Bars on Spokane's South Hill

EDITOR'S NOTE: Our focus here was on bars that have opened since our last guide two years ago, as well as on great older bars we didn’t cover last time (like Italian Kitchen, Fizzie Mulligan’s and Scoreboard). Then we tackled as many other dives, lounges and distilleries as our wallets and livers could afford. Naturally, we probably missed your favorite place. And we totally short-changed a couple of neighborhoods. But we will live to drink — and report back — another day. Until then, hoist a glass to those who keep us all in the suds. Cheers — Joel Smith, Section Editor

BENNIDITO’S PIZZA
1426 S. Lincoln St. | 455-7411
One of the best damn pizza joints this side of wherever pizza was invented, Bennidito’s also has a pretty awesome beer selection. Any given day will span the barley spectrum, from New Belgium’s Ranger IPA to Anderson Valley ESB to the Seasonal 2 Below. Grab a pint and watch the game. And don’t forget the Beer Buddies. (ND) STYLE: Piehole watering hole

HANGAR 57
211 E. 57th Ave. | 448-5707
Hangar 57 is an aviation-themed sports bar with a massive martini selection, a penchant for beer pong and a taste for New-York style pizza. (JS) STYLE: Sports bar

HUGO’S ON THE HILL
3023 E. 28th Ave. | 535-2961
Before you hit the bowling lanes and casino, the bar awaits. Expect a sensory overload. Televisions cover every wall. Soft couches beckon. Wafting scents seduce the olfactories. The liquor selection ain’t shabby, either. And for the designated-driver types, Hugo’s offers a complimentary appetizer, coffee and soft drinks. (ND) STYLE: Futuristic bar HAPPY HOUR: Mon-Fri 3-6 pm

LANTERN TAVERN
1004 S. Perry St. | 315-9531
Since opening last year, the Lantern — with its intimately tiny space and community spirit — has become an anchor of the Perry Street neighborhood, eliciting loyalty from its patrons. Our suggestion: Drink a couple here before crossing the street for some delicious pie at the new pizza joint. Perry’s getting better all the time. (ND) STYLE: Neighborhood pub

LUNA
5620 S. Perry St. | 448-2383
The restaurant is classy and its patrons professional, but the lounge is more casual, making it a great place to strike up conversation. Plus you can order off the great dinner menu. (AC)  STYLE: Urban/suburban chic

MORTY’S TAP & GRILLE
5517 S. Regal St.  | 443-9123
The bar formerly known as Wild Weasel has been renamed (and renovated) into the much more beer-drinking, buddy-esque name of Morty’s. (TM)  STYLE: Sports bar HAPPY HOUR: Daily 3-6 pm

PARK INN
103 W. Ninth Ave. | 747-4425
See Dive Bar Tour (ND) STYLE: Medi-plex hangout HAPPY HOUR: Mon-Fri 5-6 pm

PEAR TREE INN
3011 S. Grand Blvd. | 747-2638
The Pear Tree Inn is a little restaurant with a lounge hidden beneath the main floor. (NJ) STYLE: Neighborhood HAPPY HOUR: Mon-Fri 4-7 pm

PRESS
909 S. Grand Blvd. | 747-7737
Housed in an old oil-change joint, Press offers some pretty uncommon concoctions — many made with, yes, freshly squeezed juices. Quaff the Green Fairy, made from orange juice, lime juice and Le Tourment Vert absinthe. Also, don’t miss the do-it-yourself Bloody Mary bar on Sundays. (ND) STYLE: Oil change-tini HAPPY HOUR: Daily 3-6 pm and 11 pm-2 am

SOUTH PERRY PIZZA
1011 S. Perry St. | 290-6047
This new pizza pub — along with the Lantern tavern across the street — had to fight the tee-totalers before it opened in December 2009, but it’s been a natural fit ever since, with incredible pizza, a modest but tasty crop of beers and wines, and a garage door that opens up to the neighborhood outside. (Closed Monday) (JS) STYLE: Pizza pub

STUDIO K BAR & GRILL
2810 E. 29th Ave. | 534-9317
It’s kinda like Narnia here, with a tiny door leading into a large, magical land. Located in a Lincoln Heights strip mall, Studio K stretches far back to offer pool tables, plenty of seats and a slick karaoke dance floor. Get a drink, grab the mic and shine. That’s magic. (ND) STYLE: Dive-y gem HAPPY HOUR: Daily 4-7 pm

TWIGS SOUTH
4320 S. Regal St. | 443-8000
Grab yourself a -tini and relax by the man-made lake out back. (JS) STYLE: Cocktail bar HAPPY HOUR: Daily 3-6 pm and 9-close

TWO SEVEN PUBLIC HOUSE
2727 S. Mount Vernon St. | 473-9766
Oh, Two Seven, you maligned younger sibling of the mighty Elk. Don’t fret — your people love you even more than that crowded, bro-heavy Browne’s haunt. Does the Elk have fish tacos every night? No, but you do. And our favorite tables are usually free for us. But let’s keep that between us. (ND) STYLE: Neighborhood haunt HAPPY HOUR: Daily 2-5 pm 

VIN ROUGE
3029 E. 29th Ave. | 535-8800
Known more for wine (for obvious reasons), this upscale South Hill bistro also has an impressive collection of cocktails. (JS) STYLE: Wine/bistro HAPPY HOUR: Daily 2-5:30 pm, 9 pm-close 

VINTAGES @ 611
611 E. 30th Ave. | 624-3202
Although you feel like you’re drinking in a Dania store, this is a friendly place to catch a drink on the South Hill. A place where the Doobie Brothers play on the stereo, and moms chat with other moms. Try their signature Lavender Cosmo: Absolut, Parfait Amour, cranberry juice and a sugared rim — made with their house-made lavender sugar. Mmm. (LS) STYLE: Boomer bar

WADDELL’S
4318 S. Regal St. | 443-6500
A South Hill ber-pub, Waddell’s has over 30 beers on tap and a full menu of pub grub: fish and chips, burgers, fries. Jerseys and taps hang on the walls. Televisions abound. Take a seat at the bar and chat with one of the friendly bartenders, or grab one of their cozy booths. (LS) STYLE: Neighborhood pub HAPPY HOUR: Mon-Fri 2-5 pm

CONTRIBUTORS: Ann M. Colford, Ben Kromer, Blair Tellers, Carey Jackson, Carrie Scozzaro, Chris Dreyer, Clayton Rau, Doug Nadvornick, Elizabeth Strauch, Jacob H. Fries, Jeff Echert, Joel Smith, Jordy Byrd, Julia Lipscomb, Kevin Taylor, Leah Sottile, Luke Baumgarten, Natalie Johnson, Nicholas Deshais, Tammy L. Marshall, Tiffany Harms