3.5 Stars
VIBE
It's interesting to review this place after the opening of Soho House (which sad to say I think has The Spoke Club beat in the exclusive members club arena). That said, now that all of the "cool kids" have hopped over to the Soho House, the Spoke has a more subdued vibe to it in a good way. I'm lucky to have friends who have memberships to get me in.
I've been here a few times for events and I love the patio. Bartender service has been pretty top notch but the staff here are university students so I think that's gone down a little bit. I did overhear a conversation with the bartending staff about "exams." Hmm..
On a Friday after work during the holiday season, it's difficult to find a seat and chat. We didn't want to sit in the dining room but managed to get a seat at the bar.
WE ATE/DRANK
The food here is great! This really is a great place to take a client or have a business lunch. We split between the chips, the fried chicken and the salmon sushi. The chicken had a little bit of a spiced kick to it and was finished very quickly. The sushi had a bit of tempura on the sides and it was fantastic!
These guys also do negronis very well.
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
I'd hate to say that The Spoke has lost its luster as an "it" spot (except maybe during TIFF) but it's still a nice place to hang out.