The Backyard The Backyard's menu may be small, but you can tell how much thought has been put into each ingredient from your first bite. From trivia to cornhole to live music, the entertainment here is always changing, depending on the night. Beyond the cheap drink specials, you really don't want to miss the unique food specials. 1811 W. Broadway Ave. , Spokane, Wash. • 822-7338
The Elk Public House In the little hub of activity at Pacific Avenue and Cannon Street, you'll find this beloved Browne's Addition pub is popular year-round, thanks to its great menu, extensive beer, cider and wine selection and relaxed atmosphere. We suspect most of the Elk's customers feel so at home here, they all would call themselves regulars. 1931 W. Pacific Ave., Spokane, Wash. • 363-1973
Geno's The latest addition to the Elk Public House family of casual neighborhood restaurants, Geno's differs from its sisters in at least one significant way: french fries. Its spacious dining area opens to a patio protected from the hubbub of Hamilton Street, and the bar offers a selection of exclusive craft beers. 1414 N. Hamilton St., Spokane, Wash. • 368-9087
Moon Time This English-style pub always has a progressive, prolific assortment of microbrews and damn good food. That's the pleasant formula shared by Moon Time's sister pubs like the Elk in Spokane and the Porch in Hayden, and everyone seems to love it. 1602 E. Sherman Ave. , Coeur d'Alene, Idaho • 208-667-2331
Poole's Public House Poole's Public House is an excuse for owner Scott Poole to get back to his roots — both childhood and ancestral. Poole returned to his native north Spokane to open his first English-inspired pub/restaurant/sports bar with a healthy menu. This past year, he added a second, giving South Hill residents a new gathering spot to catch a game, play skeeball or nibble on house favorites like the Devils on Horseback, an English recipe of dates marinated in soy ginger, stuffed with almonds and wrapped in bacon. 101 E. Hastings Rd., Spokane, Wash. • 413-1834 | 5620 S. Regal St. • 368-9760
The Porch The Porch offers sweeping golf-course views and exceptionally good pub food. Like at its sister restaurants Moon Time, The Elk, and the Two Seven, the atmosphere is casual, the microbrew list is impressive and the clientele consists of devoted regulars. 1658 E. Miles Ave., Hayden , Idaho • 208-772-7711
Red Lion BBQ On a corner where Spokane 20-somethings love to down a few drinks and dance on weekend nights, the Red Lion is still serving some of Spokane's best BBQ in a low-key environment. Stop in for the ribs or chicken with fry bread and corn. 126 N. Division St., Spokane, Wash. • 835-5466
The Two Seven Public House The Two Seven serves up quality food and drinks, and the prices will allow you to return time and time again. Plus, the atmosphere is as comfortable as Geno's and the Elk, so don't be surprised if you've suddenly spent your whole afternoon there. 2727 S. Mt. Vernon St., Spokane, Wash. • 473-9766
