DATE RATER
Blind date
First date
Seal the deal
Special occasion
Double date
Relationship date
The basics: Day or night, West Town’s renowned biker bar provides a colorful backdrop for a casual date. The Spoke is easily recognizable, its trademark spinning skeleton on a motorcycle prominent on the corner of Grand and Ogden Avenues. But despite the theme, actual biker sightings are less frequent than you might think.
Indoors, look for flat-screen TVs and an impressive collection of scotch and whiskey behind the bar. In warmer months, the spacious rooftop deck draws a crowd.
Noise level: Even with the lively chit chat and steady drone of classic rock, you should be able to hold a conversation. The rooftop deck is usually sedate and date-friendly, save for the occasional rowdy bunch that’s taken full advantage of the drink specials.
What to order: There’s an embarrassment of riches on the menu, but we suggest starting with what the bar’s known for: unique bloody marys. The standard Road Rash Mary ($7) gets a shot of Beamish ale, and it’s served with a hearty garnish of hard salami, pepperoncini, a cocktail onion and a Spanish olive. To top it off, it’s sprinkled with parmesan cheese and served with a beer back.
If you want to spice things up, opt for the Bloody Smokin Salma ($8), made with chipotle-infused Death’s Door vodka and garnished with a chili pepper and slice of chorizo. Or treat your special lady to the GFE (Girlfriend Experience) Margarita. Made with Herencia tequila, Grand Marnier and lime juice, it’s pricey ($15) but worth it—just like your girlfriend!
Icebreaker: Tell your sweetie about the many lives of that skeleton atop the spinning motorcycle. Owner Cliff Einhorn says college kids attempted to snatch it a few years ago—the police caught them, but not before they ruined it. The skeleton’s since been replaced.
Gina B.'s inside tips:
>> Hit Twisted Spoke on Saturdays at midnight for Smut and Eggs: cheesy, smutty ’70s flicks on the flat screens and a full brunch menu. Something for everyone!
>> Visit on a Monday night for $3 Maker’s Mark drinks, plus all-you-can-eat meatloaf ($11.95).
>> Take a chance on Tuesdays, when the staff randomly chooses 12 beers to serve for $2.50 each.
[ RedEye sex columnist Gina B. is a Metromix special contributor. ]
metromix@tribune.com
