Craft Brew Bar Review Pt. 1: Spokeasy
by Mike Schnauz
Today, I'm going to begin a short series of reviews on new local bars, particularly ones that seem to be in a trend of watering holes that only want to sell craft beers. I'm going to begin with Spokeasy so that there is some framework for my other reviews.
A lot of people praise Spokeasy for its ingenuity at bringing the "barcade" to Fresno. I won't praise it for this, mainly because, if I wanted to play video games by myself while getting drunk, I could do that at home. A bar is a social spot, and arcade machines detract from that. Skeeball is fun for a couple of rounds, but on a whole, I don't go to Spokeasy for the games.
I don't even really go there for the craft beer. I do enjoy a good craft beer, but I can't justify spending as much on a pint as I would on a 6-pack. When I'm at Spokeasy, I drink the PBR because it's good, cheap, and gets the job done.
The real differentiating factor, in my mind at least, is that Spokeasy is a bar that, whether by intentional decision or not, is perfect for hanging out with friends. It's quiet, out of the way, and relaxing. I don't have to be worried about being blasted by live music when I go here, nor do I have to worry about the place being packed with horny twenty-somethings just looking to get laid. I can grab a few friends, head over here, and I'm guaranteed to have a great time. And for that reason alone, I give this place an 8/10.
Today, I'm going to begin a short series of reviews on new local bars, particularly ones that seem to be in a trend of watering holes that only want to sell craft beers. I'm going to begin with Spokeasy so that there is some framework for my other reviews.
A lot of people praise Spokeasy for its ingenuity at bringing the "barcade" to Fresno. I won't praise it for this, mainly because, if I wanted to play video games by myself while getting drunk, I could do that at home. A bar is a social spot, and arcade machines detract from that. Skeeball is fun for a couple of rounds, but on a whole, I don't go to Spokeasy for the games.
I don't even really go there for the craft beer. I do enjoy a good craft beer, but I can't justify spending as much on a pint as I would on a 6-pack. When I'm at Spokeasy, I drink the PBR because it's good, cheap, and gets the job done.
The real differentiating factor, in my mind at least, is that Spokeasy is a bar that, whether by intentional decision or not, is perfect for hanging out with friends. It's quiet, out of the way, and relaxing. I don't have to be worried about being blasted by live music when I go here, nor do I have to worry about the place being packed with horny twenty-somethings just looking to get laid. I can grab a few friends, head over here, and I'm guaranteed to have a great time. And for that reason alone, I give this place an 8/10.
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