Anthony's at Spokane Falls The only place you could eat fresher seafood with a better view of the Spokane Falls than Anthony's would actually be in the river. Wanting to ensure the highest quality fish for guests, Anthony's opened its own seafood company in 1984 and has been serving "best of season" options for the ultimate Northwest experience ever since. Besides, when the warm weather returns, there are few better places to enjoy a happy hour cocktail. 510 N. Lincoln St., Spokane • Wash. • 328-9009
Azteca While the east side of downtown Spokane has changed drastically in recent years, Azteca has weathered the construction and yet again is rewarded for its consistency with another Best Mexican Food award. The Northwest chain also has locations in north Spokane, Spokane Valley and Coeur d'Alene, all of which offer a reliable menu of Mexican favorites and, of course, an ample slate of margarita options. 9738 N. Newport Hwy., Spokane • Wash. • 465-9101 | 245 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., 456-0350 | 14700 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley • Wash. • 228-9661 | 2462 N. Old Mill Loop, Coeur d'Alene • Idaho • 208-676-0200
Clinkerdagger Using the words "steak" and "seafood" and the phrase "riverfront seating" in one sentence conjures feelings of splendor and excellence. So heads up: located in the Old Flour Mill and overlooking Spokane's famous river, Clinkerdagger offers a variety of delicious seafood and quality, fine-cut steaks. For special occasions including work, romance, and birthdays — or simply a treat-yourself sort of evening — the classy menu and breathtaking location are reasons to indulge. 621 W. Mallon Ave., Spokane • Wash. • 328-5965
David's Pizza Founded in the mid-'90s, David's Pizza was forced to shutter its iconic Logan neighborhood spot five years ago. Finally reopened in April 2015 in a location near the Spokane Arena, the new David's reflects the same eclectic, garage-y vibe that fans recall from its old spot, but it's twice as big. That means all the more room to eat David's classic handcrafted pizzas, along with their sandwiches (which come with a fresh cookie), stromboli and calzones. 803 N. Post St., Spokane • Wash. • 483-7460
Dick's Hamburgers What would Spokane be without Dick's Hamburgers? Our city would be lost, with only chain hamburger places remaining for fast-food junkies, off-the-wagon vegetarians and the bar crowds. But thankfully, Dick's low prices, as well as their comforting food, have kept people coming back to this drive-in since 1965. You won't find anything too complicated on the hamburger — no bacon or ham. Just ketchup, mustard, onions and pickles. They'll add cheese if you ask for it. Buy these guilty pleasures by the bagful, and remember that Dick's is cash-only. 10 E. Third Ave., Spokane • Wash. • 747-2481
Domini Sandwiches Domini's is one of those great old places (like Hudson's, in Coeur d'Alene) that sticks to doing one thing, and doing it damn well. Inlander readers agree, voting it their favorite sandwich shop 22 times. Ordering is easy; choose a meat, cheese, bread and condiment and enjoy the reliably solid sandwiches this Spokane staple still makes. Indeed, many customers get two meals out of one of their ample offerings. 703 W. Sprague Ave., Spokane • Wash. • 747-2324
The Elk Public House A Spokane institution and gathering place in the Browne's Addition neighborhood, The Elk has developed a devoted following for its constantly changing beer selection and a menu with something for everyone — tacos, gumbo, pasta, salad or a hearty burger. 1931 W. Pacific Ave., Spokane • Wash. • 363-1973
Frank's Diner Regular winner of the Inlander's Best Of readers poll for diners, Frank's Diner — from the owner of The Onion — is famous for their breakfast, of course. Silver-dollar-size hotcakes. Spicy Creole benedict. Classic oatmeal. The Diner's dinner options are just as good; try the meatloaf. There are our two locations, but our favorite is the train-car style location on Second, near Browne's Addition. 1516 W. Second Ave., Spokane • Wash. • 747-8798 | 10929 N. Newport Hwy., • 465-2464
Hudson's Hamburgers Don't order fries (they don't have 'em). Don't ask for lettuce, or tomatoes, or any frou-frou blue cheese on your burger (they don't have any of that, either). Just order one of Hudson's no-frills burgers. They'll shape the patty in front of you, throw it on the grill, and once you take a bite, you'll understand why Inlander readers love Hudson's so much, and why, after more than a century in business, it's become an Idaho must-see and must-taste. 207 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d'Alene • Idaho • 208-664-5444
The Mustard Seed Craving some Chicken Osaka? How about Bong Bong chicken or Shrimp Ginza? Clearly, you're not alone. Inlander readers have declared their love for the Mustard Seed and its signature dishes year after year in the annual Best Of poll. Expect Pan-Asian-style dishes here, with influences from Japan, Thailand and Hawaii, and entrées prepared with lots of vegetables, lean meats, and light sauces. Don't want to get off the couch? Mustard Seed delivers. NorthTown Mall, 4750 N. Division St., Spokane • Wash. • 483-1500
Rocket Bakery Coffee and fresh baked goods practically run through Spokane's veins, but at Rocket Bakery, you can find scratch, homemade goods from any of their nine shops around the area. Their menu features everything from fresh sandwiches to carefully crafted cakes, so if you're looking for a high-quality cake or a raspberry oat bar worth every single calorie, Rocket is your place. 1325 W. First Ave., Spokane • Wash. • 747-1834 | 319 W. Hastings Rd., • 466-1500 | 903 W. Garland Ave., • 325-8909 | 1301 W. 14th Ave., • 456-3534 | Holley Mason Bldg.,157 S. Howard St., • 838-3887 | 3315 N. Argonne Rd., Millwood • Wash. • 462-2345
The Swinging Doors The Swinging Doors has become a sports fanatic's paradise, and now it's in the Inlander Hall of Fame after winning our Best Sports Bar category for 10 years. The spot on Francis boasts 50 screens hosting every sports package they can buy and a full-service restaurant that attracts families, Little League teams and folks simply more interested in the house specialty broasted chicken or a hearty breakfast than any ballgame. Oh, and don't forget the free steak dinner on your birthday. 1018 W. Francis Ave., Spokane • Wash. • 326-6794
Thai Bamboo With a huge menu offering all sorts of authentically prepared dishes from co-owner Matavee Burgess' homeland of southern Thailand, locals have over the years developed a healthy appetite for the restaurant's Pad Thai noodles (the No. 1 dish), along with Mongolian beef, spring rolls and the otherworldly fried bananas for dessert. Matavee and husband Tom opened the first Thai Bamboo in Spokane 15 years ago. Now, loyal fans of the couple's successful local chain can find its spicy, savory (and often healthier) food at any of its four Inland Northwest locations in Spokane and Coeur d'Alene. 2926 E. 29th Ave., Spokane • Wash. • 232-8424 | 5406 N. Division St., • 777-8424 | 12722 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley • Wash. • 444-8424 | 2010 N. 4th Ave., Coeur d'Alene • Idaho • 208-667-5300
Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar Don't skip over the appetizers at this popular local chain. Inlander readers have picked Twigs over and over as their favorite in the annual Best Of poll. And it's a delicious way to start a meal — try the Butternut Squash Flatbread or the Ahi Sashimi. When you're ready to move on to dinner you'll find a solid, diverse menu: steaks, fancy mac and cheese, an assortment of pizzas and an entire gluten-free menu. River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave., Spokane • Wash. • 232-3376 | 4320 S. Regal St., • 443-8000 | 9820 N. Nevada St., • 468-9820 | 401 E. Farwell Rd., • 465-8794 | 14728 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley • Wash. • 290-5636
