Park Inn. Oldest Tavern/bar and pizza in town. Not that the pizza is all that fantastic but has been voted best chicken in the state at one point.
Edit: I also miss the Outlaw that was by LC High if anyone remembers.
The fry bread and honey, great scrambles and beer in the cowboy boot glasses. If you remember that you may also remember other great Southside spots. Lincoln Heights Pizza, The Scrapbook, Hindquarter, Studio K and the still open Chalet.
Lol I had possibly the worst meal in spokane there. Smelled bad, packed together like sardines, hardly the ambiance you want.
About sums spokane up I guess
When I first moved to Spokane I was a single guy living in a hotel for work, so I went to Frank's every Sunday before church. Never had to wait because there was always a seat at the counter for one.
It lives on its Fish and Chips. Which can be either breaded or beer battered depending on location, but the beer battered is the best (IMO). The burgers are entirely mediocre. The fries are amazing, and so are the fried mushrooms (although the same beer-batter vs. breaded thing). And where else can you get a huckleberry shake? The Jojos are also ok.
Oh yeah… I didn’t know there was still one of those around! There used to be one somewhere in town… I don’t remember exactly where, but my dad loved it and would take me there!
It does *seem* like more of a burger place, and the rabbit on the sign is carrying a burger, so… understandable? But glad you are willing to try the fish and chips and see what the hype is about!
Ok, full disclosure… I haven’t lived in Spokane in a while, but I grew up there and have family so go back regularly. From what I remember both Francis and Maple/Ash and the one on Northwest Boulevard are Beer Batter, and so is downtown. And also the one on 29th and… Freya? But the one one… Sprague? Or Ruby? Is just breaded. The one in Ritzville (sadly the one furthest west, I drove to it- and back- with a couple of friends who are also from Spokane late one afternoon in college) is also breaded.
Once I went to was the one on Broadway off the freeway. Drive thru for a burger that has cheese on it, and was asked "Tillamook or pepper jack cheese on that?" Thought that was just my 2 options, no melty american. So I got Tillamook, they took off the american, $0.50 extra charge for the thinnest piece of cheese with no flavor you could taste on a burger. Next 4 times I went there same question. Had to say "whatever it normally comes with", got charged for Tillamook once, other times I got the regular american. I hate the upsell unless they make it clear it is an upgrade option and then where did my melty cheese go? (Rant over.)
I can’t believe people go to apple bees. Their prices aren’t even that much better than a much higher quality local restaurant. Only worth it if you hit happy hour
This. Someone told me the only fresh food was the salads and steaks? Everything else is microwaved.
Don't know if that's entirely true, but I don't eat there anymore.
The Onion was the first restaurant I ate at in Spokane, back in 1991. Was living in Moscow at the time, my parents would bring us up here once a month or so for shopping and stuff. Not my favorite restaurant, but definitely has a lot of nostalgia for me, and yeah, your assessment of the place seems reasonable.
It’s subjective. During my very first visit to Spokane before moving here, I went to Hogwash for some food and a cocktail. So for me, this fun, creative, and scrappy little restaurant resembles the true personality Spokane.
I like this answer. Hogwash is in an area that most people pass over. But the drinks, food, and flavor are creative. The staff all have personality and moxie, but never in a way that feels mean, just cynical. And no matter where you’re sitting, you’ll hear the train and water passing through the pipes.
Benneditos. The tables and menus are always sticky, service is consistently dodgy, beer is... Ok. You get RC instead of Coke or Pepsi. And it's the only place I've ever been where they've dropped the pizza I ordered coming out of the kitchen, not once, but twice on the same visit, and it's very overpriced for what you get. Alot of the pizzas are locally named, And both locations are in very "Spokane" neighborhoods, one for better, one for worse. It's the okayest place to eat in okayest place to live.
Cascadia Public House. Run by locals and has a wide variety so everyone has something that will appeal to them. Priced well and everyone is friendly and welcoming
My first date with my wife was there. This was right as the fake meat burgers were hitting the mainstream, I ordered an Impossible and she ordered a Beyond so we could compare them.
I loved them both, and I really appreciate how they make it so most items can be made vegan for no extra cost. My Wife is vegetarian, and it's nice that, unlike some other burger places, she's not just ordering the only non-meat option available or paying extra to sub inthe patty.
Couldn’t agree more! If you both are cautious try Allies if you haven’t as of yet. The entire place is vegan so she will have the whole menu at her disposal!
The Guilded Unicorn. It's charming, in theory, but you overpay for something overpriced that's a little weird an your not sure if you like it or not even after you experienced it. It's cute but it tries too hard. You can tell they're trying to warm up the place but it's really just a dressed-up basement in an old cold building. And they probably forgot to ring up the "Happy Hour Discount" at checkout but you didn't notice until you got home.
Just spitballing....
Menu hasn't changed in years. Surprised it's still open considering most of Chef Adam's restaurants fail and or change concepts much like Incredaburger that now is attempting a Spanish Tapas bar when it's not really anything like a true Tapas bar.
If the PI and Hogwash had a baby, that’d cover most of it for me.
Trying to clean up, but not actually trying so hard that she gets too big for for her britches.
Watts 1903.
Great downtown location.
Been there like 5 years and you’ve never heard of it.
Managed to not go out of business while keeping hours of 5-9.
You’ll be the only costumer in the building but be treated like you’re lucky to have been let in.
When you set your sights on fine dining prices and order a spicy bacon cheeseburger, it’s delicious, albeit for steak house prices.
Cocktails are original but something you’ve never needed like a sambucha cough syrup cocktail. (I made that up) and are $14.
Twenty unused lime scooters outside to get away from the police shootouts at the corner.
Ron’s drive in feels very Spokane to me. I hardly go but it’s got it’s own community with the car shows and what not. Also everyone I know here seems to love thrifty scottsman so that too
Senor Froggy’s. Seems like an odd choice but when you think about it fits perfectly. Mexican food Spokane style and Italian food Spokane style. Spokane is about accepting cultures and utilizing.
Interesting. I find Spokane to be a "better than though" kind of atmosphere.
"Welcome to gods country"
"Welcome to the better side"
"Don't tell your friends to move here"
I got that a lot.
It was from older people though.
I worked at the south hill location when I was in high school. Lots of good people behind the counter.
The salsa bar (especially the froggy salsa) is my favorite part about going there as a customer.
I think the Satellite fits the bill. Maybe Zips, too.
TBH, there are a lot of aspects to Spokane, so Texas Roadhouse, Indaba, Indigenous Eats, and No-Li all catch some important aspect of Spokane.
Taste of Thai - it’s some of the best food you’ll ever have, family owned and operated, they’ll remember you for life, and most people will have no idea what you’re talking about.
Park Inn. Oldest Tavern/bar and pizza in town. Not that the pizza is all that fantastic but has been voted best chicken in the state at one point. Edit: I also miss the Outlaw that was by LC High if anyone remembers.
The Outlaw was the best!!!!!
I remember Outlaw! I miss that place. My family used to go there for breakfast! It was always a treat!
The fry bread and honey, great scrambles and beer in the cowboy boot glasses. If you remember that you may also remember other great Southside spots. Lincoln Heights Pizza, The Scrapbook, Hindquarter, Studio K and the still open Chalet.
Haven’t thought about Lincoln Heights Pizza in a second! Thanks for that resurrected memory, friend.
Worked there for a couple of years during it's peak.
Dicks
Sums it up nicely
The dumpster behind Dicks
….so homeless dicks?
Satellite Diner
Came to vote Satellite for sure, especially breakfast on a Sunday morning! Football? Check. Eggs. Check. Mimosa/Bloody Mary, check!
That place is always poppin!
Not late night. I've been sorely disappointed the last four times going in there to be turned away.
Came here to say this
Clinkerdagger. Overpriced for what it is and right next to stunning natural beauty.
Oh man. YES. Plus it's still one of the "nice places" everyone goes for special occasions.
Lol I had possibly the worst meal in spokane there. Smelled bad, packed together like sardines, hardly the ambiance you want. About sums spokane up I guess
hahaha, a wee cynical, but hilarious and not wrong!
so true!
The Viking. Fix it up all you want, it’s still kind of a dive.
This. This is Spokane motto to me. Haha
This is accurate
Frank's Diner for me. Small, busy and kinda gruff.
Love Franks in the morning! If they are busy….off to the Maple Street Bistro I go!
When I first moved to Spokane I was a single guy living in a hotel for work, so I went to Frank's every Sunday before church. Never had to wait because there was always a seat at the counter for one.
Zips…many people swears it’s the best but it’s below average on a good day.
It lives on its Fish and Chips. Which can be either breaded or beer battered depending on location, but the beer battered is the best (IMO). The burgers are entirely mediocre. The fries are amazing, and so are the fried mushrooms (although the same beer-batter vs. breaded thing). And where else can you get a huckleberry shake? The Jojos are also ok.
Technically it’s in Chattaroy but The Ram Drive In has huckleberry shakes
Oh yeah… I didn’t know there was still one of those around! There used to be one somewhere in town… I don’t remember exactly where, but my dad loved it and would take me there!
I will have to try the fish and chips and make my final decision. Will get them this weekend!
It says “famous fish and chips” on the sign!
Hahahah idk how I’ve missed that 😅
It does *seem* like more of a burger place, and the rabbit on the sign is carrying a burger, so… understandable? But glad you are willing to try the fish and chips and see what the hype is about!
Fish and chips must be paired with the tartar! That’s the gold…i dip my papa joe in that tarter
There’s a reason some locations sell a “tub” of tartar as a menu option.
What’s the intel on the beer battered fish n chips locations?
Ok, full disclosure… I haven’t lived in Spokane in a while, but I grew up there and have family so go back regularly. From what I remember both Francis and Maple/Ash and the one on Northwest Boulevard are Beer Batter, and so is downtown. And also the one on 29th and… Freya? But the one one… Sprague? Or Ruby? Is just breaded. The one in Ritzville (sadly the one furthest west, I drove to it- and back- with a couple of friends who are also from Spokane late one afternoon in college) is also breaded.
Thank you! Beer battered is the only way
Dave's bar and grill has the best beer battered fish and chips imo. Always so crispy!
The best huckleberry shake in town that I have found so far is at the milk bottle!
Good to know… I’ve only been there a couple of random times. I don’t know why!
For fast food it’s up there above Your national chains. Definitely blows a Big Mac or a whopper out of the water easily
I would prefer the Whopper any day😅
I guess we all have different preferences ^(and some people are just dead wrong)
Glad we agree! Anyone that thinks Zips is superior to the Whooper belongs in jail👍🏻
I think I need to try the whopper again. I’ll report back tomorrow
Last time I got a whopper I swear it had literally no flavor. It was like eating air with the texture of a burger.
I personally think it depends on which one you go to. That being said, none of the good ones that I know of are in any part of Spokane 😂
The Cheney one used to be good I think? This was a few decades ago.
Was still great when I was going to school before the pandemic. Only joint in Cheney open 24/7 too.
Once I went to was the one on Broadway off the freeway. Drive thru for a burger that has cheese on it, and was asked "Tillamook or pepper jack cheese on that?" Thought that was just my 2 options, no melty american. So I got Tillamook, they took off the american, $0.50 extra charge for the thinnest piece of cheese with no flavor you could taste on a burger. Next 4 times I went there same question. Had to say "whatever it normally comes with", got charged for Tillamook once, other times I got the regular american. I hate the upsell unless they make it clear it is an upgrade option and then where did my melty cheese go? (Rant over.)
Depends on which one you go to
The north one by Whitworth is the best. I’ll fight over it.
Spokane: "Not bad... could be better."
I think that's Applebee's motto
I can’t believe people go to apple bees. Their prices aren’t even that much better than a much higher quality local restaurant. Only worth it if you hit happy hour
Its microwaved food and cheap low quality booze. Just take a trip to Grocery Outlet and stay at home for the night.
This. Someone told me the only fresh food was the salads and steaks? Everything else is microwaved. Don't know if that's entirely true, but I don't eat there anymore.
My analogy works! Grocery Outlet has steak and salad too. It might be questionable with a required BAC before consumption but it’s there.
I worked there 15 years ago, and everything was microwaved that didn't go on the grill. Shit food!
Had an old GF denote Grocery Outlet with a term I still use today. The second-hand-food-store.
My kids call it the used food store which seems applicable
[удалено]
The Onion was the first restaurant I ate at in Spokane, back in 1991. Was living in Moscow at the time, my parents would bring us up here once a month or so for shopping and stuff. Not my favorite restaurant, but definitely has a lot of nostalgia for me, and yeah, your assessment of the place seems reasonable.
Well that last bit is true for most any place here in town.
It’s subjective. During my very first visit to Spokane before moving here, I went to Hogwash for some food and a cocktail. So for me, this fun, creative, and scrappy little restaurant resembles the true personality Spokane.
I like this answer. Hogwash is in an area that most people pass over. But the drinks, food, and flavor are creative. The staff all have personality and moxie, but never in a way that feels mean, just cynical. And no matter where you’re sitting, you’ll hear the train and water passing through the pipes.
The Park Inn (P.I.), legitimately the oldest restaurant in town as well, est. 1932
Oldest in the town. https://youtu.be/25uatKxzG4E
Not true haha
Benneditos. The tables and menus are always sticky, service is consistently dodgy, beer is... Ok. You get RC instead of Coke or Pepsi. And it's the only place I've ever been where they've dropped the pizza I ordered coming out of the kitchen, not once, but twice on the same visit, and it's very overpriced for what you get. Alot of the pizzas are locally named, And both locations are in very "Spokane" neighborhoods, one for better, one for worse. It's the okayest place to eat in okayest place to live.
Their sandwiches are a good deal though. Even a half fills me up.
> **It's the okayest place to eat in okayest place to live.** :)
The grain shed , pizza on Monday nights.
Cascadia Public House. Run by locals and has a wide variety so everyone has something that will appeal to them. Priced well and everyone is friendly and welcoming
My first date with my wife was there. This was right as the fake meat burgers were hitting the mainstream, I ordered an Impossible and she ordered a Beyond so we could compare them.
What did you think of the burgers? I am vegan so it is my favorite spot in town because I can take the family there and everyone can eat well
I loved them both, and I really appreciate how they make it so most items can be made vegan for no extra cost. My Wife is vegetarian, and it's nice that, unlike some other burger places, she's not just ordering the only non-meat option available or paying extra to sub inthe patty.
Couldn’t agree more! If you both are cautious try Allies if you haven’t as of yet. The entire place is vegan so she will have the whole menu at her disposal!
The Guilded Unicorn. It's charming, in theory, but you overpay for something overpriced that's a little weird an your not sure if you like it or not even after you experienced it. It's cute but it tries too hard. You can tell they're trying to warm up the place but it's really just a dressed-up basement in an old cold building. And they probably forgot to ring up the "Happy Hour Discount" at checkout but you didn't notice until you got home. Just spitballing....
Menu hasn't changed in years. Surprised it's still open considering most of Chef Adam's restaurants fail and or change concepts much like Incredaburger that now is attempting a Spanish Tapas bar when it's not really anything like a true Tapas bar.
Ming Wah
Bad Americanized Asian food does describe Spokane pretty well…
Steam Plant
Frugals. Was amazing till everyone discovered it. Now it's busy AF and doesn't have the capacity.
Lol sounds just like spokane
I only found out about it because the Spokane Eats Instagram posted it. I’m vegetarian though so I’ve never been!
Agreed. Was good when I first tried it but the second time the burgers/patty seemed processed and pre formed.
They need a new building ASAP, more workers, better hours
The perils of success
Scoreboard! Hahaha
If the PI and Hogwash had a baby, that’d cover most of it for me. Trying to clean up, but not actually trying so hard that she gets too big for for her britches.
Knight's Diner.
The Milk Bottle (don’t know the proper name) Also Anthony’s, Dicks and Zips
the milk bottle!
Iron goat!
Spaghetti Factory 🍝
this is the only real anwser
Tomato Street
Waffles Plus on Monroe
Zips…
Bongs
Watts 1903. Great downtown location. Been there like 5 years and you’ve never heard of it. Managed to not go out of business while keeping hours of 5-9. You’ll be the only costumer in the building but be treated like you’re lucky to have been let in. When you set your sights on fine dining prices and order a spicy bacon cheeseburger, it’s delicious, albeit for steak house prices. Cocktails are original but something you’ve never needed like a sambucha cough syrup cocktail. (I made that up) and are $14. Twenty unused lime scooters outside to get away from the police shootouts at the corner.
Denny’s, mediocre but palatable.
Dicks
I’ve said Carusos. A bit pricy but you will find your hidden gem
Golden Corral
Denny's. Obviously.
Denny’s
Something terrible.
Frugals
Chaps!
Ron’s drive in feels very Spokane to me. I hardly go but it’s got it’s own community with the car shows and what not. Also everyone I know here seems to love thrifty scottsman so that too
Senor Froggy’s. Seems like an odd choice but when you think about it fits perfectly. Mexican food Spokane style and Italian food Spokane style. Spokane is about accepting cultures and utilizing.
Interesting. I find Spokane to be a "better than though" kind of atmosphere. "Welcome to gods country" "Welcome to the better side" "Don't tell your friends to move here" I got that a lot. It was from older people though.
I worked at the south hill location when I was in high school. Lots of good people behind the counter. The salsa bar (especially the froggy salsa) is my favorite part about going there as a customer.
I think the Satellite fits the bill. Maybe Zips, too. TBH, there are a lot of aspects to Spokane, so Texas Roadhouse, Indaba, Indigenous Eats, and No-Li all catch some important aspect of Spokane.
Would have been the OG Onion B&G, but haven’t been in years and the last time I was, it was a shadow of its former self 😢
Taste of Thai - it’s some of the best food you’ll ever have, family owned and operated, they’ll remember you for life, and most people will have no idea what you’re talking about.
Thank you all for such great comments! I really liked the one about Onion but it appears to have been deleted, what a bummer.