FOOD
The Baja Blackened Shrimp Salad at Picabu Bistro.
Pubs and Bistros
YOUNG KWAK PHOTO
The places where devoted clientele gather around booze, coffee and sandwiches
The Backyard Public House The Backyard takes over the former home of the Broadway Bar and Grill, and the former dive bar has been overhauled, both physically and gastronomically. The spot exudes the feel of a neighborhood pub, serving the sort of creative (yet affordable) cuisine that might come as a surprise. With interior walls of reclaimed wood from Kettle Falls, high wooden tables and warm lighting, there’s a comforting vibe that’s easy to sink into. It’s also managed to attract three chefs formerly of Luna on the South Hill; they’ve created a menu of upscale comfort food like chicken and waffles, mac and cheese and a tasty pub appetizers. 1811 W. Broadway Ave. • 8227338 • backyardspokane.com
Barlows at Liberty Lake The mammoth portions at this American family restaurant are a bargain:
Light eaters can get two meals from one dish. Expect many comfort food options at this casual eatery, including beef stroganoff and meatloaf (which pair well with the location’s fireplace), along with more healthy options. After moving from Meadowwood Lane to a new building at the beginning of 2014, the restaurant now stays open for dinner, too. 1428 N. Liberty Lake Dr., Liberty Lake, Wash. • 924-1446 • barlowsatlibertylake.com
Birdy’s Sports Bar Sports, drinks, and food — this is the formula on which Dan Birdwell has based his business. His beloved Northside sports bar and family restaurant has attracted a loyal fan base of locals — whether for their many plasma televisions for premium game viewing, 15 choices of tap beer and full bar, or tasty 65-cent hot wings on Thursdays. 12908
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N. Hwy. 395 • 863-9572
Browne’s Tavern While “tavern” may not be the first word that comes to mind when describing the feel of the charming, brick-colored Victorian housing this Browne’s Addition eatery, the steampunk-inspired décor inside — including a wall of open books attached by the cover framing a taxidermied bear head — lends to the menu’s eclectic approach, ranging from burgers to pasta and salads. The signature cocktails are a must-sip while enjoying the eatery’s marvelous patio. 1924 W. Pacific Ave. • 315-9934
Charley’s Grill & Spirits 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. • 328-8911
Cork House With menu items ranging from sea scallops to enchiladas and rib-eye steak to pork confit, the Cork House features gourmet comfort food. The dinner menu features a lengthy list of appetizers such as calamari, skillet cornbread and ahi tuna tartare. Among the favorite entrées is the mac and cheese, with chicken, bacon and jalapeño. On Saturdays and Sundays, days brunch is served from 9 am to 3 pm, with more than 20 items like Belgian waffles, a triple-decker BLT and beignets. 1400 N. Meadowwood Lane, Liberty Lake • 922-4210