Sandpoint Best Of
Randy (left) and Rick Evans of Evans Brothers Cafe CARRIE SCOZZARO PHOTO IE ARR BY C ARO ZZ SCO
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offeehouses, breweries, a winery, several bistros, numerous diners, a chocolatier, pizza and sandwich places, a couple of pubs and restaurants serving everything from Thai to Italian to Mexican to European to American cuisine. With so many choices, it’s a good thing Sandpoint is a walking town. And it’s no surprise this pedestrian-friendly locale on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille was voted best nearby weekend getaway. Besides the three dozen or so dining venues within the downtown hub, Sandpoint also boasts plenty of options for shopping, arts and culture, lodging, outdoor recreation and community events.
68 INLANDER BEST OF THE INLAND NW 2015
Pushing a stroller, walking the dog or just out and about in Sandpoint, all are welcome at EVAN BROTHERS CAFE. More of a community center than just a coffee shop, Evans Brothers features a large, kid- and dogfriendly space inside a rustically converted warehouse which doubles as their roasting facility. Look for events such as the popular Yappy Hour fundraiser for Panhandle Animal Shelter, frequent coffee tastings, and occasional arts openings featuring local artists and live music. As for coffee, an extremely knowledgeable staff — maybe even Rick or Randy Evans themselves — will help you select one of their numerous fair-trade coffees, for there or to-go,
including beans or ground coffee. Add a locally baked pastry or organic breakfast burrito and you’re ready to do the town. Got a late start on the day (or ready for something with a bit more kick than caffeine)? Head to MICKDUFF’S BREWING COMPANY, with two locations, each of which may now claim an Inlander “Best Of” win. Sort of a bro-mantic hangout, MickDuff’s Beer Hall — as they call their Cedar Street location — is a pared-down pub with dartboards, big-screen televisions and a sizable bar with taps to spare. It’s “a fun and mellow atmosphere with a ton of games [and] true craft beer talks with other beer lovers,” says MickDuff’s assistant