Music, cocktails draw crowds to Geneva nightspot
Since opening July 3 in the long-shuttered Tuscana's former space, EvenFlow Music & Spirits has been keeping the venue rocking with an eclectic mix of live music supported by food and drinks.
Motif: The space pays tribute to some of music's greats with huge paintings of Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix. You'll have a prime view of the band wherever you sit, whether it's at the long wooden bar on the first floor or the giant booth or smaller black tables on the balcony. Chandeliers hang overhead adding to the illumination from the huge windows overlooking State Street. TVs around the bar are tuned to sports and play concert videos during the day to provide music for the lunch crowd.
Service: Our food came out promptly and our server was quick to get us condiments and drinks.
Food: While it might not be clear from the name, EvenFlow Music & Spirits offers a full food menu that features some excellent dishes. Top picks include the buffalo chicken lollipops, seared diver scallops and short ribs. Their stuffed mushrooms make a great starter, with the large crispy pieces served with sliced grape tomatoes and a delicious horseradish sauce. The chicken and waffles option includes four juicy legs served atop a fluffy waffle, both sweetened with a bit of honey. The only disappointment was the short rib grilled cheese sandwich, which was too short on cheese to live up to its name. The piping hot and crunchy tater tots it was served with were better.
Liquid consumption: The bar offers a menu of music-themed specialty cocktails like the Dirty Diana dirty martini or the Rumchata Lambada, an absolutely delicious creamy and smooth coconut martini served in a cinnamon-rimmed glass. Drink specials include $2 domestics Tuesdays.
Music: EvenFlow hosts bands Wednesday through Saturday nights, with a lineup that includes country, swing, blues and rock groups. The sound is quite loud throughout the space, so be prepared to raise your voice if you're planning on chatting during a set. If you like performing yourself, Tuesday is open-mic night. Upcoming special events include a Halloween party with cover band Red Woody Saturday, Oct. 27, and a Saturday, Nov. 10, fundraiser for the college funds of two kids whose mother died from a brain tumor in June.
Cover: Admission ranges from $3 to $5, but can be more for special events like the Thursday, Oct. 25, swing night, which features a dance class from Geneva's Varga Dance Studio followed by a set from The Flat Cats.
Crowd: The bar's crowd changes with the music, but you can count on it being packed Friday and Saturday nights. You'll find everything from sharply dressed seniors to young couples and big groups. They don't take reservations, so be prepared to stand or wait for a table. The space has turned into a major party destination with a wedding rehearsal dinner and birthday bash going on the night we were there. Thursdays are the busiest, when half-price martinis and bottles of wine bring in big groups.
Parking: There's plenty of free street parking nearby.
Overall: EvenFlow Music & Spirits is a spirited addition to downtown Geneva's night life.
EvenFlow Music & Spirits
302 W. State St., Geneva, (331) 248-0269, <a href="http://www.evenflowmusic.com" target="_blank">evenflowmusic.com</a>
<b>Hours: </b>4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday