You might not know this, but Spokane has an epic pizza scene. If you’re a fan of a beautiful crust, savory sauces and toppings that seem to have been placed by God almighty himself then a trip to Spokane is absolutely the destination for you.
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Many food hedonists would agree with the statement that you experience the place only after trying the local cuisine. Idaho will be a real treat for such food enthusiasts who love to explore up-and-coming star chefs. While everyone’s familiar with the fantastic Seattle dining experience, the Gem State culinary scene is way less known. Yet, it is home to many restaurants that could satisfy anyone’s taste. Whether you prefer steakhouses, Italian diners, wineries, or pizza and burgers, you will not go hungry in Idaho. Still, having some guidelines is an excellent place to start, especially if you’re new to the area. To help you taste the best culinary delights Northwest can offer, we’ve created a Foodie’s guide to Idaho’s culinary scene.
Visiting Boise in the winter months offers a plethora of activities to choose from. Whether you are wanting to brave the frigid slopes of one of the nearby ski resorts or would rather stay warm in a gorgeous natural hot spring, Boise offers something for everyone.
Bogus Basin
Just a 45-minute drive from downtown Boise, Bogus Basin offers easy access to countless winter activities. The main attraction is the ski hill which offers 2,600 acres of terrain, 80 runs, and 10 lifts. If flying down a mountain is a little extreme for your taste, they also offer cross-country skiing, winter tubing, and snowshoeing. Bogus Basin is also home to Idaho’s only mountain coaster, where riders can fly down 4,330 feet weaving in and out of trees and experience the mountain like never before.
Winter Garden aGlow at the Idaho Botanical Garden
If you’re visiting during the month of December, the Winter Garden aGlow at the Idaho Botanical Garden is a can’t-miss event for the whole family. Every night during December that Idaho Botanical Garden lights up with over 550,000 lights across its 14 acres of land. Along with the amazing visual experience, there are food trucks, live music, and fun events and activities for the kids. Winter Garden aGlow is one of the botanical garden’s biggest fundraisers of the year, so not only will you receive a memorable experience, but you will also be helping the garden provide a wonderful service to the local community.
Sun Valley
Sun Valley is an extremely popular ski-resort town about 3 hours northeast of Boise that offers skiing, fine dining, and an exciting nightlife. Bald Mountain is what brings most winter tourists up to the town. If you enjoy beautiful views, you’ll find plenty in Sun Valley, but the one you can’t miss is at the Seattle Ridge Day Lodge located at the top of Bald Mountain. At 8,800 feet you can see forever, and if you time it right you can see the mountains turn from white to a combination of a breathtaking pink and blue at sunset, just make sure you call ahead because you do need a reservation.
Along with the mountain, Sun Valley has a laundry list of other winter activities such as ice skating, sleigh rides, and ice sculptures. Once you have gotten your fair share of outdoor time, you’ll need to warm up inside with a hearty meal and a drink of your choice. There’s plenty of options to choose from, but some of our favorites include Sawtooth Brewery, Lefty’s Bar & Grill, and The Roundhouse.
Hot Springs
It’s difficult to find yourself anywhere in Idaho without being close to a hot spring. There are dozens of springs within a couple of hours of Boise, here’s a great guide that lists most of the ones available to the public.
If you’re looking for a hot spring experience that has a resort feel to it with built-out pools and some amenities such as bathrooms, food and drink, and on-site parking, we’d recommend Goldfork Hot Springs near McCall or The Springs at Idaho City. Both locations are easy to access while still getting all the benefits of a natural hot spring.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and want to experience a more “natural” hot spring experience you can’t go wrong with Kirkham Hot Springs or Trail Creek Hot Springs. Both require a small but relatively steep hike down to the pools, but the scenery and experience is well worth it if you can make the trek.
McCall
Another lovely mountain town about 2 ½ hours north of Boise is McCall. With many of the same characteristics as Sun Valley, McCall offers all the typical mountain activities in a beautiful city built right next to Payette Lake.
Brundage Mountain & Tamarack Resort are both within a short drive from McCall and have some of the best ski terrains in the Northwest.
In late January to early February McCall hosts their annual Winter Carnival which is a favorite among locals and tourists. One of the main attractions is the ice sculpture contest, where amateurs and professionals compete for $1,000+ prizes for the best sculpture. There are upwards of 100 sculptures each year so just walking through town is an event in and of itself.
The supporting events are just as fun, with activities such as a dog sled challenge, chef collaborative dinner, mardi gras parade, and snowshoe golf.
Looking for more things to do while you are in Boise? Check out our other guides here.
Charles Knowles from Meridian Idaho, USA, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The fall months are some of the best times to visit Boise. Tree’s all around the city start to change, turning the city from a giant green patch to a kaleidoscope of red, pink, yellow, and orange. The weather is also quite pleasant in the fall months, nestled right between the 100 degree days of summer and the freezing, windy days of winter. Along with the city’s natural beauty, there are a number of exciting events going on during these months that are sure to please.
Spirit of Boise – Hot Air Balloon Festival
Probably the most popular fall event, as well as one of the most picturesque, is the Spirit of Boise hot air balloon festival. It is a 5-day event that usually takes place the first week of September. They do a wonderful job offering different types of events for the whole family.
It typically starts with a kid’s day where kids can take a “tethered ride” where they can experience a hot air balloon ride while still being roped to the ground, giving parents slightly less anxiety about watching their child float away. Later in the week, they have multiple flights where 20+ balloons take to the skies and float over the city and neighboring areas. On Friday night they have the Nightglow Spectacular, where they inflate all the balloons after dark and put on a light show along with music, drinks, and other fun events.
Treefort Music Festival
If music is more your thing, the Treefort Music Festival is a great opportunity to see not only great artists from Boise and the Inland Northwest, but the festival attracts big names from across the country as well. Previous years have featured artists such as Run The Jewels, Vince Staples, and Lizzo. If none of those appeals to you, there are over 100 shows every year, so you’re bound to find something that fits your taste. It’s typically a five-day event in the heart of downtown that features beer gardens, comedy shows, and plenty of food trucks to explore.
Boise Farmers Market
Every Saturday local farmers, artists, business owners, and chefs set up downtown for the Boise Farmers Market. Located in the heart of downtown, the farmers market is a great place to start your Saturday even if you don’t plan on purchasing anything. You will get the chance to see unique works of art by local artists, local and international cuisine, and tons of options for organic vegetables, beef, and fish.
Boise State Football Games
Even though Boise isn’t home to a major sports team, they still have one of the most exciting teams in college football. The Boise State Broncos rose to prominence in the early 2000s and have made it to a bowl game every year since 1999. The team is fun to watch and the environment is electric for a sports fan. Along with the great food and company at the tailgate, the stadium includes the famous “smurf turf” which was the first non-green playing field in college football history.
Boise Restaurant Week
If you consider yourself a “foodie”, or just enjoy a great meal in a fun environment, you can’t miss the Dine Out Downtown – Boise Restaurant Week. Dozens of restaurants participate in this event which includes special menus, deals on food and drinks, and fun events put on by each restaurant. Usually, this is held around the last week of October or the first of November. If you’re wanting to double down on your Boise food experience, there is also the Boise Grilled Cheese and Beer Festival held right before restaurant week.
Harvest Festivals
Few things get people more excited about fall than harvest festivals, and the Boise area has plenty of them. With pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, along with numerous other activities there is fun for the whole family at any of these festivals. There are numerous festivals throughout the fall, including in Eagle, Garden City, Caldwell, Emmett, and Kuna.
Boo at the Zoo
If you’re visiting around Halloween the Boise Zoo hosts an annual Boo at the Zoo event for children and families. The event usually consists of costume contests, prize giveaways, trick or treating, face painting, and games for all ages.
If you’re in town earlier in the month you can still experience the Zoo with a Halloween twist. Every weekend in October they have Spooktacular Evenings from 6-9 PM. They call it a “merry-not-scary” event that is suitable for all ages. The Zoo will be lit up with Halloween displays and will also have activities and special entertainment every night.
Visiting Boise during a different time of the year or want to check out more of what the city has to offer, check out our other recommendations here.
Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
You can’t go very far in Boise without stumbling upon a unique and delicious restaurant. From fun, trendy food trucks, to fine dining, to foreign cuisine, you will be sure to find something that you will enjoy and be coming back for more.
Boise Fry Co.
Where better to start than with a restaurant that shares the name of the city and features the vegetable that Idaho is famous for, potatoes! Unlike most burger restaurants where the fries are a compliment to the burger, Boise Fry Co. puts the fries on center stage.
With 6 different kinds of potatoes to choose from, including purple potatoes, as well as 5 different styles of cut, you can mix and match to find your dream fry. It doesn’t stop there! No fry is complete without proper dipping sauce, and Boise Fry Co. didn’t skimp on this section of the menu either. Featuring sauces such as garlic aioli, spicy fry sauce, blueberry ketchup, chipotle, sweet mustard, marshmallow, and regular ketchup, you have plenty of options for what you’re going to dunk your fry into. Even though they say “Burgers On The Side” they still give you plenty of delicious options, such as a bison burger, turkey burger, and a beef/mushroom combination burger.
Bittercreek Alehouse
If you’re looking for a place to have a beer and a delicious lunch or dinner you should try out Bittercreek Alehouse. Located on 8th St. nestled in amongst dozens of other great restaurants, Bittercreek still stands out and has been a favorite for locals for quite some time. They offer your typical pub fare but with a twist. They don’t just have fries, they have polenta fries, and you can turn your fries or polenta fries into poutine for just a bit more. You’ll probably have trouble deciding which entree to select with options such as inside-out grilled cheese, lamb burger, and a smoked trout salad. If you’re looking for high quality food and atmosphere that consistently delivers, look no further than Bittercreek.
Lemon Tree Co.
Sandwiches are their specialty, but they provide wonderful compliments of soup and salad that makes Lemon Tree Co. one of the best places for lunch in Boise. Unique options such as the PB & JJB (jam, jalapenos, and bacon), sausage and pear, and Massaman Curry Bahn Mi highlight the sandwich section, but there are plenty of other options if none of those are speaking to you. They offer a wide range of salad options but you’d be missing out if you didn’t get a cup of the creamy tomato-basil soup to dunk your sandwich in. Take a look at their sandwiches here to see what you could be having for lunch today!
Paddles Up Poke
Trying to find good, raw seafood in Idaho can be somewhat tricky, but Paddles Up Poke has absolutely nailed it. Unlike traditional sushi, a “Poke Bowl” is typically made up of rice, raw fish, and traditional sushi toppings like ginger, seaweed salad, and cucumber. Paddles Up has been voted “Best poke, best lunch, and best caterer” in Boise since 2017, not too shabby for opening their doors in 2016. They offer an extensive range of seafood, toppings, and sauces such as the “piranha sauce” to let you make your bowl your own. Not a seafood fan? They even offer chicken for those who prefer that option.
Kibrom’s Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine
Kibrom’s offers authentic Ethiopian dishes that are as fun to eat as they are delicious.
Most dishes are served injera a spongy flatbread that is used to grab the meat and veggies that come with the meal. They have tons of combinations of ingredients, including beef, lamb, chicken, lentils, kale, potatoes, and cabbage, all simmered in their delicious sauces.
Tango’s Empanadas
This Argentina treasure comes in an unassuming package. Located on the bench, you could easily miss Tango’s if you’re not looking out for it. As you could imagine from the name, Empanadas are the focal point of the menu. These delicious fried turnover come with a number of fillings, all of them delicious. They offer 22 savory empanadas, including beef, pork, chicken, fish, vegetarian, even mac and cheese. To match the savory empanadas they also have 22 dessert empanadas for those with a sweet tooth.
Alavita
Alavita is an italian restaurant that does things the right way. Fresh, handmade pasta, locally sourced ingredients, and an attention to detail that makes every dish feel special. They offer some interesting dishes such as black ravioli and squid ink bucatini, but where Alavita really shines is the quality of their ingredients and the talent of their staff. It’s something you need to experience to truly understand, so give them a try!
Bombay Grill
If you’re looking to fill up at lunch time, and possibly not go back to work, Bombay Grill is a wonderful place to check out. With a fairly priced lunch buffet, you can dig into all your favorite Indian dishes such as butter chicken, saag, curry, and tikka masala. Served with fresh, buttery-garlic naan that makes you never want to leave, Bombay Grill is truly one of the best places in Boise to visit.
Curious about great food in other cities? Check out our other articles at cleverneighbor.com
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. While some recent findings contradict that popular idea, it does remain that breakfast is probably the most varied meal of the day, especially when you’re picking one of these breakfast restaurants in Ocean Shores.
After all, when else can you devour a stack of pancakes while one of your friends tucks into bacon and eggs and the other nibbles on avocado toast? It’s this kind of variety that makes going out for breakfast such a delicious treat, especially in Ocean Shores.
If you’re in the area looking for ‘breakfast restaurants near me’, look no further. Read on to find out the top five breakfast restaurants in Ocean Shores!
1. Linda’s Bakery Cafe
Ocean Shores has a great selection of quality places to eat, but you’ll find one of the best breakfast restaurant options in Ocean Shores at Linda’s Bakery Cafe.
For those with a sweet tooth, the pies and pastries are all made from scratch with real butter and quality ingredients. If savory’s more your style, the ham and cheese croissant, and full breakfast are popular options you won’t want to miss.
As well as great food, this spot has a great reputation for friendly servers who will always go the extra mile. So, even if you’re only in Ocean Shores for a short stay, you’re sure to come back to Linda’s! And don’t forget to try their espresso.
2. Ocean Beach Roasters & Bistro
Ocean Beach Roasters & Bistro is great for lunch and dinner, but it’s also perfect for breakfast, which is served from 9 am until 1 pm.
Highlights on the breakfast menu include crab cake Benedict, sausage apple hash and marionberry pancakes. They also do a range of omelets and the classic biscuits and gravy too. They have a case full of fresh pastries and nearly any coffee creation you desire. This style is modern and welcoming, with smiles by every employee and we all commented, these guys just do things right. The owner is friendly and often serves you the food. Highly recommend coming back for lunch as well. Their sandwiches were awesome! #yum
3. Our Place
With large portions and a varied breakfast menu, Our Place definitely deserves a place on our list of the best Ocean Shores local breakfast restaurants.
Highlights include the eggs Benedict omelet, biscuits and gravy with sausage, and tasty homemade pies and pastries.
This is a no-frills joint where you serve yourself coffee and get your own cutlery. But when the food’s this good and the prices are fair, you won’t hear any complaints from us. Locals would also agree, Our Place restaurant is probably the top spot in Ocean Shores for breakfast.
4. Sunny Beach Cafe
Ocean Shore’s Sunny Beach Cafe is another great place to head a delicious breakfast. Open Wed – Sun, Sunny Beach Cafe really brings out the sun on those cold rainy days. This mom and pop style restaurant is welcoming and enjoyable. Say hi to a local, their all pleasant and love chatting about their town.
With a range of breakfast options, including Belgian waffles, omelets, oatmeal, and bacon and eggs, there’s something for all tastes. The freshly baked bread is also a big hit with everyone who comes here.
5. RipTide Coffee Co.
For laid-back, cozy beach vibes and a wide range of delicious coffees, RipTide Coffee Co. is a great breakfast spot near the Oyhut Wildlife Area. Oyhut is on the far side of town, but worth the scenic drive if you’ve not been to the south end of the penninsula.
As well as teas and coffees, it serves freshly baked muffins, pastries, and sandwiches. There might not be as many options as other local breakfast restaurants, but the food is top-notch and homemade. Plus, the friendly staff and great decor make it a popular place for locals and tourists alike.
BONUS: Homeport Restaurant
This list would not be complete without mentioning Homeport Restaurant. Open all winter long with friendly staff and even friendlier portions, Homeport had a great selection that fits a families needs for warm breakfast at a reasonable cost. Don’t let the older decor persuade you otherwise, it’s a great spot for a very good breakfast. Try the omelette. We thought about returning on day 2 for another! #yummybreakfast
Ocean Shores Breakfast Restaurants
Once you’ve filled up at one of these Ocean Shores breakfast restaurants, you’ll be more than ready to enjoy another beautiful day along the Washington coast.
Remember, whether you’re a local or you’re planning to visit Ocean Shores, you’re in the right place.
Here at Clever Neighbor, we’ve got all the information you need to make the most of your time in Ocean Shores. From the best hotels to exciting local activities, we’re here to guide you!
Bend’s food and drink has improved rapidly over the years. With many ethnic food options, a thriving food cart scene at The Lot, craft beer, and several bakeries, sometimes the options can be overwhelming when you just want to eat some good food. In an effort to highlight the best that Bend has to offer, we’ve curated a list of the best places to eat and standout joints here.
Sparrow Bakery
The famous Ocean Roll and cappuccino
Sparrow Bakery is one of Bend’s hot spots for breakfast and baked goods. Sparrow showcases items ranging from artisan breads to elaborate pastries and pies, but the shining star is their signature Ocean Roll. A flaky, delectable sweet roll with a cardamom sugar filling, you cannot go wrong ordering one of these. You haven’t been to Bend if you haven’t had an Ocean Roll! Sparrow also features a roster of local coffee roasters on espresso and serves up a mean cappuccino which complements any one of their pastries quite well. Their menu consists of soups, sandwiches, and other daily specials. The Scott Street location is the original Sparrow location and has been open since 2006. You can now find Sparrow at their second location in Northwest Crossing, which is a great option since Scott Street’s itty-bitty space can sometimes be overflowing with ravenous customers on the weekends. The outdoor seating area has propane heaters and sits on a lovely brick patio. Be sure to hop next-door to the Workhouse to be wowed by the local crafters and makers who have set up shop in this workshop/gallery space.
Parrilla Grill
Parrilla has the grungy, no-frills feel of a local dive-bar but with astounding value and fresh, flavorful food. Parrilla Grill has been open since 2000 and has become a go-to for college students and people hitting the slopes at Mt. Bachelor. Expect a line, come hungry (and thirsty! $1 PBR’s all day every day). The wraps and bowls that are served up here can be customized to your particular palate and dietary needs, with protein options from tofu to beef to salmon. Gluten free? Ask for your burrito to come in a bowl instead! Each wrap comes standard with recommended salsas and sauces, although if you have a particular aversion they can leave it off with no problem. Parrilla is known for Uncle Wedgie’s Margarita, and although it comes in a plastic cup, don’t let it fool you, the booze is strong with this one. Seven different rotating taps feature many of the local breweries of Bend, as well as two rotating kombucha taps. An imaginative kids’ menu keeps everyone in the family happy.
Wild Rose Thai
Wild Rose is a family owned and operated northern Thai restaurant. The ambience alone is worth the trip. The decor inside is a bit bohemian with dried flowers hanging from the ceilings and tables filling the entire space. While you might have to put your name on a waiting list to get in, the food is totally worth the wait and comes out with mindblowing speed. The menu is crafted from decades of family recipes with the addition of the Chef’s own signature spins on traditional northern Thai cuisine. No Pad Thai here! Be sure to take a seat at the bar and check out their imaginative cocktail list.
Jackson’s Corner
If local, sustainably sourced food is your game, then Jackson’s Corner has you covered. They believe in consciously sourcing the ingredients for their menu items. The original location on the westside of Bend boasts a wood-fired oven where they pump out delicious pizzas on their house-made dough. Just around the corner from the restaurant you can stop in to the production bread-baking facility and take a gander at the beautiful loaves that Jackson’s bakes fresh every day. Their menu changes seasonally with the available ingredients, but you can always find a range of wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes using fresh, house-made pasta. Jackson’s commitment to locally sourced ingredients is reflected in the pride with which each dish is plated and served. Check out their website for a list of Oregon farmers that supply Jackson’s Corner with everything from greens to beef.
Spork
The winner of several “Best Of” categories from the local Source Weekly newspaper as well as being written up in the New York Times, Spork is not to be missed. From humble beginnings in an Airstream trailer converted into a food kitchen, Spork’s brick and mortar location on the westside is busy, and for good reason. Spork’s menu is designed by chef and owner Jeff Hunt and is globally inspired from many traditions across the world. With Mexican pozole to Peruvian lomo saltado, Thai green curry and Korean barbecue, the menu options abound. Spork also boasts daily specials, a slew of house cocktails, and of course draft beer. Spork offers takeout options and catering services.
Have a favorite Bend restaurant that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments below! We are always updating our lists of the best places to eat.
Whoever said you shouldn’t play with your food never visited our list of the best restaurants in Seattle for fun dining! Here are the 8 of the funnest and best restaurants to in Seattle that you have to try the next time you’re hungry.
Seattle can claim to be cool on so many counts. Whether you are local or a visitor, the funnest and best restaurants in Seattle have great food as well as a great experience.
It’s the birthplace of Jimi Hendrix, it has the oldest continuously operated farmer’s market in America. And though it is often cloudy, people in Seattle buy more sunglasses than any other US city. That’s cool, isn’t it?
Read on for cool food, loads of fun and the best restaurants in Seattle. Plus, a great experience to boot!
8 of the Best Restaurants in Seattle for Fun Dining
“One man’s meat is another man’s poison,” and when it comes to fun places to eat in Seattle, we are going to recommend some somewhat controversial options. Our recommendations are not to play safe or recommend the most expensive. Instead, there will be something for everybody on this menu of delights.
Read our comments, check reviews and decide if you agree with our idea of fun. Let’s get started. Read on and let the Seattle restaurant adventure begin.
1. The Pink Door
“Is this the place? There’s no sign. Just a pink door.” Your dining partner may be skeptical but enter the pink door and enjoy one of the top dining experiences in Seattle. A fabulous view, great Italian and American style dishes and top notch service.
There is a pleasing aesthetic to the place so you’ll feel more comfortable if you dress up a little. Great for a romantic dinner or celebration.
Best to book a table and ask about the entertainment. Cabaret, trapeze or even burlesque may be on the menu too. If you and your guests aren’t shy, book at table in the center of the restaurant!
2. The Crumpet Shop
Tea and Crumpets at Pike Place Market is a delicious treat. They make the crumpets in the store and after you’ve seen how it’s done taste one. They do other things too but don’t leave without having had crumpets.
As one of the funnest restaurants in Seattle, you would expect a creative range of toppings and you won’t be disappointed. There are sweet or savory toppings to suit all tastes.
Even people who’ve had English crumpets in England say they are authentic although the toppings might raise an eyebrow in the UK. Try maple butter and walnuts with cream cheese or egg, cheese, and Jalapeno peppers. They never had that in England.
3. Pike Place Chowder
Pike Place Market is the oldest continuously operated farmer’s market in America and so far our eateries have been in that location.
Don’t leave without eating fish. Why? Because Pike Place Market is world famous for throwing fish.
You will see huge fish, thrown and (usually caught) across the fish market to howls and cheers. There are many fish-eating opportunities so Pike Place Chowder has to be good to be so highly rated by diners. There are long lines but it’s worth the wait.
If you only visit once and you don’t know what to choose from the menu, the clue is in the name. Try the chowder.
4. Serious Pie
A list of the funnest restaurants in Seattle cannot ignore an eatery called “Serious” Pie. The pizza is seriously good and if you get there during “happy hour” you get a seriously good bargain too.
The tables are communal so not only do you get great food but perhaps some good company too. It’s fun to chat and compare pizza choices. Don’t go expecting safe cheese and tomato toppings.
5. Space Needle Sky City
Every visitor to Seattle has to visit the Space Needle but to get the full experience try booking a window seat at Space Needle Sky City. Romantic dinner or special occasion dining with a revolving view.
You expect to pay a premium for the location. With a reputation for quality, locally influenced food and special service, you should treat yourself. There is a planned refurbishment due for completion in Spring 2018 so check if they are open and book a table.
6. Collection Caf?
Lot’s of people collect things. Stamps, pins, shoes might be your collection theme. This place has taken collecting to a new level. Here, collecting is an art form.
Look under the glass of the table tops and find a collection of ceramic dogs, ancient cameras or glass bottles. The ceiling covered in flying accordions must be unique.
This might be a caf? but expect interesting salads, adventures in sandwich creativity and clams are on the menu too.
7. Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley
If Jazz and Blues is your thing then there is fun to be had at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley. No seat is more than 50 feet from the stage. Dine here before the show starts and enjoy Mediterranean influences as well as seafood, steaks and salads.
There is no dance floor but they say they can’t stop you from shaking in your seats. People have been shaking in their seats here for almost four decades. Here at one of the funnest restaurants in Seattle, you might see an up and coming artist or a living legend on their stage.
8. Ray’s Boathouse and Caf?
The Boathouse has amazing food at the water’s edge and the Caf? has an amazing outdoor deck with views of Puget Sound and the Olympic mountains. Watch the sunset, eat fresh seafood and if you’re lucky watch eagles fishing.
Ray’s began as a dockside caf? with the original coffee house opening in 1945. They are a Seattle institution and when you dine there you share the experience with generations of Seattle locals. Appreciate the heritage, commitment to supporting the local fishermen and the iconic location.
Time to Reflect
Start with quality ingredients and you are more likely to end up with a delicious dish. Seattle is a fun place to be. The diversity of food influences, amazing locations and culture are the raw ingredients for great dining experiences.
Don’t listen to the reputation of Seattle people being cold. The Seattle freeze soon melts. The Seattle Seahawk fans are officially the loudest crowd at a football game so they have some extrovert traits.
Our hope our list of the best restaurants in Seattle provide you an interesting, even quirky Seattle experience. The list covers romance, nature, music, spectacle, and character. Add to this some amazing food and drink and you have a menu of delights ahead of you.
Be prepared to soak in the ambiance but also contribute to the fun. Help make your fellow diners and servers day.
To learn more about Seattle click here.
The 8 Best Restaurants In Spokane
Spokane is known for its amazing restaurants and eclectic style. If you are looking for great food, check out our guide to the 8 best restaurants in Spokane!
Spokane is a city set on a river, encapsulating a small-town feel, with access to big-city amenities. Thriving at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the city is named after the Spokane tribe, and was a historic trading post back in the day. As Washington State’s second biggest city, Spokane is well-known for its stunning scenery, including sweeping mountain views and glistening lakes. But there’s more to Spokane than first meets the eye, with a vibrant downtown foodie scene at the heart of this city. With downtown’s many beautiful parks and buzzing restaurant scene, you’ll find a taste sensation for all palates. In this article, we’ve rounded up the 8 best restaurants in Spokane.
The Top 8 Best Restaurants in Spokane
Ranging from heart-warming brunch spots to fine dining, delicious sandwich bars, waffle shops and scrumptious grills – eat your heart out in Spokane!
Some of the best restaurants in Spokane include:
1. Chaps Coffee Co.
Chaps doubles as both a bruncher’s haven and hearty dinner spot.
If you’re looking for nothing but comfort food, Chaps is your go-to.
Set in a farmhouse dating back to 1912, the owners Celeste and Gina have converted the building into a bakery and restaurant of their own.
Chaps also offer a large outdoor patio to soak up the morning sunshine while enjoying popular dishes such as maples scones and blueberry french toast.
If you’re looking for heartier fare, make a meal of it with flat iron steak and mashed potatoes, homemade beef stroganoff or lamb chops.
The hands-on owners are the secret to the success and buzz of Chaps, making you real right at home!
2. Ruins
Another one of the best restaurants in Spokane to add to your list is Ruins.
The perfect spot for a midday treat, Ruins is a gourmet sandwich bar of sorts, offering over 10 different sandwich options. The menu also includes a selection of kimchi and other spicy dishes, but what you really should go for is a freshly made sandwich.
Averaging around $8 per sandwich, portions are hearty and generous.
Sandwich options such as the Ahi tuna and cold fried chicken will truly leave you wanting more! Ruins also feature an interesting drinks menu, including freshly made sodas, lemonade, and sparkling waters.
If you’re looking for something a little different in Spokane, even a little low-key, Ruins is just the spot.
Bear in mind the restaurant menu changes with the seasons, so get your favorite sandwich while it’s hot!
3. Downriver Grill
No list of best restaurants in Spokane is complete without Downriver Grill.
Known as a hot spot for many ‘Spokanites’, Downriver Grill is ideal for a laid-back lunch or dinner and a few cheeky drinks.
With a large sheet menu which rotates every fortnight and updates seasonally, the folks at Downriver Grill care about local, fresh ingredients.
The owners put a great emphasis on using locally sourced produce and unique recipes, and it really shows in all their dishes.
If you try anything at Downriver Grill, it needs to be their appetizer of gorgonzola fries and a juicy burger made from some of the best quality meat in Spokane.
Their handcrafted cocktails have a naughty hit and keep many a local coming back for more.
4. The Scoop
Nestled in the neighborhood of South Hill, The Scoop has been serving its delicious ice-cream here for over a decade.
Each ice-cream flavor is hand-crafted and made hourly in store, using liquid nitrogen and only the finest ingredients to perfect their craft. Offering a range of 16 different ice-cream flavors, it’s a feast for both parents and kiddies.
Unique flavors include mocha brownie, banoffee pie, blackberry guava sorbet, and chocolate buttercup, to name a few!
But the real reason you should pop into The Scoop is for their freshly made waffles. They offer both sweet and savory waffle options, including waffle sandwiches crammed with ham, cream cheese, and jalapenos.
Try their Berries and Biscoff Belgian waffle, made with berries, Biscoff cookie butter and whipped cream- pure heaven for those with a sweet tooth.
5. Zona Blanca
For something a little left of center, Zona Blanca is a good place to head.
It’s known as one of the best restaurants in Spokane for this very reason – they dare to be different. Zona Blanca is the brainchild of Chef Chad White and is essentially a ceviche bar which was opened in 2016.
Chad believes in using fresh, local ingredients in order to emphasize sustainability in all Zona Blanca’s dishes.
Ceviche is a method which is all about preservation and is a very basic way of preparing fish and other seafood.
Essentially, Zona Blanca offers very simple food, prepared in a manner that screams fine dining.
If you are seafood fan, Zona Blanca is a taste sensation. Dishes worth sampling include the Baja ceviche and Jalisco – a take on ‘surf and turf’ ceviche.
If you are still easing yourself into the ceviche game, try the utterly delicious chorizo torta.
6. Yards Bruncheon
Well-known as a favorite brunch spot in Spokane, Yards Bruncheon is breakfast lover’s dream.
If you’re entertaining out-of-town guests, take them to Yards Bruncheon for stellar views of the Spokane River and delicious, hearty fare.
For a family-friendly, slow and relaxed pace, Yards offers a great setting with its vibrant interior and generous food portions.
Find all your breakfast favorites, and then some, including Irish eggs benedict, avocado toast, chicken and waffles, breakfast fajitas and even Poutine!
Looking for a spot of exercise before or after your breakfast?
Do the Centennial Trail which starts from Yards, which you can either walk, run or bike. You’ve got to earn those calories, right?
7. Prohibition Gastropub
Get in early on a Friday night and sample fresh oysters like you’ve never had before at Prohibition Gastropub.
There’s a reason this establishment has made it to the list of best restaurants in Spokane – because they go above and beyond with their food preparation.
Game changer dishes include the house staple, jalapeno poppers stuffed with mixed cheese, roasted garlic and wrapped in bacon.
The Al Capone burger, infused with coffee grounds in the burger patty, make for a juicy explosion of flavor.
Finish off your evening with the famous whiskey-infused cheesecake, made with Pendleton Whiskey, served with an Amaretto sauce.
Life changing!
Sit back, unwind to live music, great beer on-tap and a great selection of whiskeys at Prohibition Gastropub.
8. Luna
If you’re up for true fine dining at its best, make your reservation at Luna.
With its sublime setting including lush greenery, a wisteria tree in full bloom and beautifully refined decor, Luna is a real treat. Reminiscent of a French cafe, Luna is perfect for long lunches, weekend brunches or an intimate dinner with a loved one.
They also offer private rooms for hosting functions for an upcoming special occasion.
Featuring its own wine cellar with over 5000 variations of wine and an onsite fruit and vegetable garden, Luna really is a foodie’s delight.
Dine on delicately prepared dishes such as the prawn salad, pan-seared salmon, and curried cauliflower, or go more casual with wood-fired pizza.
Don’t even think about leaving Luna without sampling their handmade madeleines- dessert artwork at its finest.
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