Spokane, Washington, a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Inland Northwest, boasts a thriving food scene. Beyond the well-trodden tourist paths lie culinary treasures favored by locals, establishments where the ambiance is genuine, the food is exceptional, and the prices are reasonable. This article unveils some of Spokane’s best-kept secrets, guiding you to the restaurants and eateries where the locals truly eat.
Breakfast & Brunch: Starting Your Day Spokane-Style
Spokane knows how to do breakfast right. Forget the generic chains and venture into these local favorites for a morning meal that will energize you for the day.
Frank’s Diner: A Spokane Institution
Frank’s Diner is a legendary Spokane landmark. Housed in two vintage railroad cars, it exudes a nostalgic charm that has captivated locals for generations. Expect classic American breakfast fare done exceptionally well. The portions are generous, the coffee is strong, and the atmosphere is buzzing with local chatter. Their famous “Garbage Plate” is a must-try. The quality and history create a unique Spokane breakfast experience.
Bruncheonette: Elevated Brunch Classics
For a more contemporary brunch experience, head to Bruncheonette. This popular spot offers a creative menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and innovative twists on classic brunch dishes. Be prepared to wait in line, especially on weekends, as this place is always bustling. Try the Chicken & Waffles or the Breakfast Poutine. Their commitment to fresh, local ingredients elevates their offerings.
Clover: Cozy Comfort and Delicious Bites
Clover is a cozy neighborhood cafe known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious breakfast and lunch options. Their menu features a variety of sandwiches, salads, and pastries, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their breakfast sandwiches are particularly noteworthy, and their coffee is excellent. Clover offers a relaxed and satisfying dining experience.
Lunchtime Delights: Spokane’s Midday Munchies
When lunchtime rolls around, Spokane offers a diverse range of options, from casual cafes to bustling delis. Here are some local favorites to satisfy your midday cravings.
The Flying Goat: Pizza Perfection
The Flying Goat is a Spokane institution for pizza lovers. Their wood-fired pizzas are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, and the service is always friendly. Try their signature Goat Cheese Pizza or build your own creation. The wood-fired oven gives their pizzas a distinctive and delicious flavor.
Manito Tap House: Pub Fare with a Twist
Manito Tap House is a popular spot for craft beer and delicious pub fare. Their menu features a variety of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers, all made with fresh, local ingredients. They also have an extensive beer list, featuring a wide selection of local and regional craft beers. Their focus on local ingredients and craft beer makes them a popular choice.
Boots Bakery & Lounge: Vegan and Gluten-Free Goodness
For those seeking vegan and gluten-free options, Boots Bakery & Lounge is a must-visit. This charming bakery and cafe offers a variety of delicious vegan and gluten-free pastries, sandwiches, and salads. Their coffee is also excellent, and the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. Boots Bakery offers delicious and inclusive options for everyone.
Dinner Destinations: Spokane’s Culinary Canvas
As the sun sets, Spokane’s dining scene truly comes alive. From upscale restaurants to cozy bistros, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Durkin’s Liquor Bar: A Hidden Gem with Elevated Fare
Durkin’s Liquor Bar is a hidden gem located in the basement of the historic Peyton Building. This speakeasy-style bar offers a sophisticated atmosphere and an innovative menu featuring small plates and handcrafted cocktails. The food is exceptional, the drinks are expertly crafted, and the ambiance is truly unique. The hidden location and sophisticated atmosphere make it a special dining experience.
Ruins: Culinary Innovation in a Casual Setting
Ruins is a unique restaurant that offers a rotating menu of globally inspired dishes. The menu changes frequently, so there’s always something new to try. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, and the service is friendly and attentive. Their ever-changing menu keeps things exciting and fresh.
Italia Trattoria: Authentic Italian Flavors
Italia Trattoria is a family-owned restaurant that serves authentic Italian cuisine. Their menu features a variety of classic Italian dishes, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the service is friendly and attentive. Their commitment to authentic Italian flavors makes it a local favorite.
Sweet Treats: Spokane’s Dessert Delights
No culinary journey is complete without indulging in some sweet treats. Spokane offers a variety of dessert options, from classic ice cream parlors to decadent bakeries.
Brain Freeze Creamery: Ice Cream Perfection
Brain Freeze Creamery offers the best ice cream in town. Their small-batch ice cream comes in a variety of creative and classic flavors. The lines are usually long, especially in the summer months, but the ice cream is worth the wait. The unique flavors and high-quality ingredients make their ice cream exceptional.
Sweet Frostings Blissful Bakeshop: Cupcake Heaven
Sweet Frostings Blissful Bakeshop is a cupcake lover’s paradise. Their cupcakes are moist, flavorful, and beautifully decorated. They offer a wide variety of flavors, from classic vanilla to decadent chocolate. Their beautifully decorated and delicious cupcakes are a treat for the eyes and the taste buds.
Rockwood Bakery: A Spokane Classic
Rockwood Bakery is a long-standing Spokane tradition. They provide a range of baked goods, including delicious pastries and cookies. The bakery also provides sandwiches, soups, and light lunches. Rockwood Bakery is a great choice for baked treats.
Beyond the Restaurants: Exploring Spokane’s Food Scene
Spokane’s food scene extends beyond traditional restaurants. Here are some other ways to explore the city’s culinary offerings.
Spokane Farmers Market: Fresh, Local Produce
The Spokane Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh, local produce, baked goods, and other artisanal products. The market is open seasonally and is a popular gathering place for locals. The farmers market is a great way to support local farmers and producers.
Local Breweries and Wineries: Craft Beverages
Spokane is home to a growing number of craft breweries and wineries. Many of these establishments offer tours and tastings, allowing you to sample their creations and learn about the brewing and winemaking process. Exploring local breweries and wineries is a great way to experience Spokane’s craft beverage scene.
Neighborhood Gems: Discovering Spokane’s Hidden Treasures
Each Spokane neighborhood has its own unique culinary identity. Exploring these neighborhoods is a great way to discover hidden gems and local favorites.
South Perry District: A Foodie Haven
The South Perry District is a vibrant neighborhood known for its independent shops, restaurants, and cafes. This area is a foodie’s paradise, with a diverse range of culinary options to choose from.
Kendall Yards: Modern and Upscale Dining
Kendall Yards is a modern, upscale neighborhood located on the banks of the Spokane River. This area offers a variety of trendy restaurants and bars with stunning views.
Browne’s Addition: Historic Charm and Culinary Delights
Browne’s Addition is a historic neighborhood known for its beautiful Victorian homes and charming restaurants and cafes. This area offers a mix of traditional and contemporary dining options.
Tips for Dining Like a Local in Spokane
To truly experience Spokane’s culinary scene like a local, keep these tips in mind:
- Embrace the Casual Atmosphere: Spokane is a relaxed city, and the dining scene reflects that. Don’t be afraid to dress casually and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
- Ask for Recommendations: Locals are always happy to share their favorite restaurants and hidden gems. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from your hotel staff, bartenders, or other locals you meet.
- Explore Beyond Downtown: While downtown Spokane offers a variety of dining options, don’t be afraid to venture out to other neighborhoods to discover local favorites.
- Support Local Businesses: Spokane is a city that values its local businesses. By supporting local restaurants and cafes, you’re helping to support the community.
- Be Patient: Some of the most popular local spots can get crowded, especially during peak hours. Be patient and enjoy the wait – it’s usually worth it.
Spokane’s Culinary Future: A City on the Rise
Spokane’s food scene is constantly evolving, with new restaurants and cafes opening all the time. The city is attracting talented chefs and entrepreneurs who are passionate about creating innovative and delicious food experiences. As Spokane continues to grow and develop, its culinary scene is sure to become even more vibrant and diverse. This makes it a great area for those interested in local dining. Spokane’s future as a culinary destination looks bright.
What makes Spokane’s culinary scene unique?
Spokane’s culinary scene is unique due to its blend of Pacific Northwest ingredients, agricultural bounty from the surrounding Inland Northwest region, and a vibrant community of chefs committed to showcasing local producers. This farm-to-table ethos permeates many restaurants, resulting in menus that are fresh, seasonal, and representative of the area’s diverse landscapes. You’ll find everything from innovative interpretations of classic dishes to dishes featuring regionally specific items like morel mushrooms and huckleberries.
Furthermore, Spokane offers a welcoming atmosphere for culinary experimentation. There is a burgeoning craft brewery and winery scene that complements the food scene, providing opportunities for unique pairings and collaborations. Independent restaurants thrive, adding character and flavor diversity not often found in larger metropolitan areas, giving diners an authentic taste of the Inland Northwest.
Are there many farm-to-table restaurants in Spokane?
Yes, Spokane boasts a strong farm-to-table presence, driven by the region’s rich agricultural resources. Many restaurants prioritize sourcing ingredients from local farms, ranches, and producers. This commitment ensures fresh, seasonal menus that highlight the region’s bounty and support local farmers.
Expect to see menus that clearly identify the farms from which ingredients are sourced, demonstrating a transparent commitment to local sourcing. This dedication not only enhances the dining experience with exceptionally fresh flavors but also contributes to the sustainability of the local food system.
What are some must-try local dishes in Spokane?
A must-try dish in Spokane is anything featuring huckleberries, a local wild berry that grows abundantly in the surrounding mountains. You’ll find huckleberries in pies, jams, pancakes, and even savory sauces accompanying meat dishes. Also, dishes featuring locally sourced beef or game are worth exploring, often prepared with unique regional spices and techniques.
Another regional specialty to look for is anything made with Palouse lentils, a staple crop of the Palouse region just south of Spokane. These lentils are versatile and can be found in soups, salads, and even vegetarian main courses. Be sure to check out local breweries and wineries as well, as they often incorporate local ingredients into their craft beverages.
Where can I find the best craft beer in Spokane?
Spokane is a hub for craft beer enthusiasts, with a thriving brewery scene scattered throughout the city and surrounding areas. Many breweries can be found in the downtown core, making it easy to hop from one to another and sample a variety of brews. Consider exploring the breweries in the University District and along the Spokane River as well.
To find the best craft beer, look for breweries that are consistently winning awards at regional and national competitions. Check online reviews and local blogs for recommendations, and don’t hesitate to ask bartenders and servers for their favorite local brews. Many breweries also offer tours and tastings, providing an opportunity to learn about the brewing process and sample a variety of beers.
Are there many fine dining establishments in Spokane?
Yes, Spokane offers a range of fine dining establishments that cater to discerning palates. These restaurants typically emphasize sophisticated ambiance, impeccable service, and innovative menus crafted with high-quality ingredients. You can find establishments focusing on both classic French techniques and modern American cuisine, often incorporating regional influences.
These fine dining restaurants often feature extensive wine lists and offer tasting menus that showcase the chef’s skills and creativity. Reservations are typically recommended, especially on weekends, to ensure a memorable and enjoyable dining experience. Look for restaurants that have consistently received positive reviews and accolades from reputable sources.
What are some budget-friendly dining options in Spokane?
Spokane offers numerous budget-friendly dining options that don’t compromise on flavor or quality. Food trucks are a popular choice, offering a diverse range of cuisines at affordable prices. Many casual eateries and cafes also provide delicious and satisfying meals without breaking the bank.
Look for local pubs and bars that offer happy hour specials on both food and drinks. Ethnic restaurants often provide great value for money, with large portions and authentic flavors. Also, consider exploring the local farmers markets for fresh produce and ingredients to prepare your own meals, a cost-effective way to experience the region’s bounty.
How has Spokane’s culinary scene changed in recent years?
Spokane’s culinary scene has undergone significant growth and evolution in recent years. There’s been a noticeable increase in the number of chef-driven restaurants, focusing on innovative cuisine and local sourcing. The city has also embraced a more diverse range of culinary influences, with new restaurants offering international flavors and fusion cuisine.
The rise of craft breweries and wineries has also contributed to the culinary landscape, creating a vibrant ecosystem where food and beverage businesses support each other. A greater emphasis on sustainability and ethical sourcing has also shaped the dining experience, appealing to consumers who prioritize responsible food choices. This evolution has transformed Spokane into a destination for food lovers seeking unique and authentic culinary experiences.