HIDDEN BAGEL

In 2021, smack in the middle of a global pandemic, local ice cream maker Jennifer Davis decided she was ready to heat things up and become a bagel baker.

“It was the pandemic, everyone was making sourdough!” says Davis, who also owns the Scoop, another Inlander reader-approved winner for the region’s best ice cream.

Davis sought the teachings of a bagel master in New Jersey and brought this newfound knowledge back to Spokane. Thus, Hidden Bagel was born.

Stepping inside Hidden Bagel’s flagship South Hill storefront (1001 W. 25th Ave.), customers’ noses are bombarded with amazing aromas. With the Scoop up front slinging chilly sweet treats and the bagel bakery in the back, it’s impossible not to fulfill any and all sweet or savory cravings. A cool turquoise blue covers the walls on the Scoop’s side of the building while a warm, sunshiney orange welcomes customers to the bagel side. Hidden Bagel also shares a second location with the Scoop’s Kendall Yards store.

During Davis’ soft launch in December 2021, loyal Scoop customers quickly added Hidden Bagel to their eating routine.

“It was insane,” Davis recalls. “I had a hundred instant regulars.”

One of those customers today even interrupts our chat to say, “We love her, and we love her bagels!”

These bagel lovers also helped Davis develop a flavor hierarchy: Plain, everything, and blueberry French toast are Hidden Bagel’s top three sellers, but other flavors include Asiago, garlic Parmesan and even the quirky pickle cheddar ranch or salted chocolate chip. Cream cheese and flavored “schmears” are also made in house, and bagel sandwiches are a popular grab-and-go option for breakfast, lunch or anytime.

“You gotta try the everything bagel with scallion cream cheese, it’s our specialty,” Davis recommends.

Initially, Davis planned on making only savory bagels. But when she learned the third-bestselling bagel flavor in the U.S is blueberry, she declared, “If I was going to do a blueberry bagel, it had to be the best.”

And she did it. Hidden Bagel’s blueberry French toast bagel boasts bursts of fruity sweetness, a crunchy exterior and a chewy interior.

When asked, Davis can’t pick a favorite bagel combo, but admits to limiting herself to enjoying just one a day. She’s grateful for the community’s embrace of this opportunity she took to grow, experiment, create and thrive.

“Spokane gave me a chance and trusted me to take the time and space to figure it all out,” Davis says.

— MARY STOVER

2nd PLACE: Ultimate Bagel; 3rd PLACE: Rocket Bakery

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Back Pocket Bakery, Coeur d’Alene

Best Bakery Rocket Bakery

Pink cookies. Turkish tea cake. A mug of coffee big enough to bathe in. Six locations. Pretenders to the throne have come and gone, but it’s no mystery why the Rocket dominates the baked goods landscape of Spokane. Its locations are always warm and inviting, and it’s been around forever. The local chain started in Millwood back in 1992. Well, the 1990s are cool again and called to say they want their bakery back. To which we say: Too bad! It’s ours. (ND)

2nd PLACE: miFLAVOUR; 3rd PLACE: Rockwood Bakery

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Birdie’s Pie Shop, Hayden and Post Falls

Best Boba Bocopop

Boba tea remains a popular drink in the Inland Northwest, with new shops popping up every year, but one that continues to be a community favorite is BocoPOP in Liberty Lake. Not only do they serve classic boba tea drinks such as Tiger Milk and Thai tea, the team sells their signature takes on the Taiwanese drink such as the Dragon Eye Tea, a lychee-infused jasmine tea topped with dragon fruit, or the Shark Attack, a blue raspberry and lychee flavored lemonade. (SSa)

2nd PLACE: Black Straw Tea Bar and Kitchen

3rd PLACE: Poke Express and Boba Tea Time

BEST BREAKFAST FRANK’S DINER

As if the setting isn’t impressive enough — an early 1900s railroad car — the food at Frank’s Diner is equally impressive, especially the breakfast options, like classic country fried steak or Frank’s signature hotcakes. If you’re a fan of benedicts, these are your peeps. Try those at either of the two diner locations (downtown and the North Side) for an experience that feeds your inner history lover and your tummy alike. (CSz)

2nd PLACE: Chaps; 3rd PLACE: Bruncheonette

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: The Garnet Cafe, Coeur d’Alene

Best Artisan Bread The Grain Shed

“Purple Egyptian — nothing comes close, except their other loaves.” (Nathan L.); “The neighborhood, the people who shop here, and the people who work here make this a special spot.”

(Heather E.); “Bread Jesus!” (Kate P.)

2nd PLACE: Rind and Wheat

3rd PLACE: Great Harvest

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: MAK Bread and Back Pocket Bakery, Coeur d’Alene

BEST BRUNCH

Bruncheonette

“Chill atmosphere, great coffee, AMAZING savory breakfast flavors. The verde hash is BOMB.” (Cedar R.); “The mimosa menu is always on point!” (Emily E.)

2nd PLACE: The Yards Bruncheon

3rd PLACE: Chaps; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: (tie) Dockside, Terraza Waterfront Cafe

BEST CHICKEN SANDWICH

Logan

TAVERN

“Still the only place in town where I can recall lines for a sandwich; it’s good each different way they make it. Easy choice.” (Zach W.); “Every version of Logan’s chicken sandwich is a banger!” (Ashley W.)

2nd PLACE: Cascadia Public House

3rd PLACE: No-Li Brewhouse

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Republic Kitchen and Taphouse, Post Falls

BEST BARBECUE OUTLAW BBQ & CATERING MARKET

Whether it’s just you or your whole posse, Outlaw has something for every level of barbecue fan from casual meat eater to the connoisseur of ’cue. A full menu of starters, sammies, entrees, even dessert, plus meat by-the-pound, and beverages to go with. But wait, there’s more: catering, three locations and takeout options, including Outlaw’s addictive brands of barbecue sauce. (CSz)

2nd PLACE: TT’s Old Iron Brewery and BBQ

3rd PLACE: Longhorn Barbecue

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Drummin Up BBQ, Coeur d’Alene

Best Burgers Wisconsinburger

Regional takes on classic American cuisine are nothing new; take New York or Chicago-style pizza for example or, in this case, Wisconsin-style burgers. Not only will you find butter and cheese straight from Wisconsin, freshly ground beef, and scratch-made buns at Wis consinburger, but also Midwestern staples like cheese curds and fried pickles. Check out their signature burger, the Spooner, topped with house-made bacon jam, or go back to basics with the Wisconsin. (SSa)

2nd PLACE: Durkin’s Liquor Bar; 3rd PLACE: Frugals

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Roger’s Ice Cream and Burgers

Best Cakes

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Bundt cakes are a great choice for your upcoming celebrations or for an evening pick-me-up, but you don’t have to settle for a basic cake. Nothing Bundt Cakes has multiple size options, 10 flavor options and a variety of frosting styles; plus, you can get some party essentials at their “Bundt’ique” to add some glam with your delectable cake. (SSa)

2nd PLACE: Just American Desserts

3rd PLACE: Sweet Frostings Blissful Bakeshop

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Pastry and More, Coeur d’Alene

BEST CHINESE FOOD GORDY’S SICHUAN CAFE

You can just say “Gordy’s” and people who have already fallen in love with the cozy South Hill spot for contemporary Chinese cuisine know what you mean. This repeat winner — it also won in 2021 for best Asian food — has changed hands over the years but has earned loyal fans for its authentic Sichuan-style dishes like dan dan noodles and mapo tofu. (CSz)

2nd PLACE: Red Dragon

3rd PLACE: Black Straw Tea Bar and Kitchen

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Chinatown, Coeur d’Alene

Best Food Truck Skewers Food Truck

“Skewers not only has the best Mediterranean food, but Mirak, the owner, has a hugely kind heart and has such an impact in Spokane!” (LYDIA H.); “I’ve gone more times than I can count and have yet to leave disappointed. Everything is so delicious!” (ALEXIS W.)

2nd PLACE: Island Style Food Truck

3rd PLACE: Tacos Tumbras

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Best Avenue Taco Works, Coeur d’Alene

BEST OUTDOOR/PATIO DINING BRICK WEST BREWING CO.

“So much space!” (Alex M.); “LOVE the atmosphere!” (Dianah B.); “Biggest outdoor patio, live music, food trucks — the best!” (Connor W.)

2nd PLACE: Clinkerdagger

3rd PLACE: Osprey Restaurant & Bar

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Terraza Waterfront Cafe, Coeur d’Alene