very cool spot right on the wash. GREAT food. like the chicken sandwich (sans cheese) i had was actually one of the best ive had in a minute. cool vibe, didnt get a drink, but they looked good. the wait can add up, but who cares when ur outside in a nice place and probably with ur friends. Also ask for their aioli, i saw everyone going up for something, and went up and asked for whatever it was, its the aioli, get it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Barbara L.
Good food but super crowded! People and animals everywhere. Don't let that keep you from going, just order ahead and pick up at the window when you arrive.
Kayla T.
Did not try any food, but 5 stars purely on the location + ambiance + bike rentals. Super cute stop to grab food & a drink while biking the LA river. Decent selection of drinks & food! Plus bike parking within the cafe. A large selection of seating. Staff was friendly!
L C.
I love this place so much, and I'll always recommend it. I just have some feedback on the BLT. I think the tempeh BLAT could be better. As someone who eats mostly vegan, I believe vegan food should also appeal to any non-vegan; it should be as delicious as non-vegan food. I don't think I could offer this to a non-vegan and they would come back for more. The bread was delicious but the tempeh itself was bland and bitter, and way too thick. It lacked flavor. All I tasted was smoke. GREAT tempeh and tofu is marinated. As we know, tempeh and tofu are flavorless on their own so they really need that time to soak up the flavor. It also needs the slightest hint of sweetness to offset the bitterness. It should be thinner and crispier, not thick chunky slabs. I'm talking as thin as you can get it. Think bacon. Thinner is also a way to get it more flavor. It should be delicious enough to eat on its own and not just dressed on a sandwich. It could be great! It just needs some tweaks. Love you guys!
Luke G.
I was riding the LA River bike path and my derailleur stopped shifting. I stopped at Spoke hoping they could get me in decent enough shape to limp my bike home. The mechanic (I can't remember his name, sorry!) was exactly who you want working on your bike: the friendly guy who knows everything and can't wait to fix your bike. He replaced the cable, adjusted the derailleur, and had me back on the road in under 30 minutes for about 30 bucks (after tip!). If I lived any closer to Spoke I would have a new bike shop!
Max G.
Fun! Times at the bike bar food place. Come get a beer and get back on the road! More characters needed ok. I am done now
D-a-v-e's C-r-a-v-e's ..
Pretty solid, central spot next to the LA river, definitely represents how this area is up-and-coming with vengeance. I think my meal is a microcosm of experience and cost. I ordered the spoke burger, and a can of beer. My total, with a 15% tip, came out to jusssst shy of $40. The fries were warm (not hot--some were cold) and for some reason the catchup is very sparse. The burger was great. The brioche bun was on point, the veggies and the beef were full of flavor. Good quality for sure. It's just that... a burger, fries and a beer can was $37 I would probably come here and skip the alcohol, and maybe get something a little more reasonable like avocado toast and a coffee. The proliferation of virtually every business now asking for a tip has become overwhelming and obnoxious, especially in industries like this where tip doesn't go for "service", but rather seems to subsidize the employees lack of pay: I placed my order at a window, received a buzzer, picked up my food at the window. I cleaned my table before I ate, and bussed my table when I left... that's all fine, nothing problematic at all. I don't expect to be "served" and in fact prefer self-bussing etc. But if there's no service why is there a service tip option? The venue and ambiance is outstanding, plenty of seating, lots of space for everybody, all patrons seem to get along. Generally nice, and if I happen to bike in, there's plenty of spots for my bike. Really fun place, and a truly unique idea.
Amanda M.
Perfect spot to stop by on the LA river at the start or end of a bike ride. The drinks & food are consistently good and the staff are always friendly. There are always good vibes at Spoke because people come with friends, kids, and dogs. Everyone is welcome! They have several gluten free options that are listed on the menu.
Rae M.
Spoke is the best LA spot for good eats and good vibes! I have been coming here for years, and it has been amazing to watch it grow from a coffee stand and bike stop to a must-see community hub for cyclists, anything on wheels, puppies, and kind people! The veggie burger and beef burger are equally my favorite in town, not to mention the famous waffle fries! The balance between healthy and homestyle is perfected here and there is something for everyone! The coffee and drinks are superb and everything is made from scratch. The owners and staff are hardworking and dedicated to creating a yummy and unique experience to say, slow down, enjoy, and you belong here.
Richard C.
Great place to go after a bike ride or just for the ambiance. Wish thy would bring back the frog town art walk back. Spoke the the first place I stopped for some food and a beer. Service is a bit slow but as long as you're not in a hurry you will be good.
Best waffle fries ive ever had in my life! ALLERGEN WARNING: They don't list which dishes contain nuts on their menu, so proceed with caution. But the food really is delicous!
Danilo G
A cultural gem of LA. The food, drinks, vibe and service are great! They rent high quality bikes for $15 an hour to cruise around the river. I highly recommend it. Just be prepared to wait for food/drinks if you come on a busy weekend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lau R.
Lots of construction going on in the area currently so my partner and I decided to stop by here instead of the fully vegan cafe nearby, and we did not regret it! Great space, awesome art to look at, and the layout has a solid variety of seating - perfect if you're lounging with friends, want to do some work on your computer, or are just stopping by for a drink on your bike. Another perk is the view of the river and the hills in Highland Park! I ordered an egg, toast, and potatoes plate and I must say these are the *BEST* potatoes I've had in a very long time. My partner ordered a vegan breakfast bun (tofu could've been better) and we thoroughly enjoyed the watermelon lemonade, definitely can tell it was made in-house. Will admit it takes a sec for the food to be ready (25-30mins) but if you have good company, the wait is no problem. The food and ambiance 100% make up for it. Recommend if you're ever traveling along the LA river or in the area!
Steve R.
I very nice place that I would give 4.5 stars. My wife and I came here with some family after taking a nice walk along the bike/walking path that runs along the L.A. River. For lunch, I had the Spoke burger that came with lettuce, heirloom tomato, bacon, cheddar cheese, and pickled onions. It tasted very good, and the waffle fries that came with garlic aioli on the side made for a great lunch. My wife loved her chicken bacon sandwich and would order it again. Since the bike path is only steps away, there is plenty of space to patk your bike while you grab something to eat or drink. It's definitely a nice place to stop by if you're walking or riding by.
Andrew Curtis
Food and atmosphere are good, folks could be friendlier, maybe they need a raise.
very cool spot right on the wash. GREAT food. like the chicken sandwich (sans cheese) i had was actually one of the best ive had in a minute. cool vibe, didnt get a drink, but they looked good. the wait can add up, but who cares when ur outside in a nice place and probably with ur friends. Also ask for their aioli, i saw everyone going up for something, and went up and asked for whatever it was, its the aioli, get it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good food but super crowded! People and animals everywhere. Don't let that keep you from going, just order ahead and pick up at the window when you arrive.
Did not try any food, but 5 stars purely on the location + ambiance + bike rentals. Super cute stop to grab food & a drink while biking the LA river. Decent selection of drinks & food! Plus bike parking within the cafe. A large selection of seating. Staff was friendly!
I love this place so much, and I'll always recommend it. I just have some feedback on the BLT. I think the tempeh BLAT could be better. As someone who eats mostly vegan, I believe vegan food should also appeal to any non-vegan; it should be as delicious as non-vegan food. I don't think I could offer this to a non-vegan and they would come back for more. The bread was delicious but the tempeh itself was bland and bitter, and way too thick. It lacked flavor. All I tasted was smoke. GREAT tempeh and tofu is marinated. As we know, tempeh and tofu are flavorless on their own so they really need that time to soak up the flavor. It also needs the slightest hint of sweetness to offset the bitterness. It should be thinner and crispier, not thick chunky slabs. I'm talking as thin as you can get it. Think bacon. Thinner is also a way to get it more flavor. It should be delicious enough to eat on its own and not just dressed on a sandwich. It could be great! It just needs some tweaks. Love you guys!
I was riding the LA River bike path and my derailleur stopped shifting. I stopped at Spoke hoping they could get me in decent enough shape to limp my bike home. The mechanic (I can't remember his name, sorry!) was exactly who you want working on your bike: the friendly guy who knows everything and can't wait to fix your bike. He replaced the cable, adjusted the derailleur, and had me back on the road in under 30 minutes for about 30 bucks (after tip!). If I lived any closer to Spoke I would have a new bike shop!
Fun! Times at the bike bar food place. Come get a beer and get back on the road! More characters needed ok. I am done now
Pretty solid, central spot next to the LA river, definitely represents how this area is up-and-coming with vengeance. I think my meal is a microcosm of experience and cost. I ordered the spoke burger, and a can of beer. My total, with a 15% tip, came out to jusssst shy of $40. The fries were warm (not hot--some were cold) and for some reason the catchup is very sparse. The burger was great. The brioche bun was on point, the veggies and the beef were full of flavor. Good quality for sure. It's just that... a burger, fries and a beer can was $37 I would probably come here and skip the alcohol, and maybe get something a little more reasonable like avocado toast and a coffee. The proliferation of virtually every business now asking for a tip has become overwhelming and obnoxious, especially in industries like this where tip doesn't go for "service", but rather seems to subsidize the employees lack of pay: I placed my order at a window, received a buzzer, picked up my food at the window. I cleaned my table before I ate, and bussed my table when I left... that's all fine, nothing problematic at all. I don't expect to be "served" and in fact prefer self-bussing etc. But if there's no service why is there a service tip option? The venue and ambiance is outstanding, plenty of seating, lots of space for everybody, all patrons seem to get along. Generally nice, and if I happen to bike in, there's plenty of spots for my bike. Really fun place, and a truly unique idea.
Perfect spot to stop by on the LA river at the start or end of a bike ride. The drinks & food are consistently good and the staff are always friendly. There are always good vibes at Spoke because people come with friends, kids, and dogs. Everyone is welcome! They have several gluten free options that are listed on the menu.
Spoke is the best LA spot for good eats and good vibes! I have been coming here for years, and it has been amazing to watch it grow from a coffee stand and bike stop to a must-see community hub for cyclists, anything on wheels, puppies, and kind people! The veggie burger and beef burger are equally my favorite in town, not to mention the famous waffle fries! The balance between healthy and homestyle is perfected here and there is something for everyone! The coffee and drinks are superb and everything is made from scratch. The owners and staff are hardworking and dedicated to creating a yummy and unique experience to say, slow down, enjoy, and you belong here.
Great place to go after a bike ride or just for the ambiance. Wish thy would bring back the frog town art walk back. Spoke the the first place I stopped for some food and a beer. Service is a bit slow but as long as you're not in a hurry you will be good.
Restaurantji Recommends
Best waffle fries ive ever had in my life! ALLERGEN WARNING: They don't list which dishes contain nuts on their menu, so proceed with caution. But the food really is delicous!
A cultural gem of LA. The food, drinks, vibe and service are great! They rent high quality bikes for $15 an hour to cruise around the river. I highly recommend it. Just be prepared to wait for food/drinks if you come on a busy weekend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lots of construction going on in the area currently so my partner and I decided to stop by here instead of the fully vegan cafe nearby, and we did not regret it! Great space, awesome art to look at, and the layout has a solid variety of seating - perfect if you're lounging with friends, want to do some work on your computer, or are just stopping by for a drink on your bike. Another perk is the view of the river and the hills in Highland Park! I ordered an egg, toast, and potatoes plate and I must say these are the *BEST* potatoes I've had in a very long time. My partner ordered a vegan breakfast bun (tofu could've been better) and we thoroughly enjoyed the watermelon lemonade, definitely can tell it was made in-house. Will admit it takes a sec for the food to be ready (25-30mins) but if you have good company, the wait is no problem. The food and ambiance 100% make up for it. Recommend if you're ever traveling along the LA river or in the area!
I very nice place that I would give 4.5 stars. My wife and I came here with some family after taking a nice walk along the bike/walking path that runs along the L.A. River. For lunch, I had the Spoke burger that came with lettuce, heirloom tomato, bacon, cheddar cheese, and pickled onions. It tasted very good, and the waffle fries that came with garlic aioli on the side made for a great lunch. My wife loved her chicken bacon sandwich and would order it again. Since the bike path is only steps away, there is plenty of space to patk your bike while you grab something to eat or drink. It's definitely a nice place to stop by if you're walking or riding by.
Food and atmosphere are good, folks could be friendlier, maybe they need a raise.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3