Spokane. From the Hula burger with ham and grilled pineapple, the “Big O” with bacon and avocado, to their namesake beer-battered onion rings, The Onion pays attention to details and does more from scratch than many other restaurants aspiring to loftier appellations. 302 W. Riverside, Sun-Thurs 11-11, Fri-Sat 11am-1am. (509) 747-3852; 7522 N Division, Mon-Sun 11-11. (509) 482-6100 (Bar until midnight Sun-Thurs, Fri-Sat until 1). $-$$ Peacock Room. It is all about martinis, cold beer and great music. Known as the place to see and be seen, the Peacock Room contributes to Spokane’s vibrant downtown nightlife. Showcasing a giant stained-glass peacock ceiling, the menu features such items as giant prawntinis, open-faced crab sandwiches and gourmet onion rings. Casual attire. Private Dining room available seating up to 25 people. Mon-Thurs 11-midnight, Fri-Sat 11-1am, Sun 2-midnight. 10 S Post. (509) 455-8888. $$-$$$ Post Street Ale House. This floor to rafter renovation of the former Fugazzi space in the Hotel Lusso by Walt and Karen Worthy of the Davenport gives downtown Spokane a great English-style pub with a striking bar, twenty beers on tap, and a reasonably priced menu built around comfort food. We feel they do some of their fried food particularly well: the Halibut and Chips, the Fried Mozzarella “cubes,” and the Ale House Fried Pickles. If you are hungry, try the Guinness Braised Short Ribs served over mashed potatoes and topped with a pan gravy chunky with vegetables. 11 am – 2 am daily. N 1 Post Street. (509) 789-6900. $-$$ Steam Plant Brewing Co. & Pub. An amazing location for a brewery – under layers of catwalks and an 80’ ceiling inside the renovated steam plant. The brewery produces eleven handcrafted microbrews on-site, from their famous Double Stack Stout to several seasonal varieties. Its microbrews are also available to go in kegs and growlers. The Pub features multiple flat-screen TVs and a game room to make a night of it. The brews are complemented by signature menu items like the Coal Bunker cheese bread, smoked steelhead and beer cheese soup. 3p.m. – 10p.m. Sun-Thurs, 3p.m. – 11p.m. Fri-Sat. 159 S. Lincoln, under the smokestacks downtown. (509) 777-3900. www.steamplantspokane.com $$ The Swinging Doors. Opened in May of 1981, the tavern turned restaurant has been in the same family for its whole life. With 27 beers on tap and 60 television screens, The Swinging Doors is a sports fan’s paradise. On the food front, the restaurant is famous for its large portions (which can be split). Breakfast is served all day and the huge pieces of Broasted Chicken remain the most popular item on the golf-themed menu. Show up for on your birthday for a free steak dinner. Open seven days a week from 6:45 am to 2 am. 1018 West Francis in Spokane. (509) 326-6794. www.theswingingdoors. com. $-$$
Thank You Spokane!
Best Pub Fare
Best Beer List
SEAFOOD AND FISH Fisherman’s Market Grill & Sushi. An eclectic combination of Pacific Northwest, Asian, New England, Italian and Baja flavors are all offered on the menu in a casual setting. Classic Fish & Chips to Sushi can be found at this Coeur d’Alene fish market, which yes, also sells excellent fresh seafood too! You’ll want to try the Baja style fish tacos. 215 W. Kathleen, Ave. Coeur d’Alene. Mon to Sat 11am 8pm (Closed Sun). (208) 664-4800. www.fishermansmarketcda.com. $-$$$ Milford’s Fish House. Milford’s has been doing seafood since before seafood was cool, specializing in the importation and preparation of a wide variety of fresh fish. It is where many of us ever first encountered things like ahi, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, escolar, or swordfish. Although there are now more choices in the area for fresh and intriguing seafood, spokanecda.com • October • 2014
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