Booze Clues: Riding high with Wheelies

Columns November 12, 2014

Wheelies is a motorcycle shop/cafe that opened in 2013, and many friends of mine have raved about the food, drinks, and atmosphere.

I never went until last week because of its location at 2620 Rock Bay Avenue; I live and work downtown, so I wasn’t prepared to bus to an area that is deemed “seedy” when I can eat and drink well in my own neighbourhood.

Read about drinks every issue of Nexus in our drinks column, Booze Clues (photo by Andrea Valentine-Lewis/Nexus).

But it was convenience that brought me to the cafe last week, since my new job is located across the street and I knew there was no excuse. I decided to go after work for their mac ’n’ cheese and a beer.

I walked in and noticed that Wheelies was definitely modelled after the vintage 1960s motorcycle scene. I sat up at the bar and the friendly staff was quick and efficient to bring me my choice of Phillips Elsinore or Blue Buck.

I went with the Elsinore, which is a crisp and delicious light beer, with an accompanying slight hop aftertaste. I knew then that this is where I would have lunch tomorrow on my day off, too.

Day two at Wheelies Motorcycles, I knew what I wanted: a Chipotle Caesar. Made with vodka, chipotle, Tabasco, Worcestershire, lime, and house-made pickles, how can you go wrong? It was delicious.

For bourbon lovers, Wheelies also offers a Maple Bourbon Sour. I like that there aren’t too many options on the menu; for the indecisive, like myself, it makes it easy.

I highly recommend Wheelies for anyone who isn’t afraid to step away from the comforts of downtown for a new and refreshing experience. You don’t even have to like motorcycles.