RESTAURANTS CAFE RIO TEX-MEX On a scale of casual dining, Coeur d’Alene’s Cafe Rio is somewhere between the convenience and price point of fast food and the made-to-order appeal of casual chain restaurants like Olive Garden. The result is a definite step above the usual Tex-Mex meals mumbled into drive-thru speakers, with an emphasis on freshness and flavor. The sweet pork barbacoa, for example, is featured in salads, burritos, tacos and enchiladas. It’s one of the many awardwinning menu items in this Zagat-rated restaurant. 560 W. Kathleen Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho • 208-620-4000 • caferio. com • $ CASPER FRY PUBLIC HOUSE SOUTHERN CUISINE Inlander readers voted this hip new eatery in the South Perry District the Best New Restaurant. Opened in June 2012 by the team from Madeleine’s Patisserie, Casper Fry turns out upscale Southern comfort food like Low Country Shrimp and Grits and some of the best fried chicken you’ll find. Its Josper oven, one of only about 10 in the country, uses charcoal and wood chips for smoking and grilling to turn out house-smoked meat and sausages. 928 S. Perry St., Spokane • 535-0536 • facebook. com/casperfryspokane •
CEDARS FLOATING RESTAURANT STEAK AND SEAFOOD This isn’t lakeside dining -- when you eat at Cedars’ floating restaurant, you’re dining on the water at the confluence between the Spokane River and Lake Coeur d’Alene. Seafood is the specialty here and the smoky, cedar-planked, wild-caught salmon is consistently good. The patio is the place to be. You can even arrive by boat and tie up at one of Cedars’ docks. 1514 S Marina Dr., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho • 208-664-2922 • cedarsfloatingrestaurant.com • $$$ CELEBRATIONS BAKERY Whipped cream atop a cupcake? Sure! Celebrations reimagines cupcakes with flavors, frostings and toppings that feel like a party in your mouth. Try the Banana Split, a fragrant banana cupcake filled with strawberries and topped with a swirl of whipped cream, chocolate syrup and, of course, a cherry. 713 W. Garland Ave., Spokane • 327-3471 • celebrationssweetboutique.com CENTRAL FOOD ECLECTIC Casual, yet innovative and refined — that’s the m.o. at Central Food. There’s a hamburger at all mealtimes, chicken and dumplings, slow-cooked pork roast, and flat iron steak at dinner time. The restaurant welcomes those with specific diets with open arms — celiacs, vegans and carnivores can all unite and not be jealous of each other’s options. Sandwiches at Central Food are
composed between their daily-baked bread, which is also featured on their breakfast menu with a mushroom terrine or baked with chocolate. Purchase a loaf to take home. You won’t regret it. 1335 W. Summit Pkwy., Spokane • 315-8036 • eatcentralfood.com/ • $$ CHAIRS CAFÉ Serving locally owned Roast House Coffee, Chairs brings together an eclectic group of people. An exceptionally friendly staff, free Wi-Fi and events like board-game nights and live music make this an inviting place to linger. A full menu of sandwiches, soup and salad is available, along with beer and wine. Their coffee mimosas and affogato desserts are a caffeine addict’s dream. 113 W. Indiana Ave., Spokane • 340-8787 • chairscoffee. com • $ THE CHALET RESTAURANT AMERICAN The best-kept secret in Spokane (if you haven’t lived on the South Hill for decades), the Chalet boasts old-fashioned charm and a hearty breakfast selection. The pancakes cover the entire surface of your plate, and the waitstaff never lets your coffee get below half full. For lunch or dinner, try the chicken-fried steak. 2918 S. Grand Blvd., Spokane • 747-6474 $ CHAPS CAFÉ This friendly, shabby-chic eatery and bakery is off the beaten path, located off Highway 195 on the outskirts of the Palouse (10 minutes from
downtown). Chaps serves up hearty chorizo omelettes, homemade cinnamon rolls and baked oatmeal for breakfast, fish tacos and meatloaf for lunch, and curry chicken and grilled tilapia for dinner. And at Chaps, there’s always room for dessert (and maybe a vintage cocktail). Their inhouse bakery Cake serves up a decadent selection of tiramisu, bavarian cream cake, chocolate mousse and more. 4237 S. Cheney-Spokane Rd., Spokane • 624-4182 • chapsgirl.com • $$ CHARLEY’S GRILL & SPIRITS AMERICAN This cozy Monroe Street restaurant and lounge provides a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the courthouse next door. The menu features Angus beef hamburgers, 8-ounce sirloin steaks, fried appetizers, a full bar and a retro cigarette vending machine. Tickets for the Spokane Arena, INB Performing Arts Center, Fox Theater, Bing Crosby Theater, or Spokane Civic Theatre will get you 20 percent off food items. ( 801 N. Monroe St., Spokane • 328-8911 • facebook.com/Charleys.Grill. Spirits • $
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Entrées average $10 or less Entrées average $11 to $20 Entrées average $21 and up
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