315 Martini Bar and Tapas
Amid an elegant setting of candlelight and fireplaces — or if it's summer, underneath umbrellas on the garden patio — you can sip on one of 315's many handcrafted martinis put together with some of 315's housemade simple syrups, infusions and bitters. The bar menu has categories for every mood, from classics to tropical to seasonal sippers to "Garden in a Glass," as well as starters, tapas and entrées from the kitchen. 315 E. Wallace Ave., CdA • 208-667-9660
Bistango Lounge Try not to gape for too long when you see Bistango's selection of more than 200 liquors, wines, and bottled beers and ales, all softly backlit behind the bar. Pair your drink (served in Austrian crystal) with a selection from the lounge's dinner menu and a show from a local musician, and you've got yourself one classy night out. Bistango also houses an extensive wine collection, much of which you can buy competitively at wholesale prices to take home. 108 N. Post St. • 624-8464
Fireside Lounge Start or end your night at this decidedly swanky lounge on the hotel side of Northern Quest. The modern fireplace, intimate seating groups and attentive yet unobtrusive service create a romantic ambiance. Order a nibble — a nice selection of small plates and desserts are available — and a cocktail, and know that if you don't want to go home, you don't have to. Luxurious hotel suites await upstairs. Northern Quest Resort and Casino, 100 N. Hayford Road, Airway Heights • 242-7000
Lakeview Lounge When they say lakeview, they mean lakeview. Situated on the seventh floor of the Coeur d'Alene Resort, Lakeview Lounge offers incredible views and wine from Beverly's 30,000-bottle collection, top-shelf liquor and an array of classic martinis, all of which can be paired with a dish from Lakeview's extensive dinner menu. Take in the smooth sounds of Robert Vaughn on jazz guitar every Friday and Saturday to complete a romantic evening. Coeur d'Alene Resort, 115 S. Second St., CdA • 208-765-4000
Liquid Who said you had to take a break from gaming to get a drink at Northern Quest? Keep the fun going at Liquid, which gives patrons the opportunity to play bar-top video slot machines while sipping one of the bar's signature cocktails. Liquid boasts a classy atmosphere; two big glass ribbons project slowly cascading digital waterfalls and a beautiful, three-dimensional topographical map projecting upward to the ceiling. Northern Quest Resort and Casino, 100 N. Hayford Road, Airway Heights, Wash. • 242-7000
The Oval Office The counterpart to the White House Grill, the Oval Office is home to more than a dozen presidential-themed martinis. If you're looking to satisfy a serious sweet tooth, try the U.S. Mint, an oh-so-sweet blend of Godiva white chocolate, vanilla vodka and crème de menthe, just $5.50 during happy hour. You can always balance out the sweetness with one of the Oval Office's savory dinner offerings. 620 N. Spokane St., Post Falls, Idaho • 208-777-2102
Peacock Room Lounge It doesn't get any fancier than drinking award-winning double martinis and classic cocktails crafted with fresh-squeezed juices, herbs and botanicals under a 5,000-piece stained-glass ceiling. For a classy night of people-watching, pair your martini with something from the Peacock Room's tasty dinner menu, and try to spot visiting celebrities who frequent the lounge. The Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post St. • 455-8888
Rain Lounge With its exposed brick walls, modern artwork and dim, blue lighting, Rain Lounge has sex appeal. Its location near the Bing and the Fox also makes it the perfect place to start or end an evening, sipping high-end cocktails. Come hungry, because you can order from the dinner menu of Scratch next door, and even choose bites off of a special late-night menu. 1007 W. First Ave. • 456-5656
Safari Room The Davenport's Safari Room displays Gilded Age splendor with a masculine edge. The menu has Southern influences, with items like gumbo on Creole rice and Creole chicken pot pie; plenty of cocktails also grace the menu. Start your night off at this upscale locale during the daily happy hour from 4-6 pm, or come back later for the late-night menu. The Davenport Tower, 111 S. Post St. • 789-6800
Sapphire Lounge The drinks and bites from this jewel in the Hotel Ruby may be easy on the wallet ($3 draft beers, $4 premium wells and $5 house wines and flatbreads), but the lounge doesn't skimp on taste or class; a glass bubble chandelier spills luminous orbs from the ceiling, and a mosaic of stained glass cutouts illuminates the bar. Might we suggest a French 75 from one of their skilled mixologists? Hotel Ruby, 901 W. First Ave. • 747-1041
Twigs With 36 signature martinis, there really is something for everyone at Twigs. From the classic Twigs Martini to the classy High Roller, to more imaginative drinks like the Jalapeño Cilantro Margatini, Twigs has it covered. There are six locations in Washington, and more throughout the Northwest, so there's plenty of opportunity to try one (or more) of the 36 yourself. 4320 S. Regal St. • 443-8000 | River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave. • 232-3376 | 401 E. Farwell Road, • 465-8794 | Spokane Valley Mall, 14728 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley • 290-5636
Whispers Whispers is a sexy hideaway worth seeking out, even if you're not staying at the Coeur d'Alene Resort. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide million-dollar sunset views of the lake, and patrons can sink into one of the modern club chairs that line the backlit bar or boost the romance by taking a seat outdoors. Bartenders shake up the classic martini with options including Cosmo, Lemon Drop and Chocolate. Coeur d'Alene Resort, 115 S. Second St., Coeur d'Alene • 208-765-4000
