Spoke Wine Bar

By Catherine Smart · 08/30/2018    Somerville · New American · Wine Bar · $$$

Spoke Wine Bar is packed with Somervillians living their best lives. It’s where they take a second date; where they treat an out-of-town visitor; where they lure their South-Ender friends across the river with promises of orange wine and orbs of milky burrata enjoyed under a swath of leafy wallpaper.

Food from Spoke Wine Bar

“When people ask us to describe what kind of food we’re doing, or what kind of programs we’re running, it’s a little bit difficult,” says owner Mary Kurth. “Because it is more a reflection of the space—and the people who work in our space—than it is a particular culture or style of dining.”

Share your preferences and place your trust in her expert team. Maybe there’s no chardonnay or malbec by the glass, but the all-natural wine list aims to please—whether you seek something truly funky or classically clean and pure, Spoke has you covered.

Smoked butter bean dip from Spoke Wine Bar

With wine on the way, peruse the ever-changing menu of chef Eric Frier’s flavorful dishes: charcuterie, seasonal salads, and—one of our favorites—a smoky, satisfying butter bean dip that’s humbly delicious. On the other end of the spectrum is a peacocking Duck Liver Tart, painstakingly appliqued with tiny edible flowers. And don’t miss the crudos; Frier’s got an affinity for raw fish, and the experience at Back Bay’s Uni to execute.

What Spoke is really about, says Kurth, is providing the best quality products in a casual but intimate space—one that’s built for conversation. “We don’t want to tell people that Spoke is a space where you have to come in and have a four-course meal,” she says. “It’s cool to get off the train and have a snack and a glass of wine on your way home.”

A ride on the Red Line never sounded so good.

Spicy snap peas from Spoke Wine Bar

When it comes to wine, there are no stupid questions here. Because Spoke serves many lesser-known varietals, ask your server to walk you through the wine list. They’ll hook you up with something you love—likely made by a “badass woman,” says Kurth.

There are no bad seats in the house, but for an intimate date ask for a table near the window, while larger parties will want to be in the center of the action underneath the bold wallpaper.

Cocktails at Spoke trend low(ish) ABV—perfect for sipping while perusing the wine list.

Must Haves

  • Fresh grassy pea pods and rich oozy yolk scream peak farm-to-table. A slick of mussel aioli and pop of black lime shout, “Nice to meet you! Aren’t you glad we crashed the party on your plate?!”

  • Earthy, no-nonsense goodness served with sourdough from A&J King Artisan Bakers (Salem’s secret weapon and gift to carb lovers everywhere).

  • Sparkling Bluefin is adorned with Sicilian pistachios, Castelvetrano olives, and lemon.

  • Come for the natural wines. Stay until the dessert plates are licked clean. Believe us: You’ll want to save room for this updated rich and creamy classic.

Fun Fact

Before becoming Spoke’s new owner, Mary Kurth was working behind the bar here while pursuing a PhD at Harvard.

Tastes of Spoke Wine Bar

So good we can't stop writing about it. Read more about Spoke Wine Bar!

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