Broken Spoke

Went for dinner after sampling the place during a work lunch about a month ago. Pleasantly surprised! The 2for 1 drinks are nice and the crowd, while busy and loud wasn’t disturbing. I would bring a family if you can tolerate a happy hour-​like atmosphere. Margarita was good. Wife had a salad, I had the Italian beef. Both good. Worth the short trip from Marion and we will go back. It’s a shame Marion has basically chased all similar venues away.

The food was not that great. The fried pickles are at the low side of rankings compared to other bars in the area. The only reason I’m rating a two is our waiter was amazing and awesome! He really knows how to appeal to his guest and multitask

My husband and I stopped here for lunch while out enjoying the beautiful day on our bicycles. It was our first time here and we have been excited to try it. I immediately fell in love with the place when, after sitting down, my ears were tuned to a fantastic U2 song playing throughout.
They had a nice crowd for a Friday lunch. We would have gone out to enjoy the outside patio if we weren’t already overheated from our bike ride.
It took a few minutes for a waitress to come, but she was very pleasant. We both ordered a raspberry tea, although tempted to order something from their large selection of craft beers. But we quickly remembered we had to get back on bicycles to get home.
My husband opted for the chicken salad sandwich on a croissant with a side of fresh fruit. He said it was fantastic! The Craisins and apples added a wonderful flavor. He shared a bit of his fruit salad with me and I was blown away by the freshness and variety of the fruit served. It seems like it was freshly cut just for us!
I could not decide between five different choices that all sounded wonderful. In typical fashion, I asked the waitress to surprise me. She brought out a huge gyro salad served with an incredibly delicious pretzel bread stick. I was not disappointed. The salad was filled with a great assortment of fresh vegetables including cucumbers, red onion, tomatoes, and of course, the flavorful lamb meat.
The atmosphere was about what we had expected for a «biker bar». Nothing fancy, but very comfortable, clean, with a few unique touches throughout.
We will definitely go back. After all, I have four more entrées I need to try.

Not impressed with the food or service. Came for lunch and had the blta and there wasn’t even a full slice of bacon on half my sandwich. Came for dinner and service was SLOW and they weren’t busy. The italian beef was flavored with Italian/​pickled juice. The mac n cheese was cold! Wings were good. Beer wasnt cold. Sorry not impressed and may not be back. Was going for a new good hot spot, but not.

Yep, just what CR wants. Another «we have a crap load of craft beers and we sell food too» bars. Why doesn’t CR want a «we are going to offer you something different than every other place.»
Yes, I know. People like to find comfort in finding something that is similar to what they have when they go to the chain restaurant or one of the other, «We have craft beer» places. Heck, I ordered the Asian salad for just that reason; sounded like the one I like at Granite City. People, it’s only going to get worse.
So husband and I have been here twice. Both times the food has been average. Not out of this world, but not bad. Just ok.
What might keep me from going back is the service. Or should I say lack of. Both times we were in at non-​peak business times for a late lunch. Both times the server has taken our order, delivered our food and then treated us like we have Ebola.
I was having a tea and he had a beer. Not once did she refill mine and I emptied it half way through my salad. Husband would have drank another, but she never returned and it didn’t seem like it should be necessary for me to flag her down since there was only two other patrons there.
In addition, if you want to work on management paperwork I would rather not have to listen to the three of you chatting it up loudly about income and tips. Nor the running conversation back to the tv.
I’ll be back. Mainly because there isn’t much in that part of town that isn’t a Mexican place or bad (Papa Juans).

Cedar Rapids’ newest «biker» bar is located on the bike trail on Center Point Rd just north of Collins Rd. A great selection of craft beers and good food will make the Broken Spoke a popular stop with both bicyclists and motorists. We stopped after work on Thursday and scored with the ½ price draft special. The shrimp po’ boy sandwich was very good and loaded with tasty grilled shrimp. The service was fast and friendly too.

Omg! What a great find!!! We stopped here for dinner while biking. Great beer selection!!! The menu has lots of different options. My daughter and I had the portobello melt which was delicious! My husband has a chicken salad sandwich that he said was really good. Loved their Texas straws-​onions and jalapeño straws. They are working on putting an outside patio in back. We will definitely be back!!!