Spoke Wine Bar

Spoke opened in 2013 as a compact Davis Square wine bar with a chef-driven small plates menu that leans seasonal, local, and creative. Since then it’s stayed true to that ethos: thoughtful food alongside a well-curated, eclectic beverage list drawn from close relationships with farmers, winemakers, and brewers.

The vibe: This intimate dining room feels like a cozy neighborhood haunt with a bit of style — low lights, friendly service, and enough buzz to make it feel like a place people return to week after week. Guests drift in for both standout plates and glasses, and the bar never feels like an afterthought. Most nights you’ll find a crowd that cares about wine and conversation more than noise.

The food: The menu is compact but adventurous, anchored in seasonal ingredients and small-plate sharing. Sunchoke donuts with powdered leeks show the kitchen’s knack for twists on familiar things, while rotating items — from burrata with verdant accoutrements to crudos, dips, and house-made charcuterie — reflect the season and the team’s creative instincts. Vegetarian and vegetable-centric options are plentiful and thoughtful.

The drink: Wine is the point. The list is intentionally compact and carefully chosen, with an emphasis on balance, food-friendliness, and producers the team genuinely likes. Expect a mix of classic regions and less obvious bottles, plus beer, cider, and a short cocktail list that mirrors the kitchen’s approach—measured, thoughtful, and quietly confident rather than flashy.

Time Out tip: Sit at the bar if you can. The staff is especially good at steering you toward a bottle or glass that clicks with what you’re ordering, and Spoke rewards people who let the night unfold instead of rushing it.