Nearly three years after bringing pizza, sandwiches, and salads to the Haynie’s Corner Arts District, Spankey’s Una Cafe is spinning something new: an in-house vinyl collection. Owner Ryan Huck invites his fellow music fans to play their own records for other diners to enjoy.
“I love jazz and all kinds of music,” Huck says, and having a record player in the shop is “my take on a jukebox and a tavern.” There will be some special vinyl events at Spankey’s, Huck says, but the turntable is always open for business. Befitting its arts district setting, the cafe dining room and bar include colorful, modern works created by Evansville artist Christina Zimmer Robinson.
Not to be outdone, of course, is Spankey’s variety of una pizza, which Huck defines as cracker-thin crust with pinched meats cooked under the cheese. He says his “tavern-style” recipe differs slightly from similar variations in Evansville. Spankey’s options include a Greek, a margarita, a Philly, and a chicken pesto. The Westsider is loaded with meat. The stromboli, steak and provolone, and ham and cheese are popular sandwich choices, and the Westside salad is similar to its namesake pizza.
Spankey’s location at 4404 W. Lloyd Expressway was well established when the brand expanded to 15 Jefferson Ave., where Huck’s sister, Rachel Brown, is one of several instructors teaching yoga upstairs at The Yoga Space. Huck sought to provide Haynie’s Corner residents and those visiting for events with amenities not previously available: pizza and, now, a haven for vinyl lovers. “People have been receptive, and I like seeing what they bring in,” Huck says.
