldn't stop trying them! My boyfriend walked down the street to get some cigarettes and I had let her know that we were actually celebrating our "anniversary" as well that and I ordered us some very small glasses of champagne with strawberries. Not the place you'd normally get this but she was so accommodating. After that we ordered their wings that were literally on fire. AWesome! At that point we realized we could not go to the museum, it was already night time and we crashed at a hotel in the city. Woops! =) Have been back a couple times since then, even with family, and no one has complaints. Can't wait to go back here again!
(5)Diane B.
Always delicious and we always look forward to a great meal and drinks with our friends. Consistently good service... can't beat that.
(4)Kimberly J.
Came here because it was a beautiful sunny day and they have a rooftop deck. Cool atmosphere. Picnic tables on roof with umbrellas.......a good start. However, it unfortunately went downhill from there. The service really stinks. Had to flag our waiter, who was busily texting, while sitting behind a tree by the waiters station, probably four times. No menus, no silverware, drinks were empty, please bring check, etc. Asked what he suggested out of several menu items we were interested in......said he didn't really care for any of them, but didn't suggest anything else. Had tempura bacon, and the batter was delicious, but inside was very under cooked, fatty bacon. Fail. Caesar Salad with steak, very good. Fried egg sandwich, sloppily thrown together and really greasy.....meh. Great fries. I say to management, if your staff can't be relied on to prioritize your customers before their need to text, you need to re-evaluate your policies. Once when I needed something, I poked my head in the wait station, where he was bent over, elbows on counter, texting, and said 'excuse me' to get his attention. He said, "yes?" without even lifting his gaze from the screen. Really? For $60 lunch, I can go a lot of places. This won't be one I patronize again.
(2)Pete V.
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.
(3)William L.
I went here for some pre-Hawks game grub and drinks. I definitely dig the style of this place, lots of cool vintage bike stuff and the entire feel of the place has a "right of passage" type feeling. Hard to explain, but it's boss. The food is damn good, the lemon pepper wings are outstanding! If you go to Twisted Spoke and don't get them, you're silly. They aren't too spicy but have a great pepper taste. For the entree, I had the meatloaf sammy with fries and my cohort had the falafel sammy. Both were really good and I had plenty to take home for lunch the following day. Service was spot on, drink specials were okay, beer list was impressive. I'll definitely be back again soon.
(4)Daniel O.
First off I have to agree with other yelpers and say, the rooftop patio is fantastic. Great laid back summer vibe; picnic tables, a nice breeze, trees... The food is good, a step above traditional bar food; comical menu descriptions are a nice touch. I ordered the ceviche, and was pleasantly surprised. However the service was completely disengaged, drinks would run completely empty and we would have to chase our waiter down for refills? Furthermore, at one point he brought the wrong beer, shrugged and says, "I thought that's what you said", and then didn't even offer to get the right one? Well I didn't feel like starting a scene, so yea I drank it. In the end, decent place, but in a city of great food, nothing exceptional...except for the rooftop patio.
(3)Jessica L.
Some friends brought me here the other night for a few drinks. Being an out-of-towner, I had no idea where to go and was pleased with their selection. A great list of beer and some good bar food, as well. I appreciated that it wasn't overpacked and a scene on a Sat. night.
(3)Jessica L.
Check out their "RIDE TO SAVE BREASTS" fundrasier this month for breast cancer awareness month! best bloody mary ever!
(5)Christopher H.
meh. Not great. Decent selection of beers/whiskey.
(2)Marc R.
Rode up on my bicycle with a friend and saw the prettiest girl in Chicago standing out front in an amazing blue dress. So far so good, but she hopped in a cab and was off to someplace better than the Twisted Spoke I bet. What I found: A fairly run of the mill bar with typical but overpriced bar food on a good but pretty remote corner. They charge extra if you are going to split a burger! Now, that seems just mean! (Note: I stand corrected here. It is $5 to share a "double" burger because I was informed that Fonda and Nicholson came in one day and ordered the double then hustled the server for free buns to make a second burger! Easy Riders or Free Riders?) Cool: The rooftop picnic table seating is good and might be worth doing if you are visiting a friend around the corner, and the beer list is long, Not so cool: The server did not know much about the beer at all. I ordered a mint julep and it came up and was not made right. It was more like a mint gimlet. I sent it back for some sugar, and it was ok, but if the servers don't know the beer and the bartender can't make a drink unless the instructions are written on the bar, how did they get a permit to serve booze? Just wondering. Not so yummy: The food was pretty basic and uninspired from what I ordered - quesadillas -- and the options for vegetarians was pretty bad. They call Chickpeas here "Woman peas" -- how macho -- well it is a biker bar. All the Honda and Kawasaki junk parts make the point that this place is for tough guys in pink polo shirts and boat shoes! My suggestion, is that you should keep riding PAST the Twisted Spoke even if you find yourself on a Harley Davidson Fat Boy at the corner of Ogden and Grand, but if you see a pretty girl in an amazing blue dress wearing a pair of pretty wedges, pick her up if you can get her to talk to you. If you are visiting someone who lives here and all the little Italian places or nearby cafes are closed, and you must have a roof, well, the breeze was nice.
(3)Anna P.
My only problem with this place is that it doesn't have a solid 4 stars on Yelp! C'mon people, what more could you want?! The decor is awesome, the service is great, the beer list is phenomenal, and the food is excellent. Added bonus is that you get the heavy metal music and high-quality beers and burgers of similar places (*cough Kuma's cough*) without the agonizing 2+ hour wait. PLUS the menu itself is hilarious - it's full of little puns that I, as a half-Canadian, totally appreciate. Come hungry and thirsty, be adventurous with the beer list, try the Boss Hog (delectable BBQ pulled pork!), and leave full and happy and a little drunk :)
(4)Kim G.
This place is still awesome. I have been back so many times. I have taken everyone from my 87 year old gramma (twice, she asked to go back) to my early 20s friends, and they all love it.
(5)Jeff T.
Great gumbo. Service is weak
(2)Santiago A.
At the risk of disagreeing with Colleen C. and forever being banned from Yelp ;) I will go ahead and disagree. The "Chicks" and "Dicks" lables on the bathroom doors are great [upload pics] if for no other reason than they list who is a chick... and more importantly, who is a dick (i.e. Mayor Daley and Mayor Daley, the sequel). That right there is both funny and hits the nail right on the head. Besides getting on my good side right off the bat when I went to go wash my hands, I like that they have a quality beer selection. They hit all my favs so I could throw darts at a board and still come away happy. Ommegang, Gumballhead, Allagash White, Original Sin, etc etc, they are all here. Food is pretty good, too. The pulled pork and the meatloaf sandwich are both good choices. They fries that come on the side are "da bomb." Music is pretty good, if you don't mind mostly metal, and I don't. Finally, the rooftop patio is pretty sweet. All in all, I was glad I dropped by and will definitely swing by again. I see Melanie S. and Nishan P. liked it, too. Maybe they can come with... or even convince (read: kidnap) Colleen C. and bring her along ^_~ p.s. If i remember correctly, beers are $2.50 on Tuesdays. woo!
(4)Bri A.
If you only plan on ordering beers at this place, you should be fine. If you want certain shots or cocktails, go elsewhere! I came here with a few friends on Saturday night. It was around 11pm and the place was pretty dead, but the rooftop was busier. We sat upstairs and the waitress promptly handed us menus and took our drink order. It took her a good ten minutes to bring our drinks. We ordered a few appetizers (guac and chips and quesadillas) to split. The food was good, but nothing exceptional. I ordered a 7&7 (Seagrams whiskey and 7-Up). It tasted ok but I later found out the drink was made with Canadian Club. That is fine, but at least tell me! Ordering a 7&7 is not the same as ordering Canadian and 7-Up or whiskey and lemon lime soda! At least they charged accordingly. At one point, I ordered a round of shots since it was my friend's birthday. I told him to order whatever he wanted. What he ordered was a girly and common shot. The waitress said, "Sorry but the bartender won't make a shot like that. He is a big, burly guy and would refuse." Wow, I didn't realize the waitstaff speaks for the bartender! We ended up just ordering shots of whiskey. At least he wasn't too macho to pour that! Now, if they did not have the ingredients to make the shot, or the bartender telepathically told the waitress he did not know how to make it, we would have understood.
(1)Michael W.
Always a fan of this place. Great beer selection and always good food. I would recommend this to people who like some adventure. The regulars here are biker types that rub elbows with yuppies sometimes. Great vibe and this guy Alex the bartender is a straight up super cool bartender.
(4)Bex F.
Sixteen years, really? That's how long I've been going to Twisted Spoke? Jeez louise. I guess that makes it hard to review. I remember going when it was just a tiny little joint when I lived nearby. For years I thought they had the best burger in the city. Then they expanded. The food and service went sliding downhill so I stopped going for a while. Snarly, apathetic or rude servers and disappointing food. A few years back, went again and things had seemingly gotten worse so it wasn't until last week, several years later, that I was back again. And I must say, the food has improved and the service we had was much better. The hubs had the chicken tacos and loved them. So much so that all night he kept mentioning how great the tacos were. I had the Fatboy with bacon and BBQ sauce, my usual. Much better. I wouldn't say it's the best burger in the city but it's back to being good. The fries, eh, haven't caught back up. We sat on the rooftop patio which of course is always nice. It is a bit kitschy but, ah well. Better to have some sense of humor than none at all. Added back to the rotation list, thanks. Good, as it was a drag avoiding it.
(4)Nishan P.
There she sits a-smokin' Reefer in her mouth. Her hair hanging northward, As she travels south. Dirty on her Harley, But her nails are clean. Super-powered, de-flowered, Over-eighteen Irene. Why was this little ditty floating around in my head? Perhaps it is because Twisted Spoke is intended to be a biker bar. The biker theme permeates through the entire establishment from the graveyard of motorbikes that greets a visitor out front to the skeleton on a vintage motorcycle that rotates above. The menu boasts several kinds of Bloody Marys. Mine, the Bloody Franco, had chorizo (yes, the meat), an onion, a pepper and a clove of garlic. The drink was a little too different for my tastes. On the other hand, the Fatboy (a delicious, juicy, half pound burger) really hit the spot. Wait a minute, I think I get it now. A big hamburger, a blood red drink: very reminiscent of that grisly third verse. Ground around like hamburger, Layin' an a splat. 'tis Irene, her sheen I seen, In pieces crumpled flat. Oh, the feet were in the bushes, Her toes were in her hat. Stark-raven, un-shaven, Motorcycle Irene. My apologies to anyone whose appetite I may have just ruined.
(4)Melanie S.
I went here Friday night for dinner with my Yelp partner in crime. I've been to the Wrigleyville location, but I'd never been to this location. As expected, same set up, although this one is smaller. Maybe Wrigleyville has more bikers than River West, but I doubt it. We got there around 8:00 and perused the beer menu. Since they were out of the Half-Acre's Ginger Twin beer, I opted for an Original Sin (my new obsession) and she got her default drink, a Stoli razz and soda. My friend and I ain't no salad-eatin' bitches. This is but one of the reasons why we get along so well. We decided to get an appetizer and burger to share. We ordered the buffalo chicken tenders and a Fatboy. The tenders were delicious and had the right amount of heat, and the portion was so large that we couldn't finish them. The burger was quite good, not Paramount Room-good, but perfectly fine. The accompanying fresh-cut fries were so hot and crispy that I couldn't stop eating them (sorry Keri for not leaving you any). The service was friendly and the food was good, so I'm sure I'll be back. I especially want to try the "Smut 'n Eggs" at midnight. Good clean fun.
(4)Emily T.
As much as this pains me, I have to give the Twisted Spoke 3- 3.5 stars. A friend and I did some day drinking there recently, and perhaps the Bloody Marys were better than I'd remembered, but for some reason I couldn't choke mine down. We ordered 2 bloodys from our waitress, and she ran off before asking which of the 5 kinds we wanted. It turns out we got the traditional, rather than the cheese and bacon-laden "deliverance" like I remembered. We would have ordered a little more specifically on the next one, but we switched to beer. They make their own bloody mary mix here, and it's not my cup of tea- or my friend's. We also ordered food- I got a brunch dish which included caramelized pears, eggs, (scrambled) grilled ham, toast with jam, home fries and a chunk of brie. An interesting concept, for sure, and I loves me some brie, but it needs something to go with. I ate some with the potatoes, some with the pears, but... overall? Meh. My friend felt the same about his pulled pork sandwich and only ate half. Prices are...average to expensive, but the waitstaff are very attentive. Patrons of this bar usually make for fantastic people-watching, and the décor and liquor selection are both impressive. All in all though, 3 stars. Maybe 3 1/2. Go, but stick to beer, do (brunch) elsewhere, sit at the bar (make friends with the folks next to you)
(3)Stuart T.
I'm a big fan of Twisted spoke. Yes, the Pub has changed quite a bit over the years but I actually like it better looking back at things. I've been going there for 5 plus years now and I love that it has maintained many of their same employees. It makes for a great neighborhood bar. Their food is terrific and did I mention 1/2 off Whiskey Wednesdays..... which is amazing!!! The manager and bartender Shawn is a great guy and I hope to make it there tonight for 1/2 Whiskey Wednesdays.
(4)Brad C.
Stopped in here with a few friends after Coal Fire Pizza for a couple drink. They have some great out door seating on the roof, which was the main reason we went here. Half the beers on the menu they didn't have in. They also kicked us out pretty early, which I understand it is a restaurant. I'm not sure I'll be making it back in, from the sounds of it there food is hit or miss.
(3)Ren H.
What a fun place to have a drink! We came in and sat at the bar for a while just ogling the huge exotic beer collection! The decor is really funky and their outdoor patio is huge! Great place to come with a group of people.
(4)Jonathan K.
cool bar. rooftop which is always good, made the place for me. their menu is fun and unique too. they have a biker theme here, so it has personality. their bar is stocked with a huge selection...
(5)Elizabeth C.
If anything go there just to sit on the roof during nice weather. Food is execlent, and service is good. And there's a pool table so you have something to do while waiting for a table.
(5)Jill L.
Very delicious! Great chicken wings. Not a fan of the bacon tempura. If the bacon was more crunchy would have been a favorite. The salad was amazing with it. My husband said the buffalo catfish sandwich was one of the top five sandwiches of all times!
(4)Arthur M.
There was a fire across the street from me. It was ninety degrees and a roof deck burst into flames. Folks in the hood treated it like "bring your kids to a fire day." youtube.com/watch?v=Dzrn… My companion and I walked past the emergency vehicles and smoke column billowing into the dusky sky... to the Twisted Spoke to eat. Waitress and busser on the roof top patio were on point. We split the buffalo wings and caesar salad. The wings were small to medium size crispy on the outside. The sauce started with a fire-y flavor and finished with a note of sweetness. There was lots of celery, carrots and jicama on the side. I think the blue cheese was Robo Coupe-ed the same way as the caesar dressing. The salad had anchovies and instead of croutons, toast points. It was generously dressed. To drink I had the cheap margarita and $2.50 draft special Boulevard beer. Companion had bloody mary with meat and pickled string beans and scotch instead of vodka. By the time we got home the fire was out.
(5)Andrew P.
Just had lunch there a few days ago. Had no idea that they offer a tremendous lunch special that consists of a DAMN GOOD FULLY LOADED FAT BOY (ie burger), very tasty french fries and an ICE COLD BEER for $10. I had half my burger and got pretty full (ie bloated) after finishing my beer. Their beer list is top notch and they always seem to offer great specials for people looking to save a few dollars. This place is one-of-a-kind and it's quickly becoming one of my favorite places to have lunch in the West Loop.
(5)Caroline A.
I came here for drinks with a friend, and thought it was okay. It is super casual, very loud and feels a little grimey, but a nice change of scenery for me. There is no wine listed on the menu, but they do actually serve a Shiraz. My friend ordered it for me while I was in the ladies room (which was not scary, btw), and it was pretty decent. They have a very extensive wine and liquor list. I will have to try their brunch menu.
(3)Ashley E.
This place is absolutely perfect! From service to food to bloody Mary's, this place has it all! (Started following them on twitter and I received a free bottle of their bloody mary mix!) My husband and I shared the bacon tempura, biscuits and gravy, and the corn beef hash!! Phenomenal! Our bartenders were very helpful and let us sample some beers! Not sure of their names! They were both bearded and one has dreads! The barback was even on key with teaching us about the Bloody Mary mix! We are from Cleveland and will definitely be coming back!!
(5)Nisa D.
Hmmmmm where to start!! I been wanting to try this place for the longest and it was a total disappointment :(.. Got there and the place is dirty from floor to tables, we got seated and we looked at the menu and it was falling apart unable to read it with all the stains on it. I decided to go with the grill 4 cheese sandwich, ughhh worst sandwich ever no taste at all i mean how hard its to make a good grill cheese and it came with some cabbage type of salad and that was awful as well. Waiter just dropped the food and came to drop the bill that was it! definitely not going back
(1)Ray K.
Went for drinks just for the roof top deck. Great space. No tv's up there so if you want to watch the game outside, try another place. Great beer selection, want to go back to try the food.
(3)Angie M.
The Twisted Spoke on a diet? Can it be done? Hells yes! Now, if you're not watching the calories do yourself a favor and get the Big Boy. It is The Twisted Spoke version of a burger and based on the one teeny bite I had of my dining partner's Big Boy, I can categorically say it's pretty fucking phenomenal. The burger comes on a huge, soft roll, has tons of toppings and is served with a mammoth pile of fries. Yeah, pretty much the most awesome lunch you can imagine. But if you're one of those people who can gain weight in the blink of an eye (much like myself), the garden salad topped with grilled chicken is a pretty good bet. My salad was heavy on the yummy veggies like red onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, celery and cucumbers, didn't come with cheese and was served with pretty tasty balsamic vinaigrette. Granted it's not a Big Boy, but hey. You take what you can get, right? Service was lovely on a cold, rainy December afternoon, so no complaints there. The bloody marys and mint juleps came out in a jiffer and our food was served with lightening speed. Our server didn't even scoff when we literally paid for our mostly liquid lunch with a huge pile of singles earned at my triumphant win in the You Swoop money booth. Um, $52 worth of singles. Trust me; I had to assure the poor waiter that I wasn't coming off a shift at the strip club...
(4)David S.
This fat boy enjoys the fatboy burgers at the Twisted Spoke. Always juicy and flavorful to the last bite. I also like that they have Green Goddess salad dressing available.
(4)Carrie S.
So i returned again with another bestie, Mandy (yes, a girl can have more than one!) who was in town from Texas for our nephew's first birthday in April. Once again we craved bloody marys. SO DAMN GOOD. We also ordered a couple apps. Portobello mushroom fries that were outstanding, with a yummie little dipping sauce (that I can't quite remember exactly what it was) and cheese fries.....that were ok. Once again....i will be back for more bloody marys....if fact, I have a craving as I type this!
(5)Terry S.
I love the Twisted Spoke, to some the place may take on a intimidating,hardcore. sorta biker like appearance.[revolving motorcycle with skeleton atop)but once inside you"ll encounter a very pleasant staff and fun atmosphere, let me keep it simple..Great selection of beers, Huge selection of Bourbons..some totally unique signature drinks,and a selection of not just one but several different Bloody Mary styles , which go perfect with a Sat and or Sun brunch hangover. The Menu is equally impressive with a delicious lunch or dinner selection..kinda cajun/barbecue id say! Fun place to take a date..great place to hang with friends! Twisted Spoke has it all..
(5)J P.
This is a classic three-star review. Twisted Spoke is exactly what it makes itself out to be- a kitschy breakfast place with a cool rooftop deck. Pretty fun place to go- nothing super special about their menu, their drinks, or their service. Was not a bad experience. Nothing mind-blowing. Would return if it was convenient for a large group to meet there.
(3)Erin J.
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.
(3)Omare V.
I highly recommend the Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich! Before I came to this place I thought I had a better PP BBQ sandwich, but I was mistaken. This place has the best one so far. The fries were good, but the only thing was that the coke was flat. For $11 you can't beat that! In fact most of the things on the menu are around $10 dollars. I'm coming back soon!
(4)Jon A.
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.
(5)Samuel M.
I am a proud American and I respect the hamburger, so I've felt like a fool for having missed out on the Twisted Spoke, which has appeared on various "best of" lists in the city for over a decade. While I enjoyed myself here, burger-wise, I was not missing very much. Burger ($11 base, $12 with fried egg) is in the "build your own burger" style. I went with lettuce, tomatoes, bacon (not an extra charge, which was a pleasant surprise), raw onion, and a fried egg, on a pretzel bun. So much about this burger was so very mediocre. Most egregiously, the patty, which I ordered medium rare, was medium well at least, with rare flecks of pink peppering an otherwise grey mass of beef. It had a decent flavor, however, despite the crumbly, overcooked consistency of the patty. The pretzel roll was very bready and at times overpowered the burger. Otherwise, the bacon was crispy, the egg was not overcooked, and the fries were pretty good, but on the whole, this burger was solidly below average and not really worth trying. Service was also consistently off; I erroneously got cheddar on my burger despite not asking for it, it took us 20-30 minutes to get waters, and we were brought honey mustard after asking for dijon. However, the waitress was attentive and pleasant enough that these misses did not disturb me. After a pretty uniformly panned review of the burger, why does Twisted Spoke earn three stars, which I usually reserve for restaurants that at least give me something good to say about their food? It has a great beer list (including Half Acre Akari Shogun), and the roof deck is awesome. Seriously, I could have eaten a hockey puck on a bun up there on a nice day and still enjoyed it. These factors alone make the Spoke a worthwhile experience. I'll be back to drink and probably to try the wings, but I'll skip the burger.
(3)Christine S.
If The Twisted Spoke were a guy, we'd be dating... Or at least doing it (ya know, just in case he wasn't looking for something serious). As you can see with my other reviews, I LOVE THIS PLACE. Again, Nikki, 10 fucking thumbs up, you rock! My beer will never go empty, and my stomach will never growl when you are around. If you like Lemon and you like Chicken Wings, you've GOTTA try the Flaming Lemon Wings. OMG, mouthgasim! And, they light the damn wings on fire at your table (think saganaki). The hummus, is thick and wonderful. They serve it with cut up pitas, celery, carrots, and jimica. Everything I've eaten here so far has been delish! Damn it, now I'm starving.
(5)Wendy A.
For Brunch: Lavache Poire. Yes, please. Anything that has brie cheese and cooked fruit, seriously. Yummm-eee. Great bloody mary's. I wish they were just a tad spicier.
(4)Nicole M.
The rooftop here is beautiful, not what you'd expect looking at the place from the outside (or from the inside). The breakfast was great, my only gripe is that the service was a little lackluster. We had to ask for coffee a few times until it finally came right as we were filling out the check.
(3)Michael E.
Twisted Spoke is a great place that is (a) low key, (b) full of character....and most times "characters" (c) great staff (d) attentive bar tenders and (e) great food........that is code for "it'll make you fat because it is so good" *wink* In addition, and this is important for this time of year, is a nice deck on the roof. My visit last night......I was going stir crazy sitting around watching my injuried foot heel so I had to get out.....this was a great place to have a few beers, enjoy the weather and do a little people watching. I've also done Sunday brunch here and the Bloody Mary's are some of the best. They come with a beer chaser too which is a deal in my opinion. There are several other bars in the area, so you can actually make a night of it just within walking distance.......and a recently open venue and one some Yelps just tried out is Borders Tavern, just around the corner on Lake.....but I digress. TIP: For you folks on a date.....go up on the roof and if you can, try and get the small table just to the right of the corner of the building that faces out to the Skeleton on the Motorcycle....great view of the street...you can sit side-by-side with your backs to the deck and just drink, talk, and watch the rotating dead guy and watch the sun set......or just turn around and view the entire deck.
(4)Benny J.
The food is great here and the bloodies make it a great Sunday lunch spot. Haven't been there in good weather yet but the outdoor rooftop looks pretty awesome!
(4)B V.
Walked in. Asked for food menu. Sat down for 15 min. No one came to my table. It was 4:50 pm with 5 other people there. Won't be back. Thanks.
(1)Chuck W.
I came here for brunch and had the gumbo with poached eggs. Admittedly, it was the only gumbo I've ever tried, but it was delicious. As a huge beer fan, I also had a fun time checking out all of the rare bottles along their shelves. I'll have to come back here and try a bloody mary some time.
(4)Kevin J.
Bartenders and staff were dicks. I just asked for a drink. Why the fucking attitude?
(1)Nicole S.
OK, tempura bacon?!!? Banana fritters!?!?!? Amazing bloody Mary's with a side car?!?! And a wonderful and fun waitress to top it off. Like Yelp says "Woohoo! As good as it gets!? I have been to Twisted Spoke a few times over the years and sometimes as I drive past I wonder....is it still good? Are the bloody Mary's still killer? And every time I go back in the answer is yes, yes, YES! The staff is kind, courteous, helpful (we added a few chairs and bodies as our brunch progressed to lunch and almost to dinner time) and an A+ on the prompt service. Our waitress was amazing and remembered to check in with the vegetarians at the table (beware the bloody mix has beef stock in it - who would have thunk it?!) and for food allergies. So nice and thoughtful. I think we will be bringing more and more people back here. I want to be sure they stay a staple in the neighborhood and, frankly, it doesn't get much better than tempura bacon.
(5)Oscar G.
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...
(2)Jenaia F.
Went to the Twisted Spoke for the first time this Friday. My husband, being a Chicago native and a huge fan of the Spoke, insisted that we give it a go while in town. Everything from top to bottom was fantastic. The bloody mary was one of the best I've ever had!! They also had an impressive beer list and food menu. While the service was excellent, the food definitely stole the show - not what I expected at all. Everything that we ordered was delectable and next time we return I'll definitely have a tough time ordering knowing how good everything was. Between the 3 of us, I got a chance to taste the following: -Pulled Pork Sandwich - Delicious, not too sweet. -Steak Burrito - Recommended by our waiter and it was perfection on a plate. Very tasty. -Meatloaf Sandwich - AMAZING!! The meatloaf was so light and it was served in between 2 thick slices of garlic bread. Who does that???? Apparently, the Twisted Spoke does and they do it well. Will definitely be back again next time I'm in town.
(5)Larry V.
This place is great for lunch, dinner, drinks, etc. Great burger options, as well as, other favorites (pulled pork, fish tacos, etc). The bar has a big variety of whiskey options. As the weather gets warmer, enjoy the upstairs deck for food and drinks. The staff is always good, and this place is a favorite.
(5)Aurore L.
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.
(5)Elizabeth W.
This is quickly becoming my favorite brunch place in the city. Their brunch menu has a wide variety of classic breakfast, fatty hang-over busters, and delicious burgers. And their bloody mary's are to die for! I went here Sunday with my sister and I ordered the Road Rash Bloody Mary and the heart attach biscuits and gravy. Delicious, filling, and exactly what you want on a sunny Sunday. I will be back again and again. 4 stars becasuse sometimes their service can be a little slow or the waitstaff a little distracted.
(4)Mandy A.
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.
(5)Alessandra Z.
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?
(5)Kaybee K.
i think my favorite thing about twisted spoke is the consistency. that's always the hardest thing to find at any restaurant and it's a very comforting thing when you do find it. i usually go here for brunch and always leave happy. they'll tweak your orders to make you happy without scowling at you. their bloody mary's are served with salami and a beer back. that's one of my favorite things when ordering a bloody and not a lot of places in chicago serve the beer back. but they all ought to. says me. there food is typical average bar food fair with their own twist on it. [get it, twist..] they do have eggs and smut on the weekends. it's fun, old porn. the only thing that makes me uncomfortable about it is the old men that go and creepily watch and then stare at the girls at the bar. because of that, i normally just stick to brunch at this place. i LOVE their roof deck. it's spacious and just straight up awesome.
(4)Linda M.
I've eaten here a few times and have always had a great experience. My only critique would be to update your beer list! I asked for about 3 different beers and the server kept coming back to tell me they were all out! Their outdoor patio is great on a summer or fall day. I will be back.
(4)Sara A.
What more can be said then the 172 others reviews? Well for starters, the bloody mary's rule. They are good. Not great, but good. Served up in a pint glass, how they should be, with an eff-in smorgasbord of salad toppings and MEAT! Yes Meat. Damn you Chicago, you make it very difficult to be a vegetarian in the city. Seriously, I would come here just for these hangover helpers. The Elvis french toast, stuffed with peanut butter and bananas is frightfully delish. My friends had the burger and steak and eggs, which was too small to be called a steak, it was more the size of a cow's ear. There is always a wait, unless you are an early riser. The wait staff ok, kinda grumpy guss-es, which is expected given that its a biker bar. And the music way too loud for a hang over hang out on Sunday mornings.
(3)Sean B.
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.
(5)Claudia D.
Again, the husband and I visited The Twisted Spoke following cardiac rehab for lunch. All that treadmill work creates an appetite. What keeps calling to us is the Seared Tuna Sandwich. The Seared Tuna Sandwich is never dry. The thick rare tuna, perfectly seared on the outside, is stacked in ciabatta bread with swiss cheese and grilled onions as well as a mango tomatillo salsa which is to die for---upgrade the plate with a salad and the balsamic vinegrette. The husband and I share one of these making the total pre-tax price only $6 each. I love it. The chicken tacos are very good as well---especially if you ask for extra pico de gallo instead of the black beans, and then mix the rice and all of the pico de gallo into a rice salad---then use the scrumptious tomatillo salsa which contains bits of ripe avocado as a salad dressing. We share that as well. These are the only heart healthy items on the Twisted Spoke menu, that we like. Notice---both contain cheese---which the wait staff can have omitted if requested. Today, the husband had an Allagash White draught. I splurged and indulged in a Koningshoeven Quadruple Trappist Ale at $11 for an 11.5 oz. bottle---heaven! Pueblo AKA Pablo AKA Paul was our wait person. As always, superb service and attention to detail.
(4)Kevin M.
My food was cold in the first place - cold fish and black beans. They forgot the tortillas with my fish tacos. My waiter (the bartender) disappeared and I waited over five minutes to be able to tell anyone my food was cold and that I needed tortillas. When I got the tortillas there were only three and they were soggy, dripping with grease. I still got charged the full price, $12 which is a little much for what is served in the first place. They forgot to charge my card after taking it from my area, which was another five minutes of waiting around ready to leave. It was a Monday night after 8pm and I was 1 person. It was a very standard order on an apparent non-busy night with two bartenders staffed. I'll come here again, just not on a Monday.
(1)Grace N.
Come for the bloody mary. Stay for the fatboy burgers. Leave because the metal chairs are killing your butt. Great brunch items, the scrambles are awesome and I LOVE the Texas Toast and the jam. Seriously, I was upset because they didn't bring the jam once, it's some darn good jam. I'm leaving a star off because the waitstaff is lackadaisical (don't they WANT my money?) and the weird porn night on the weekend (Smut n eggs) grosses me out.
(4)Samantha J.
have been here a few times and was very disappointed with the food. the biscuits and gravy is more like biscuits in soup. however, the bloodies are excellent and make up for it!
(3)Haley S.
My boyfriend and I grabbed a burger here today on our apartment hunt. Good burgers, friendly service...just remember to tell them no mayo, my boyfriend forgot and could barely eat his. I don't get the whole midwestern gross mayo thing. Ick.
(3)Angela S.
If they could just improve the food slightly this would be one of my favorites. The service is awesome. And the atmosphere and vibe is super cool. But the food is lackluster.
(3)Philip V.
Went to try out the burger. Have been checking out all the great burgers in the city, and this was on a couple of lists. Easily found a place to sit on a Saturday evening. Loved the decor (motorcycle stuff everywhere). Terrific beer selection: had some more obscure Bells and Great Lakes choices, two of my favorite breweries. Oddly, they also had Genesee Cream Ale, which was nostalgic. It's not good beer, but it's one of the very first beers I ever drank back in the early 90s in my late teens in upstate New York. A nice touch. Was a little turned off that the whole burger thing was build your own. I really like the idea of a burger place crafting what they feel is the perfect burger, whether it involves a fried egg, or their home made ketchup, or their locally sourced bacon or whatever. But, no problem. I constructed MY idea of a great burger and it was absolutely great. yummy fries, too. Not sure I'd place this one at the top... but man, it was perfectly done (medium rare for me)... I do like the egg a little more runny, but... I have to say, I need to recommend the starter we had: BACON TEMPURA. whoa. I mean, whoa. Deep fried bacon. Absolutely amazing. Great place. Will be back.
(4)Colleen C.
Oh, I dunno. Ok, well yeah I do...I guess. This place is sort of, not my style. Twisted Spoke is almost sort of awkward to me. Like, OK. I get they are catering to the biker clientele, bike culture, etc. However, this place is just a little too "kistched-out" for me. I get it, handlebars everywhere and bike decor, but it's all just a little too...contrived. "Chicks" and "Dicks" to mark the bathroom? C'mon people, seriously. Even I think that is lame, and that is a hard note to hit with me.... My salad was pretty awful. I know, salad at a bar. I know. But, if it's on the menu, it should be decent. Not so much. God, how I loathe soggy, warm lettuce with Cesar dressing. It's just...the worst. Service was good, our waitress was very friendly. I was there for a midday meeting, so it wasn't crowded. The patio would've likely been a better choice on a summer's day....perhaps avoiding the food altogether and just basking in the sun, though that generally clears about any problem imaginable, right? Eh, skip it. Better options in the 'hood. The saving grace was that this meeting led me to my first ever visit to Sip Coffehouse and Garden, my newest, favorite place in the whole wide world! (across Grand)
(3)Mary Ann C.
Love this place and have been coming here with my husband for the last 11 years! The fried egg sandwich is one of the most delicious creations ever! Also, love the wings, poppers, and brunch menu. Fun spot with great service!
(5)chris q.
Cliff from Twisted Spoke was so taken with my review that he's been writing me personal Yelp messages to insult me and tell me how ignorant I am. "This reminds of the time when I went to the Chicago Diner on a packed Friday night and told them to make me a steak. They said no, so I yelled at the top of my lungs, "You guys SUCK. If you really cared, you would go to the store, buy some meat and make what I want, not what you actually serve." Then there was that time that I went to Luc Thang and demanded some sushi. They explained that they don't make Japanese food. I got mad and said, "Hey, you're all Asian. I know you have some raw fish back there. Make me some damn sushi." They wouldn't, but because I was stuck there with a group of friends, I decided to get some Pad See Ewe. That's what all the ignorant white folks or kids who like sweet stuff without a hint of spice would order. It isn't really what I wanted, but I still feel like I got screwed. Everyone else had more than me. They suck too. By the way, 90% of the bunch options are some variant of eggs and come with homemade hash browns. I can't quite imagine why it would be so difficult to find an appropriate meal to order. I guess we will just have to go on sucking another 17 years without you." I guess I hurt his feelings. And apparently Cliff doesn't understand what constitutes "vegetarian." It's also my fault that his servers are unable to explain the restaurant's substitution policy. Yes, it is entirely my problem, not Cliff's, and I'll solve it by avoiding Twisted Spoke and letting everyone I know how terrible the place is.
(1)Mindy S.
I have never been let down by an experience at Twisted Spoke. It was a hot summer Sunday afternoon, about 1pm and I wanted a greasy burger to satisfy my hunger pains after competing in a triathlon. I was thinking Kuma's, but I did not want the 2 hour wait. My amigas, who had also competed, wanted breakfast food, so we needed a place to accommodate all of our ravaging hungers. I don't remember who came up with the idea to go to Twisted Spoke, but a quick call revealed that the wait was short and we could sit outside, and they were still serving breakfast. Perfect! Their rooftop patio is simply amazing on a hot day. One of THE BEST in the city. The Fatboys (their burger) almost make me speechless, they are so good. On this particular visit, I topped it with everything good (bad for you), and had a side of onion rings and was completely satisfied. I thought I was dreaming the perfect dream while eating it. I believe I also had a fantastic bloody mary. I particularly want to point out that every server I've had has been attentive, informative, and enthusiastic. I've always had my water refilled quickly and I've never had a bad service experience. I've since been back at least one other time that I can remember and loved the experience just the same. If you don't live in the area, Twisted Spoke is worth the trip - trust me!! Parking is abundant in the area, the Grand bus drops right off, and the Chicago and Grand Blue Line stops are the closest L stops.
(5)Catherine R.
I love the breakfast burrito but decided to try something new this time. Eggs w/brie, carmelized pears, (good) home fries, and sliced ham. And sitting on the roof was perfect on a lovely summer morning. The service was great. The only thing I'd change is that they need to get english muffins. I give it 3.5.
(3)Sebastian F.
The drinks and the food are good, but the music was really inappropriately awful. It was some moody teenager growling screaming shit. Ruined the experience for me. Liked the porn though. And the poppers are good. The breakfast of champions - sooo good!
(3)Reyna H.
Whiskey and more whiskey is all I have to say...oh and really ridiculous porn on Sundays. (Yes they play nasty, spicy porn on their TV's so if you have a faint heart...stay home & make your own porn) They have a pretty lengthy bar menu and selection of whiskey...along with whiskey on tap. I have yet to make it here on Whiskey Wednesday, and when I do: watch out! Anyway, they play metal music in the area ( just like many other bars in the west loop) , yet it's a great late night place to grab a drink, some food, and apparently watch a lil hardcore porn!
(4)Irene G.
Been here quite a few times now (only during the summer for the rooftop seating) and no complaints. The fatboy burgers are phenomenal and love the wide selection of bloody marys. Definitely one of my top places to grab a bite with friends in the area.
(4)Jenna S.
OMG the Bloody Mary's!! Seriously, the best Bloody Mary I've ever had! It was made with homemade mix, a lot of pepper, and GARNISH! The garnish included some ham, salami, carrots, olives - I know, right? Insanity! Seriously delicious (and there's a veggie option for the vegetarians out there). I love Bloody Mary's and this is seriously the best one ever. AND they have a lot more going for them, as well. We went on a Saturday night and I was surprised that there weren't very many people in there. It is at a weird intersection (Grand and Ogden) with not much else around it, but I was still surprised. Their website posts drink specials, which is why I suggested we meet here in the first place, and they actually have good weekend specials. They had $3 Jameson cocktails, which is a steal on a Saturday night. Their beer list was great and they had a full bar with an experienced bartender (she was making great cocktails all night). Food was also excellent. They had a full menu, but I was a little disappointed that the prices were pretty high for standard bar fare (hamburgers, fries, etc). The bar itself had just recently been remodeled so everything was very clean and modern. There's a bar in the front with a few window tables but mostly bar seating. In the back there's tables and another bar. There's also an upstairs, but I'm not sure what goes on up there. There is an ATM, though. All in all, seriously fierce liquor, service and Bloody Mary's.
(5)Doris D.
This is comfort food at its finest..you want cheese curds, you want greasy thick burgers, you want BBQ nachos, they got it, and its artery clogging at its finest. Bacon tempura for God's sake..enough said... Fast service, super cool staff, and great music. One star down because as the self described "bloody mary queen" of this city, I was not impressed by two of their six different types of bloodys. Nope...sorry..no amount of salami, shredded cheese and olives can make up for the right ingredients to make a solid bloody. This place feels grimey. And I like it.
(4)Valerie D.
Best bloddy marys I've had in a long time. The roof top deck is a great place to sit on a sunny day and the corned beef hash is AWESOME!!!!!
(4)Michael R.
Changed review to five stars, I've been back several times and had a great experience every time. The sausage gravy and biscuits blew me away. It was also a fun place to watch the Bears game.
(5)Mark M.
Went here for a couple drinks and had a great time. Huge selection of good beers and the bloody Mary's were amazing
(5)Kerry B.
Went here for lunch and had a great experience. You can get a fully loaded burger, fries, and a beer/soda all for $10. The service was very nice even though they were super busy she took time to make sure I got what I wanted. Great draft list and there are so many whiskeys, bourbons and scotches it truly blows your mind!
(4)Andy P.
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!
(4)Lauren B.
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.
(3)Matt H.
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.
(5)Griffin B.
I'm shocked at the amount of negative reviews on this place. This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite places to get a burger in Chicago and has a MASSIVE beer list. The staff is always extraordinarily friendly, the atmosphere is great and the food, as I've mentioned, is fantastic. Granted, it's more of a restaurant/bar with biker flair than a full on biker bar, but who gives a shit? I'm not going because I want to get hit in the head with a bottle and have my foot run over by a Hells Angel who hasn't showered in three days. Falafel sandwich? Yes, that's mine, thank you. Their outdoor seating area is great. It gets a bit packed in the summer but there's nothing better than having one of the hundreds of beers they have with a Chicago breeze hitting you. I've only hit up their brunch once and LOVED it. It's truly a carnivores delight. If you're too uptight about having waitstaff with tattoos and going to a place where they show porn on tv while you eat, then get your order to go. Otherwise, shut up and eat your fucking burger.
(5)Marco D.
The twisted spoke seems to be an establishment that cannot decide whether it's a bar or restaurant. Unfortunately, you get the filth of the bar atmosphere with a restaurant component thrown in. As far as the food is concerned, I think it is pretty normal bar fare. The kind of thing that you'd order to keep yourself from drinking on an empty stomach. As with most other reviewers my main complaint is that the place needs to be scrubbed with bleach and then scrubbed again, with a good sanding between scrubbings. The tables, condiment bottles, menus all have a film of slime on them. I think that the price makes this place just ok rather than good. And the filth makes it a place I'd drive past to get a meal that was cooked under sanitary conditions. However the rooftop seating is quite nice. A Good place to drink, I'm not too hip on the grub.
(2)Dustin W.
Headed over to the Twisted Spoke during Chicago Craft Beer Week for the Goose Island Twisted Goose event featuring Bourbon County beers from GI. The place was absolutely roaring when I arrived around 6:30pm for the event, and why wouldnt it be for such a great tasting event. I never actually even made it around the bar area as it was 5-6 deep, but I used my inspector gadget skills and safely secured a two person table that was overlooked in the back dining area next to some really kind folks (scored my first sailing invite ever!). I didnt eat anything, but all of the food looked and smelled delicious, and the people I asked said the burgers and fries they had were outstanding bar fare. I came for the brew and they certainly delivered. This has to be one of the finest beer collections in Chicago hands-down. They actually have a $200 beer you can buy shots of. i wont even describe it suffice to say that its barely beer, hardly liquor, and only for the weirdest, snobbiest elite beer advocates. Proabaly one of the more undescribable fluids Ive ever tasted. I was also shocked to see on draft, Gaverhopke Den Twaalf Quad : Holy Grab yourself, you wouldnt know it contained alcohol until the 12% ABV creeps up. And of course for the main event, all the beautiful black stout. The new MEN in town: Big John: Brewer's Notes: Inspired by the epic skyline of Chicago, Goose Island's brewers set out to craft Big John; a tall, bold slugger of a stout that stands out vividly against the little soft beers out there. Epic amounts of roasted malt and an addition of cacao nibs give Big John a massive chocolate flavor and aroma. With a body as substantial and black as the building to which it pays homage, Big John is sure to inspire a sense of awe with every sip. Recipe Information: Style: Imperial Stout Alcohol by Volume: 11.5% International Bitterness Units: 60 Color: Slate Black Hops: Columbus Malts: 2-Row, Munich, Chocolate, Caramel, Roasted Barley, De-bittered Black Serving Suggestions: Preferred Glass: Snifter Cellaring Notes: Develops in the bottle up to 5 years Nightstalker Brewer's Notes: A heavily-hopped imperial stout, Night Stalker is a heavyweight of a beer. It delivers a formidable punch of hops and rich roasted malt notes to the nose in a silky body that's as dark as night. Recipe Information: Style: Imperial Stout Alcohol by Volume: 11.7% International Bitterness Units: 60 Color: Midnight Hops: Mt Hood, Simcoe Malts: 2-Row, Munich, Chocolate, Caramel, Roasted Barley, De-Bittered Black Serving Suggestions: Preferred Glass: Snifter Cellaring Notes: Develops in the bottle over 5 years Lazarus Born out of the second runnings of Bourbon County Brand Stout, Lazarus isn't your standard "small beer". The deceiving alcohol blends with the roasted malt and the chocolate sweetness packed into the body of the beer. The Classic Grumpy Geezers : Motor Oil Love Bourbon County Stout 07, 08, 09, 10 Bourbon Couny Coffee Stout Honey Badger Bourbon County Vanilla Stout
(4)Nam D.
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!
(4)Majel K.
I keep trying, and keep being disappointed. The drinks are usually unnecessarily expensive, unless you randomly get a special, which isn't always brought to your attention. The food has always been subpar (to me anyway). Too much Iceberg lettuce and less than delicious turkey on the club sandwich; it pretty much fell apart immediately. The cole slaw is insanely vinegar-y, or something. I guess if you just get a burger, you would be fine, but plan on blowing $80 for two people to eat and have a couple drinks. Bartenders are usually nice enough, I've never had a problem with service here. It's just too expensive for what it is...
(2)Megan L.
Oh Twisted Spoke, why has it been so long since my last visit? I promise not to stay away this long again! Normally I go for a burger when I'm at Twisted Spoke, but I was there on a (very hot) afternoon so I felt like having something a little lighter. I settled on the chicken tacos, which was the perfect choice. Very tasty and WOW did they pack a lot of chicken in them! There were three tacos, but seriously they probably could have made another three with all the meat in there. Definitely gonna get those again. And of course, I had to get a Bloody Mary - I mean, it's just wrong not to have one. Twisted Spoke's are just what a Bloody Mary should be - they have a lot of flavor, and don't taste watery when you add the vodka. And yes, they have plenty of vodka in them - despite a big lunch, I left with a little buzz. Mmmm, now I want a Bloody Mary...
(4)Jason H.
w00t! I think I found my bar. Billions of beers (prices range from $2.40-$125/glass), billions of bottles whiskeys and other assortments of booze that can be drank straight up. $2.50 taps on Tuesdays, cool ambience, amazing rooftop patio, not overly trafficked. Good food for the soul (the homemade chicken wings with blue cheese is pretty bomb-diggity). I hope to move close to this bar and become a regular... o yeah i forgot to mention the sweet 'mascot' a full sized skeleton on a motorcycle.
(5)Rachel W.
Biker bar vibe, unique, funky, awesome food, awesome drinks. They have this sweet roofdeck that is great for the summer. We come here for work lunch during hte summer. Huge sandwiches, great brunch, awesome chili. Their fried egg sandwich is amazing. Add avocado and split it because its enormous. One of my faves. Easy to find street parking.
(5)Patrick G.
Read very closely & then transcribe into your own journal/diary: Go to Twisted Spoke on Ogden, get the fried egg sandwich and a bloody mary (comes with a draft beer side car like all bloody marys should). If you have been here and not done the above then it could be proven in a court of super important people that you have not been here. I was a regular at Twisted Spoke when I lived in the neighborhood. I was there before it was renovated, during its renovation and for a year or two after the fantastic, major renovation job. I always promised myself that I would explore other options on the menu --- I did once, think it was gumbo, pretty good -- but I always want/need/love the fried egg sandwich. Best I have ever had. Their bloodys are very serious too -- note: after having the "road rash Mary", ask them for a "bloody salma" for your second drink. I think that's what its called as it may not be on the menu. Its a bloody mary with latin flair; chipotle (?) vodka and chorizo or andouille sausage (I cant remember for probably obvious reasons). Their beer menu is impressive too. The bartenders are usually very tough gals but always sweet & knowledgeable when you get talking to them. Criminy, now I want an effing fried egg sandwich.
(4)Carrie P.
Smut and Eggs....need I say more??!! It seems strange that I would be lured to this place over the promise of porn and brunch but its true. It can seem a bit intimidating when you see it from the outside as it is badged as a kind of biker bar but the staff and food are as good as a 4 star establishment. I also love bloody mary's and our entourage tried many of the ones they have on their bar menu....AWESOME!! They are creative and delicious....and CHEAP...only $8 for a good sized Bloody Mary and a side car of beer. The other drinks are just as good and affordable...the gutterslut and absinthe Manhattan we hits among our 4some. The bar staff of 2 were wonderful...very friendly and fun and really knowledgeable about the huge range of whiskys they carry. We would be back on saturdays just for those 2...:) Now the best..the food....it was outrageously good. We had poached eggs and corned beef hash...and our friends had the fried egg sandwich....they were so delicious!!! The food is high quality and done perfectly....this doesn't seem like bar food at all--I would love to try all the items... We will be back again and again.....the porn was what it was..porn..but I have to say it was made even better with good drinks and awesome food :)
(5)John W.
Hmm, what more could be said about this place?? The biker bar that isn't really a biker bar... 1st off, everything on the menu is greasy and deep fried. That being said, I love their falafel and the tahini but the hummos isn't that great. I hate their fries too. The bar area works a lot better now that it is in the front and way bigger than what it used to be in the back so that's a nice improvement. They have one of the best patios in the city...Well, its actually a rooftop deck with a great view of the city which on its own makes it worth going here. They also have a good beer selection so you should be able to find something you like. They also have Beam and Coke on tap...Or at least they used to and people still order Beam and Cokes. For drinking when it's nice out, this place rocks and if you like greasy bar food then this is also a place for you but if you are looking for something healthy go elsewhere.
(3)Steve M.
It's all about the bloody mary at Twisted Spoke. And, the roofdeck if the weather is nice. Take a healthy dose of vodka, add bloody mix, plenty of pepper, then take a skewer and affix a cocktail onion, slice of salami, pepperoncini, ANOTHER slice of salami, and a green olive. Top with shredded parmesan, and add a Pale Ale side car, and you're in business. They're seriously amazing. One star off for inconsistent service, and the SUUUUUPER annoying bikers that showed up and basically crowded our table while yelling and F-ing w/ the staff. (Not the Spoke's fault.)
(4)Steven M.
FATBOYS FATBOYS What you gonna do, what you gonna do when i come eat you! So much indulgence whenever I eat here. The Original Bloody Mary is a great start, along with some tasty tempura bacon. I like that you can also go high or low on your beer's price. A Badass burger on a pretzel bun is how I always close it out though. Big and juicy, stacked with cheese, bacon and BBQ sauce.
(5)A W.
Can you say Twisted Spoke is no joke?? Well, I'm sure you can actually speak it, but like. . . you know, the figure of speech and what-not. Yea. Seriously though. I think the whole grimy rough biker theme is pretty fun. It reminds me of my younger days riding motorcycles with the boys, stopping at different bars. Ah, nostalgia. I immediately felt comfortable walking in here. The staff fits (and actually most of the people sitting at the bar) with the tough look as I'm sure many would want to think twice before pissing them off, but they are actually quite friendly and offer great customer service. We came here to end my neighborhood tour as a party of 6 for brunch. It only took as long as setting the table up for us to get seated. Yay! Our fantastic waitress ( I hate that I forget names) was there shortly after to take our drink orders. As the menu before us was extensive, she was very understanding about us needing more time. Even after we got our drinks it still took a little bit to place our food order, yet she was patient and genuinely pleasant the whole while. The names of some the menu items may have you cracking up a bit. Like my drink, which was the Gutterslut. It had sass (sauza gold), was dirty (martini type dirty), and had some pucker (triple sec; sweet & sour mix). I can see the name, lol. For food, I had French Toast, which was sliced Italian bread soaked in this batter with orange liquer. Came with a ripe generous slice of cantaloupe and I got a side of meaty long strips of bacon to go with it. It was sooooooooo fantabulous!! Oooh, wait, gotta keep it tough. It was bodacious?? Yes?? I'm not a fan of any vegetables in juice form really or anything with the word 'bloody' in the title, especially followed by a female's name, for that matter. However, 3 ppl ordered different Bloody Marys at the table and they looked quite attractive. They all came with skewers of meat, peppers, and/or cheese, as well as a little chug of beer. I drink neither, but I still thought that was awesome. I liked my food and drink, exceedingly. It seemed everyone else, from the way they emptied their plates, liked their food as well. The place has great energy and setting. I'm definitely coming back to this place.
(4)Justyna Z.
Great rooftop. Great atmosfere. My shrimp sandwich was just OK, but I will give this place another try.
(3)Elaine C.
ohai, pls for you to add more pork, beer and cheez to my morning cocktails. kthnxbai
(3)Paul C.
This review is for breakfast only. Great spot for a Sunday brunch. A huge list of bloodies, for my girl. They have an amazing gumbo with a poached egg in it which is the perfect hangover cure. So delicious. Better gumbo than they have at Heaven on Seven, in my opinion. They do have a skillet with bratwurst in it--don't get that. Had that my first time visiting Twisted and I'm surprised I came back a second time, it was that bad. Great for Gumbo-awesomeness and Sunday morning drinking.
(4)Danielle O.
This place had delicious food, a wide variety of whiskeys, and unique and tasty drinks. We also had a friendly server, Tim, who really did seem to be trying his best with what turned into a confusing birthday party of about 25 on Saturday at midnight. I appreciate his effort, but when they hunted down and kicked out my friend for having an expired ID, everything started to go downhill very quickly. It just seemed like they got nervous when noticing how many of us there were and so decided to throw some of us out. Then, as nice as the server was, he started to lose track of the orders and so just threw checks together. I don't know if he screwed up or was just hoping we wouldn't check out the itemized receipts, but either way I was not happy being charged for about 7 extra drinks. This was an interesting place, but it was definitely hyped up and did NOT live up to the standards set in front of it. I have for sure experienced better.
(2)marc r.
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.
(5)natalie v.
I would have given them a four star review, but my burger came to me medium-well rather than medium-rare like I ordered it. I hate when meat is over-cooked. It was still good though. I love their french fries. I was there with 3 other people who loved their meals. Apparently, bathing in their biscuits and gravy would be great, so said one of my brunch-mates. The bloody mary comes with an elaborate garnish of meat, pepper, olive and onion. It also comes with a tiny beer! I love snacks with my drinks. Always a plus. If it had been just a tad warmer today, I'd have asked for a rooftop table. I've never eaten up there. I will one day. The service here is good. Prices are right. And you leave full. And definitely with enough alcohol in you. I was never a fan of the Twisted Spoke that was open in Wrigleyville for like five minutes. I've always been true to the original Twisted Spoke. I will continue to be true to it.
(3)J S.
My favorite things here are: amazing home-made French fries, portabella fingers, and bloody marys. Note that as is often the case, the bloody marys come with lots and lots of meat as garnish, which could be awesome or bad depending on your opinion of meat. They also have $3 jim beam from a barrel on tap which is pretty amazing. Never had a problem getting street parking here, either. Check out their outdoor seating above, and if you like both smut and eggs... well be sure to ask about that. :)
(5)Beth M.
It would be nice if there were more actual bikers at this bar, but I'll take what I can get! They play a lot of rock that I wouldn't hear elsewhere. Whiskey Wednesdays are awesome - half-price on all whiskey! I can splurge on something nicer without emptying my wallet. The beer selection is huge; there are probably three dozen on tap at any given time plus a page of quality bottles. They'll give you a taste of any of tap beers so you can pick what you like the best, which is helpful when they have a special offering, such as the Stone Brewery run they had recently. The staff is generally friendly and helpful in recommending beers, whiskeys and more. Recently my boyfriend accidentally knocked over his beer. Our server quickly wiped up the mess without a scowl and even replaced the beer! What nice service. I heard rumours that there isn't anything 100% vegan in the place, but I'll get the fried portobello sandwich without the cheese & mayo. So greasy and delicious. The fries are made there too, so they're a lot better than the typical reheated frozen ones offered at other bars. I tried the falafel sandwich (without the yoghurty tahini sauce), which wasn't as interesting. I do like the vinegar-based cole slaw that comes on the side. I think it's enhanced with booze...
(4)Kyle H.
I'm not a huge fan of a lot of the food here. Some of it is good, some of it mediocre and some of it (like the fries!) just sucks. Some of it, however, is awesome. The fried egg sandwich is amazing. I really like the wings (but I like most wings) also. The burger is good but too big for me (I like burgers more for toppings than meat, so sue me.). The fries are just... I just don't like them. They taste like all ends, if that makes sense. I know they're probably hand cut or whatever, and that's why they're like that.. but they seriously taste like the burnt ends at the bottom of the pile of fries that you try to avoid. The whole pile tastes like that. But I digress - the less fries I eat, the better for the size of my ass. The drinks are awesome - the bloodies are to die for. The beer selection (bottles and draft) is phenomenal. The whiskey selection is also awesome, but I tend to keep to my classics. Which is what WHISKEY WEDNESDAY is for!! All of the whiskies are HALF PRICE. So you can drink something that you wouldn't normally be able to afford, which is always fun. It's not just Whiskey Wednesday, their other "happy hour" type specials are also a good deal. I've only been around to see Saturday night transition into Smut and Eggs once, and it was a hilarious surprise, although the porn itself was from like, 1968, all grainy and full of body hair. Always appetizing, always entertaining. Gross. ;)
(4)susan m.
I can now say I've been there and done that and move on. From all these reviews, I think the quality is what you are looking for. I am a foodie and overall, I was unimpressed. Nice people. Nice rooftop. My Smokin Salma bloody Mary was in insult to Salma. The home made mix was very tasteless. The chorizo in it tasted like freezer-burned meat (old). I have never had a problem finishing a bloody mary before. The lemon chicken wings looked good and were also pretty tasteless. They were the type of leftover you only eat because there is nothing else in the frige. The burger was just "burger." The tempura bacon WAS good. I only wish the drink could have complimented it. I didn't drink the beer and I would guess that and the whisky are the focus here. I didn't drink enough to like this place. Sigh. I wanted to.
(2)Michael P.
So now this is apparently the third time they've re-decorated since I've been going here (used to go when it was a dump), and the food tastes the same as always - incrediblissimo! (THAT'S RIGHT! I made up a word!) Maybe it's because they've never updated (i.e. cleaned!) the kitchen. Whatever, the food was fantastic today for lunch. A few years ago I saw a minivan with the standard three snotty kids with the blond Moe haircuts unloading, I thought, "there goes this place, the suburbanites think it's "city cool" to go to ..." But nope, despite some (good!) upgrades (the beer menu mostly) this place has stayed true to the food. Chicken burrito - six flags! Side of fries with all the little extra potato crunchy bits - six flags! Side of their housemaid BBQ sauce - six flags! Burger and BM (bloody mary) for Flowers - six flags! What else can you say about a place with over 150 reviews and a 4/5 star average? Six flags - more flags, more fun!
(5)Eric M.
Strong drinks and giant sandwiches? I'm in! I'm not sure of the exact name of the drink I had but I'll call it Adult Rootbeer. It's apparently some form of root beer distilled in a way that it becomes alcoholic. It was outstanding. I ate the shrimp po boy which is a must have. The place is rundown and the staff can come off as though they don't care, but I'm still happy to go back again.
(4)Jim B.
Many moons ago I lived down the street from The Twisted Spoke. We ate, drank, and we merry. The place was always fantastic. I returned last week to the vastly different, but still the same place with a friend for a late dinner, and again, the spoke did not disappoint. In a packed room, the staff was quick and courteous, offering us a few table options. The food was fantastic. I don't see the need to wait in line for hours for a burger and fries when theirs tastes so good! I will return.
(5)Brandie T.
The flash 'intro' leads to a porn-worthy splash page. I thought for a moment the site had been hijacked by hackers and I was being led to a porn site -- c'mon, I'm at work here people! ... wait ... this is for their restaurant ??!? ... THIS IS THEIR "RESTAURANT" MAIN PAGE ?!? Now that you have the "attention" of the average horn-dog, they'll come and spend any amount of money for the ... "food", especially if the website is an indicator of their potential experience. The office ordered lunch one day at the request of a co-worker as their choice of eatery that Friday and being a fan of meat loaf -- I noted they had a meatloaf sandwich on the menu -- WORST . MEATLOAF . EVER. My MOTHER could do better ... and she could KILL some food! But ... because the splash page is NOTEDLY gratuitous sexual .. a man would have effused on how 'delicious' it was. Porn me up beh-beh! yeah ... NO. no amount of sexual innuendo is going to enhance bad food. Not impressed.
(1)Brad B.
Twisted Spoke, I love you. There, I said it. Even more than ever before because you now serve Stone brewery's beers - on tap even. The food = good for a bar. The ambiance = a great place to get your drink on with friends. The location = kinda sucktacular because of its lack of proximity to a train that actually takes me someplace I wanna go. But, whatever.
(4)Raj S.
I want to like the Twisted Spoke more than I really do. It's fine enough place to hang out and have a drink, but I don't exactly get the appeal. The place has this sort of tough guy biker motif going, but it's most full of locals, bicyclists, and hipsters. They have a great craft beer and whiskey selection, but so do so many places in Chicago these days. Apparently the bloody mary is quite good too but personally I've never understood the appeal of that particular drink. The food oscillates between nothing special and subpar. My last visit I had to the shrimp po' boy, which they claim is some sort of house specialty. I don't get it; it was salty, the shrimp were breaded and deep fried and still tasted kind of fishy. I used to live much closer to the Twisted Spoke but nowadays I don't see any compelling reason to schlep down there. I'd stop in for a beer if I was in the area.
(3)Mahsa T.
Great artery-clogging food. Fried egg sandwich was delicious! Wings were also awesome. My Bloody Mary was good but kind of scary-looking with a bunch of salami hanging off of it. This place has the tough biker-themed look down pat. Service was slow but friendly during lunch.
(3)John T.
So It's a Saturday night and I was kinda hungry. I convinced my girl to get out of bed for "Smut and Eggs" . Anyway we get down there and start out with some nice beers..Well that was the only thing nice about this place. She orders a garden salad and it comes with a rock, hard, stone crouton on top, inedible by even a garbage disposal unit. It'd probably jam. I order the chicken tacos after the first bite I was wondering how long this plate was sitting around. Did they cook these things? The rice was ice cold along with the black beans. After 30 minutes looking around for our server Matt, I tell him of my problems with my food, He tells me the rice and beans are supposed to be cold. Really? Then he asks me if I want them to heat it up for me. I agree and he takes it and a few minutes later he returns with the food the same tempeture. Did he rest it under the heat lamps? I tell him I dont think I should be paying for this and he replies "Well you already ate some of it." and we tell him' That was due to the fact we were sitting around waiting, wondering when and if he'd return to check up on us. To sum it all up. Twisted Spoke...one of the worst dining experiences ever. I don't think I could ever go back..and I wonder who did they pay to give them good reviews? I guess the Bloody marys are ok..But there is a place over the Wisconsin border that blows theirs away. Nothing exceptional here but exceptionally horrible food and service. I shall not return.
(1)Stephen F.
You gotta like the attitude in here. Horror movies on the TVs (sometimes porno, I hear) and the randomest schlock you can imagine scattered about. Good selection of drinks served without an attitude. Truly awful greasy bar food to sop it up. Had a very memorable night here last year. Good times.
(4)Frances C.
Alright, look. I'm pretty much over this place for a number of reasons. It's not that they're too pricey or that the service is bad or even the ambiance--all of those seem to be in order, but it's just so ....whatever. I've been here a couple of times, usually when my 1st or 2nd choice brunch spots are busy and I can't get a table. So, I figure I could at least get some basic brunch essentials here and it just ends up being the last resort. And it's not like I get anything that fancy anyways--eggs, meat, toast, coffee. Done. There's just no WOW factor there and the breakfast sausage doesn't work, it's Italian and just doesnt do anything for me. Plus, the part that really irritated me last time I went there was the fact that I was watching the staff eat breakfast in the kitchen. They were in plain sight from my seat and I don't know...something not cool about that. So, whatever Twisted Spoke.
(2)Vanna T.
Burgers are where it's at at this place. Fresh halved grilled jalepenos and the most amazing fries. Green Goddess dressing (their closest thing to ranch) is honestly the reasoon I go. Bathrooms are rather gross, and you leave feeling pretty greasy after eating that burger which is the reason for the 3 stars, but the burger is bomb.com and service good.
(3)Jamie O.
Twisted Spoke as a bar, 4 stars for a spicy bloody mary; Twisted Spoke as a restaurant, 2 stars for poor ingredients and taste. If you are looking for a hangover cure, go here. jamieott.wordpress.com
(2)Simma Down Na H.
Found out about this place from "Check, Please?" I couldn't wait to try it out...so I came to this place one week later. Tons of drafts and whisky. Friendly service. You have got to get the nachos with pulled pork!!! So good! (I love being American) I got a burger (don't even ask me what it was because I was buzzed by the time we ordered) but it was delish! This place left me and my date really satisfied!
(4)Amy T.
This is, by far, my all-time favorite bar. I don't know why - it makes no sense that it ought to be, but it is. No, Nancy N., nobody solicited this review. I've been going there weekly for the past few years, as I work nearby. They have some great specials (a dozen beers - draft and bottle - for $2.50 on Tuesday, half off whiskey on Wednesday) and there is not any food on the menu that isn't good. I think their bloodies are the best I've ever had, and the Genny back is a nice touch. I'll admit that the service here can be a little challenging. Their bottle list is outrageously overpriced. So drink what's on draft, and bring a little patience (especially on the roof in the summer, my favorite outdoor haunt).
(5)J J.
Good food. Great beer selection. Whiskey 1/2 off Wednesday's. Need I say more?
(4)Alma V.
Really cool vibe, reminds me of home in Milwaukee where we know how to do brunch and eat well! Sadly, Chicago still can't figure out how to do the bloody Mary, and nor can this place. Shredded cheese? gross! The sausage is nice, but no one in this freaking city puts Worchester in their bloodies??? WTH? A bloody mary basic needs:Worchester or steak sauce, splash brine (usually from pickle juice), splash beer (preferrably dark like a stout), celery salt, hot sauce, lemon/lime pre squeezed,pepper! Shaken and then poured, and with a beer chaser coming standard! Chicago only puts tomato juice with vokda and hot sauce, sick!!! You are so close to Wisconsin and you can't get creative? We even do rosemary infused bloody mary mixes, or we add dill! And a real block of cheese versus shredded cheese please! Maybe some shrimp! Okay, aside from my bloody Mary rant, the food was good, super brunchy and hangover friendly, and the bar was banging! Cool style, good atmosphere, great taps! Def a gastro pub when it comes to the booze! Please, be the first to make the Bloody Mary the bomb like we do in Milwaukee! In fact, copy Hollander, Beneluxe, and Comet for ideas on banging bloody Mary's! please somebody listen!
(4)Mike M.
So help me jeebus if you don't head over to this place, I will be very sad. The lemon wings are a must-order. They light them on fire. And then they taste good. Following the fire-lighting. Also: if you need veggie comfort food, you must order the fried portabella sandwich. Vegetarians can eat an occasional heavy meal, you know! And this one isn't even that heavy. The portabella is breaded just right, it's fried deliciousness, the bun is perfect... just go and eat it right now. Do it. And the bar staff, while tattooed to the point of intimidation, is very friendly.
(5)Denise O.
Ok, so I havent been to this place in a while. But I wanted to review it anyway because its a great little place. I used to go to the one in Wrigleyville, but they closed it down, thankfully there is still the one on Odgen. This place is a little divey, looks like a biker spot with all the deco, but I've never seen a biker there. The people are friendly and the food is pretty good too, especially their bufalo wings. Mmmmm WINGS!!!! Although my favorite thing about Twisted Spoke is definetly the Bloody Mary. They serve, in my opinion, one of the best bloodies in the city. Its most definetly a meal in a drink. They put a skwer of meat, olives,peperoncini, onion... the works! Its big, hearty, spicy, tasty, and they even give you a little beer chaser too! They have a decent beer selection and usually have good deals on drinks. Overall a cool place to hang out if you like to keep it low key.
(4)Joy S.
Hey this place was awesome. The Harley and Honda parts decorations were cool! The server was very nice and a little kinky! The food selections were extensive but I wasn't happy with the bland guacamole I ordered. Next time, I will try something different. I love the roof top seating! Definitely worth going again. Next time, I am going to put a little note on the bathroom wall. :-)
(4)OldIrvingPoodle H.
The fatboy.. Do it! Smut at midnight on Saturdays! Neighborhood gem for all cultures, types, and favors!
(5)Sarah F.
The Twisted Spoke is one of our brunch stand-bys, especially in the warmer months when the rooftop patio area is open. Brunch menu is skewed more toward savory than sweet options, and is heaven for those who need a daily dose of chorizo (you can find it in the breakfast tacos, breakfast burrito, or the "chila-killas"). If you're vegetarian or craving something on the sweet side, go for the Elvis toast, French toast with peanut butter and bananas. We usually fight over who's going to order it. Shame on you if you don't make room for a bloody Mary. And you do need to make room - their several versions are topped with a veritable salad of garnishes and come with a beer back. They're well worth $8. If you're not a bloody Mary fan, the extensive beer list might also draw you in.
(5)Brandon C.
This place has great food and Whiskey. If you are a Whiskey fan dont get what you want, tell the bartender what you like and have them do it. I had a brand that Cliff the owner recommended named "Ancient Age" and it was awesome. $5 too! I liked it better than Johnny Walker Black, not Blue. The food seems revolve around 3 things: 1) Boss Hogg (BBQ pork) 2) Burgers 3) Fried Egg Sandwich (easily feeds two! AWESOME!) Thumbs up all the way. Brandon
(5)Michael W.
Solid burger. Always a great beer selection. The music is an acquired taste. One of my wife and I's favorite places when neither one of us wants to make a decision for dinner.
(4)Melissa S.
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.
(2)Steven W.
Great drinks: the $8 you pay for your Bloody Mary is well worth it and I doubly appreciate the accompanying sidecar of beer (go for the Bloody Queen which is made with gin and garnished with shrimp). The Fried Egg Sandwich truly is something to behold: if you are on the cusp of needing something substantial like a burger to curb a hangover but don't want to overdo it, then it will more than satisfy your craving for mayo/cheese/fat/everything-under-the-sun without leaving you feeling too full. The corned beef hash left a little something to be desired: although I'm certain the counter argument is that it is "real" corned beef hash - whatever that means - where I am from authentic corned beef hash comes in a can, costs $0.99 and closely resembles dog food. It tasted gamy (I am not sure if 'gamy' is particularly right in this context, but let's just say my first thought was "what the hell...is this rotten?") and I ended up staring at a Fried Egg Sandwich across the table for the rest of my meal. Otherwise a fine spot for brunch. R.I.P. DIMEBAG
(4)Skp S.
Terrible execution on the food and drinks. We really wanted to like this place. We're foodies. Great looking place. Very nice staff. Great sounding menu... Very creative, but the food is so poorly prepared. The tempura Bacon was actually soggy beer battered Bacon. The bloody Mary sounded magnificent but tasted horrible. Also had the seared tuna... The most unbelievably bland sandwich accompanied by soggy fries... Yet they looked and tasted burned. Every single thing we had was terrible except for the caper berry slaw that came on the side of the plate with the Bacon. We could look past one of these items being sub par, but come on guys... Not one thing we ordered was even average. Just a waste of time and money. It's hard to understand how someone could design such a cool spot and even cooler menu and then completely blow it on the execution. We felt it was just so poor that we were compelled to write a review. And typically we like to only write about places we love. Never coming back for a second chance on this one. Currently down the street trying a second meal at another restaurant.
(1)Jess V.
"I feel like a delicious brew. Let's head to Twisted Spoke for one." Next thing I know I have woken up the next morning with a slight headache and flashes of sitting at the bar and trying new beers-- all delicious, all over 10 percent ABV. I don't mind the headache, because it's from too many good beers, not too many bad beers. And I know I had a smile on my face the night before. Twisted Spoke has such an incredible draft list that all I can do is recommend you go tonight to try several. But please make sure you don't have plans for the following early morning. The male bartender with square glasses is very kind, and always willing to help you choose between the two or three beers on your list. Sometimes he will even give you a sample to help you decide. The food here is delicious as well. I crave their guacamole and chips, and the quesadilla is delicious. Don't get me started on the shrimp po' boy, because I'll tell you how bad it is for you and how good it tastes. If you come on an early afternoon, the Road Rash Bloody Mary is a necessity. One of the best bloodies I have ever had. I left off a star due to sometimes shoddy service. If they are really busy and understaffed, it can take 30 minutes to get a bill-- at the bar-- for two beverages. But overall this place is great and generally the service is good.
(4)John M.
we came for breakfast on a saturday morning. the table we sat at was seriously out of whack. water was everywhere. we told the waitress and she said "yeah our tables suck." this was beyond the sugar packet shim solution. we ordered off the breakfast menu--i went with the hash, my girlfriend got the breakfast burrito. my hash was pretty flavorless. not really crispy at all. it did have big hunks of brisket, but that too was flavorless. same for the girlfriend's burrito. she added avocado and doused it in cholula and still no flavor. our waitress was nice and quick on the coffee refills. overall i would not go back for brunch. maybe drinks and burgers are a different story?
(2)Teresa C.
Fatboys (burgers), bloodiest, brunch and fine cocktails! Our watering hole in the shire.
(5)Phil P.
Okay. Why the five stars.... because they know how to cure a hangover. Yes it the beat place to go when you have one, for sure. The food was tasteful, fattening, and priced right. I love coming here on Sunday mornings. They have one of the largest drink selections I have seen in the city. Tons of beers to choose from. Bloodmarys are awesome and they serve them with a shot of beer. The outdoor seating is perfect. Very diverse crowd. Service is topnotch. Friendly bartenders and wait staff. Oh and they play smut videos at times - I think early in the AM. Never seen it but they advertise it in their menu... Different that for sure.
(5)J T.
Consistant and good. I have eaten here more than 100 times and frankly have never been bummed in doing so. I really am a fan of the spoke. Thanks for all the great years in my hood.
(5)Kerri A.
Let's address the fact that my most recent reviews have both involved places with the word "Twisted" in it. That's twisted in and of itself. Twisted Spoke: a hidden gem of a semi-biker bar with picnic tables on their rooftop and attentive staff? Don't mind if we do! It was a nice cooler Thursday evening and we sat on the rooftop and sipped on the drink special of the day, a $5 Gutter Slut Margarita. Heck yes. Tequila was plentiful in that one drink. I ordered the chicken tacos - but really had a hard time deciding because everything on the menu sounded kind of awesome. I chose wisely - they were delicious. A slightly twisted take on your typical Mexican restaurant tacos because the tortilla was slightly crispy. The waiter laughed at me when I overzealously said "YES" when he asked I'd need sour cream. Their menu is sheets of paper attached to a clipboard. Oh simplicity, I adore thee. All in all, it was such a cool place. Any time you can sit outside, on a roof, at a picnic table and witness a skeleton riding a motorcycle as decor spinning around at the corner, you take that time and enjoy it.
(4)Kate F.
Do NOT get the bacon tempura or fish and chips. Absolutely disgusting. Horrible breading and completely overcooked. I live across the street and was craving fried food, so I went there...big mistake. I wasted $40. Stick to their brunch...fantastic.
(3)Adrian W.
Lucero being played on their speaker system. Decent line up of taps, though no Guiness. Bartenders were solid, I mean, they were very observant and willing to dole out samples of anything - vodka, beerz and wine. My gripe comes from the ridiculously large televisions here. For being a 'biker' bar, I wouldn't expect something outta BroDawgCentral here. I'd come back to try the food and perhaps the Allagash.
(3)David K.
This place is more of a 3.5 but not quite a 4. It's allegedly a biker bar, but the only people that looked like bikers (whatever that actually means) were the employees. I was there for lunch and everybody was dressed business casual. They have a pretty extensive beer list and a decent food menu. Everything on the food menu is around 10 bucks and they have the pretty standard bar food (burgers, sandwiches, apps, etc...). I ended up getting their lunch special which is a burger (you can have lettuce, tomatoes, onions - raw or grilled, grilled jalapeno, bacon, and cheese added on to your burger. Avacado - which the Twisted Spoke calls the little green orb - is also available for a buck more), fries, and a drink (pop or the cheap NASCAR beer). It was $10 before taxes and tips, so not a bad deal. It's a half pound burger so its a pretty decent size. They have an upstairs patio that has a pretty good view of downtown. Service was friendly and attentive. This actually seems like a place where business meetings would occur, at least during lunch.
(3)Suzy C.
For the food, i would give this place three stars, but it gets an extra star for the following three reasons: 1. Their bloody mary is AWESOME. Best in the city, in my opinion. 2. You never have to wait for a seat for Sunday Brunch. If you do, it's never more than 10 minutes. 3. Good portions! The food is pretty decent here, nothing to complain about too much. The chorizo breakfast burrito is great, as are their non brunch foods like their burgers. It's just good consistent food, nothing too spectacular. I love going here for brunch because i absolutely love the bloody mary's here. That drink is worth it alone. It even comes with a great beer chaser. If you are craving pancakes, this isn't the place to come, but otherwise, I would recommend it for brunch.
(4)Hannah G.
My first experience at this fun biker bar was for breakfast. I had 2 Smokin' Salma Bloody Marys - spicy, packed with parmesan cheese and 2 chunks of chorizo - a recipe for happiness in my book!! Then I had some Mexican-style egg scramble with tortilla chips in it that just hit the hungover spot! :) Breakfasts here have yet to disappoint me. Most recently, my friend and I went for a late dinner / snack. She ordered the Bloody with smoked bacon or something in it - and Woa! It was so smokey, I couldn't really tell what the drink was supposed to be! We ordered the flaming lemon garlic chicken wings which were pretty buttery and rather disappointing. The fries were hyped up on here, but I didn't think they were anything out of the ordinary. We also ordered the portabella mushroom sticks (something like that) and again not wowed. I didn't like the breading on the mushrooms, didn't really do anything for bringing out the flavor of the 'shrooms! Conclusions: good bar if you don't like packed places and prefer a laid-back vibe. Food wise, I think their forte is in the morning!
(4)Brittany B.
Seriously, this is my favorite place! So excited that I'm going to be moving right nearby it! I love this place in spite of the whole biker theme...not really my thing, but it's such a great place! In the summer, the roof top deck is absolutely amazing. I could spend all day up there sampling drinks from their witty menu. They have a great selection! In the winter, the interior is a little chilly... no "coziness" at all...might be the stainless steel tables and lots of slightly drafty windows and high ceilings. Everything I have ordered here has been awesome. I love the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs (with real corned beef!) for brunch. They truly do have phenomenal bloody marys with crazy garnishes and a beer-back. The burgers! Oh, the burgers. The pretzely bun, the perfect selection of toppings! The juicy beefy goodness! You don't even need to go to Kuma's Corner for the perfect yummy burger We always seem to have the same waitress, Selma, who is super nice and perfectly paced in her service! Love yah Selma!!! Great value! great food! I could live with out the "theme-y-ness" of it, but it's worth it!
(5)Colleen R.
I've only been to the Twisted Spoke for lunch, and I found that despite its attempts to be edgy (see: bathrooms labeled "Chicks" and "Dicks"), it was pretty tame. A couple spoon-feeding a baby was seated next to us. I'm assuming the crowd is different after midnight on Saturdays, when they turn on the old-school porn. Appetizing. My menu had dribbles of someone else's food on it, so I quickly ordered the first thing I saw -- fish tacos, my old standby. They were pretty good, and generously portioned, so they became dinner that night, too. Judging from the rest of the reviews, it looks like I'll have to give brunch a try sometime... maybe when I'm in the mood for a little attitude with my bacon and eggs.
(3)Dylan F.
I like the fact that this place has a biker motif but other than that it's forgettable. The food was mediocre at best. The fish was coated in so much batter and grease it made my girlfriend ill. My tacos were dry and bland. The beer list is decent doesn't distinguish it from the countless other bars offering tons of microbrews. We sat on the rooftop which has a picnic table set-up which feels more appropriate for a county park. Hard to "lounge" at a picnic table. Also, there is no view of anything worth looking at. Our server was a greaseball and a putz and mumbled. Finally, I left my credit card (admittedly my fault) and instead of being there when I called back 10 hours later it was gone. A call to Amex revealed that 800 dollars worth of charges had been put on it around the city during that time. I'm not making any accusations, but the entire experience left a bad taste in my mouth.
(2)cj h.
Reasons for poor review. 1 Place smells like a cleaning agent that brought me right back to grade school when Little Susie Adams puked. 2. Douche bag cry baby bartender having a bad day, is that some how my problem, I guess it is. Stay home , you're in the service industry. 3. Strip the menu down. Limit choices and do them well. Really? a bar that cant do wings.
(1)Tim S.
I've been meaning to write a review on Twisted Spoke - after the first time I tried them. Time passed, I forgot but I've been there twice since. Guess that may tell you something. They are pretty freakin good. I would start by saying the restaurant itself has a cool biker vibe with a fantastic upper deck with outdoor seating. The service there has been consistently great, too. Each time the server has been attentive, WHITTY and on the ball. They definitely make you feel comfortable. They also seem to know the menu very well. Each time I've been there, I've been with roughly 4+ people. Everyone has always been pretty pleased with what they ordered. A couple things I'd really like to highlight are: Blood Mary's: Don't worry about ordering an app if you are getting one of these. If you are a bloody mary fan you will appreciate these, they are spicy (in a great way) and are garnished with pepperoni, cheese and onions. They are also served with a beer chaser. Jalapeno Poppers: I have never like these. Hated them everywhere I've ever been, with people that have ordered them and forced me to try them. Glad I was forced here. They were awesome. I actually ordered them the next time I was there. I could probably itemize a few more for you (chicken wings well done - the mixed drink menu!) but keeping your attention span in mind, all in all, I really like this place. The food and service is terrific - consistently . I'm going to become a regular....maybe I am already. I would go with the OMG on previous reviews.
(4)Brent W.
Maybe a 3.5 but rounding down due to their identity crises makeover. It'd been prob 2 yrs since coming here and was defo surprised that they completely removed the bar in the back and now have a sizable (and nice) rounded bar w. massive sleek flat screens hanging above, in the main room. These eye catching TVs intermixed w. the old skool, dusty and weathered biker paraphernalia that make up most of this bar's decor, make for a place that screams, 'whaddya want me to be!?'...whatever the patron's make of it, I suppose. Either way, we sat top shelf on their upstairs patio, which has been left unchanged (thankfully). I honestly never go on about service, unless it's particularly bad or good but must make mention on this experience. 1st off, the server who brought our waters (not our server, mind you, as he was waiting on other tables) appeared to be so completely blazed I don't know how he was able to place one foot in front of the other...yes, the dude w the rat-tail. Wow, straight blunted! Three folks in our party ordered bottles of beer, I, being the odd one out chose their "Perfect" Manhatten, which was made with a "rye" whiskey, the total proper and old school way to make it (i rarely see this and usually do Maker's myself, so had to give it a try). Well, over 15-20 minutes later my drink arrives (right when our mains arrived, we'd finished our app). It took 10 min for the beers ffs, and when they arrived I asked if there was an issue w my drink?...our server stated that all four bartenders were convening, trying to figure out how to make it!?!! Huh?! Whiskey. Touch of sweet vermouth, a bit of bitters and a cherry?! What's to figure out? Well, it arrived "up" in a martini glass, so maybe that was the confusion, I don't know but it was heavy handed on the Sweet Vermouth, even after I told them "light on the SV". Oh well, at 15 dollars, cannot reco. They also have a $125 Manhattan cocktail, I kid you not, but opted against it due to our shit economy, had America been in better shape, maybe i would've pulled the trigger. The food: Not bad, not great. Chose the smoked Turkey BLT which was served on a Brioche (v good) with nice smokey bacon and turkey. Buffalo chicken sam was not the greatest and the buffalo sauce was pretty bland. My buddy's Bacon, egg, tom sandwich was "excellent" and all fries did the trick.
(3)Stacy T.
Fun biker bar feel for a Saturday brunch locale. The food is pretty decent and the ambiance is minimal, but its a fun laid back place to enjoy some bloody Mary's and fill your stomach. The bloody's are freaking insanely good. I mean we are talking it hits most of the major food groups and needs a beer chaser kinda good. Hope you like meat with your Mary cuz they do pile on the salami! The steak and eggs wasn't anything out of the ordinary and my steak was a bit overcooked. The banana pancakes were only ok, but the good company more than made up for any disappointments. I hear the smut and eggs is quite the combo of breakfast foods and 70's porn that comes on around midnight.... appetizing...hairy porn chicks always make me hanker for a huge plate of eggs.
(3)Evan E.
Great beer and great burgers. Never had the certain type of beer your inquiring about? Ask for a taste! They want to make sure you enjoy your beer which is awesome in my book. I have had sub par service on more than a few occasions though. The breakfast was just OK as well. For me, if I want an even better breakfast near by, I will go to the Breakfast club. Wednesday is half price whiskey.. So yeah, best night to go imo.
(4)Todd H.
This review starts with a simple story. I used to hate bloody marys. I hated them. I found them detestable, just the smell of the tomato juice would make me want to hurl. Now keep in mind that I am not a picky eater. I'll eat anything, I'll try anything, very little grosses me out, but there was something about the consistency/smell of bloody mary mix that I just couldn't stand. Over the years I tried to like bloody mary's just because they seemed like something that I should probably acquire a taste for (I like brunch, I like drinking, I like drinking for brunch, etc.) so I kept trying. Choking down a bloody mary here and there, I'd always try to get one down at least a few times a year, occassionally having one that was palatable but still kind of gross. Then, I had a Twisted Spoke bloody mary. And I didn't just choke it down, I actually sort of liked it. I went back a week later, and I tried another one, went down smoother this time, and I didn't feel like puking at all. Another week, another bloody, this time I actually kind of enjoyed it. The next week I was actually looking forward to it, and now I absolutely love them. To the point that it cured my aversion to other bloody marys, I can even put down an airport bloody mary now. But the best one I've ever had is at the Twisted Spoke, (incidentally the only one I ever had that came close was at the Palazzo in Las Vegas). So there's the Bloody Mary, that in and of itself would cause me to recommend the Spoke, but add in the awesome beer, and completely unique and most extensive whiskey selection I've ever seen, not to mention the food is great , and it really takes the Spoke over the top. Also a point about the waitstaff. When I first moved to the neighborhood (about 5 years ago) I went to the Spoke a few times, and kind of hated it. The waitstaff was indifferent at best, and mostly rude and too cool for school. Since the renovation (where they smartly moved the bar to the front of the house) there seemed to also be a personality makeover with the staff. Everyone there is super nice and friendly, and I always feel welcome going in there, and really enjoy my time there.
(5)Jess S.
So stopped in for 1/2 price Whiskey night. I didn't know what to sample (of their fine selection) so I stuck to 7 & 7's. But, the Jim & cokes are now $3. That is all. Long live half-price whiskey night!
(4)Scott H.
A truly memorable place for stellar comfort food and a draft (and can/bottle) beer list that might bring a beer snob to tears. I love coming to the Spoke both in the middle of a lazy weekend afternoon and late at night. This place hits on all cylinders anytime you find yourself in the neighborhood. Start with a great burger or pulled pork sandwich and a craft brew on your first visit and you'll soon find yourself returning to delve deeper into the large and inspiring menu. Can't get back here enough, really.
(4)Erin F.
I wouldn't say 5 stars based on food alone, but I'll bump it to five because we did get served by a new bartender who made me happy to add the fifth star. Tamara was an amazing bartender. She made wicked bloodies, came across as fun and friendly, and made my first experience at the Spoke memorable. Great job Tamara!
(5)julie q.
Last time I was here, it was about 10 years ago and I was suffering from a horrendous hangover...Enter bloody mary. Now I live down the street and we were searching for brunch and mosied on in. First brunch - Bloody Mary and Breakfast Tacos. Score! Pretty good, fast service...Next brunch was Bloody Mary and Wisconsin Scramble. The brats tasted like soap. Home Fries were good. Hubby had the Biz and Gravy. This is the main reason I'm yelping. I hope the manager/chef sees this and really thinks about these next few lines. Making biz and gravy takes patience. You cannot, I repeat, cannot, brown sausage, add spices, skim milk, and a teaspoon of flour to a skillet, let it "simmer" for 5 minutes and call it Biz and Gravy. It JUST DOESN'T WORK. So, if you go for brunch, do not get the biz and gravy unless you like milk and sausage soup with a 1/2...that's right, A HALF of ONE biscuit. Otherwise, knock yourself out! TS is decent...Bloody's could use a bit more worstechire and celery salt...and a lemon and lime....Wow...no wonder i gave this brunch 3 stars.
(3)Izabella d.
baaaah, stupid steve the hungry hound. why on earth would this burger joint get a higher rating than kumas? we were curious what the rational was... so we headed for burgers and beer to twisted spoke. we sat down quickly , it seemed to be a slow night, i ordered the gutter slut, a sugary not too boozy cheap margarita, and opted for the classic burger with cheese and a side of onion rings. my fellow dinners went similar routes getting a burger and fries,, and the lonely vegetarian the falafel plate. the food came out within 10 minutes of being ordered.. which can be a plus or a minus.. in this case a huge minus! the burgers were meant to be medium rare,, but were really just seared on the outside with an inch of raw ground beef on the inside. on top of that they were bland, and didnt have much going for them except the pretzel buns.. the fries were also lack luster, my friend couldn't stop saying that they tasted like they had been fried in old oil.. by far the worst part was the falafel plate, with the stale little balls assembled amongst leftover vegetables and stale-ish pita. (and it cost like $12). at the end of the night, with 3 burgers, 3 beverages and the veg dinner we paid $80. it just felt like a major waste of money.. and we could have been eating a million better burgers almost anywhere else in the city.
(1)Tim Y.
The only redeeming value of Twisted Spoke is that the bloody mary has enough meat and garnish to fill you up. Thank god for meaty cocktails - I skipped over lunch after noting that everything in this place is covered in a greasy goo, food and furniture alike. I wasn't expecting "clean" but I certainly wasn't expecting to leave feeling like I needed to shower in lye to remove the skank of the place from my soul.
(2)Helmut S.
I'd give it five stars if they added some additional waitstaff because the service can get slow at times. That said, they have the best burgers in town. While they offer a large selection of beers I find it hard to pass up their phenomenal bloody marys.
(4)Nicolas H.
One of the best bars I've been to in Chicago. Not only do they have a ridiculous beer and alcohol menu, but the food is pretty damn good and reasonably priced. I went all out and got the bacon tempura along with the fried cheese curd. Both were fried perfectly and delicious. I washed it down with the Two Floyd's/Dogfishead collaboration beer, nuff said...
(5)Chelsea V.
I went here last night, and was clearly very impressed. I'd heard about this place from friends who go solely for the bar scene (not so sure what that means, actually, given all the reviews on here are about dinner), and I wasn't expecting too much from the food. Turns out I was totally wrong. But first off, the bloody maries - amazing! I typically am reluctant to order a bloody mary because I find it to be a drink that teters on the edge of absolutely disgusting; if not made perfectly, just straight up gross. These were perfect. The garnishes involving slices of salami-ish meat and lots of cheese only helped matters, but the drink itself was delicious. I would have and should have had two, if not out with my parents. Needed to make both a good impression and not spend all of their money. I ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich (a menu item which has consistently confused my brother at all restaurants it is offered, unsure if it is made from buffalo or chicken) which arrived with enough food to almost definitely share. It is a giant piece of fried and hot-wing sauced chicken on a bun with lettuce, tomatoes and onions and a side of blue-cheese dressing. It comes with lots of fries and a little cup of coleslaw. Honestly I didn't care for the slaw, preferring mine to be that disgusting creamy stuff to their more watery, sweeter version served here. But it was all good. And I saved half for lunch the next day! Score. Service was good, not too chatty but friendly enough. The only downside is no dessert, but honestly it saves us from ourselves on the calorie front.
(5)Risto D.
went there on monday afternoon. after watching check please on tv and the reviews i was expecting much more. i had the italian steak cheese which was way too greasy for me. i had stomach ache for quite a while after that. my wife had the grilled cheese sandwich and she wasn't happy with it either it tasted like cardboard. sorry i will not go back again
(2)James E.
This is a GREAT place for brunch - especially if you're lucky enough to have good weather and can sit on the top deck in the sunshine. Our two favorite dishes are the Elvis Toast (French Toast with peanut butter and banana) and the egg sandwich - both are divine! I highly recommend either or both, but don't think you'll want to share. You won't. They are that good. The Bloody Mary's are also really good, I agree. Or at least so I've been told by my friends. I don't drink Bloody Mary's, but everyone tells me these ones are good. The coffee is also really good. Which isn't worthy of earning an extra star on itself, but it's interesting how many restaurants overlook the importance of good coffee. Also, the service is usually really good too. I'm glad the weather is getting nice because I can't wait to go back!
(4)betsy b.
This place will cure any hangover....but since I'm not getting those these days I wasn't overly wow'd by this place. Sure the chille-killas (or whatever they call them) were good but they were drenched in cheese and instead of using tortillas they used chips. My husband had the gumbo which he loved once they took the nasty eggs off that he didn't want. I'd give this place another shot because the menu is very interesting...and once the baby vacates my belly I need to try once of their bloody mary's.
(3)Yuly M.
2 Stars. 1/2 for the cool knowledgeable bartender, 1/2 for the cool skeleton in front on the bike and one full star for their huge selection of beers. (Draft & bottle) They were out of gumball beer boooo. So i decided to try this beer called hop stupid. Apparently its so new that its not on the menu, but its sooo good. Also had three floyds alpha king and avery IP. Both my kinda drinks. I stopped remember ing after that. What I do remember was their cheese fries beeing pretty gross. The guac I must say was pretty good but turned brown by the time I left ewww but thats what happens when it sits out. I enjoyed sitting on the rooftop but didnt enjoy waiting forever for our drinks to arrive seeing how it wasn't packed at the time I went. Supposedly on Saturday nights after midnight they have porn playing on the tvs downstairs but I havent witnessed so dunno. (nothing wrong with that) I probably wouldnt go back unless in the area.
(2)Michele R.
The chilaquiles is AMAZING here! I get this and a bacon yes I said BACON BLOODY MARY when I go for brunch. I've had a pulled pork sandwich and it was huge and I could only finish half. Very moist and delicious too. I swear by this place on brunch and don't be afraid of the menu...they've made their own recipes on basic foods like biscuits and gravy have a "kick" to them. You can't make this food at home and it has me coming back again and again.
(5)Heather K.
Best hand-cut, skin-on french fries I have ever had. No shit. Plenty of booth seating, and an extra room for pool. Domestics run around $2.50-$3.50 (average $3), depending on the specials. Whiskey is half price on Wednesdays. The vibe is kind of edgy, but not in a cheesy 'Exit-esque' way. Late at night, there may be porn on the monitors ("Smut and Eggs"). Aside from the porno meals, there are some other quirky things about this place, such as the fact that they run a Twisted Spoke Softball League. Oh, and did I mention the french fries?
(4)Jesse A.
The Spoke is not really as wheelchair accessible as the votes on this site suggest -- the ramp on the Ogden side is really steep and not in a straight line. The bathrooms are accessible, however, but getting inside on that ridiculous "ramp" is a big challenge. Apparently this is the fault of the City of Chicago regulations for such things... sigh... Watch out for the Bloody Mary's if you're a vegetarian: one comes with salami and cheese floating on top. Actually the owner of the Spoke contacted me and defended his bloody mary's, and this is such a fantastic quote that I'd like to list it here: "any bloody mary worth drinking is not vegetarian. Unless the drink is made with just tomato juice and vodka (which, as I noted, is not worth drinking) virtually all bloodies have worcestershire in them which contains anchovies. It is true that ours may be a little over the top, but we feel that this is better than trying to fool people. " Crazy, but such enthusiasm and intense defense of salami filled bloody marys is admirable. I'll go back, for sure.
(3)Janet E.
This is an ok place if you are looking for sandwiches/burgers/fries type food. During the summer they have the deck open for seating. They have some vegetarian food on the menu but not much. I remember getting the catfish sandwich. The fries were delicious. You cant miss this place with the skeleton riding a motorcycle!
(3)Ted F.
Wost. Service. Ever. On the plus side, the food was mediocre at best. Uninspired burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries and the like. Yawn. You can get better food at McDonald's for a whole lot cheaper, faster & served with a smile. But the service... wow. It set a whole new low for us - we weren't just being passively ignored, our waitress seemed to be actively doing things just to spite us. Food went back several times for glaring omissions and changes requested twice during ordering. When we finally had enough, we asked for our tab. Normally this is when you show customers the most prompt service, to get their money and get them out the door. No such luck here. We were left for nearly 15 minutes without a server in sight. We almost left without paying. Never again. Eat anywhere but here. I suppose this place might appeal to you if you're a brain-dead Harley aficionado with more money & time than sense. It seemed overly kitschy, dingy & downright dirty when we were there. Think a cross between the floor of the Mutiny's Men's room, the "atmosphere" of Ed Debevic's crossed with a redneck biker bar and you're 90% of the way there.
(1)Syngin A.
The Twisted Spoke has a special place in my heart. I wanted to seem cool when I first started dating my boyfriend so I brought him here for the porn and eggs breakfast special. It was actually more funny than sexy because 70's porn (cue that special music, DJ) was on the tv, and we ordered hamburgers. I'm not sure I could swallow eggs with that much hair on tv. The people were really friendly, and other than the decor, I'm not sure what part of it is a biker bar. It is populated by the neighborhood locals, i.e. yuppies and college kids. It is definitely a relaxing and chill hangout in the summer, and I just love this place.
(5)Thomas C.
Been going to Twisted Spoke since 1996 and loved, loved loved every single bite along the way. Used to be small and cramped, then they had rooftop dining and now they have an expansive bar, through it all they've maintained the great burgers, wings and brunch that have made me a big time fan of the spoke. their spirit selections now are just off the hook. Now that the weather is getting nice, have to get back here.
(5)Cheryl B.
5 stars for the Bloody Mary & bourbon list alone! YUM! This is my go-to spot for a Bloody Mary. The rest of their brunch is ok, the chilaquiles are pretty good. Great cheese curds. Wednesday is "Whiskey Wednesday" and the bourbon menu is 50% off - bit hit with my husband and some of our friends. Great beer list too! Bar food is typical bar food. Good nachos, chicken tenders, etc.
(5)Zach J.
Yea the burgers are good here but far from being the "best." I enjoyed my food the atmosphere is kinda neat. They freakin overcooked my burger which pisses me off. It was not severly overcooked, I ordered Medium Rare they gave me Medium. Not a huge deal but if you are the best you better cook it right, C'mon there is a breakfast diner in my neighborhood that gets it right every time! Why can't Twisted Spoke!? I do not have a ton to say other than it was pretty good, but I have had better; therefore, the hype about it being the best is utter B.S. I can name a few places that have a better burger such as: Country House of Clarendon Hills, or Nana Organic in Bridgeport. This is NO "biker bar." It is more for motorcyles of the 40s which is stll cool. No REAL bikers are gonna come in here just yuppies on their crotch rocket Kawasakis that think they are "outlaws"
(3)Marisa C.
Good neighborhood hangout with rooftop deck. Food is good (not amazing) and service is decent. I noticed that the rooftop deck was kind of dirty though (tables not wiped, napkins on the ground). In my opinion, G&O is a better spot.
(3)Kathleen A.
Eh. I came here for hangover brunch Sunday. A friend kept raving about it so off we went. I waited 10 minutes for my coffee. My friends who got bloody mary's both got their drinks way before I did. Not a good first impression. I ordered the eggs with bacon, sausage, and home fries. I can't put my finger on it, but something was missing. I doused my food in salt and pepper but it still didn't taste right. The bloody's were tasty though, and I'm really picky about those. I've been here before and I do know their burgers are delicious, but I'll probably never come back for brunch again.
(2)Anna B.
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.
(4)Ayako M.
Dude, seriously now. You can get MF'ing Elvis French Toast (yes, that's bananas and peanut butter sandwiched between slices of french toast deliciosity) and a beer! AND you can enjoy these two wonderful things on a huge rooftop patio....::sigh:: it doesn't get much better than this. Service could be less ambivalent, but they're not flat out rude.
(4)Nikki C.
I love to hate on this place because it sucks for me that i actually like it. The rooftop on sunny summer days kicks freakin culo, the service is sometimes hit or miss, but the cold beer, the burgers and big gob of nachos always hits me right where i need it when I find myself here time after last time after last time ever again. Yes, I will be back to spend my money here, i will hate myself afterwards, in fact I hate myself for even thinking about this place.(big history with me and the owner so yes there is more to my review), but Twisted Spoke the restaurant, the bar, the place is bigger than he or I, and deserves the credit where its due.
(3)Ryan K.
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.
(1)Amy H.
Here's the thing...I grew up where Harley Davidson's are made. I used to ride with friends and, yes, I have worn chaps in my lifetime. So, I don't really think the bike culture is cool, or hip, or a novelty, which is what Twisted Spoke seems to be saying. This place really bothers me because I feel like I'm in a dive bar/gas station but they charge $6 for a bottle of Miller Lite. No thank you! 3/8/07 ETA: I was contacted by the GM of Twisted Spoke through Yelp. It appears that I was charged incorrectly for my beer and she offered to amend the situation by sending me a gift certificate. Bottle beer at the Twisted Spoke is $4 and not $6. Make sure that you are not overcharged!
(2)Jon E.
I've had most things on the menu by now, and they're all good. Especially memorable are the deviled eggs. They're actually kind of amazing. So is the shrimp po' boy. The meatloaf is really good too... and these fries are addictive. Great now im hungry, and I just ate here last night. I go here for whiskey Wednesdays... and now I'm an educated lover of the spirit. I already loved a good bourbon or scotch before coming here, but at this point I've sampled so many I can actually have an intelligent discussion about the refined world of whiskeys. My plan is to come here more this summer and enjoy the food on the roof deck, I seem to always find myself saddled up to the bar...
(4)Dan E.
I had guests in from out of town and we were driving by this place. It was lunch time and of course they wanted to go here which was allright with me because I've always wanted to try this place. Our party had the chicken burrito, fried egg sandwich, bbq chicken sandwich and patty melt. All in all, the food here is good but I would not go out of my way to eat here. For lunch, the crowd was sparse. I'm sure in the evenings its wall to wall people and the alcohol flows abundantly. I'll be back but at night. I give it 5 stars for atmosphere and alcohol and 3 stars for the food.
(4)Niki C.
Came here with the band & another band for lunch after a hard night of singing & boozing. I have no idea what we ordered, but what I do remember is that we had a great time in a cool setting. Great after a long night, if you know what I mean....
(3)Gail C.
yeipeeee! (oops, meant yippee) This place is a great place for a burger and draft before a hockey game! I had a fatboy with provolone. Damn! Thick, juicy, fries with just the right amount of seasoning on them... Also, couldn't forget the floor show. There was a really, really drunk chick at the bar. Making out (falling all over) this guy! Everyone was watching. Food A+ Floor show A+
(4)olivia p.
3.5 stars. came here before a bulls game so had to have a drink and a fatboy burger. had a vesper. a very strong vesper. =) burger was good. don't know what else to stay. reasonably priced. heard good things about other things on the menu, so would definitely go back and try some other dishes. if burgers were the only thing on the menu though, there are other burger places i like better.
(3)Tobia C.
Strangely enough...this motorcycle themed bar/restaurant has the best Bloody Mary that you are going to find. Salami, pickles, and cocktail onions garnish the drink...served with a beer back. The food is decent...but it's not going to make you write home (do, however, write a yelp review). The roof deck makes it all the more enjoyable in nicer weather.
(4)Tracy M.
Great outdoor deck upstairs! The BEST fried egg sandwhich (one of the main reasons I come here). Good specials. Tons of drink options. Most of the food is good but not great and service is wishy washy (sometimes good and other times not).
(4)Elizabeth A.
The extra star is for our great server. I'd heard great things about Twisted Spoke from my good friend. Since I live down the street I figured I'd check it out for Sunday breakfast. Unfortunately, TS did not live up to the hype. First, when we asked for lemon with our water one of the busboys brought us 1 lemon held in his bare hand. If we hadn't stopped him he would have dropped it into my glass. We had to tell him to bring back the lemon wedges on a dish or a napkin. Next, my friend ordered the bacon tempura. When it arrived it did not look like the dish she remembered. Turns out TS changed the recipe. She sent it back. When or entrees arrived one friend's biscuits and gravy was cold, my other friend's order was wrong, and my poached eggs were overcooked. Our server fixed everything and even comped our drinks. Still the food was disappointing after such a big buildup. I hope they go back to the old menu and recipes soon.
(2)Jessica M.
Fun outdoor terrace seating with a biker theme. I had the chili-killas which were just OK, I've had better. The corn beef hash was pretty good. The bloody Marys looked good at the table over. Overall the food is forgettable the place has potential.
(3)Ry O.
Twisted Spoke has gone down-hill quite a bit over the past several months. The menu has been parred down significantly, and two of our favorite dishes removed from the menu. The rest of the menu is pretty basic and underwhelming, and burgers remain your best choice. The drink and whisky selection is still solid (though no less than three of the drafts we attempted to order were out). Service has always been spotty, and it's gotten to the point where I don't want to go there anymore (I've been here MANY times over the years). The last visit (which is typical of most of my visits), beer was never offered to be refilled, check took forever, and server only appeared to take our order and bring our check. It wasn't even that busy. If you're looking to drink on their rooftop, this is still probably a solid pick.
(2)Michael A.
Sat at the bar for brunch and had a great day of people watching. Chilaquiles were delicious. Just the right amount of food and every bite delicious. This place has a ridiculous Spirit and Beer menu. Service was great, barstaff was very friendly and a delight to chat with. I missed out on the bloody marys, but you should see these things. Straight up legit. Next time I will be getting one of those. Good place to be at listening to the escapades of Saturday and starting off your day on the right foot. I have been plenty of times to just chill on the rooftop deck and enjoy the sun and a cold beer.
(4)Jim T.
Went to the Twisted Spoke with my wife and father-in-law for Sunday morning brunch. This place has a pretty cool biker bar vibe and their menu has a "cure your hangover" theme that is pretty funny, with a variety of Bloody Mary selections to back it up. I went with the classic, extra spicy, which was a fine drink, although I was too full to sample the meaty & pickle-bristled garnish that accompanied it. We arrived around noon and found that the restaurant was busy, but not to the point where we had to wait long for a table. It's not a huge venue in winter. In the summer months they have a roof-top patio, so I'm sure there will be a lot more elbow room when the weather warms up. It does get fairly crowded, though, so I would recommend against bringing large groups without reservations, small kids, claustrophobes, or chainsaws. The food is good. It won't take you on a mystical journey or anything, but the items we ordered were solid, tasty, and hit the spot. I went for the much-lauded fried egg sandwich, and I wasn't disappointed. It's messy, so I wouldn't recommend ordering it if you're on a first date, wearing a tuxedo, or both. My wife did the same, but on a pretzel bun. I have to admit that she won brunch that day, and I will probably do the pretzel bun thing the next time I'm there. My father-in-law had the steak and eggs and loved them. The steak was flavorful and well cooked...which is to say they did a good job cooking it (he ordered it medium). We also had the banana fritters, which are more pancakey than frittery, but still very tasty. Our server was professional and attentive. As I said, it was busy, but we were frequently visited for coffee & water re-fills. My one complaint is that whoever was in charge of the music that day didn't seem to get the theme. Whenever something like Hendrix, Zeppelin, or Sabbath made an appearance, the channel was quickly changed to something decidedly more wimpy. At one point they played R. Kelly. R KELLY?!? This is supposed to be a BIKER JOINT! Take that "I Believe I Can Fly" crap somewhere else! Whatever...I still had a terrific meal. I love the atmosphere, and my wife and I will definitely stroll in on a Friday or Saturday night for a couple of drinks. We live nearby and will definitely visit again.
(4)Keith A.
Do you like whisky, rye, or bourbon? Do you like beer? If the answer to both of these is a resounding yes, then you need to run, not walk to the Twisted Spoke. The last time I was here was in my pre-yelp days. I've well been overdue for a return trip, so the opportunity finally presented itself and I jumped all over it. The vibe was really relaxed and it was gorgeous outside. Being that I came on a staurday night, a wait for the rooftop wasn't unexpected. Since my friend and I knew we were gonna be there for a bit, it was time to order up some rye. My eyes darted around at what was up there, so naturally I went for the more rare ryes. The best part was that the prices were extremely reasonable considering I wasn't messing around with what I got. When the rooftop table was ready, it was beer time. I loved the range of beers on their list. They still had some hard to find stouts on tap along with having a good range of styles. Twisted Spoke is a massive win in my books. Even more dangerous is that I was told they do half off whiskeys on Wednesdays, so if you want to sample stuff that is über hard to get, this is ground zero for that. Needless to say, it won't be anywhere near as long before my next trip.
(5)Dylan M.
Not sure why I haven't written a review for the Spoke before this but it's past due. It's a great places to meet up before a united center event. Easy to find free parking and leave cars to carpool over to your event. Beer lovers will be lost in their HUGE selection of beers there offer on tap/bottles/cans. And the food is awesome. Constantly awarded for best cheap eats they offer a large variety of yummy foods. Oh can't forget to give a shoutout to the tunes crankin in the bar... always rockin. And in the summer a great place to hit the rooftop for brunch. Bloody Mary with a beer back could be lunch in itself with the amount of things they stuff in those thangs. The only thing I have constantly encountered over the many many years I have been here as a fault are the bartenders service. Not sure if because they feel they have to keep their tough edgy persona up or what but often times they are not friendly or service oriented and ignore u seemingly purposefully. Whatevz I keep comin back so no biggy.
(4)Mark S.
The Bloody Marys are pretty good, but if you want a decent burger don't go here. We sent our burgers back because they were so overdone and they brought out replacements that were just as bad. For $12 I expect more. The fries were terrible too.
(1)Jay N.
We went on a weekday for lunch so it wasn't that busy. Parking on the street can be difficult but based on the intersections, there are plenty of places to park your car. We were seated promptly and it is decorated with motorcycle memorabilia along with bottled beers. My wife had the burger special that is only $10 for the burger, fries, and a beverage, which includes the cheaper draft beers or a soft drink. I went with the shrimp po boy and upgraded for $2 for onion rings and chose one of their draft beers (I was off work). The service was attentive and gave us advice on some recommendations based on our preferences. The po boy on baguette instead of a french roll worked since the shrimp was pretty tender. The onion ring upgrade wasn't worth it based on quantity. Overall, a nice place for lunch
(4)Klassic C.
Pretty regular/ bland food to me but my hubby loved the burgers the drinks where different I'm not a big bourbon fan so that was an experience in itself we went after hours and the porn was the hairiest porn I've ever seen in all my years .... I gave it 3 stars based on my hubby love of the burgers and the fact they play porn
(3)Zach F.
Nice little place. Food was good, but not great or memorable. But it was also really reasonably priced for what it was. The bartender on Monday night was friendly and helpful. They also have a pretty good beer list, and when I was there, they had Parabola on tap and it wasn't on the list. Bartender was letting me and other guests taste beers if we weren't sure. Will definitely be back.
(4)Sarah S.
Great burgers Slow service.. Not sure why, but it is Good specials on drinks and they aren't light handed
(4)Marcee W.
Beautiful sunny Spring day, rooftop desk, good friends and bloody Mary's with salami and cheese! Heaven! Although I was surprised by the two poached eggs on top of the gumbo, it was delicious. My friend both enjoyed bleu cheese burgers and home-cut, seasoned fries. Waitress was pleasant and attentive and the biker atmosphere made me long for the feel of the wind in my hair.
(4)Shannon W.
Cool spot! I just had lunch here with my sales rep in Chicago, service was great and the food was really tasty. When she first told me it was a 'bikers bar' I was a bit apprehensive, but it was totally chill and I was very happy with everything. I wish we could have had a drink as they had a ton of beers and a variety of liquors, but we just stuck to water. Anyway, I ordered a buffalo chicken sandwich with a soup as a side (extra $2). The soup was awesome & the sandwich was very tasty. I like that the server checked up on us a few times. She was great. Prices are very reasonable. I was told they have an awesome rooftop, I'd love to check it out when the weather is nice.
(4)Sandra T.
Holy Mother of Sandwiches! I'm a huge fan of Buffalo chicken. This is hands down the best buffalo chicken sandwich I've ever had. Perfect balance of sauce and blue cheese, fresh bread and quality chicken. And say HELLO to tempura bacon! YUUMMM!!!! Rooftop seating is very relaxing, service was friendly and timely. I hate bloody Mary's, but almost wanted to try one after seeing tray after tray of them brought out. Will I go back? Oh Hells yeah!!!
(5)Rosie H.
I honestly don't get the appeal of this place. I came here with a group of 4 for brunch and we were seated at a dirty table and handed nasty paper menus. I'm fine with paper menus, but the whole point is that you can reprint them often, no? It took our waitress 15 minutes to approach our table and she immediately asked what we wanted, no small talk although she was more than happily chatting up other tables. Odd. We had our orders ready b/c we'd been sitting there so long. However, it turns out that for brunch, only one page of the menu is actually available. Would have been nice if someone had explained that to us when we sat down. The food took forever to come out and was mediocre. I guess it wasn't the worst meal I've ever had, but I got the feeling that the people working there could have cared less that we were spending money in their establishment. I don't make a habit of paying people to treat me with total indifference.
(2)Rizzle M.
Came here at 12 am for burgers. The Fatboy. Huge and delicious (that's what she said). Exellent beer selection, ridiculous whiskeys, and out of this world bloody mary's. This place is a must. Cheers!
(5)Bryan R.
Where do I begin?? We had a big group. We called a week in advance and confirmed that we'd need a table for ten. We called 30 minutes before arrival, and the person on the phone confirmed that we'd have a table for ten on the roof. When we arrived, the roof was full, but we didn't think that was a big deal. They placed us in the back. No one came for ten minutes, and when Sarah, our waitress, arrived, she left immediately to get us waters (which she would not be back with for another ten minutes). We finally ordered, and they brought out everyone's food but ONE person in our party. The waitress asked if she took his order. He said yes. She then said, "Well, then I swear I put it in. I put it in!" Okay, Sarah. We don't care if you put it in or not...just go get the burger. Five minutes later, they arrived with the wrong burger. The man in our group politely let the server know it was incorrect. He took it back. He returned, ten minutes later, with another burger with the wrong toppings. The man didn't want to cause a fuss, so he took the burger and started removing the onions with his hands. The waiter (in a red ball cap) then came up and said he needed to take the burger back because it was meant for someone else. The man in our group said, "But I just took the onions off WITH MY FINGERS." And the waiter goes, "That's okay." He turns around and takes the plate to another table. We were so in shock that, unfortunately, we didn't say anything in the moment. Sarah then returned to say that they DID bring his burger out, and that someone else in our party ate it. We were confused. The man then simply asked to have his burger made to go, because by now an hour had passed and everyone was finished eating. We set up our cards - writing our names on the receipt and putting them in order - to give them to Sarah to charge. NOTHING was offered for all of the horribly service. I personally do not think the man who never got his food should have had to pay. We did not even get an apology. Lastly, it took Sarah THIRTY MINUTES to charge our cards. I will never be returning to this restaurant and I am sure no one else in my group will as well. Their standards and service are horrific, and Sarah was beyond incompetent. I'm not one to leave reviews like this but I'm so angry that I had to say something. Don't go here unless you're comfortable knowing another customer may have touched your food before you.
(1)Kayla L.
Decided to try Twisted Spoke for my birthday brunch on Sunday December 7th. We got there around 12:30pm and the place was pretty packed. We had a group of 12 with us. The hostess was very nice and she explained we needed to wait for a table so we can go to the bar and order drinks while we wait. The bartenders weren't very friendly but then again they where probably just very busy. I was amazed at the size of the Menu. They have so many options and they even have a menu called Hangover Hospital which is cool. I ordered the Road Rash Bloody Mary and I have to say I was not impressed. They have about 5-6 different types of Bloodys. I am a HUGE fan of Bloody Marys to. I tried other Bloody Marys that my friends ordered and I was not impressed with any of them. In fact, some of them had to order something else to drink because it was not good. As soon as we got sat our waiter was awesome. He was on top of it the entire time! The food is pretty good, not amazing but good. The fried bacon with tempura is great, I would order that again. I got a hamburger and was not to impressed, it tasted like any other hamburger. Everyone else at their table really liked their food. I do like the atmosphere it's a fun place. I would go back again but not specifically for the Bloody Marys but probably to try something different off of their food menu.
(3)Al D.
Brunch fanatics be like "Oh em gee Bloody Maryz!" Otherwise, everything here is fried and dripping in grease. The bacon in the burger was fried with the burger; soft, greasy and tasting like nothing. Yuck. For a place that used to be in Wrigleyville, there's nothing truly "biker" or "edgy" about it. And I think they still do "smut n'eggs" occasionally. Keep it classy guzzling your 500 calorie BM...
(2)Mario J.
Just had one of the worst experiences ever at a restaurant. My wife and I ordered a chicken sandwich with onion rings and a burger with a side salad. The chicken was a mystery piece that was mostly fat and grizzle. The onion rings were weren't really onion rings, they were shoestring onions-not as described on the menu (which were filthy and disgusting to even hold). The burger was served on a giant stale bun with a side salad that had absolutely no flavor. My wife's warm beer with extra head arrived after the food. The pickle was very good, but that's about it. I have never written a review on the internet, but I felt compelled after this experience. All of this was brought to our servers attention very politely, and she said our bill would be adjusted. After another 15 minutes of waiting, the chicken was removed off of the bill ($14), and so was the side salad ($2). The complaints about the burger however were not timed properly according to our server so it could not be removed from our bill. So....$30 for 2 beers and a few bites of barely edible food....bad deal.
(1)Taylor P.
The food has changed... Menu is half the size and more expensive. The quality is gone and mixed. Service. What happened?
(1)Karry L.
So, after years of fruitless searching I've finally discovered a legitimate reason for the continued existence of brunch: to subsidize things such as half-off whiskey Wednesdays, which is basically what it sounds like (it sounds like angels). They don't fuck around either: the selection covers bourbon to scotch to Japanese to more obscure types, and includes bottles at every price point, from Ten High to both flavors of Gentleman (Kentucky and Virginia) to Black Maple Hill to the legendary and rarely-spotted Pappy Van Winkle (4 different vintages, even). There's another thing called "the Butch" where you can pay $2 and receive a randomly selected shitty beer from their cooler; think somewhere between off-brand Schlitz and Steel Reserve. At some point, these two "shot girls" from Jim Beam made the rounds to offer samples of their new honey whiskey mixed with pink lemonade. It was uncomfortably sweet, but I also got a free beehive-shaped shot glass and an eyeful of cleavage, so it wasn't a total loss. My friend ordered nachos with what appeared to be pulled pork piled on top. It didn't look great. There's apparently other food here during non-brunch, after-work hours, but those details fade quickly into irrelevancy. There is a $4 glass of Weller Special Reserve with your name on it, and you have a job to do. Recommend if: you feel compelled to sample the entire family of whiskeys that start with "Old..." (Crow, Grand-dad, Forester, Fitzgerald, Bardstown, Overholt, Pogue, Ezra 101, et al).
(5)Doug N.
Hidden jewel. Great bloody Mary's. Very unique bloody recipes. Roof top dining is recommended. Po boy is one of the best I have had. The brisket barely fits in your mouth iris so huge. Fantastic. Ask for Colleen P
(5)Bodie S.
Twisted Spoke is easily identifiable by the giant, spinning motorcycle on the roof of the building. This place is right down the street from my friend's apartment, so we decided to eat here before I headed back to Indianapolis. The place is really interesting--it has a dive bar feel, but also a restaurant-like atmosphere. There were people drinking downstairs at the bar, and we opted to sit outside on the upstairs patio. It was a little chilly/windy, but nice when the sun came out. The easiest way to warm up is with alcohol. I ordered a fine craft beer, an IPA if memory recalls, though I can't think of the name, and enjoyed the overlook of the westside while we looked through the menu. I ordered the meatloaf sandwich, which consisted of tangy meatloaf on garlic buttered Texas toast covered in spicy mustard. The sandwich was out of this world. I enjoyed every single bite of it. The meatloaf sandwich was accompanied by coleslaw, a load of fries, and a pickle. Arguably, and technically, it was a perfect meal. I loved everything about it. I will absolutely return to this place to eat, drink, skip rope, play backgammon, or talk horse trading. I definitely recommend Twisted Spoke for your anything and everything.
(5)Steph U.
Super disappointing. I came in to look at the menu one day and got super excited to try this place out. When I came here, it was unorganized, which ended up messing up our whole meal. We were told there was a 15 minute wait for the patio upstairs, so we decided to wait. We were told we could wait in another dining section and order drinks and whatnot. We decided to order some appetizers, but this turned out to be a horrible mistake. We told our server that we were still waiting to move upstairs and we wanted to make sure that if we moved before we got our appetizers that they would go to the same place. Our waiter told us that it'd be fine, so we went ahead and ordered. We ended up moving a few minutes after that, and once again told multiple people (the host who was reseating us and our waiter) that we had ordered appetizers and we wanted to make sure they would be sent to the right place. I'm not sure what ended up happening, but after the host re-sat us, we never got a new waitress or any silverware. The only reason we had water was because we brought it from downstairs. After waiting a good 10-15 minutes of no one coming over, we called over a random server and told her that we were ready to order and we wanted to know where our appetizers were. She took our order and said she'd check on our appetizers. Our food ended up coming before our appetizers did, but we still didn't have any silverware. The food was mediocre at best and I ended up sending mine back, because it was really overcooked (I ordered the seared tuna sandwich -- it even says on the menu that it's supposed to be very rare). Our appetizers tasted like microwaved crappy college junk food. When I was initially trying to send back my food, I had to flag down a different waitress, because I had no idea where our waitress went and WOW, she was a mean b***h!! She was super rude and obviously annoyed that I had tried to ask her about my food. I tried to see her name tag, but I didn't catch it. She had dark hair, tan skin and looked maybe Filipino or maybe hispanic. This waitress alone is the reason I've dropped this review from 2 stars to 1. There's no need to be so utterly mean! Anyway, she sent over our waitress and I showed her that my food was overcooked and I asked to not have them make a new one. I ended up splitting my boyfriend's burger with him and that was one of the few redeeming qualities of this restaurant. Our waitress seemed busy, but she tried to be attentive and friendly and she took off my sandwich off of our bill, which was nice. She was blonde, but I don't remember her name either. I think overall a lot of what happened was a misunderstanding and miscommunication, which sucks, but nothing could change my mind about this place after that one rude waitress. Oh also, the seating outside upstairs is strange. The tables are very small and I guess you're supposed to sit with a bar in between your legs? TL;DR: Rude waitress and bleh food. I won't be coming back. If you're forced to come, get a burger and try to get the blonde waitress.
(1)Brittany P.
Was not impressed with this place. I had heard about it from a few friends so decided to give it a try for some Sunday bloodies. Service was extremely slow, not attentive, and seemed like the waiter kept ignoring our table. Maybe this was a one off time, but looks like a few other yelpers have had the same issue. They do have a decent selection of bloodies, but meh nothing I would return for.
(2)Carl G.
My father and I ventured out to this restaurant in search of some good eats. Unfortunately, what we got was mediocre at best. My father Philip Vincent Grueger IV ordered fish tacos that he said tasted like Filet-O-Fish from the Golden Arches. One thing I must note is that while going to the bathroom, the door for the Men's room was labeled "Dicks", which I felt was very offensive. I ordered a cheeseburger with cheddar cheese cooked medium-well, and some fries. The burger was a bit over-cooked, and the fries tasted like nothing. The only thing that was good about Spokes was the service, as it was very fast considering the large crowd. Us Gruegers are forgiving people so I may be back to give those nice folks a second chance but the first experience was quite subpar. There are better places to eat in The Chi.
(2)Sarah S.
I bookmarked The Twisted Spoke forever ago after seeing it on Chicago's Best. They showed the deep fried goodness items I knew I had to try plus various Bloody Marys I knew my friend would appreciate. I finally went a couple weeks ago and am really glad I did. Street parking is a bit rough to find but that's the parking option. The atmosphere is super chill and kind of biker meets metal. We had no issue getting seats for a late weekday lunch. I was happy to see they had 5 Rabbit on tap but only Vida Muerte which is not my favorite from the brewer. $6 for a bottle and I guzzled it right down! I tried a bit of my friend's Road Rash Bloody Mary that they are famous for - oOoO spicy! Going here, I had a goal to try all the deep fried items I had seen on Chicago's Best so we had a feast of appetizers! Tempura bacon $5 - Amazeballs. I've had deep fried bacon before but having it in tempura batter is what makes this the best deep fried bacon I've tried. It melted in my mouth and was a fantastic spin on the swine candy. Fried cheese curds $6 - Delicious! They use Wisconsin cheddar cheese which is a bit different than the usual cheese curds. They were very deep fried, maybe a tad too much, but man were they good. Ooey, gooey, yum. Wild Ones $8 - Loved this. Deep frying + Mushrooms = Healthy, right? Deep fried mushrooms in 4 varieties, I believe it was. One of those varieties was portobello which are a personal favorite of mine! Yum! All three of these deep fried goodnesses were served with at least one dipping sauce. I'd get any of these apps again, but I have my eye on the grilled cheese for the next time I stop in. And yes, there will definitely be a next time!
(4)Some G.
DANGER DRINK HERE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!! Careful what beer you drink. I had their porter and had a massive migraine the next day
(1)Amy R.
I was so ready to be madly, head-over-heels in love with Twisted Spoke. Id heard for ages that it is the best brunch EVER with amazing bloody marys and a fun, weird vibe. I had been trying to get there for ages, but schedules never worked out. Finally today, after all the anticipation, waiting, and downright jonesin for a Bloody Mary, we went. WE WENT. ...and I didn't love it. I HATE WHEN THAT HAPPENS. We got there around 11:00am on a Saturday and didn't have to wait - in fact, the place was kinda emptyish. Which was fine by me, because we were starved. A server swung by right away, and my friend ordered a plain old Bloody Mary, but I wanted to peruse the options prior to ordering. When he returned, I ended up just getting coffee, because all of their zany Bloody Marys are made with liquor other than vodka, which makes me want to throw up (tequila + tomato juice?! Get out of my FACE). So we went on to order our food, and because I had heard such AMAZING things, we tried a bunch of stuff. Pre-meal, we got the deep fried bacon. Oh yeah, you read that right. And it is EXACTLY what you're thinking. Tempura battered, deep fried slices of delicious bacon, served with a sort of Asian dipping sauce, and a tangy radish-based slaw. This is a 5-star plate of heaven. Being tempura battered, it doesn't feel greasy or disgusting, which is bizarre, because you're eating DEEP FRIED BACON. The sauce was delightful, and the slaw was the perfect, palette cleansing accompaniment. It was perfect. Then I ordered chilaquiles, and my friend got the biscuits with heart attack gravy. The dishes looked lovely, but the flavor was just so/so. My chilaquiles had a red sauce without a ton of spice in it, and I felt myself reaching for the salt more than once. The biscuits and gravy were pretty standard, but my friend added Sriracha sauce to make it worthwhile. Then we split the banana fritters, which were PARADISE - deep fried pancakes PACKED with banana goodness and a sweet, fluffy texture, accompanied by butter and syrup. I coulda eaten a mountain of those. In fact, maybe that's the way to go - order lots of their small plate items and share - since that's what we loved the most. From the drinks to the service to the food to the decor, most everything was just fine here. Maybe my anticipation had set the bar too high. Maybe my brunch palette has officially moved into snob territory. Maybe the Twisted Spoke is just ok. I probably won't be back to find out, but if you're in the area and jonesin for brunch, you wouldn't be doing yourself a disservice to check it out. Oh also, if you write an honest, 3-star review about the service and experience here, you get a nasty message from presumably the owner, not sure who, insulting you and your review. Tread lightly!
(3)Dani W.
Driven past Twisted Spoke for 6 years now and finally went in for brunch. Great chill place for a drink and great food. I had the breakfast burrito and requested my eggs to be extra hard poached on the side... sounds simple, right! Well that's is just what I got. A+ to our waiter and the chef! You can't believe how hard it is to get a hard poached egg at a restaurant. My husband had a burger and fries (homemade) and said it was delish. We also had to tried the banana fritters and panko bacon, totally unique flavors. We will for sure be going back and looking forward to warmer weather to try out the rooftop patio.
(4)John H.
Great environment, good food, awesome bloody marys. They have a standard bloody made with vodka and a bunch or other cool ones with rum, tequila, etc. I've tried a few of them and they were all great, perfect place to turn a hangover into a good afternoon.
(4)Rachael Z.
I've been here numerous times, and it's amazing every time! It's typically a Sunday for a Bloody Mary and brunch, so my review is based on Brunch alone. FOOD: I love that they have a specific brunch menu; they have some very inventive items with a mixture of flavors, but there's not really anything here that's not good. I've had the shrimp po-boy (great shrimp, fixings and bread), but ever since trying the burger, can't stray from from that. If I so much as mention this restaurant to my husband, he drools thinking of the burger - lots of toppings, and he highly recommends an egg on top! They do it best here. The fries are delish, and the ranch dressing (request it on the side) is homemade and awesome. DRINK: Bloody mary's are incredible here. They use sriracha, so it has a good, bold spice to it. Lots of salami, cheese and veggies! PRICE: Totally reasonable, and you'll have leftovers. Or at least you should...portions are huge. If you're hungover like many of my trips, you may not have much to bring home! LOCATION: Kind of a goofy spot, but there's definitely nothing competing near-by. Parking is easy to come by and you can stop by Starbucks across the street on the way out.
(5)Leah B.
Writing this review after going to this place several times and having the same type of experience. I don't know why I keep going back. Probably because it's close to where I live. Food is so so. Average. Nothing to write home about. But what I do believe is worth writing about, is the consistently awful service. The servers and bartenders both, just out and out rude. The first few times I came in I thought it was like some sort of "Ed Debevics" thing like the staff is supposed to be rude on purpose. After asking, and finding out that the rude attitudes are not a "staged" thing, it just made me think, why is EVERY staff member so miserable. The only explanation I can come up with is the ownership and management. Usually when there's a consistent problem, it starts from the top and trickles down. It's just a shame that our amazing neighborhood of West Town can't be home to a welcoming and friendly eatery. Hopefully these guys will shut down soon and someone worth doing business with will open in their spot.
(1)Mark H.
Cluttered with biker paraphernalia from the skeleton on a motorcycle down to the handlebar doorknob entrance and finally the metal serving dishes, the decor is blatant in keeping true to its theme. The location is in an awkward point of the city where the street juxtapose in strange angles not the usual perpendicular map like structure that encompasses most of Chicago. This triangular corner is as confusing as the nature of this joint. I've tried this place out several times. The conclusion is if you're looking for a good dive bar with an excellent whiskey selection and a decent staff in attentiveness, this place is it. But, if you're looking for decent, quality food try elsewhere. Their famous burgers were nothing to brag home about especially at $ 14. Gimme a break. The staff was a hit or miss. The seats were uncomfortable. The pours were very bartender dependent. Overall I can see this as a tourist haven. I'm surprised they don't sell t-shirts there. For someone looking to add this place as a regular rotation, all I can say is Twisted Spoke is a cleverly named but in most cases what you do w/ a twisted spoke...you throw it out?!
(2)Liza O.
i went for brunch after hearing good things about this place. I ordered a pear bellini, which was sort of weird, but ok. Points for actually serving it in a champagne flute, which most places fail to do. Service was prompt and polite. My friend wasn't too impressed by the coffee, but it served it's purpose as a source of caffeine I guess. I ordered the mexican scramble and my friend ordered the breakfast burrito. The scramble was good, nice cheese. And the burrito was proclaimed to be the best ever. So points for twisted spoke there. I was also impressed by the nice selection of beers. Definitely need to come back and drink some of those in the summer on the roof.
(4)Edward H.
Twisted Spoke is a place where riders come to chow down and nerds/yuppies gather to feel bad ass. As the name implies, there's a biker theme to this establishment (no not the ones you pedal) - from the handlebar doorhandles to the various bike parts on the wall. The staff here are cool and knows how to treat ya right. The food quality here is consistently good. I love coming here for their Biker Brunch menu - the star of the show would have to be their fried egg sandwich (3-4" tall, thick fried eggs, cheese, thick slices of bacon, mayo, thick slices of toasted buttered bread, ... and I think there was some form of lettuce and tomato in there). Basically a heart attack on a plate... but it's so good that you'll forget all the exercise and visits to the cardiologist this baby will require afterward. They've also great BBQ sandwiches such as their pulled pork (free range pigs... go figure). Falafels aren't bad either - quote from their menu "made from women peas - the peas formerly known as chick." Elvis french toast is good stuff as well (french toast + PB + bananas = CRAZY DELICIOUS). *+10pts if you can tell me where I ripped that off from.* Warm weather will allow for a sunny meal out on their upper story deck. Saturday midnights feature their Smut & Eggs - that's what staff shirts say at least. All in all, Twisted is just a kick ass place to be.
(4)Brandon H.
Best burger in the city, hands down. Great beer selection and great service have made this a monthly stop for me & my friends. Do yourself a favor and try the BBQ Nachos. Holy crap.
(5)Kate H.
Great place, but I don't know how I feel about seeing so many yuppies hanging out in a 'biker bar.' I grew up around the backwoods biker bars of the Midwest, and this place is pretty authentic in its atmosphere (greezy old aluminum tables, and multiple pieces of biker paraphernalia), but not so much in its clientele. Either way, they serve great brunch. Try the Road Rash -- their spin on a Bloody Mary. Instead of being served with a sprig of celery, though, they use salami, green olives, and hot peppers on a skewer for the garnish. To top it off, it's served with a beer chaser. The scrambles are awesome, as well as the buckwheat pancakes.
(4)HK L.
it pains me. really, it's like having to listen to some bullshit five year old shit that's hip again in you little sister's car. awful. i live in memphis, work in dallas, kill time in tulsa. as you can read, it pretty much blows. now and again i get to take the metal hot dog on the company dime to the big, bad city of chicago. let's cut to the chase..... when i do; i go to a bar called the twisted spoke on ogden and something. it's pretty fucking cool since i'm a motorcycle afficianado, nacho lover, and drinker. normally when i go in there's a bunch of hot rocker chicks that remember me (that's why you get five stars). and me? i kind of dig that. however, today i'm told that the short abrasive blondie (yeah right) is not working the normal days. listen. and hear me later. i only get to roll in that bar twice a year. please discontinue w/ the getting rid of the hot chicks. i can get nachos anywhere, hk
(5)Doug H.
Whiskey Lover's Paradise. It had been a couple years since I had been to the spoke when they only had that little length of bar in the back that wasn't that inviting. I went there recently to meet some friends on Whiskey Wednesday. OMFG!!! I can't tell you how much I was surprised. Yes, the bar is in front and longer now but that's not why. The whiskey selection was the best I've seen in Chicago. Yes, there may be some bars that carry more of the standards of scotch but who wants the same old same old anymore? Wednesdays are 1/2 all brown liquor. Even if it's not brown yet. Even if it's not whiskey yet. I tried a 41 year old Scotts scotch from 1964 for $16.50, my standard of Glen Fiddich Solera Reserve and I couldn't resist trying out a single malt spirit. Yes, SPIRIT!!! What scotch and whiskey are before they are three years old. Ever had whiskey straight from the still? It's a young taste that's only found in spirits. I was so impressed that they not only carried this rare booze but they had a surprising selection of it. The Spoke also has an impressive selection of whiskey, bourbon and scotch (my fav.). Jonnie Walker Blue... yes, but who cares. There's so much more high end it make Blue look like McDonalds compared to a back yard BBQ. I'm going back as soon as I can to expand my ever growing scotch tasting history. Oh, and the cheese curds were yummie.
(5)Denise N.
i am a firm believer in the old adage. " Don't Yuck my yum" with that being said i will not say "yuck" to Twisted Spoke, but I sure as hell am not saying 'yum'. I'm thinking about settling on a "WTF, eeew." this place got rave reviews from everyone. the bloody's are supposedly the best in town. the burgers made with love. not so. the bloody's were ok. the burger took for freaking ever and it didnt taste like anything, not even with all the condiments that i put on it. Two stars 'cause someone else says that there's Jack Daniels on tap. I'm a Jack lovin' kinda girl.
(2)Mo L.
I've only been in the city about two weeks, but as far as finger food / pub food goes, this place holds its own. I recommend the cheesy nachos and fried portabella mushrooms. There is also a nice selection of beers on tap. However, the service is only fair to good. You'd think they'd be happy that my group ran up a huge tab, but if they can't keep up with the customers, their attitude shows.
(3)Jonathan S.
This place has been great in the past, but it can be hit or miss for brunch. For example, today our group had to wait over 2 hours for a table and after being seated it took them nearly 45 minutes to bring us our food. One of the orders was forgotten, so one of our party was not able to eat until over 3 hours after arriving.
(3)Lindsay M.
great food amazing staff always sweet. wide variety of amazing drinks, beers and great food. i've eaten there many times and always have great, great food never a problem. many of the negative reviews are from people who clearly have a negative personality and are just angry people!! It's a bar/restaurant that has a bikes all over the place if you're expecting a classy place maybe you came to the wrong place! im just saying the place plays porn on saturdays and thats alright by me, not to mention half priced whiskey wednesdays!
(5)kate s.
i miss the wrigleyville location!!!!!!!! Pulled pork is delicious!
(5)Tom S.
I've been going here for a very long time. Just went for breakfast after a long bender at Three Floyds Brewery in Indiana. I had some sort of gumbo omlette skillet thingy. It was pretty damn good. I was losing faith in this place...I'd see those little fruit flies buzzing around and the food wad just blah. So this visit really brought it back. The road rash bloody mary was exactly what I needed, and who else has Surly beer on tap? Or Founder's Kentucky Breakfast?? Double-friggin'-yum. I'm not one for eating outside...it never made sense to me that you pay to eat somewhere and end up outside with the bugs, dust, and wind blowing shit all over the place. If you like that sort of thing...go upstairs and save the air conditioning for me you moron. I went for smut and eggs once...by accident. It was a little odd sitting next to beautiful women and acting like hardcore porn wasn't on the television, but it was alright after a few drinks. I'm not sure how it's gonna work with the new bar setup, but I intend to return soon. Porn or not.
(4)Amanda L.
Food is terrible, service is slow. I've gotten dirty dishes here. I only stop here when friends are dying for one of their drink specials. I'm not a snob but this is definitely not my kind of place. Just feels dirty, especially on the grimy rooftop.
(1)Jennifer C.
a staple. good beer selection, nice tunes, and a rooftop deck. the clientele has really switched to the SUV stroller mommy types, but it's still a good place to hang.
(5)Theresa K.
i love twisted spoke! they have the best weekend brunch and the best decor! it's fun, rock'n roll, motorcycle theme/restaurant with plenty of food, drinks, and attitude! cheers! if you plan on going, don't miss out on eating brunch on the rooftop.
(5)Mark P.
Decent bar food. Enjoyed dinner and brews on the rooftop during the summer.
(3)Adam K.
hands down the best bloody mary in the city. outside of hopleaf, one of the best beer selections around as well. the burgers are excellent. the rooftop pushes it over the edge. in the summer, this is one of the best places in the city to have a drink.
(5)Lee M.
great place for lunch. the fatboy burgers are awesome and comes with a choice of drink which includes select domestic bottles. the beer selection is one of the best in the city, so many to choose from. food is great but service can be slow at times depending on the time you are there.
(4)Purnima M.
I really like this place, much to my surprise! We were walking by, looking for somewhere to pass an hour's wait for a table at Butterfly Sushi, and the skeleton on the motorbike outside was an immediate draw! Thankfully, this is so much more than a biker bar. They mixed some mean drinks - the absinthe cocktail and mardi gras specials were pretty potent! And I was truly impressed by their range of beers - they've paid special attention to local and regional microbrews, and have some hard-to-find ones on the list. We ended up nibbling a bit too, and they have some of the best, most gourmet, jalapeno poppers I've tried, although that seems like a contradiction in terms :) We'll be back, and not just while we're waiting on a table elsewhere. The only downside was they were renovating, and the space seemed a bit cramped. I'm sure this is just temporary though.
(4)candace l.
Oh how I miss this place. I used to live right down the street so it was a natural choice for brunch (their breakfast tacos? YUM) and cocktails. The service has been up to par and they have a great rooftop patio that's a hit in the summer! Oh, and my friend swears by their bloody mary's as being among the best. But veggies be aware as I learned the hard way: They use beef stalk in their recipe.
(4)Jerry M.
As everyone knows, I'm a burger girl. Oh, you didn't know? Well now you do. I LOOOVE me some burgers and I'm a total snob about them. Twisted Spoke doesn't have burgers - they have fat boys, which is a bit sexist because they'll probably make me a fat girl if I ate them daily, not a fat boy. Unless they have some funky hormonal mojo in them that'll make me a boy, since all the cows are doing it, you know. The burgers were good, but it fell apart on me. Granted, I'm a legendary messy eater, so I'm not sure if I should even be counting this against them. And the burger was good, big and juicy. And apparently during this visit I discovered that I'm a beer snob as well. They have tons of beers to satisfy the snobby beer girl I am. And while this may appear to be a total punk, biker haven, I feel that's more for appearances for the tourists who want to pretend to take a walk on the wild side without getting dirty because there were the 2 cops sitting a few tables over. How was I going to talk about my illicit activities with them eavesdropping? Not that I have illicit activities to talk about, but still.
(2)Paul C.
This was supposed to be a relaxing lunch and it ended up being all I hoped for and then some! The wait was minimal. My friend and I were just deciding if we should get a beer while we wait and then they sat us. FOOD: I had the Turkey and Swiss. It was so friggin good it was relatable to a Monte Cristo with no ham. Fries were nothing to write home about, but the sandwitch just used them to be more delicious. DRINK: I do not drink Bloody Mary's but my friend Chris had one which appeared to be the greatest drink on Earth. Not only did it nerly have a sandwitch on top, but it came with a beer. Now thats a drink!...or a meal? I had some deliscious tap brews. I was shocked I had never tasted Half Acre and it is from Chicago. Now a trip to their brewery is in order, because I severely enjoyed it. ATMOSPHERE: It was a lunch crowd on the Saturday before St. Paddy's so try to imagine that. There were families, rockers, scenesters, hipsters and idiots wearing green beads.... and we al got along. The staff was very nice. I had such a blast we ended up having 5 rounds of booze, which meant 5 Bloody Mary's for Chris. HA! Can't wait to go back with my fiance and other friends! I hear "Smutt and Eggs" is a good time.
(5)Gene W.
It's actually kinda hard for me to get drunk here because I can't stop eating. I come more often for the Boss Hog (an amazing bbq pulled pork sandwich) than I do for the booze. That being said, they have some decent beers on tap. Great music and a friendly staff help make this one of the less intimidating biker/rock bars that I can think of, though there are certainly a lot of characters at the bar on any given night. What do you expect from a place infamous for it's Smut and Eggs?
(4)G R.
Always good and reliable, didn't want Italian or Mexican, just a burger or may be a BBQ beef. We go here often enough and it's pretty consistent overall. My husband had a "fat-boy" burger and said it was good, I had the Kobe BBQ beef. Mine this time wasn't that great a bit fatty. I don't know why the wait staff just can't write your order down though. Don't they have paper and pens? There is a Staples up Ogden now. I say this because, sometimes they just get the order wrong. Or tonight, the waiter forgot what we ordered. Came back a few minutes later, "umm, what was that that you wanted?" You're kidding right? No, so we repeated it. I think he was maybe at the bar before his shift. He asked my husband about every side, "do you want, lettuce, tomato, cheese, bacon, etc. Well, it was no on the bacon, burger gets there with a whole bunch of bacon on it. The bus boy was great, friendly when he brought us our food, kept our water glasses full and cleared plates right away when we we're done. So overall, good reliable food from friendly folks. Just please get some paper and pens, please. When your hungry the last thing that you want to see is your waiter come back several minutes later, and ask what was that again? Does anyone remember the old Spoke? Before the first remodel, they're doing a second one now. I miss that Spoke!
(3)Chan K.
The Spoke offers a decent selection of beers on tap and good whiskeys behind the bar. It's the only place I know where you can find Jack Daniels on tap. The are in the midst of remodelling, and the place is a bit in disarray. The service and food is average. The falafel was surprisingly yummy though.
(2)lauren p.
After a recent visit, it has been determined that the issue with the taps has been resolved. The fiance decided to give it a shot since they completely remodeled the bar, and he was pleased with both of his drafts. I stuck to a bottle, because I am extremely unforgiving. Don't listen to anyone who says the food isn't good- the food is great, you know, for bar food. Good burgers, Good chicken ceasar sandwich, good chicken tacos. When we were there last Friday, they were actually featured on the Hungry Hound for their shrimp po'boys, and I gotta tell you, it looked every bit as good as the one I recently had in NOLA. Also the fried egg sandwich is probably the best hangover cure ever. Don't expect 5 star dining, and you won't be disappointed.
(4)Jenny C.
Good burger, good fries, hot jalapeno. Enjoyed the $10 lunch time deal where you get a fatboy, cooked and served to your order, fries and a drink, either a domestic beer or a soda. Loved the whole theme of motorcycles in a graveyard. I spotted two Kawasaki, a Yamaha, and Honda. Parking was a pain, as usual in that part of town, plus the construction continues to add a level of street driving difficulty. Worth the trip and the parking.
(4)Greg O.
I am moving out of state, and man am I going to miss Twisted Spoke. We live in the neighborhood so we walk over often for dinner. The pulled pork nachos (add guac!) and the buffalo chicken sandwich are amazing. Top that with a good beer menu, very good brunch, $3 Jim Beam drinks from the barrel every day, and a really nice rooftop deck. Highly recommended.
(5)Steve R.
It's still ok, but much like the Exit I think this place has morphed from being an example of its true niche identity to a sort of living exhibit for those who were interested to see its niche but didn't really want to be IN that sort of environment. It's like the Disney Pirates of the Carribean ride...there may be some common piratey-looking elements but it sure as hell ain't nothing like dealing with the actual pirates. That said, the food was decent and the beer selection was good enough. I wouldn't call it a destination but it's fine for what I needed it for, sort of a pass through place. No need to avoid but it ain't no biker bar. i think those only exist in central illinois now.
(3)Angela T.
Very quirky, fun place. The fatboy burgers are to die for. Prepared exactly as we asked for them and the order was exactly what we told the waitress we wanted. There were families, early 20 post-partiers and couples dining at the same time. The biker-bar theme is great and carried throughout the menu and the staff - however, everyone was professional and good at what they did. A definite repeat in my book.
(4)Scott W.
Amazing Shrimp Po Boy
(5)Colin B.
Great neighborhood joint..... Always has a kick ass beer selection......any place that actually puts Left Hand Brewery's Milk Stout on draft gets 3 stars automatically from me, because you just don't f-ing see it...... But what truly makes this place win is the chicken wings, something I discovered purely on accident. I have been searching for good chicken wings in West Town since moving into the area 9 months ago...... The search ends here! For those of you trying to track down a good wing, throw this on your hit list and don't forget to sample the brews....
(4)David M.
My co-workers and I go here for lunch at least once a month and the food is always phenomenal. It's one of those places where you force yourself to finish your meal even when you're full, because the thought of that delicious food hitting the bottom of a garbage barrel makes you sad inside.
(5)Brent D.
I really wanted to love this place as it was a stone's throw from my last apartment. I just can't give it a glowing review. Where it does shine: the patio, the beers, and sometimes the service. Unfortunately the small bar area and average food brings down the average. (Keep in mind that my experiences were pre-additional bar space) Still, if you can grab a patio spot on a nice day, its a great place to knock a few back. Skip the less-than-flavorful food. It's not terrible by any stretch, just very average. The waitstaff can be fun, or surly, depending on the day. I like that aspect of the place.
(3)Alex C.
Great food. I love the cheese curds to start cause they're chewy cheesy fried goodness. A bloody Mary is good and filling. The ambiance is cool, and the rooftop is fun on a weekday afternoon. Sometimes the staff can be lacking attentiveness, but not always. Great whiskey.
(4)Amy T.
I'm quite surprised by some of the reviews. Came in here with few of my friends for a late lunch randomly, only because the resteraunt we were going to a block down was closed. We were very surprised how good The Twisted Spoke was! This place seemed to be set up as a biker bar, but it was also set up as family friendly. With rooftop and back room seating you can bring your family to seperate from the bar. Overall, staff was very friendly and helpful when it was time to choose a beer and food. Service was very quickly, it probably only took 10 minutes or so from the time we order to the time our food came out. Normally, "bar" food like this, is normally greasy and sits in your stomach. I was shocked how it didn't! I highly reconmend pretty much anything on the menu, but especially the burgers and slice homemade fries. They are to die for! Also, the meatloaf sandwhich and shrimp sandwhich were also a tasty treat! The only con that I have was that the menu was kind of confusing. Set up on a clipboard the papers were mixed up between food and drinks. A little bit more organization is need. Pricing is fair. Not too exspensive. And nosie level was average.. Wasn't too loud! If your in for a tasty meal then I highly reconmend the twisted spoke!
(5)Val B.
Note: I haven't been back here recently, and I read they had a makeover recently. This review is for the place *before* the makeover. I've been eating here for many years now and have loved it 4 out of every 5 times. I love their fries, burgers, breakfasts, and even their falafel platter. The bar area is cool. I attended a Smut and Eggs event once about 6 years ago which was pretty interesting...not sure if they still do it (Saturday at midnight, serve breakfast and play porn on the TVs). The rooftop patio is pretty cool in the warm months. Staff are usually pretty quiet and just do their job which is a good thing. The atmosphere feels cold in the main downstairs area, but it's all cool. I really like this place. It's a different, fun place to take visitors rather than Ed Debevics or something. Check it out! I will be back many times, I'm sure. By the way...the owners of TS also used to own a place down the street, Bone Daddy. WHY DID YOU CLOSE THAT PLACE??? IT WAS SOOOO AWESOME! Oh well. I can still get great BBQ at TS, so I'm a happy girl.
(4)Eve A.
BEST Bloody Mary I have EVER had, ANYWHERE! best rooftop, fast service, very good fries and very good all else It is always fun to be there and I have never had food I did not like! For 10yrs!
(4)Joanie S.
God love the spoke. You know you're gonna get to sit, in the summers you get the roof, and the Boss Hog (pulled pork) sanwich is always good, never lets you down. Open late, good to go for beers after going to the nearest theater (see my review for The Building Stage). I love this place. And you can get the cheap mysetery beer, wich is an exciting endevor.
(4)Grace G.
Twisted Spoke is a very fun place to be. If you want whiskey, you are at the right place. And if you want a good burger, you are also at the right place. I love sitting on the rooftop in warmer weather and most definitely will be back up there in a couple months. It's a great place to meet friends for dinner and drinks before going out for the night (or for ending the night too)!.
(4)Joyce P.
There is a reason why they need to use porn to get you in on a Saturday night. We walked in for lunch on a Saturday afternoon and no one was by the door and they didn't have a sign as to whether you wait or seat yourselves. The bartender seemed to ignore us as did the other workers. It seemed apparent that is it wasn't their job then they weren't going to assist the patrons. A woman came from the back up front and literally looked around us to look outside and look for someone. She completely behaved like we were invisible. So we decided to seat ourselves. The picnic tables on the roof are uncomfortable and hard to eat at. I'm sure they are fine since for boozing. We get our menus and I'm pretty excited about the selection. After deciding between a few selections and waiting a long time the waitress comes and apologizes that she was sorry and she didn't know anyone was at her table. Which I guess is understandable since we sat ourselves. She then tells us that the items we want to order off the menus (which were given to us just 10 minutes wrong) were not available. We could only get the brunch/breakfast items. It was 1:10 in the afternoon! She said we could also get the fat boy hamburger (thought the menu says it is only available M-F and it is Saturday) or the BBQ or grilled cheese. The kicker is that the menu is a series of pages printed off a printer and put in a clip board--not a laminated professional made one. Why not pull the 6 pages of the menu out that we can't order from? Or why not have the person who gives the menus say to wait for the waitress to explain or that we can only get brunch? It seemed again like no one waned to do anything that wasn't their specific job title. Since I had to look at my menu longer she took my husband's order and then came back for mine. Instead of waiting for my order she put in his and so his food came super fast and to be polite he waited for my meal. The waitress again apologized that she had instructed them to wait for order. During this time a group sat down next to us. I could overhear them talking about how slow the service was and after they all decided which appetizers they wanted the waitress informed them they could not order them. The group (rightly so) was confused as to why they couldn't order appetizers in the afternoon. My food came and I ended up ordering something I wasn't excited about because I didn't want eggs and don't like breakfast food so my choices were slim. I didn't finish my burger or fries. The food was better than average but not worth any special effort to go out of my way for--especially considering everything else. I have no interest to see what else they have to offer. If you want to waste your money on waitresses with pink or overly blonde hair and tattoos and a skeleton spinning on a motorcycle out front then go ahead. But that's all you're paying for. P.S. This is the 1st time in a long time I went to a sit down restaurant where I was neither greeted or said bye to.
(1)Michael B.
We have been going here for work weekly and love it. The BBQ nachos are great for starters and I love the buffalo chicken sandwich! Overall this is a great spot to grab good bar food. We also like eating outside when the weather permits, which is nice.
(4)Maria B.
I don't venture this far for brunch normally, but this place is a treat. I'll actually leave my north-side hood to brunch here. We usually only go places we can stumble to in the morning, but I'll gladly drive on over for their bloody mary's and corned beef hash.
(4)Ken R.
I've had brunch at the Twisted Spoke twice now, with both experiences being great and the second one even better than the first! First off, the bloody mary's are fantastic. The brunch is great too. The Fatboy burger with a slice of brie on top was exactly what I needed on a Sunday morning. Finishing that off with their banana buckwheat pancakes, and I just had myself a great Sunday morning! The decor of the place is also something to take in and it definitely adds to the experience. The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because I haven't been to enough brunch spots to justly declare the Twisted Spoke to be as good as it gets. What I can say is that it's definitely in the running. Great joint! Check it out.
(4)Katrina H.
Fills my TUMMY UP!!! .. I've always gone to get a sandwhich and Fries to go in the winter.. and to sit down on their rooftop eating area during the summer. The amount of food that you get is well worth the money. Two people could share! .. The food is always delicious.. don't let the bikers scare you away! It can be family friendly during lunch time :) My kids enjoy their food as well :)
(4)Ms. R.
I've been here twice. Once for breakfast and once for dinner. The atmosphere is okay, very laid back. I ate breakfast awhile back, but from what I can remember it was pretty good. Think I had a breakfast sandwich and a bloody mary. Had dinner a few nights ago. We shared guacamole and chips - the guac was pretty good, but the tortilla chips too greasy. My boyfriend had the shrimp po'boy; had too much bread, not much shrimp. I had the chicken curry salad which was quite good, but the pita bread served with it seemed stale. Ehh, it's an okay place, but probably won't frequent it too often since it's out of the way.
(3)Katie S.
I do enjoy the rooftop here on pleasant sunny days, cold beer and sharing some nachos with my favorite people. Too bad the weather isn't so generous with many days like this, but the ones we are lucky enough to get I do cherish=) Beyond the attempts to look cool, it's still enjoyable when you're surrounded by the best people you can hope to find. Oh! I guess the meds are kicking in=) LOL
(4)Naomi L.
UPDATED REVIEW! the server was smiley, despite waiting on a table of cops which I am sure were not going to heaily tip! The decor is spotless and unique. There is allot of love going on at TS. Falafel was great- Fries are a little cold each time. Chicken Sandwich good. Drinks excellent!
(4)M. J. W.
I can't believe someone gave the Twisted Spoke 1 star because she has bad taste in men! Well, it is what it is, I guess it's their fault on t hers. I'll be fair to the Spoke in my review, the hamburgers are pretty darn enormous and cooked to order, the fries are just salty and crispy enough, but have on occasion run across some soggy batches. Nothing worse than that. The service is a little aloof at times, but they are really busy it seems whenever I go in there. The roof patio is good for a group who wants to pounding some drinks - but the service is really, really slow up there. I recommend eating in the main room is your there for lunch or dinner. The drinks are never strong (my last Jack and Coke was almost all coke and ice) and the bar always seems to be overrun with regulars, so if you're looking for a new hang-out, I recommend somewhere else. In all, the atmosphere is always friendly, it's pretty easy to find parking nearby and one of the best hamburgers on the west side.
(4)Laurie S.
So many beers to choose from your head will spin. Many eclectic cocktails. Cool decor. Had a BBQ chicken sandwich that was really tasty. Bartenders were friendly but not very at tentative and that is why I give this place 4 stars instead of 5.
(4)Carinne C.
After moving to West Town, I have gone to Twisted Spoke several times. The first time, I loved it. Subsequent visits have not been as successful. Gripes are as follows: - Music is annoying loud. Not all the time, but on random evenings the hard core music is headache-causing. - Staff is uninterested in working. I get it, you're a cool biker bar with attitude. But you still work for tips, and I'd love another drink. Please stop avoiding me. - Food is hit or miss. I generally order the same thing (boneless buffalo) and it can be amazing. Unfortunately, it can also be tasteless. And on one occasion when my husband picked it up to bring home, it contained plastic wrap. So, if you're in the neighborhood and starving, go for it. Don't go out of your way to get here though - there are better places all over Chicago.
(2)Sue K.
Picnic tables on the rooftop in the summer. Bloody Mary is like a meal in itself - shredded cheese inside, and garnish has salami on it! Served with a beer chaser - what's not to like?
(5)Caroline S.
Been here twice. Love burgers, but try to maintain a low annual quota since I consider them an unhealthy splurge. So I save the orders for establishments that are known for their burgers. All I can say is, "DRY, DRY DRY". The first time I went a few years ago I thought maybe they were having an off day. Then I returned earlier this summer, and had the same experience. I ordered it medium rare, and it was medium well, and beyond dry. I advise you to skip this joint and fill your burger quota elsewhere. The staff is pretty clueless too, seems like they have high turnover.
(1)Anjee J.
Went here for breakfast. I think you really do have to be very hungover/still drunk from the night before to enjoy their food, because otherwise you will leave feeling sick to your stomach. Its really, really greasy and anything that was fried will be overpowered by the taste of bacon fat. Furthermore, you could probably whip up something better at home. Their peanut butter and banana "stuffed" Elvis toast was just 2 soggy pieces of subpar French toast with a tiny bit of generic peanut butter and thin slices of banana slapped inbetween! I make tastier French toast using Wonder Bread. Bleh. I wouldn't come back here, even if they do play some good music. There's dozens of other breakfast places in the area that are cheaper and much better. I could live without the punk rock/biker aesthetic, just give me some food that actually tastes good, plz.
(1)Cassie K.
My roommate and I stopped in on our way to another event. The beer list was pretty great, the service was slow but once someone noticed me sitting there, it improved drastically. The salsa and chips were delicious and the jalapeno poppers were awesome. The windows were all open and the view is pretty cool.
(4)Moe f.
Great place for beer and a bite. Extensive beer list. Great burgers. Excellent brunch in which I reccomend fried egg sandwich and a Bloody or two.
(4)Amy M.
I went here last night with some friends around 10 pm and let me just say... yikes! This is a poor excuse for a restaurant. I am really surprised to see so many positive reviews about this place because we did not have a good experience. Our server (not sure of his name, but I'll just refer to him as Handlebar Mustache Man with the glazed over look in his eye) was by far the worst server I've ever had. He was rude to me right off the bat after he carded me for my Diet Coke because "Ummm.. this is a BAR, not a restaurant..." OK, fine. All he had to say was that we had to be 21 or over to be in there since no one carded us at the door. After his attitude, I decided I didn't even want to order food from them since their server was rude to me and probably would have spit in whatever I ordered. Most of the other people at the table ordered food and most of them were not satisfied with their food. My friend ordered a basket of fries, which she shared with the rest of the table. I find it difficult to refer to them as "fries," however, as they were really more like burnt potato nuggets. Not very appetizing. My other friend ordered a grilled cheese and some burnt potato nuggets, but between the server spilling drinks over her food and the low quality, she left the bar less than satisfied. When coming back to the table to "check if we needed anything else," he would stand at the end of our table and just hold his arms out waiting for someone to ask him for something. And when he came back to deliver drinks, he would never remember who ordered what and would just hold the drink out for someone to grab, meanwhile spilling drinks on whoever was in his path. Obviously, Handlebar Mustache Man was the main problem at this establishment, but I would not recommend going here if you are looking for good food or good service with a friendly atmosphere. If you want an unfriendly staff and low quality food, then this place is for you!
(1)Sharlene K.
This place is one of the staples of my competitive eating training. Why? Because their double fat-boy burger is a monstrous beast of unparalleled proportions (at least in Chicago). The price of their burger includes all the fixings including grilled onions, bacon, and cheese. Fantastic onion rings, and flame lit whiskey chicken wings are wicked awesome. I don't go there for a love of bikes because really, it's kind of tacky, but the food portions are great. Some days it's all you can eat meatloaf (which I wish was ketchupy rather than gravy-based), and other days it's breakfast buffet with porn (don't bring your kids for Smut and Eggs). I don't know where people are getting this bad attitude from, maybe it's the other location they're talking about and mistakenly putting it up here, but these guys are freaking great. Once, my friends and I were there, and we were totally bummed. His bike was just wrecked in a car accident and he was downing whiskey shots to calm down and the waiter brought us extra shots on the house. The other great part is that they play fantastic music. I mean, Death from Above 1979? That's some sweet stuff right there.
(5)Zach H.
OK, so this place is kind of corny due to the degree which they take the biker bar theme. It just feels forced and franchise-esque. I mean, if all those movies I have seen are true (aren't all movies?) bikers dig off-the-beaten-path dives with trashy bartenders and nothing but the cheapest ale possible on draft. But Twisted Spoke is clean, in a convenient location, and the staff is all friendly like. Anyways, aside from this dissonance I got from the aesthetic and ambiance, this place is pretty dope. All I have ever gotten there is bar munchies type food-- wings, poppers, fries, cheese curds, etc.-- and they have all been fantastic. They got a decent selection of brews and other drinks at reasonable prices as well. I have heard brunch, lunch, and dinner here are all pretty tasty as well. I'll be back to try one of those options out sometime soon.
(4)Corey G.
Loved this place. Great atmosphere and drinks. The bartenders were all cool.
(5)Josh S.
Here's the deal, I'm a big fan of the atmosphere and the bar, but for some reason the food always leaves something to be desired, not bad but nothing to write home about. The service is fine and the liquor/beer options are endless. I would recommend hanging out for a night and enjoying the endless possibilities at the bar, but don't travel too far for the eats.
(4)Kristi C.
I was told that this place has the best bloody mary's in the city, so I had to check it out for myself. YUM! They are loaded with meat, cheese and other pickled goodies. I've been here twice-both times were on a Sunday when I was nursing a hangover. The ahi tuna sandwich with fries, 2 bloodys and whatever beer they had on special put me on the right level to start all over again...too bad I work Mondays!
(5)Gavin G.
I used to frequent this place when i lived on Grand right down by it, but haven't been there in a year or so. the food is decent, a bit above "bar food" and the decor is cool. it's what i'd call 'biker-themed' but is far from a real motorcycle bar. i don't think i've ever seen anyone there that looked like a member of Motorhead or that guy in "Raising Arizona" who gets blown up by a grenade towards the end. good selection of draft beers and bottled as well, there was an assortment of strange foreign cheap beers that was the special for quite a while. surprised there hasn't been much mention of their Smut'N'Eggs. there's a regular who's got a large collection of pornography and they have screenings of his selections after midnight on saturdays. you can order from the brunch menu and "take in a porn flick filmed sometime between yesterday and 1970" according to their website. yes, it is for real hard core porno, and likely to be from the late 70's or early 80's, meaning wild hair on the performers' heads and other nether locations. in the summer the rooftop patio is killer.
(5)Laine K.
If you're in the market for the perfect brunch place to cure a hangover, this is THE PLACE! So start off with a substantial Bloody Mary that's has a great spicy kick and is garnished with salami, olives, pearl onion, pepperocini and lots of shredded Parmesan. Sip and let the tomato-y tastiness wash over you. Now order just about anything on the breakfast menu and soak your mouth and stomach in the flavors of fantastic that seem to absorb your hunger. Crispy potatoes and perfectly melted cheddar with fluffy scrambled eggs, mushrooms and just a few too many undercooked onions. Throw in some sliced brats and send it out with a piece of toast that tastes rich and buttery and a side raspberry jam and you have a wonderful Sunday afternoon meal with friends. I definitely recommend this place. The decor is pretty cool and they have some theme nights (Smut & Eggs night?? Sounds interesting.)
(4)Eric W.
I went in on Sunday with my family. It wasn't crowded at all. Busy but not crowded. We sat down around noon & they were still offering breakfast. I asked the waitress for an opinion She gave me one ++. I can't stand when they say everything is good. Even if its true most people would still have a favorite. I ate there fatboy burger Good Stuff! My favorite thing about the place is they have tons of unique beers. 5 bucks a beer 10 for a big burger w/ fresh cut fries. My only complaints were a Med cooked burger that I thought was medium well. But who wants to spit hairs & I think my fries were over cooked a little not inedible just a little darker than my linking.
(4)Furry P.
My 5 stars are for BRUNCH. So much fun! I loved the ginormous mimosas (16 ounces!) and hand crafted bloodys. The menu is eclectic and tasty.. I had the fried egg sandwich and it was TO DIE FOR. Loved all the waitresses with plenty of ink, pink hair and no attitude. Not your typical blah fare. Make the trip, you wont regret it. I have no idea what the place is like as a "bar" but with a huge selection of beer on tap, couldnt be all bad.
(5)Bruno R.
Good beer list, good service, but if you want to eat go some place else, food here is disgusting (greasy, badly made, bland, etc). They show porn on the TVs at night, which is just gratuitous = not fun.
(1)Timothy M.
This place has cheap drinks: $2 whiskey & coke (Early Times). Fun during baseball season, they usually have the Cubbies on one TV and the Sox on another. Also awesome: the rooftop! I'm a huge fan of the neighborhood (the restaurant sits on the intersection of Grand and Ogden). Cool views. They also get props for the cool motorbike props and pictures of badass Brando. Two things I don't like: 1) The interior feels very stark (yes, I know it's a biker bar, but sitting in a restaurant/bar shouldn't feel like you're at the garage waiting for your mechanic to fix your Indian). The dining room is too spread out and the metal/grey decoration is cold and uninviting. 2) The bruch was a massive dissapointment. I love breakfast and bloody marys on Sunday, but the breakfast burrito was average and my partner's Wisconsin breakfast was mediocre too. Plus babies screaming and being placed in the smoking section wasn't too much fun for me either. Twisted Spoke's much-hyped bloody marys? Try Silver Cloud for EXCELLENT bloody marys -- even with the ham and cheese, the bloodys here were just about average. I would give it 4 stars if it wasn't for the last time being so blah.
(3)david b.
Ah the spoke - they are adding a bar which means even more seating - stick with chicken tacos (corn tortilla) you won't go wrong. bartenders are cruel to tools so try and look pierced. jim beam and soda tall with lime for 250 - yes i'll have another #$#
(4)Young D.
This is one of my favorite weekend brunch places. The steak and eggs are perfect with texas toast and potatoes, the grilled cheese sandwich is one of the best I've ever had, and the burgers are amazing and come with a bunch of add options for free. But the drinks. The Bloody Mary is AMAZING. It is perfect. They bottle and sell the mix they use, which I have bought, but you can't replicate the shot of Guiness or pickled veggies, olives, meat and cheese they load you with. It's truly just so delicious and the beer chaser isn't some icky beer. It's something pretty nice from the tap. Whether you're at the bar, at a table or on the roof, it's super relaxing and delicious.
(4)ness y.
order one of their bloody mary drinks for a healthfully balanced, low-carb meal-in-a-glass. surprisingly not busy the night i went - thursday.
(4)Frank S.
Really cool looking bar.Awesome buffalo wings. Hardly ever crowded. Parking is hard no lot. Love the atmosphere laid back kinda like biker/punkish Nice change of scenery great for food but i wouldn't make a night out of it. Once again great food.
(4)Michael R.
The rooftop is a great place to get lunch, nice beer offerings, but service and menu are average at best. Nothing really bad to say about the place, but I wouldn't go out of my way to stop in.
(3)Jo Jo B.
Ok, this is an update because Cliff E. from the Twisted Spoke asked me to review my last review after their remodel. So here is my new opinion of the new Twisted Spoke. I have been there a few times since the remodel and I hate to say it my opinion has changed somewhat. Their food is awesome AND (this one is for you Mr. Cliff) their kitchen appears to be much cleaner than it was. I never disputed the fact that the Spoke did not follow sanitary guidelines, but I only go by what my eyes can see and a few times I saw a somewhat unclean kitchen. I am glad to report this has now changed. On the other hand, the Spoke has lost it's biker bar appeal and has chosen the path of keeping up with the Jones's. Ugh! High Def TV's in the Spoke and now sans pool table WTF! Why they did not keep what was unique and different from the rest of these bars I do not know. (Money maybe?) Now I feel it has lost it's character. I really do miss the local crowd and appeal. When I went there after Lollapolooza I was bored there except for their exceptional choice of Smut and Eggs that night. Where they find their vids from I do not know, but it's all about the action and not the acting right! Whoever picks these knows a thing or two that's fo sho. ;o) Oh I wish the Spoke would go back to it's original way, but I feel they will continue with their upgrade and for that I will take one star off. I will still continue to go there, their deck is nice and the staff and food are always above par. Their beer selection and back bar is awesome, you can definitely find your favourite bevie there. Now if anyone from the Spoke is really paying attention to what I am writing, please bring back the old school charm will you! OLD REVIEW It is hard to find a decent bar in the West Loop area, but the Spoke is not that far from there and it is a fun place to hang. I like the food here, decent, for pub grub and it is reasonably priced. I agree with the comment below about the kitchen. I think it could be cleaned up a little. They have a nice beer selection but sometimes you can have issues with their beers on tap. Usually when you mention this to the staff they are more than willing to exchange your drink for something else. Their Pool table is not that great and you only have a small area to play. Be prepared to ask a few peeps to move while taking a shot. The Spoke. A local bar, nice crowd. I would give it 5 stars if they corrected the negatives listed above.
(3)Audre L.
bikers brunch is good, and the bartenders are really nice. i like this place a lot for a laid back bar type brunch
(5)Kristin C.
I like Twisted Spoke on Ogden much better than the one in Wrigleyville. This is a place where bloody mary=meal. I love it! The salami and mini-onions = hangover bliss. The food here is OK for me. . .nothing really sticks out as being awesome except for the burger - top notch. I think I usually get the chicken sandwich as well but it's not so memorable. The service is just OK as well. Last time I was there, everyone seemed hungover and annoyed to be working.
(4)Phillie P.
Wednesdays are half off Whisky. Need I say more? May I recommend "Fighting Cock". If the name scares you, there's Jamesons. For $15 you can get SMASHED.
(4)Bad Ass Chic K.
for the last 10 years whenever i would visit my dad in chicago we would say we are going to go to the twisted spoke. we never did. he died a year ago. i went back to chicago this past new year's to hang with my step-mom on the first of his birthdays that we have without him. my cousin phil took me to twisted spoke for brunch on my dad's b-day. we missed him terribly and knew that he would have had the BEST time downing super yummy eggs and spuds and scary-ass watery road side coffee. we would have laughed at THE friendliest bad service known to mankind while he tried to set me up with our hottie waiter. and then would have happily gone with us across the street to starbucks and sold-out with a cup o' mass consumption, and yet tastier, joe. next time i am back in chi-town i am going back for a burger and a beer and maybe a tequila shot at their 'smut & eggs' event. my dad would have loved that too! i miss you d, and i made it to the twisted spoke...wish you were there!!!
(4)Anne P.
This place is delicious and its a ton of fun. They usually have a line for breakfast but the food is totally worth it!!! The decor brings the place to life with its fun biker vibe.
(4)Eric W.
Great dive bar, especially since the remodeled it. The Fatboys (burgers) are great and both the chicken and steak tacos rock. But above all, Whiskey Wednesdays is what makes this place the best bar in town (at least on Wednesdays). The bourbon selection is fantastic and everything is 1/2 off. Service isn't great, but if you're not in a hurry (and why would you be at a dive bar) the bartenders are pleasant and there's a good crowd for people watching.
(4)Gfiddy F.
So many great beers.
(5)Nicholas G.
I used to live a couple of blocks from here, and as a regular I thought this place was great. (That seems to be a theme for me, I find a place in the neighborhood I like and keep going until they have to be nice to me..) I think the meatloaf sandwhich is delicious, and love the burgers too. I never order bbq, but that's in protest over the fact they closed Bone Daddy (don't even get me started about how much I loved that place.) After BD closed I made the switch to the Spoke and can't say I was disappointed. Since I lived close by I tried to always go when I didn't expect it to be crowded, and usually sat at the bar. One of my fondest memories is the guy who was ALWAYS at the end of the bar reading science fiction novels. I felt as if I'd arrived when he finally asked me what I liked to read. Great place, great atmosphere.
(4)sarah s.
It's a fun neighborhood place is you wan to get away from the shi-shi-ness of most of the west loop, but the food is chronically mediocre. The Bloody Mary is, however, fantastic and comes with enough condiments to make a meal. Everything else makes my tummy hurt. The fried egg sandwich is yummy as hell. But, again, tummy ache.
(3)Steve D.
I am going to slide into first person plural here, people. Your mileage may vary, but it probably will not. Our beers at the Twisted Spoke on Ogden run the gamut. Our draft handles change occasionally. One Saturday, I noticed He'brew Origin Ale on for the first time. We recently put on Flossmoor Station's Gandy Dancer Honey Ale. The beers on draft are craft brews. If you must have the behemoths, they're available in bottles. I posted a recent directory of our beers on beermapping.com 's forum. What I typically have at the Spoke is the 'pot-luck' (or elsewhere as the 'mystery beer') known here as the "Butch's Beer Special". The language describing it is such: "We carry 56 good beers and one that really sucks. It's usually best not to ask too many questions like 'What is it?'. What it is is only two bucks." But this is hyperbole. Except for one beer which was, in my estimation, unquestionably stale and must have been bought by the Einhorn Bros. from the distributor which was allowing it to go away [and if you have read about Larry Bell's situation - you *know* how rarely this happens] to another distributor. Because the other beers that have turned up in this special have been great beers from Lakefront, Victory, Left Hand, Mac Tarnahan's, Anchor, *New Belgium*, and once [I do not have to make this up.] even Affligem Abbey Ale. Food: Our hamburgers (Fatboys) are really, really good. I noticed we have begun serving them on a pretzel roll. Despite that, I have tried some of the other items on our menu. The Kobe Steak burrito, and the BBQ chicken sandwich (available with the BBQ sauce developed when the Bros. had the lawsuit-attracting 'Bone Daddy' restaurant up the street [It is now a plebian sports bar called 'Mahoney's'.]) are very good. The French Fries are superb. I've been detected scarfing the remains from other diners' plates. And at 11:59 pm on Saturday, you can again order from the breakfast menu. I think the Wisconsin Scramble is the best option there. Bring the kids. What I show is better than anything they'll find on the Internet. O.K. That was a wisecrack. Bring the kids some other time. Transit: We're 3 blocks away from the Blue Line "L"'s "Chicago" station. (Walk south-southwest down Ogden Ave. It would be a five block walk if you exited at "Grand".) Parking is available on the side streets south and east of Grand & Ogden. If you're exiting the Kennedy at Ogden, continue the additional block south of Grand and turn left [east] on Fulton. There should be spots on Fulton, Elizabeth (a one-way northbound street between Fulton & Ogden), or Racine. This is a great place. We have migrated over to the new area facing the southwest corner. The old bar area will become a dining room. We now have Dish Network dbs as well as cable (for the tube televisions). The two Pioneer DV-400V DVD players can provide separate programs on each of the large flat-screen TVs. So for awhile, you could see one movie on VHS on the tube TVs, and a movie on DVD on one of the flat screens.
(5)Lauren H.
Really, 2.5 stars. I was meeting a fellow yelper and got there early. I waited a while at my table on the patio before anyone came to the table, yet people who came after me promptly got water and menus. I was basically ignored for 5-10 minutes even though the waitresses walked right by me several times. Finally a waitress brought water. I had to ask for a second glass for my friend (she should have asked if I was expecting anyone else) and for menus. My friend came shortly thereafter and our orders were taken. She ordered chicken tacos and I ordered a fried egg sandiwich. My food was pretty good, but I think she found her food kind of bland. It took 30 minutes between ordering and getting the food, and then the waitress came back only once to see if we wanted anything else, and we had to flag her down for the check. The patio is not so large nor was the food so exceptional that I can excuse the service; it really needs to be stepped up. The patio is large and well spaced, so the place does have a lot of potential, esp in summer. The downstairs also has a cool shape to it too. Also a minus was the bathroom--it smelled like a pool locker room, way too much bleach or ammonia, and no ventilation.
(2)Evelyn C.
I came here this weekend after not visiting in about 2 years. The decor was the same with all the bike parts and what not everywhere. Usually I only got beer here, but since I was there chatting with friends I decided to get some food. The food was okay, borderline blah. The cheese curds had no flavor, like they were frozen and not cooked all the way. There were served with spicy honey mustard? That flavor combo was not working for me. I then ordered the pulled pork nachos. They were okay. The bbq sauce on the wings is the same as on the pulled pork but it is semi-heavy in flavor so it overwhelmed the nachos. A couple of friends got a burger and a sandwich and they looked very tasty. The fries were good. I was drinking Oberon but it was pouring weird and was really cloudy. The service was okay, we did have to flag people a few times. The bathrooms could of used a good cleaning.
(4)Cathy B.
Great selection of beer but the food is nothing to write home about. Burgers are alright but the fries are bland. One of my other friends got a buffalo chicken sandwich and the chicken was soggy and hardly had any buffalo sauce. No ranch either. There are better places in the area, don't waste your time!
(2)Seth F.
I'm a beer drinker and homebrewer. This place has a good selection of regional micros, national micros, and imports. The food though, ugh, the food. I read the menu and I think, what a wide selection of potentially interesting items. Yet every time, whatever I order, its just sub par, mediocre, banal, etc.
(3)George G.
I love this place. They recently redid they bar to give the place a facelift. The food is decent but nothing fabulous. They have smut and eggs late night on the weekends which is always fun. The booze flows like water here which always makes for a good experience. The staff is always nice but a little tough because after all it is a biker bar. Go have some drinks scream your head off and enjoy.
(4)christine r.
when i'm all greazed out and hungover, this is the spot for a great breakfast and bloody mary (which can be a meal, in and of itself). the bloody marys are tasty, but also somewhat weird with all the shredded cheese in them. haha. it tickles my uvula. that might not be a good thing. they serve the marys with a beer chaser, usually something like point, or something just as hideous. before i spend a day in studio, i love to drag myself over here for a plate of breakfast tacos. ask for the bloody mary with gin - you'll get a funny look but it tastes so good. lunch/dinner food is good, too. order the bbq pork nachos for a face full of delicous (and if you're okay with not pooping for about a week - they're LOADED with melted gouda). please, for the sake of your health, share these nachos with others. the waitstaff can have a tendency to be pokey, so i don't recommend this for someone in a hurry. of course, if you're hanging out around grand/ogden you can't really be in a hurry, anyway - right?
(4)Philip P.
Went here years ago but I still remember the biker atmosphere and having a menu that presented me with too many good choices.
(3)Anna J.
the rooftop patio here is what makes this place awesome. what i love about it is that it's kind of a secret. on a beautiful friday night in the summer...this is the place to be. the food is pretty good...it's not off the chart. pretty standard bar food. the vodka lemonades are fantastic!! not to sweet not sour. perfect and a little bit to easy to drink if you know what i mean ;) the beer list is great. awesome happy hour place.
(3)Bobby D.
Not a bad biker-style restaurant at all. The Gazpacho is great. The Steak Tacos are good too. Nice when outdoors in the Summer, And not too bad indoors either. Quite a bit of motorcycle memorobilia in this place too.
(4)Rebecca T.
Got Hangover? This is your place. I highly recommend the sloppy, gooey, greasy, fried egg sandwich. Fixes you right up... well, that and the multiple drinks you consume over brunch.
(4)Chocolate H.
Different types of beer, rooftop, and good food what else do you need. To bad the neighborhood it is in is boring.
(4)Julie M.
Definitely a favorite!! We live a block from the old location in Wrigley and I think we're subconciously moving to the east village so we can continue to order from here often. Although, they caused me a little bit of embarassment when I took my entire family here when they were in town for my graduation. We were looking for some late night food and ending up unknowingly coming for smut-n-eggs!! Once we got our delicious food, I got over the uncomfortability of watching "porn" with my dad. We looooveee the fried egg sandwich, the turkey sandwich on texas toast is really good, and the wings are great. I see others have commented on poor service which we avoid by ordering takeout.
(5)Joe R.
I saw this place on Chicago Now as one of the 10 best brunch places in Chicago. So, when we were spending the weekend downtown I told my family we have to try this place out. The décor was neat and as expected, with a real biker theme. We sat on the upper outside deck on a great day. Well, everything went down hill from there. When the waitress brought our order out to us my eggs had a big black hair in it. We called the waitress over and she took it way and said she would get me another one. As my kids started to eat their french toast my son found a hair in his food too! That's two for two. At this point we were no longer willing eat at the Twisted Spoke. The waitress said she talked to the owner and he said that they weren't going to charge us for the meal. All we really had that wasn't furry were 2 blood marries (quite tasty) and my wife's food which really didn't look that appetizing. Note to owner, next time two plates go back to the kitchen with hair in them go out to the table and talk to the customer in person. Don't send the poor waitress to do your dirty work. We won't be back. Do your self a favor and go somewhere else.
(1)Kenny K.
Great food, but don't go in there starving because it may be a minute before someone gets to you.
(4)Kathy S.
I've always loved Twisted Spoke from day one, it's a stand-by that I keep going back to again and again. Their bloody mary is one of my favorite in the city, especially alongside their breakfast burrito. Normally, I probably wouldn't review a place like the Spoke, since it has been around for a while and either you love it or you hate it (and I think most love it), but I had to give a mention to one outstanding server, Dino. So, five stars for Dino (you rock!), and four overall for Twisted Spoke.
(4)Fred P.
I have been going to the Spoke since it had a patio in front, right on the corner of Grand & Ogden-since day 1. Even with the new, tendy bar up front (and clientele), this is still one of the best eating & drinking bars around. The new "big" bar houses one of the best bourbon and scotch selections anywhere in the city - their beer selection isn't too shabby either-I do miss the decal-laden cooler that sat in the dirty back bar. They've dropped a few menu mainstays, but the burgers and fries are still incredible, as are the tuna sandwich (w/ginger and water chestnuts), Boss Hog and BBQ Kobe brisket, The brunch (hard to go wrong with any dish) and, particularly, the reknowned bloody marys are over the top. Smut-n-eggs is still around on Saturday nights, although there are fewer "trench coat" types in the house. There are two outstanding service pros still there from the back bar days: Dino, who knows his clients, his menu, drinks and music really adds to a genuine experience without pretense, and a tattooed, purple-haired bartender who is very cool and pours a great drink - I forgot her name, but she always remembers me...my kinda place. I was informed by another friendly Yelper that Dino has left the Spoke and the bartender's name is Nicole.
(5)n r.
This place gets FIVE STARS for having the best bloody mary's in the city. Hands down. Where else can you get a meal in a glass? Spiked with shaved parmesan cheese, black pepper and garnished with a hunk of salami, a pearled onion, and a green olive, these things are a (tasty) meal in and of themselves. Not to mention the PBR "back." A little shooter of PBR draught comes on the side. This is my brunch spot. I never stray from my bloody coupled with the best Fried Egg Sandwich...to die for. Fried egg, smothered in mayo, melted cheddar, sliced tomato and thinly sliced white onion, oh and how could I forget, crispy BACON on a marble rye sammich served with home potatoes. IT IS THE BEST. If I get good service from the fully-tatt'd cast, it's a bonus. If not, I still get some cool artwork to stare at. :)
(5)M M.
The rooftop in the warmer seasons rocks! Great view, great service and the food ...man.,..love me some bbq chicken from Twisted Spoke!
(4)Stephanie D.
My first visit to the Twisted Spoke was during a lunch a few days back. A co-worker and I decided to give it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised. I had the turkey BLT (minus the T) and it was awesome. GREAT FRIES here!! My friend had the shrimp po-boy and was in love with that as well. Our server was slow and kind of rude... The decor inside is fun and the crowd is interesting. There is a pool table by the bar... Parking can be challenging, but they have a an outside roof-top patio that is awesome during warm days.
(4)Michael S.
Really great place. Good "fat boy" burgers and beers. Really good place to pick up some old fashion heart attach food! Also I heard they change the channel on all the TV's on Sat night. Not sure what thats about... The bloody mary's are great! Try it out!
(5)Ethan S.
Twisted Spoke means one thing to me: hangovers. I go there the day after drinking for some great hangover food. The appetizer section of the menu is pretty can't miss. Their nachos are very good, the cheese curds (may sound disgusting) are fantastic, and they have very good quesadillas. I graded them down from 4 to 3 stars for two reasons: First, their service is pretty bad. When we were in yesterday, they took our appetizer orders and brought them out and we had been finished with them for a good 10 minutes before we even placed our orders for the meals. Also, good luck trying to get a refill of anything. Second, on weekends they don't open up their full menu until after 2:00 PM. Their breakfast is not as great as the rest of the menu. It also should be noted that this place does not allow you in without a 21+ ID. This can be annoying if you are in a large group with a bunch of hungry people and either one person forgets their ID or someone isn't 21.
(3)Allison W.
Waited two hours for Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout to be tapped tonight and sadly it was sour. All six people of my group were completely turned off. We came just for this beer and it was BAD! Luckily the bartenders took it off our bill and gave us a shot to ease the sourness of our tainted pallets. Would go back but be careful about shelling out $10 for a glass
(3)bill s.
Man this place is awesome. It's totally badass. I've been there probably at least 6 times now and every time that I've been there the staff was beyond great, friendly, and helpful. If you have a taste for a Corona they don't have it but you'll be pleasantly surprised to have a Sol which is a beer very similar to Corona. The Fatboy Burgers are a burger person's dream. They come prepared with several types of cheese and maan are they great. The Bloody Eggs are also excellent. They are eggs mixed with all kinds of bloody meat fixins'. That might sound disturbing but it's delicious. The Portobello Mushroom Burgers and pretty awesome too. Their fries are not the regular kind, they are the better kind, sort of like Rally's fries. MMMMMM...They are open until 2 am, they have a nice bar, plenty of neat things on the walls.. like a picture of Marlon Brando for instance, and they have Twisted Spoke merchandise available.
(5)One T.
When I first moved across the street from this place all I could think of was the Wrigleyville Twisted Spoke and that place makes me queasy. But then one day my boyfriend and I were starving and wanted instant gratification, so crossed the street we did. I recommend the Portabella Mushroom Burger it's vegetarian friendly and extremely delicious. The waiters are nice and friendly, but not overfriendly, they let you be while you're enjoying your meal. And if you just want to get a drink they're one of my favorite places to get a gin & tonic. I don't recommend coming on a weekend day though, it's overcrowded with tourist-types and families. (Oddly enough).
(5)Tina T.
Gosh I love this place! Haven't been at night but we go for the biker brunch. Not the healthiest meals but it does cure a hangover. Did find a good egg breakfast without meat, so there are some good things for vegetarians and non meat eaters. For the hair of the dog, try their Bloody Marys served with a beer chaser, with a side of coffee. Their upstairs deck is cool; love the music and atmosphere; it is a little disturbing to see how yuppified it can get there; although I'd bet it's not too yuppie during the "smut and eggs" porn breakfasts late night (perhaps a little too crazy for me)
(4)Matthew B.
First of all one of the best beer selection I've ever seen in a restaurant/bar huge craft selection on tap and in bottles. If you can't find anything here to your liking you have problems. Secondly Bloody Mary's are done here very well, from the moment it arrives you are in awe as it is done very well in it's presentation and everything after that follows. We went on a Sunday afternoon and were seated right away. This place just has the right feel of divey that me and my wife like in a bar/restaurant feel. But other than that feeling the food and beer/drink selection is top notch. We started out with the cheese curds. Some of the best that I've ever had, done extremely well just the right amount of breading plus they give you a cheese dipping sauce lol some cheese for your cheese why not!!! We both went with sandwiches one of us having the pulled pork and the other having the shrimp po'boy. The pork arrives with a tremendous amount of pork that my wife was able to scrape off some from her sandwich and pour it over her fries(hand cut fries btw) with the left over cheese sauce and make a version of pork poutine fries(Twisted Spoke if you would like to put that on the menu as a app just put her name on it that's all :) ) the pork was very good my wife liked the fact that the bun did not get soggy at all, Seriously there is enough pork on there to make 2 sandwiches very good sauce and pork would definitely get again. I had the shrimp po' boy and it was very good also. The shrimp tasted so fresh, all the ingredients blended seamlessly together to make a great tasting sandwich. The bread was slightly toasted and crispy which again held up throughout the sandwich. We also got the boneless wings to go and the word on those were that they were some of the best tasting wings. All in all would definitely go back, the vibe in the place is awesome, great food and drinks what more could you want in a place? If you are in the area stop on in we for sure will be back again very soon
(5)genevieve b.
So I have to start this review by saying that I love this place. I got there a lot, and its casual, laid back, the liquor selection can not be beat anywhere in the city, and they have amazing food and bloody marys that make me come here about 3-4 times a month. Usually the service is fine, if a bit slow, but I have never cared since its not fine dining, its a bar... and so I've never had a bad experience, at least until this past Saturday at brunch. Ok, I used to wait tables and I know what an absolute horror brunch can be for servers... but on this occasion I really felt like our waiter couldn't wait until we left. We sat on the patio (which I love) and we received menus, and water right away. Great. We sat there for at least 25 minutes (was watching my watch because I had an appointment later) and the waitress who was also working out there went and took two other tables orders before anyone had even approached us. I didn't realize there was another server out there since I hadn't seen anyone else so I asked her and she said she'd send out server over. It appeared to me that he was new at serving since he didn't greet us at all, apologize for the wait, but rather launched into what do you want.... not good. I ordered coffee and a bloody mary and every time he put a drink on the table, he put it on the very edge of the table closest to him rather than putting it in front of me. I waited tables for years and this was so irritating I couldn't stand it. I asked for more coffee and he picked up the cup from in front of me, filled it, and then set it again on the very edge of the table closest to where he was standing so I had to then reach over to pick it up. Its a small thing but it is just bad service. Food was great as always, but I noticed that he was much nicer to other tables that us. My girlfriend and I were just out for brunch, we weren't begin bitchy or rude thought I was a bit annoyed at having to wait so long to be acknowledged, but I guess since we were bothered he stayed away from us as much as possible instead of apologizing which goes a long way with me. I'll definitely come back... like I said I love this place, but I feel like this service was too bad to not mention. :/
(3)Casey Z.
Three words: try their wings. My boyfriend absolutely loves wings, so much so that he has become somewhat of a wing snob. We stopped into Twisted Spoke to grab a quick drink and an appetizer and naturally we decided to go with the wings. They were incredible. They make their own sauce and are very secretive about it. If you are wing fan, you have to try this place.
(4)Al G.
It wasn't bad at all despite being limited by the Sunday Brunch menu, which pretty much seemed to limit the normal menu, if I'm not wrong. I had the gumbo with the poached eggs super satisfied with a side of potatoes. My girlfriend had the eggs smoked pork and peaches with a hell of a slice of Brie cheese. Both dishes were great, and would return just for them. I definitely want to plan another trip to try the full menu. I'll get back then, hopefully just as good if not better experience. The service was o.k. Could have used more water or ice in the water, when they were around they were somewhat pleasant. But not bad...
(4)Kevin C.
The menu caters to hangovers on Sunday. In search of a Bloody Mary and a hot breakfast plate then park your Harley here. They have 8 different bloody's to choose from and long beer list. Any whiskey or scotch you could ever want with Jim, Jack, and Jameson coming from the barrel. The dining room full of folks trying to get back to sea level. I opted out of breakfast since it was almost two and went for a burger. Standard, medium-rare, could have used a little more seasoning, but it fit the bill. And the mussels with a roasted tomato broth were awesome but needed additional bread (who in the city serves mussels with an ample amount of bread?!). Our waitress was a rock star and by no means was rushing us even though there was a 30 minute wait. She was straight up about menu items in question and truly made the dining experience pleasant. They will be packed on Sunday. The bar will be full and when groups get called for their table the vacant seats will surely be sniped instantly. Don't hesitate, just go, before its too late. Bloody's are popular, you'll see beer side cars everywhere, and that's a good indication. Biker bar, biker dudes, biker beers...you get the point. If you can't find the booze or beer you are looking for then you need to leave. Jameson from the barrel will change your perspective and having it from the bottle will not impress you. A solid option on a Sunday afternoon, or stop in for half off loud mouth soup on Whiskey Wednesday, and you may find yourself sticking around for an extra beer.
(3)Natalie T.
Cant get enough. Love the patio. The bloody marys are, hands down, best ever. I have been coming back for years for them. This summer we have chosen twisted spoke's patio as our brunch "spot" to bring our out of town guests regularly. Noone ever leaves dissappointed! I highly recommend the bacon tempura and jalapeno poppers to start. Entree-wise the chillakillas, fried egg sandwich or four cheese grilled cheese (add bacon) are all personal favs. Don't be intimidated by the sounds of the concoctions some of their bloody marys: there is not one bloody mary that will let you down. Awesome beer and whiskey selections, also! I cannot rave enough about how much I love the Twisted Spoke!
(5)Ryan K.
Had brunch on the rooftop with friends and a total of four kiddos. I had the Chila Killas, which is a Mexican egg scrambler with peppers, cheese, and baked tortillas, it was really good. Friends had the burgers which as many other reviews have stated are excellent. Kids had French toast and grilled cheese which they loved. They only have one item on the kids menu, grilled cheese, but our waitress Thelma let us order single pieces of French toast rather than ordering the full adult portion, yes this place is kid friendly. Everyone loved the atmosphere and we had great service. Will be back again soon.
(5)David C.
Don't let the cadavers on bikes fool you!!! I love going to this place for brunch on Sundays and having their AMAZING Bloody Marys!! The bloodies come with bologna, an onion, cheese...and a sidecar of their beer. The food is not half bad and I always seem to get the breakfast burrito with a melon slice. I also come for the rocker\biker vibe. My server is always a badass Phillipina who is very attentive and always so nice. I also hear they play porn during the night bar hours. My kinda place! Lol...
(4)Jen K.
I love this place. They have a phenomenal beer menu, with hard to find BCS usually available. Not many places can boast that...so barrel-aged beer lovers, head here! The bloody marys are really good. Not the best in this world, but really good. I like the flavor of parm cheese in it, but sometimes it becomes really annoying to try and fit the shredded cheese through the straw. The brunch is great...usually potatoes are served with breakfast food as a cheap filler but have zero flavor. Not here! They were one of the best parts of the meal! The corned beef hash is a perfect hangover remedy. Basically, I mix the hash, the potatoes, and the poached eggs together for one big breakfast mess. The blood mary washes it down, and I'm cured! The only complaint is that this place could stand to expand, especially in the bar area. It gets very, very cramped. This place is always busy, too. There is NEVER any good parking, prepare to walk or park illegally. So get there early, have some barrel-aged stouts to comfort the soul, and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Nichole M.
This is definitely a unique bar/restaurant. Our server was super friendly and helped us with the beer selection and food menu. I was pleased with both. Plus they play really good rock music! The food is quite good. The brisket was the recommended dish, but I'm not a brisket gal. Everyone else at my table had the brisket and loved it. I had the buffalo chicken sandwich which was delicious and also extremely messy. Totally worth it. Had a really good time with the music, beer, food and service accompanying my great company.
(4)Mike W.
Had lunch at the spoke today with a couple of friends. The service was great and the food was good. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Paul M.
If you love bad service, mediocre food, has a funky whiz/beer odor, and won't sell a plain grilled cheese to a Mom, then this is the place for you. If any a place is in need of an appearance on Bar Rescue, the Twisted Spoke is it. I have been there a ton of times over the years and have always had a great experience until last Sunday. Stopped in w/my wife and teenage son. Typical dive bar which I love, but that funky dive bar smell of beer and whiz permeated throughout was the first time I'd experienced this at the Spoke. It was slow and there were plenty of staff just stading around talking to each other. It took a while for our server to get to us. My son and I ordered the burgers and my wife wanted a simple grilled cheese and that was on the menu but under the 'KIDDIES' section. The waiter explained that he would have to charge her $5 more for the grilled cheese because she's an adult. She said she didn't want anything then and I mentioned that charging $5 more for a menu item because someone is not a kid is a bit strange. He agreed and went to get the manager. It was evident that the Manager has really never had any experience in customer service experience. He said that my wife could order the adult grilled cheese on the menu which had thicker bread, 3 types of cheese and a lot more fries. She said she just wanted an old fashioned grilled cheese with just American cheese. He said he couldn't do that for her. Huh? We even offered to throw in a few more bucks (not $5, though) and he said he still couldn't do it because if he did all of Chicago would be in the place ordering grilled cheese cuz it's such a great deal. Even the table across from us were in disbelief. Our burger and fries were good. They could definitely have used a bit of seasoning. Overall, it was really weird and I have been telling everyone about this experience. Needless to say we won't be returning and from the recent reviews I've read, this place won't be around long unless they make some major changes that get them back to the great place they used to be. One place to start is to take advice from legendary Chicagoan Marshall Field. He coined the phrase "Give the lady what she wants." And in this case, the lady was asking for a grilled cheese and that simply couldn't be done. The spoke is twisted and apparently so is their logic and thinking.
(1)Nicole W.
Gross gross gross. Stopped by here for a beer and a bite, the fries taste metallic and gross, the ketchup tasted off. Portobello sandwich was impressive LOOKING, however, it tasted like shit. And how does a place fail with a grilled cheese? C'mon. Cheapest cheese ever, yuck. Barely touched the food. Beer and poppers were the only things we ordered worth consuming. Don't waste your money.
(1)Kris R.
two thumbs up. not my go-to, but it's definitely delicious. no matter what time of day, get a tasty bloody. i love it when they stuff meat in it. they put it all up in there, all folded, with an olive, all up in your cup. i think they put cheese in it, too. all up in there. and it's spicy! which i sometimes have trouble with, but it's totes worth it. i've had the biscuits + gravy for brunch on the roof deck - that was pretty damn good. the chili is okay - kinda runny if you ask me. it comes in a metal skillet, so when you're scooping it up with a spoon, you get that metallic taste. ew. it's a great place to hang and drink. i think i was there one night for the 70s porn and chicken (or is it eggs?). i just have an issue with the 1970s in general, so seeing all kindsa hair makes me feel uncomfortable. outdated porn, especially from that era, makes it hard for me to eat anything. #puns
(4)Stephanie L.
SKIPPPPPPPPPPP! Oh Twisted Spoke, I heard so many good things about you so I was dying to try you and finally I was going to eat bad on a Sunday after doing so well for about a week and a half. Sunday afternoon, no line, perfect. Walk in and no one pays a bit of attention to us. Maybe we were to preppy or maybe they were just busy. After a couple of minutes a guy that was sitting on the stairs gets up and gets us menus and then shows us to a little table right in the front. Fine with us. It was too hot to sit outside. He proceeds to rattle off something about a limited brunch menu, but they have some sandwiches. I distinctly remember hearing him say portobello mushroom sandwich. Anyway, we sit and wait and wait. No one comes. Finally water comes out. We wait and wait and wait. Finally our server with hot red lips comes over. The weird thing was that she must have walked by us at least 5 times before stopping. WE ARE STARVING! Please, help us get some food! We order up the Bloodies! I have to say 5 stars on the delicious bloodies. They really were a great TREAT! YUMMY! Not to mention, spicy and loaded with cheese, meat and all the fixings. This would be worth coming back for. All for $8! So I was kind of confused about the menu because they have limited lunch menu on Sundays. However, the server stated different things were available than the guy that sat us. So that was annoying. Just make a printed menu of whats available on Sundays...is it that hard? Its not like their menu is this extravagant thing. Instead, one person is telling us one thing and then the server is saying, 'oh no, thats not available today.' Get your shit straight. We decided on the shrimp po'boy and the bbq chicken sandwich. The po'boy was FISHY! It was like I had a bite of the shrimp and seriously tasted it in my mouth until after we left the restaurant. GROSS! Out of the places that I have recently went for po'boys, this was by far, my least favorite. The chicken was good, however, I wouldnt go out of my way for it. I also found it interesting that they dont have ranch here. They serve wings, etc. No ranch. Just Green Goddess, which is good, however, its not ranch??! Overall, I was disappointed in Twisted Spoke. I get the grungy, biker look, however, I still expect good service and people that know what they are talking about. Also, if you are going on a Sunday and looking for a healthy option, this is NOT the place for you. Everything was like a heart attack waiting to happen. Where I also was kind of disappointed about.
(2)Glory O.
the best gumbo in the worlddddd! its serious stuff when you get it with the two poached eggs for brunch (they only do the eggs on weekends unfortunately). although everything else on the menu always looks great -- the only thing i ever get is the gumbo. GUMBO GUMBO GUMBO! great food and booze with friendly service. doesn't get better than that!
(5)Brandon T.
Came here last night with friends and had a fantastic time. The place has a weird old school diner feel. The bar top is metal, the bathrooms are strange, but in a good way. The drinks they make are really good. The old fashion was surprisingly well done. Also the beer list is huge, and the bartender knows his stuff about everything on it, so feel free to ask for a recommendation. I ended up getting a few appetizers. The fries were just ok, the cheese curds and wings were much better, but nothing to write home about. I would definitely stop in again if in the area.
(4)Sara S.
This place is on our regular rotation of places, we go probably at least a few times every month. Alex and Jen are our favorite bartender duo, but all the employees are fun to talk to. The atmosphere is casual and fun. If you are in the mood for a beer I suggest getting one of their recommendations to try something seasonal or different. If you are in the mood for a mixed drink they have quite a few unique options as well. Their bloody marry works wonders and their hot toddy is my go too when I have a cold. The food is always delicious! We have tried multiple items on the menu; the burger is always great, I love the cheese curds with the mustard sauce, the Wisconsin Scrambler is fantastic, and the flaming lemon wings are also great (and entertaining). Those are just some of my favorites, but like I said, I have yet to order anything and be disappointed. Great staff, great drinks, and great food make this one of our regular spots!
(5)Carly G.
I'm here every weekend. That says something. Best bloodies and their biscuits and gravy are to die for! Oh and their mussels are nothing short of extraordinary!
(5)Merissa L.
Ambiance is good but food is mediocre at best. I have been here 2 times now. The first time I had poached eggs with were ok, the potatoes were just whatever. Last night I ordered the chicken tacos and they came with melted cheese under the chicken, and a small plastic side of black beans. The tortillas were hard and almost crunchy and anyone who knows tacos knows that melted cheese just aint the way it supposed to be. i wish this place had better food...service was also mediocre at best.
(2)Steve H.
Wow! Massive whiskey list! The best is Wednesday nights where they are all half off :) Their beer list is also impressive! Came here and tried some of their sandwiches. The Boss Hog pulled pork really could hold its own against any BBQ joint. My buddies Fat Boy burger was ridiculous as well.
(4)Brian R.
With today's foodie population splitting multiple items to try as much as possible I find it absurd that you would charge a 50% extra surcharge if I want to cut off a piece of my burger and give some to someone else. . Go elsewhere.
(1)Estevan F.
Dont expect the red carpet to be pulled out for you when coming here.. In return shall receive amazing beer, great burgers, sandwiches and chicken tacos. Music is good the beer lists are amazing. Did I forget to mention fried egg, bacon and cheese on your burger? The place has a dark biker bar feel, bar area is a bit small when its packed. Luckily they have a dining area good place to keep the children and health junkies. Great place to chill and relax take your time to enjoy that great beer. Not really the place to get quick food if your on a time crunch. Always enjoy the patio after a long day of motorcycle riding has a great view of your bikes.
(4)Kari F.
It is so glorious to go to a place that really knows how to make a Bloody Mary... I say spicy, they give me ze spice. I can't go on without mentioning their shrimp po boy... This sandwich is huge, crunchy, and so fresh. I love when a restaurant understands the importance of using quality bread. I can't count how many times I've ordered this. When I'm feeling crazy, I get the fried bacon (...Is this real life?!). It's not too greasy or over-powering at all. The beer selection makes me so :). I enjoyed a $2.50 special for Alpha King on Tuesday night (...no really, Is this real life?!). The service is good most of the time- the bartender was knowledgable and made some great suggestions for beer as well as mixers we tried. He made a heck of an Old Fashioned. The service does get pretty slow on the rooftop in the summer, since they had one guy serving the entire bunch. Only thing that puzzled me was the night i wanted to grab some grub and a beer with my sister, and porn was on every TV. It was awkward. It would be funny if they aired it for like a half hour, but it was the rest of the night. I'm trying to eat here.... c'mon. Besides that once instance, I come here all the time and always had a good experience. I will keep coming back for the quality food and bevs any day.
(4)Theresa F.
2nd time around - still good food. I had the lemon wings - they were ok - I think they do better with sandwiches and breakfast food though. Server was Andy and he was AWESOME!
(4)Jessica B.
Best corn beef hash in the city and the bloodies are everything that people have said and more.
(4)Elizabeth E.
Bloody Mary. Bloody Mary. Bloody Mary. I'm not sure what else to say. Oh, also the rooftop patio is fantastic in the summer, though maybe not if you're already sunburned. And the shrimp po'boy is the truth, and big enough to share if you're not awfully hungry. In fact, most of the menu is big enough to share. Your tastebuds will thank you for the greasy breakfast (or dinner). Your arteries will thank you for having some restraint. Also: Bloody Mary.
(4)Monica Z.
Delicious bloody's and breakfast food. I love coming here after a night out. You leave full and satisfied.
(5)Mary N.
When I walked into the bar all I thought was "Bar Rescue". Roof top was OK. Service was terrible! Waitress should be fired. She was so rude and abrasive. Food totally sucked. Went downstairs to the bar to escape the waitress, it was so hot in the bar we left. I don't understand what people see in this place. It may have been good at one time, but not now
(1)Olivia B.
Sick rooftop, hot as hell though. Amazing beer and cocktail selection. American and Mexican food, great hangover cures. Service is on the slower side, but I love this place. Steak burrito is amazing, same with their margaritas.
(4)David S.
This place is awesome. We visited april 18th, and had breakfast. The food was great exaclty what we were looking for after a long night out the night before, and the bartender Jerome was awesome. Cant wait to come back.
(5)Laura P.
Ya know, I dig this place because it reminds me of my daddy and his bikes. I like the motorcycle parts and pictures and paraphernalia probably because I grew up around all this stuff and it feels comfortable. I tipped over my Dad's bike onto my brother when he was 4 while trying to pretend ride the bike....but all that doesn't matter now. Oh, my brother, he's fine. Thanks for asking. He does have male pattern baldness but I don't believe that was caused by having a motorcycle tipped over on him. Anywho....brunch here today was almost inedible. French toast that had been sitting in the warming tray or on the counter for at least 10 minutes before it was served. Bacon was microwaved and hard and could have taken out a steel filling in a tooth if you bit down too hard. Waitress claimed juice was fresh squeezed but was clearly concentrate. Some people know the difference..... Kinda hate writing this review because the service is super good here and the bartenders are friendly and the roof is cool and the everything else is sweet but jeezus H. Christ can you get it together with the food? I mean you already have a customer base and NOT just people that are hungover or are drinking. Why not make a LITTLE bit more effort. It wouldn't even take much. Just serving the food when it comes up would help. Seriously.
(2)Taylor B.
Everything is good here. Everything. I'm talking about the food & beverage, not the after hours television selection. But I have been impressed with every item I've had on this menu, so much so that I'm able to branch out often and try new things, instead of relying on stand-bys and favorites like I do with other restaurants. I have had, and rate 5 stars, to the following menu items: - Jumbo Steak Burrito Not quite as big as Ty Domi's head, but the perfectly cooked steak and the great ingredients make up for quantity with quality. - FatBoy Burger You can add grilled onions, barbecue, lettuce, tomato, BACON, cheese. You can choose the bun. You have the option for fried egg and avocado. It's all gold. This is the cure for the hangover before it starts. - French Fries Cut and seasoned perfectly, a great compliment to their homemade barbecue sauce, which I would drink on its own. - Fried Egg Sandwich I order this the most, because if anyone else in the restaurant orders it, I get food envy. It's beautiful, it's huge, and it's delicious. - Bloody Mary w/ Scotch It's like drinking a campfire. A delicious, smokey, bacon filled camp fire. I highly recommend this place...it's worth traveling to if you're not in the neighborhood. I can't wait for summer and the roof deck.
(5)Liz K.
(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...
(1)Emily C.
Decided to come on a whim for a bloody. I had heard they were great here and wanted to try. The place was packed on a Sunday, to be expected, so we went straight to the bar and by some miracle were able to procure seats. We tried the classic bloody (loved the bloody, would have preferred normal bloody "fixins" like a pickle and olives vs. the pearl onion and salami, but that's just me). Our friend tried the smoky version and thought the bacon in it was great. I loved that you got a little shorty of beer to go with it. Totally hit the spot. I also tried the "Pedro's Just Dessert" and the bartender made it a bit sweeter for me. LOVED this drink - a mix of sherry and prosecco. The best were the names of the drinks, bathrooms, general concept of the bar - hilarious. Would definitely go for a bloody again. 82/365
(4)Anna E.
I can't believe I've never reviewed this place before! I've been coming here for years and always enjoy the cast of characters. Don't let the biker vibe deter you. They have great, friendly service and an amazing rooftop patio. The burgers are the way to go, but the brunch is good too. They also make a solid bloody mary. Great place to spend a Sunday on the roof day drinking.
(4)Tim B.
$10 lunch special - burger, fries, drink (certain beers available if you want one). Can't beat it. Burger was very good, cooked how you like. List of available free toppings longer than most (bacon and jalapeños among others). Fries were great. Beer selection is huge. Whiskey selection even bigger. Rock music playing. Sports on the TVs. Friendly staff. This is a man cave away from home.
(5)Melinda W.
I really wish I was able to make it here more often...it's not terribly close to my house but I've had nothing but great food and even better drinks each time I've come here. As you probably know by now...go outside of your comfort zone and order something crazy. Gotta love the Bloody Mary though, it's fantastic. Such a fun vibe, great place to drag someone from out of town for brunch if they want a taste of "local" life that's for sure. Enjoy!
(4)Danielle C.
My bf and I came here tonight and had the worst experience that confirmed for me why I'll never be back. We ordered the 3 chicken taco meal w/ rice and beans and a garden salad. We each had 1 beer. The chicken taco plate came out cold. We sat there for about 10 min before the server could even be found. My bf asked the server (his name was Matt H) if the rice was supposed to be cold, and he said 'yes it is, but i can warm it up for you if you want'. The plate came back to our table with the same temperature....not sure what happened here... The salad I ordered was pretty mediocore..Just letuce, 2 tomato wedges and 2 cucumber wedges drenched in dressing and a rock hard crouton. When we asked for our check, we spoke up and told him we were unhappy about the plate coming out cold and it was pretty bad. He said he couldn't do anything about it and became defensive and explained if we had eaten less, he could have done something about it earlier. I was actually shocked at this remark and told him that we had been sitting waiting for him to come back---he never came to check on us once after he brought back the cold plate of rice. Even if this server would have apologized or something, I could have been ok with this..but the fact of the matter is, you just don't treat customers like this. Needless to say, we will never be coming back to the Twisted Spoke. I would have considered coming back here just to drink, but after tonight, they've lost my business 100%. Stay away from this place and give your business elsewhere.
(1)Tiffany K.
Came here for a double birthday celebration, and it was pretty busy but not too crazy on a Saturday. we were a large group, but this didn't make anyone who worked there angry. Our server was the nicest person on earth! I ordered a Cock Smasher and it was really boozy. I don't know if it was worth $10, but it was good. I wasn't too hungry so I ordered the onion rings ($5) and they were OK. The sauce that came with them was too sweet! I tried a bite of the shrimp po' boy and that was awesome. The Gutterslut is a great drink, too, and well worth the price. Overall, I felt that this place was a Chili's or Applebees for bikers? There is all this memorabilia on the walls and the menu was mostly burgers and things like that. Not the worst place, but it didn't completely blow me away. I'd like to come back and try a different dish and drink.
(3)Damon T.
Yes 1 star. Cannot base this on the food, as I have read rave reviews about the "fat boy" burgers and bloody marys. How I would have loved to have reviewed the food for myself, but... I went here on a Friday afternoon, a little before 3pm. The place wasn't terribly busy, but staff was terribly inattentive- after walking in and not receiving any greeting from anyone, I asked the bartender if I could just seat myself, and she nodded an affirmative. What happened to a "hello"? Here's where things get mind-blowingly ridiculous for me. The waitress passes by, says she will be with me in a minute, and goes over to the next table, to attend to their drinks, make small talk, etc. I already know what I want. The $10 fat boy special, which as advertised, comes "fully loaded" and with fries + a pop/beer. Served between the hours of "11am - 3pm Monday thru Friday". Aw man, I'm cutting it close. It's now 2:57 to be exact. Meanwhile, waitress is just chatting up a storm/joking around with the peeps at the table next to me. When she comes back to my table, it's literally EXACTLY 3. She asks me for my order, and I respond, "I know it's cutting it really close, but I'd love to get this lunch special here". Her response- "ohh...is it 3 o clock...hmm" as if in disbelief. I whip out my cell phone, displaying the exact time- 3:00, to prove my self. She then says, with a crooked smile, "mmm they're not going to do it...". Wait- WHO'S not going to do it? You're not going to bother placing my order, despite it being within the time that this special is available, explicitly stated in the menu?? Or no, the cooks that are working the kitchen, because god forbid no $10 burger special is hitting the griddle at anytime near 3pm? These, by the way, are my thoughts, not what I actually questioned the waitress. She hesitates, walks back towards the kitchen, pops back up to my table, and says "no....sorry." I hand the menu back, incredibly agitated, letting her know that I'm taking off and will not be ordering ANYTHING, based on the simple premise that you are not providing a special as advertised on menu. And, really, Twisted Spoke, this is your loss. The waitress lost a potential nice tip, you guys lost business, and a customer who WANTED to try your famed "fat boy" burger will never return to the establishment. Good job.
(1)Sergio V.
Best american food in town. The place is fun with its bicker-run-down style but it's in reality very friendly (also children friendly). If you live or visit Chicago you must go! The FOOD: best part. they have the BEST BURGER IN CHICAGO. I don't care what everyone else says...meat is juicy and full of flavor. It's so good they don't need to add any fancy topper to make it tasty...and that double burger is amazing. Best Buffalo WINGS ever, as well. Fries are incredible, BBQ sauce too. I tried few other things on the menu all excellent. Lastly few words on the amazing WHISKEY selection...
(5)Shelby B.
Listed in the chicagoburgerbible.com website as "Elite Status". Now, I've had a good number of ground beef sandwiches in my life, and this was one of the better ones. The best? ... Be ready to 'build your own' hamburger from a list of fixings. HUGE beer list and great bloody's. Service was good too. Why 3 stars? Burger was great, not the best. Lunch for 2 = over 50 bucks if you each get a drink and a Fat Boy burger. Would I go back? You betcha, after I've tried the rest of the burgerbible recommendations. PS: Atmosphere was hard to beat, I'll be sitting at the bar next go around.
(3)Rachel F.
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.
(4)Carmen G.
The burgers are awesome and they have really great lunch specials. The red chili peppers are my absolute fave, but I am a sucker for spicy food. The wings are also the best I've had in a long time.
(4)Carol K.
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.
(4)Deb P.
Twisted spoke bloody Mary's are wonderful. Staff and food all good. Nice biker bar
(5)Carly T.
I live down the street, so we come here a few times each month out of pure convenience. I generally get a tostada appetizer as a meal, and my fiance binges on beer while I drink a vodka soda. But FINALLY, this weekend, we did brunch here (also known as "Hangover Hospital," even though we weren't hungover). That's really something to write home about, so to speak. I had a delicious fried egg sandwich that usually comes on rye bread but, trust me, ASK FOR A PRETZEL BUN. A Fried Egg Sandwich on a PRETZEL BUN?! Does life GET any better? (Answer: Probably. But still). And the bloodies! So delish. I had the smoky bloody and it was absolutely wonderful, but I suspect I would have loved the scotch bloody as well. I. Will. Be. Back.
(4)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.
(4)J P.
Cool place with a great rooftop in the summer. Good place to hang out with your friends. Drinks are good too. Food is ok. I cannot remember what I ordered last time but the first time I went there I ordered sandwich with shrimp and I was not 100% happy with it. All that said I went back, so I guess what I try to say give this place a shot or order too ;)
(4)Aidan B.
This place is an experience and a destination. I went there for their renowned hangover brunch and was blown away by the large and playful menu. Fantastic bloody mary and delicious breakfast items. I had the corned beef hash with poached eggs. So fantastically rich, and a huge dish. I did have to recover from my recovery brunch, and my solution was a simple nap.
(4)Alyvia M.
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!
(4)Kyle H.
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, so I guess servers aren't being trained in beer types. I wonder how she does with their extensive whiskey program. 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.
(3)Claudia S.
I like the food here. I used to come for brunch, and sometimes I could convince a co-worker to go for lunch after work and every now and then I'll go for dinner.............................but my favorite thing is surprisingly not the mimosas (which I love) but the bloody marys. OH.MY .GOD. Now, maybe I always had a distaste for bloody marys because my palette wasn't developed at 18. Or maybe it was the fact that my friend used that horrible bloody mary mixer from Jewel and poured way too much vodka. Add to it the fact that I hate tomato juice. Regardless, I HATED them, and then I came here. My friends would order them and eventually I tried and fell in love. There has only been one other time I've enjoyed a bloody mary and that was at the Map Room by a certain bartender.....other than that....not so much. My friend is a vegetarian and drinks the bloody marys from here, telling the waitress "I know, let's just not talk about it". I love sitting on the roof! If it's nice, sit up there. You get a nice view (assuming you're not in the center) and usually a nice breeze. I'm always full, have leftovers and satisfied when I leave here.
(5)Miguel M.
Awesome burger, juicy nice selection of toppings. Fries aren't bad either. Also a very large beer selection.
(4)Sarah T.
This is one of the few restaurants in my neighborhood that I frequent (note to aspiring restaurant owners.....we are in desperate need of better grub around Chicago/Milwaukee/Ogden/Grand area!). I go after work with pals....when we go on weeknights it is really laid back and we always have good service and great food. I am kind of surprised at some of the mixed reviews here. Oh well, I think it is a gem in my 'hood.
(5)I A.
Back in the day I would have given this place SIX starts but they have just totally ruined themselves. This was the only good biker bar/restaurant in the city, now it's just a hang out for posers who just bought their brand spanking new fake lofts in west town. They can all pretend they are edgy or take their chick with them so they look a little cool, pathetic. Retraction, the Spoke does have smut and eggs my apologies. But they threw out the junked bikes and built like a really nice all wood bar so all that Lincoln Park Trash can appreciate it. Sure the rooftop is nice to have a pretty decent burger but the Fat Boy used to waaaay bigger and waay better, they used to season it, and you could barely eat the whole thing, now its just a little tiny beef patty. To show you how much this place has strayed, this summer I DROVE to this place and had lunch there with my 2.5 year old son and my wife. Back in the day this was not the place for them, this is just plain pathetic. If you go there for the first time, you will probably think its cool with all the junked bikes around, but you are really missing out. I wish this place would go back to it's roots and make it too scarry for these grown up Lincoln Park Trixies that go there now. It went from a biker place to a biker "themed" place. What is wrong with this world.
(3)Stef B.
It's great for those who are into Motorcycles... anyone not into motorcycles just do not understand, and will badmouth anything they are unfamiliar with. It makes them sound smart. To cure a Hangover - The patio tables and umbrellas on the roof are WONDERFUL when paired with a meaty-Bloody Mary and heavy garnish. Finish off a hamburger with a few beers, and you're back to normal. Only bummer is that there is no music, so it's just you, and the sun, and low murmur of all the other hungover patrons from the night before. Highly recommended - for any Bloody Mary enthusiast!!
(4)Bob S.
My rating is mostly based on my dining experience. The food at Twisted Spoke is surprisingly good if you were expecting bar food. Their Shrimp Po-boy is a huge meal. Their tacos are pretty decent. Their cheese quesadilla is a tasty snack. Unfortunately their food can be hit or miss. I usually find it pretty good, but even I have my complaints on occasion, such as with the quality of the chicken in the tacos. Friends I've taken here have expressed disappointment with the food (eating dishes I don't eat, like the fish and chips). I would have to say that everything I order from Twisted Spoke is done better by other restaurants in the area, hence I don't often end up here. The whole restaurant is decorated with motorcycle stuff and it creates a neat atmosphere. Despite being a bar I've never had a problem with noise when I'm in one of the back dining rooms (though maybe I've never gone at peak hours). Service has always been friendly and usually prompt. I think it's Saturday night when the have "Smut and Eggs," and it's exactly as advertised. Despite what you might expect the bar does not fill up with creepy men in trenchcoats at tables for one.
(3)Giovanna B.
I'll say this much: The Twisted Spoke isn't for everybody. Fortunately, it is for me, kinda. I've gone quite a few times knowing that we would be served the greasy fried food most reviewers before me have noted. Overall, the food is not bad. My favorite items of all are the chicken wings. I don't know what my obsession is with these fatty bird limbs, but dang it, I love 'em chicken wangs! I am especially enamored with the lemon ones, and though taste-wise they aren't mind-blowing, they set them on fire right in front of your eyes. Pyromaniacs, unite! The place itself isn't, well, it isn't "pretty", and I understand why people would feel that it is dirty - it's not though, the illusion of grunginess is part of the ambiance. So, if your scene includes martini bars or ultra hip lounges, this may not be the place for you. But, if you are open-minded, crave greasy (but good) food (especially flambed chicken wangs) and are willing to give a place a chance (like yours truly, as long as there aren't obvious signs of serious health code violations), I say go check it out. With the right group of people, and knowing that it just ain't fancy, you too might enjoy it. Fortunately, I've never been treated badly, and hopefully you won't be either. As a side-note, I'll be completely honest and say that the main reason I went the first time was because of the Smut 'n Eggs. Now, I'm no porno fiend or anything like that, but I never heard of such a thing and just *had* to see it for myself! Of course, one thing was what I *imagined* it would be like, and quite another was what it actually was. Unlike what took place in my overactive imagination, in reality it was pretty much people sitting at a bar with a couple of TVs showing a bad 70s naughty adult film. The kicker is that I don't think anyone was even looking at the screens! Would I do the Smut 'n Eggs thing again? Probably not, but it makes a great tale for my non-Midwestern friends about the craaaaaaaazy things that people do around here =)
(4)Bess R.
I've been here quite a few times for dinner, but just had my first brunch experience and was pleasantly surprised. I'm not consuming alcohol right now, so I couldn't try a bloody mary though it looked SO good. I had the Mex Scramble which came with potatoes (crispy potato chunks with green pepper and onion - very tasty). Like dinner, they were huge portions - probably could have shared! Also tried a cup of the red chili (they also have green?) - lots o beans and chunks of beef. For dinner, I've become a big fan of the wings - both BBQ and Buffalo- which come with lots of veggies on the side and fabulous bleu cheese dressing. Their side salad is HUGE, enough for a meal. The man-friend loves the burgers and the fries. Overall, great bar food with a twist, never busy, fast and friendly service (better for brunch than dinner/late night), and easy parking outside. Definitely my go-to when craving wings.
(4)Abby T.
I have been here a few times.... the FatBoy burger is pretty flavorful....so flavorful that you can actually taste the burger HOURS later, after a burp. (4 *s)The FatBoy burger is just that.....definitely share-able....unless you's a fatboy that's able to scarf the whole thing down. Pretty dirty in Twisted Spoke (minus 1 *), as one could probably gather from looking at its exterior. Great rooftop patio space though!!! Get there early to claim a seat in this small area.
(3)Jori R.
Everything was absolutely splendid during my last visit to The Twisted Spoke, from the rooftop seating, awesomely friendly waiter, the burger, and DEFINITELY that fried bacon!!!!
(4)Chris B.
So I'm trying to figure out a way to put this joint on wheels, tie it to the back of my car and literally tow it down to Miami! I have eaten here over a dozen times but just returned, after a five year hiatus due to my move to Miami, and was glad to find the Spoke just as good as when I left her. First off the beer selection is incredibly extensive (as an out of town-er I always start with some type of Goose Island) and there is a type and flavor for every beer drinker. However if beer isn't your bag they have a HUGE list of whiskeys, full bar and one of the best Bloody Marys in the city... A "family oriented" biker bar, whatever the hell that means, the Twisted Spoke offers some of the most memorable sandwiches you'll ever eat after which you will be literally be asking for more! The Boss Hog (pulled pork sando), Giant Steak Burrito and the Meatloaf are three that immediately stand out as front runners. The Meatloaf is better than any of your Mom's meatloaf which is served on light, yet not soggy, garlic bread and the Boss Hog's sauce is sweet and savory. Did I mention that the fries that come with each sandwich are cut from fresh potatoes that day? Obviously I am incredibly biased but the Spoke is one of my personal favorite spots in Chicago for a beer and a bite. I recommend that when in Chicago you make the trip and if you can't find anyone to go with you gimme a call.... Enjoy.
(5)Angela T.
Excellent burgers and sandwiches with one hell of a beer selection. The staff is always friendly and the service prompt. Never had a bad meal or dish here. If anything, I feel so stuffed from their food as it can all be a bit heavy. Loads of grease and when there's cheese involved, you can bet there will be LOTS of it. The sort of stuff you need and want on a hangover. Pricey hangover cure but one worth shelling out for if just any old burger or sandwich just won't do.
(4)Patrick R.
I have been to the Twisted Spoke probably 25-30 times in my life. I went there well before a lot of the gentrification took place in the area, and continued to go every now and then for the good beer selection and daily specials. I have never been a big fan of anything in particular that they had on their menu to eat, the food is just okay. My reason for the one star, and reason that I will never go there again mostly has to do with my last experience. I took a seat near the bar with my soon to be brother-in-law, and his brother. We were planning on a couple of beers and a bite to eat before the Blackhawks play-off game. We got there at about 4:30, with the game starting at 7pm the Blackhawks crowd was not overwhelming. Shortly after we sat down we were approached by a waiter. We ordered beers and had not yet committed to ordering food. I had a couple of questions about beers on the menu that I wasn't completely familiar with. The fauxhawk, aging hipster waiter, who's knowledge is likely steeped in PBR and cocaine told me that one beer I asked about was somewhere between my brother-in-law's beer (Stiegl Pils) and my beer (Dark Horse- Smoked Stout). Okay, maybe this guy is not an expert, but we had polar opposite beers, could he be a little more specific? I asked if the beer in question was hoppy? "yeah, it has hops". That really didn't bother me that much, I just thought it was funny that a beercentric place like Twisted Spoke doesn't require some sort of beer knowledge from their wait staff. So... our beers are empty for 20 minutes. We see our waiter walking around, chatting up regulars, talking to other staff, we try to make eye contact, tried to wave him down. It almost seemed like we were being purposely ignored. I finally told my brother-in-law who's back was facing the bar to just order another round from the bar tender. He get's her attention and the bartender asks if we have a server. He says "yeah, but we have had empty beers for 20 minutes and have not been approached." Our waiter overhears the conversation from the back of the bar and sticks out his head, looks at my B.I.L. and says "Dude!" The bartender tells him that our server will be right with us. A few minutes later "Dude" shows up and takes our beer order. I watch him then to see if he puts it in to the bartender. I could not tell for sure, but I didn't see her pour our beers. "Dude" continues to chat up regulars, talk to the bartender about something... 10 more minutes go by, no beers... I look for $5 out of my wallet, don't have it, my B.I.L. slaps it down ($2.50 beer special x2) We get our jackets together and head for the door. All of a sudden we have "Dude's" attention. "Dude, hey guys, dude, where are you going? I tell him the money is on the table, later. What a fuck face! If you want to look at tattoos and ironic facial hair on a disinterested staff, come here!
(1)Karen C.
I was brought here by a new friend for a few drinks and eats mid-afternoon on a Saturday after my massage, so I was wonderfully mellow and in a great mood. Street parking was available, but it was $2 for 2 hours and that was the max you could choose, which sucked. However, the fact that parking existed was a nice surprise. We started at the bar downstairs, which was sparkling with alcohol choices, thinking it would be cooler than sitting outside. The bartender was nice and gave me a beer suggestion (which I honestly can't remember) that ended up being a very yummy stout as well as a few suggestions to my drinking companion. After sitting inside for a few minutes we realized that the air conditioning wasn't on and the wall of windows at our back wasn't really helping with the muggy closed feeling at the bar. We decided to move upstairs to the outside deck and within a few minutes they'd found us a table with an umbrella as I am terribly pasty and unable to stand direct sunlight for very long. The upstairs deck was cute and we were given a table (picnic like) in the corner to ourselves. The menu selection was pretty decent and although we considered ordering one of their giant burgers we never did get around to it. Instead, we ordered appetizers and ordered the Portabella mushrooms and cheese poppers. The food arrived promptly and although it wasn't bad, it was pretty bland. The breaded mushroom poppers really just tasted like fry grease and the cheese poppers weren't really any better. However, they had an amazing beer selection listed (although I was unable to partake of more than a few as I was going to be driving after lunch) which I'm sure makes up for the lackluster food. A few other things: Our waitress, the poor dear, appeared rather wilted from having to run up and down the stairs in the heat without even the respite of air conditioning inside. However, even being close to collapse from heat exhaustion, she was friendly and sweet for which I give her huge props. The bathroom was clean and well stocked with toilet paper, which is a huge deal for us ladies. Overall the place appeared well kept and well run. I only gave it three stars as the food we tried was nothing to write home about and they didn't have the air conditioning on when they clearly needed to. I would like to return with a few more people and without my car to taste some of the other beverages they have to offer.
(3)Francis K.
I have the hardest time giving a place a one star because generally I try my hardest NOT to be 'that guy,' Twisted Spoke however made it very easy. I truly honestly want to return here and have them prove me wrong. I doubt that I will though. We went here on the recommendation of a friend. It was after a playing a game of soccer, it was a beautiful Sunday morning still and we were all day dreaming of going to a place that would welcome a sweaty group out to eat food and have a few pints. We walk in and are told the wait would be 45 minutes. (Fair enough for a party of a dozen) Since some of us were real hungry we walked about the neighborhood looking for second options. As soon as one of us found one (a restaurant) a table miraculously appeared. This should have been a harbinger of things to come but sometimes it is best to retain a sunny disposition. This was followed by prompt water service and the nightmare began. I initially didn't want to blame our server, after all when you have over 30 beers on your menu it will be difficult to keep track of all of them. It would ALSO be nice while we were sipping our water if we were provided with a beer menu. We were still game at this point so we all hastily started picking our drinks. Of the 12 of us ONLY 3 were able to get the drinks that they wanted immediately. We weren't ordering obscure beers. Corona, Amstel Light and Miller Lite are as mainstream as you get, but none of these were available. Still fair enough, we persevered. When we finally were able to settle enough to get our drinks, after 3 or 4 tries in some cases our server disappeared. At this point we notice one in our party didn't get their drink. WHISKEY! TANGO! FOXTROT! Our server finally returns and yet again dismissively answers that, they were out of the drink. We still gamed on. -Like I said I REALLY let places treat me like crap before I blow them off. At this point some in our party have just about had enough. My breaking point came when FINALLY our server remembers that the reason people come to restaurants is to eat. She stopped by to inquire what we would be dining and it is at this point that I gave up. We were now close to 45 minutes but it felt like an eternity. When one of us attempts to order a meal on their menu she declares that the only meals served were from the brunch menu. Hello!? This would have been useful information while you were handing out the menus, taking our drink orders multiple times or EVEN while checking on us. At the point we asked for the check and promptly left.
(1)David W.
I'm a mutha fuck' n carnivore and like my brunch big and meaty. Twisted Spoke delivers the big, the meat, and so much more. When I go to a brunch place I like to look at the percentage of meat based options to non-meat based as an indicator for success. The heavier on the meat the more likely I am to enjoy my experience. Having said that the Spoke's menu offers a total of 15 Brunch entrees of which 9 are meat based. That's a lot of meat! As a matter of fact if you calculate the percentage we are talking 60% meat. Just to give you some perspective the Bongo Room's menu is roughly 5% meat based (Fuck'n Weak!). I'm not going to let myself get into another Chicago brunch rant, but seriously Chicago Brunch Places hike up your skirts and put some meat on the menu! And I'm not asking for asiago shitake chicken sausage! I want chicken fried steak, corned beef hash, steak & eggs.......... (Deep Breath....Find your center....Ahhhhh) Ok, back to Twisted Spoke. The menu is great. For those of you who like sweet vs savory the Elvis French Toast is silly good, the buckwheat pancakes are solid, and the oatmeal is yummy. For those of you who like to put the lunch in brunch, the corned beef hash is one of the best in the city and the burgers are can't miss. Twisted Spoke also offers scrambles that include Polish Sausage, Italian Sausage, or Bratwurst. In my opinion they have one of the best brunches in the city and we haven't even talked about the Bloody Mary's or the porn yet. You may have picked up that I have affinity for meat and this also applies to my breakfast drinks. Twisted Spoke loads their bloodies with cheese, pepperoncinis, olives, and yep you guessed it salami. They are spiced just right and pair well with the corned beef hash. Good food: Check. Good drinks: Check. Hardcore porn from the early 70's: Check Yep, that right! On Saturday nights starting at midnight and running through around 3:00am the Spoke serves up their amazing breakfast delicacies with a side of nasty sweaty hardcore mostly old school porn. Amazing. The service blows. 1 Elvis Toast 1 Corned Beef Hash 2 Bloodies ------------------------------ $30 PS... They have a great beer selection and a huge outdoor roof top patio.
(3)Kera E.
I had initially wrote a bad review of this place, due to two bad experiences I had with a particular bartender who let me sit for way too long without service. I have to say now that TWISTED SPOKE HAS REDEEMED ITSELF!! I was contacted about my review by an employee of the Spoke who apologized for my experience and asked if I would give them another shot. She offered me a gift certificate, which I thought was really nice. I went there yesterday and got fantastic service from 2 bartenders (the shift changed as I was there). I also ate appetizers that were yummy and had a good overall experience. I am enthusiastic to go back to try some of the menu items. Thank you, Spoke, for caring about the customer.
(3)