Friday, December 14, 2007

The Broken Spoke

Last night I met some friends at The Broken Spoke, a venerable Austin honkytonk. Whenever I have guests in town I always take them to The Broken Spoke. It has so much character that it pretty much does my hostess duties for me. I can just sit back and watch them fall in love with the look of the parking lot, the country dining area, the mix of cowboys and dot-comers and hipsters and rockabillys. Out-of towners are instantly mesmerized by the novelty of the live western music and the constant flow of two-steppers going round and round the dance floor.

But here’s the thing…it’s not novelty to those of us who live right here in Austin. It’s just a gem of a watering hole and the best place to dance on a Thursday night. So we relaxed with some pitchers of beer, took turns spinning around the dance floor, and shared our plans for the holidays. Our friend Dana was called up to the stage to sing a few songs with the band which was a delicious treat. She has a torchy voice and poured out velvety versions of ‘Crazy Arms’ and ‘Walking After Midnight’. All in all it was a lovely way to take a break from December madness and enjoy a truly Austin evening.

Some pictures from last night at The Spoke…











17 comments:

mikster said...

I need to get out more...lol. Looks like a great place to have a good time.

Anonymous said...

Oh man… seeing stuff like this just makes me despise the LA Bar scene even more. I wish there were a place around here where I could kick back with a few pitchers, take in some tunes that aren’t spun by some androgynous DJ from Holland (and consisted of twanging strings instead of buzzes, beeps and other science fiction noises) and just chill. To get into some of these places you need an “I’m cool enough” resume. You are so lucky…

Anonymous said...

Good prod - sometimes I forget the simple deliciousness of the Spoke.

Anonymous said...

now that looks like a rockin place ..just my kind of joint...:)

Audrey said...

Wish I could be there to experience that feeling. But with a toddler in tow, I don't think there is much partying in store for me, except those at McDonald's!

Anonymous said...

No way! There is a Broken Spoke in my home town as well (Bellefontaine, OH). We just call it "The Spoke". Your Broken Spoke looks to be much nicer though. The one here is really a hole in the wall bar.

liz said...

Just found your blog from The Mom Blogs -- LOVE IT!!

Love the post about how wonderfully Moravian you are...I went to Wake in Winston-Salem and Moravian stars and spice cookies warm my heart this time of year. (I saw the stars in Domino, too and was so excited!)

The Broken Spoke looks like fun -- Definitely no place like that in Rhode Island!

Look forward to reading more!!

esryan said...

You know The Spoke is in my Top 10 of all time. If Mr. White is still there, please give him this New Yorker's best.

suchsimplepleasures said...

we have NOTHING like that, here in my part of michigan. we have hipster places, kinda...but, mostly boring stuff.
hey...i'm on entrecard now, too...that's how i got here, just now!
hope you are having an awesome weekend!

piper said...

HOT SHOES!!!

I could hang with your gang any night of the week, ya'll are hella hip ;)

Tee said...

That looks like way too much fun! Loved your descriptions. In a small way, I feel like I got to visit, too :)

Rachel said...

*crying*

I MISS the Spoke!!!
Thanks for the memories! The pictures are awesome and those shoes... they're HAWT!!

Nessa said...

Hi Christine! Greeting from Malaysia :)

Looks like a swell place. Thanks for sharing the photos :)

Anonymous said...

My folks live in Kiln, MS and they have the Broke Spoke bar there. Seems y'all in Texas got the grammar part down! :)

Here from cre8buzz... Love your blog. Will be back!

Tee/Tracy said...

I tagged you with a meme here:
http://spiltmilkblog.com/birth-month-personality-meme/

Don't feel obligated to do it though!
Best wishes :)

Graham Ettridge said...

I am riddled with envy! That looks like such a dream of a place to go to. I love the country pubs around here in England, but would simply love to experience such a great watering hole. It looks like everybody is having sooo much fun there. Even the name has a kind of eloquence. Thank you soooo much for sharing the moment!!!

Anonymous said...

and how the heck did I not end up at this joint when I was in town..,Darn it...next time. I notice Lone Star was the cold one of choice..I was liking Shiner Bock and neglected LS...oh well, next time