I am a big fan of McMenamins establishments. This is my first time the Spar Cafe. It was excellent. Great team, great food, great atmosphere.
I've been to Spar several times. Very much the McMenamins vibe you expect. Sat at the family bar (think breakfast counter), not adult bar (with the impenetrable 4' barrier), for happy hour. Very chill on a Monday afternoon, which was perfect for catching up with my friend. Great staff, per usual McMenamins quality.For some reason, I expected more of an "in house cocktail" menu, but there were only 5 or 6. Happy hour menu was a good selection. Since happy hour has only been back in my rotation a month or so, I'm not sure if the food/drink prices are on par with other spots. However, since food and everything is a bit pricey than before, I expect this is the same as everywhere. The 6 arms salad with steak is a meal portion.
Our waitress was very friendly and gave just the right amount of attention: wasn't hovering, but not completely absent. Only went in for a drink and appetizer, mostly just to check the place out. The food and drinks came to us pretty fast. I split a large order of the truffle fries with a friend, and there was more than we could eat. I will definitely be coming back to try something more than an appetizer!
One of the many things I live about McMenamins (a pacific northwest company that you really need to just look up to understand) is that for the most part they are housed in historic properties that they lovingly restore and then give new life to. In the spar cafe you can enjoy excellent quality food and drink in a place unlike any other (including other MCMenamins properties). My only caveat is they have the single TV I have ever seen in a public room of a McMenamins property.
We didn't eat here, as we'd had lunch in Centralia. But we walked in to check it out and have a quick beer. The waitress behind the bar was stellar - great personality, full of information about the area, and made us feel very welcome. Where does McMenamins continue to find such quality staff? We'll definitely go back for a meal next time we're in town
The atmosphere! Very cozy, private feel, and beautiful with wrought iron, plants, books, and gorgeous nook sofa at the front for larger party of people. Service was friendly, accommodating, and attentive. Food was quality and delicious with great prices! Love this place. Everything fresh. The cider and beer I tried were very good not too sweet! Our server Emillie S. was amazing!!!!!
Love the yesteryear atmosphere!! Had the dungeon burger and side salad, it was delicious! No hard cider this time but was tempted when I saw there was a blackberry one... Next time if it's still available.
Jen (the manager) was our server and she was absolutely phenomenal! Food was incredibly delicious and the service was the best I’ve had in a long time! Will definitely be back (:
Food was fresh and tasty. I ordered the sweet potato salad and a cup of chicken sausage bisque. The portions were generous and the staff was very polite and cheerful.
i love this place. also, have been here countless times, and the food only improves, it gets better and better forever, seemingly. also: charlotte is the best (levi close second)