The Spoke & Bird (South Loop) — Restaurant in Chicago

The food is expensive for the portion size. The coffee isn't anything extraordinary. The internet is unreliable.

The only pro is the sustainability of the food options.

This is my HUGE issue with this place.

On Friday 8/12/2016, Chicago experienced heavy rains that overwhelmed the drainage system in the streets and apparently the drainage system in the restaurant. The staff initially said they were going to close the kitchen momentarily and to get our food orders in ASAP. About 2 minutes later, one of the "owners" came into the dinning room (which is separated by a massive hallway from the kitchen) and told everyone in the dining room to leave because of the flooding (which wasn't even in the dining room at this point). Totally understandable, considering this is sewage water.

HOWEVER, a major issue occurred as a few people next to me tried to get a refund for there food and coffee orders that were not yet honored. The "owner" didn't address them at all and sent them straight out the door. Most importantly, it was still pouring outside. This was the kind of rain that definitely impairs vision while driving and damages property if walking. I approached this owner, already off-put by his refusal to address the refund issue with previous customers and inquired why I had to leave the dining room and go out into torrential rains if I understood the risks associated with staying in the dining room while waiting for the storm to pass. I mean honestly, I along with several other people had a laptop and notebook that I couldn't afford to get wet.

All he responded with was, "It's sewage water, you have to leave." And that was it. He was rude and off-put that I suggested he be kind enough to allow us to stand there for 15 minutes while the storm passed. I turned to leave without saying another word, and he YELLED at me as I was exiting "I'm SORRY that bothers you." As if my request was something ridiculous. The people standing next to me that heard the conversation were shocked at his rudeness. They along with myself will not consider eating here again.

I discourage everyone from supporting...

Beware of hidden fees when ordering online or using the table QR codes! Their new website is a major step backwards.

I’ve been a regular here for a couple of years. They have a great atmosphere and seasonal dishes, and their drinks aren't overly sweet, which I appreciate. Staff are always friendly, and while prices are on the higher side and waits can get long during the warmer months, it's usually worth it. They also sometimes have a monthly soup subscription which is fantastic. (I wish they offered it more often!)

With that said, I'm very irritated by their recent website change. The new design is significantly less user-friendly: it takes more clicks to access the same information, and the menu layout is cluttered and confusing. Instead of listing drinks with size and style options, each variation (small hot, large hot, iced) is a separate item, making browsing a chore.

Worst of all, they’ve added a hidden service fee—roughly 40 cents for a single drink—when ordering online. (I'm pretty sure this applies to ordering in-person using the table QR codes too!!) Not only is it ridiculous to suddenly start charging a “service” fee for an order I’m placing myself (that now requires more work with this new website anyway), but hiding it within the tax line is deceptive. If you're going to charge me a fee for using your website, it better at least be a good one. Not to mention, if this does indeed apply to the table QR code ordering... wow. Talk about gross business practices.

On top of that, the new site no longer allows me to use the rewards I’ve earned online. I’ve accumulated over $20 in rewards that are now inaccessible unless (hopefully) they still work in person—something I haven’t had the chance to verify yet.

Overall, I’m very disappointed in the direction they’ve taken with their digital experience. The in-person cafe is still great, but their online system has taken a serious step backward. Be aware of the hidden fees if you’re ordering online and don’t count on using...

Stopped by with friends out of town to show them a unique and cool coffee shop but our experience sucked. They shut off the online ordering halfway through service, leaving me without being able to order anything, and didn’t say anything about it or offer to help fix the issue. I went up to the barista behind the kiosk outside and was told that she “can’t do anything about that because she can’t place any orders on her end”, then told us to go sit back down and that the Host “should be out and taking orders”. Clearly, the Host could not do that, because he is a Host and not a Server, so I don’t know why she would throw her coworker under the bus like that and then decide not to offer us any help. Sat back down and another couple next to us was upset because they also just got cut off from ordering online, they were then told by the Host that there wasn’t anything he could do too? I had to go back up to the front a second time after getting sick of sitting around waiting for someone to do their job and then was able to place my order up front with the Host. Food was mid, they were out of French Toast (which is crazy for a breakfast/lunch spot), my friends and I’s food and drinks all came at different times. Got no thank-you for coming, impolite and disorganized service AND pre-paid for my food (including Tip!) just to have a mediocre meal in 90 degree weather. I’ve been here a few times before and thought this place was good but now I’m probably not coming back, especially after reading other reviews where the owner is being very unprofessional in her...