Best New Nightspot
THE CHAMELEON
When Lucky You Lounge closed back in August 2023, Spokane lost one of its main live music hotspots. But six months later the Chameleon opened its doors in the same place, once again providing the region with another beloved music and nightlife venue. Co-owned by Rüt Bar & Kitchen's chef Josh Lorenzen and his artist wife, Hazel Miller, the venue has thrived through the past year with local music, touring acts and exciting, themed dance parties. And if the weekly shows aren't enough to wow attendees, the lush jungle-y decor, including murals painted by Miller, really complete the year-old Chameleon's nightlife vibe. (CR)
2nd PLACE: TRVST; 3rd PLACE: Pure Northwest
Best Wine Bar
NECTAR WINE & BEER
When Nectar celebrated its ninth anniversary last September, guests had the opportunity to drink small-batch mimosas through "beyond-venti-length straws," as bartender Keric Gray puts it, adding: "The 10th should be epic." Even when not in celebration mode, Nectar provides guests plenty to enjoy, including flights devoted not only to wine and beer (as its full name would suggest), but also bellinis (in orange, paloma, mojito and traditional peach flavors). In addition to cheese and charcuterie boards, Nectar offers a half-dozen tinned fish (sardine) options that pair well with vinho verde, sauvignon blanc, sparkling wine or craft beer. Weekday happy hours, weekend special events and regularly scheduled live music encourage repeat visits. When the weather warms, Gray says guests walk right past the wine racks and beer coolers, nod (or ignore) the bartender, and grab one or more of the coveted 36 patio seats for stunning views of downtown, Browne's Addition and Peaceful Valley. (BJ)
2nd PLACE: Pacific to Palouse Wine Bar 3rd PLACE: Stylus Wine & Vinyl Bar, Coeur d'Alene
Best Place for a Girls Night Out
NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO, HIGHBALL
In 2023 and 2024 Best Of polls, Highball, located inside Northern Quest Resort & Casino, ranked in the top three best places to dance. The lounge took the second spot in that category this year, but, thanks to its dancing and drinking opportunities, readers voted Highball as the top spot for a girls night out. Since opening in 2022, Highball has drawn in guests with its menu of craft cocktails and Highball Happenings, aka nightly events featuring live music, DJs or comedians. There are also 43 crystal chandeliers (no, that's not a typo) to add extra sparkle to your night out. Highball is located near the casino's Pavilion entrance as well as Neon Pizza and East Pan Asian Cuisine, making it easy to grab dinner and drinks with friends. (AP)
2nd PLACE: Nyne Bar & Bistro 3rd PLACE: Pinot's Palette NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Stylus Wine and Vinyl Bar, Coeur d'Alene
Best Mocktails
GARDEN PARTY
The interior of Garden Party has been described as a lush oasis. No argument there, given the abundance of house plants and the vivid colors used for decorating. A creation of business partners (and best friends) Kadra Evans and Kelly Kramer, the cozy downtown Spokane bar has emerged as a popular destination not only for cocktails but also mocktails.
"There are lots of people out there not drinking, and we didn't want [the nonalcoholic menu] to be just juices," Evans says.
The creation of the mocktail menu — which includes names like Lotus Flower, Wild Pines, Pink Perk-up and Lavender French 75 — was a collaborative effort.
"We sat down and played with flavors," she says. "We found that a lot of nonalcoholic spirits don't taste what they're supposed to taste like, so we just concentrated on creating drinks that people like, using a craft approach."
That approach has proven to be a recipe for success. (BJ)
2nd PLACE: The Boneyard; 3rd PLACE: Radio Bar NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: The Bee's Knees Whiskey Bar, Hayden
Best Wine Tasting Room
MARYHILL TASTING ROOM & BISTRO
When Kris Jamison joined the staff five and a half years ago, Maryhill had just opened the kitchen at its Kendall Yards tasting room and was "seeing what it could do." Today, it does plenty, churning out charcuterie and cheese boards, an array of flatbreads and an evolving menu of small plates to accompany its full complement of Maryhill wines. Jamison says the goal is to showcase the winery's bottlings but also "make wine less intimidating. We want to talk to you about wine — if that's what you want to do."
Or, if one would prefer to simply sip and socialize in the shadow of a massive barrel mural in the 125-seat dining room or on the 70-seat patio, that's fine, too.
"I hate to use the word 'experience' because it's so overused," adds Jamison, a 30-year veteran of the hospitality industry. "But it's really what we work to provide here." (BJ)
2nd PLACE: Arbor Crest Wine Cellars; 3rd PLACE: Barrister Winery NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Pend d'Oreille Winery Tasting Room, Sandpoint
Best Dark or Stout Beer
NO-LI BREWHOUSE, WRECKING BALL IMPERIAL STOUT
While the IPA dubbed Born and Raised helped put No-Li on the map in 2012 — making it "Spokane's oldest active brewery," according to co-founder John Bryant — Wrecking Ball Imperial Stout packs a powerful flavor punch for dark-beer fans.
"There are multiple layers of different specialty malts, and it opens up like a wine as those different flavors emerge," Bryant says.
Some compare it to Guinness, but Bryant says that Irish stout is "fairly light in comparison." Bryant credits brewmaster Ty Lindquist and No-Li's cellar and packaging crews for embracing the techniques that keep Wrecking Ball fresh far longer than other canned beers. Wrecking Ball has nabbed countless awards over the years and recently got a nod from Forbes magazine, which named it one of the world's best stouts.
No-Li's ongoing success has enabled the brewery to support local charities. Community outreach is the purview of co-founder (and John's wife) Cindy, who works with Teen & Kid Closet, Embrace Washington, Odyssey Youth Movement, Crosswalk and others. "That was among our cornerstones from the beginning," Cindy Bryant says. "We would give back when we were able to." (BJ)
2nd PLACE: Humble Abode Brewing, Peanut Butter Porter; 3rd PLACE: Bardic Brewing & Cider, Singularity Russian Imperial Stout
Best Sports Bar
EPIC AT NORTHERN QUEST
You'll be hard pressed to find a more appropriately named establishment in the Inland Northwest than EPIC. Whatever big game you want to watch, it will always look better on the 30-foot, high-definition TV that dominates this sports lover's paradise. An extensive tap list and cocktail menu complement the upscale pub fare menu. Of course there are gameday classics like burgers and wings, but the Wednesday prime rib special is what sets the menu apart. And for the adventurous, the location inside the casino means you can get in on the action with betting at the Turf Club Sports Book. (WM)
2nd PLACE: Poole's Public House; 3rd PLACE: 24 Taps Burgers & Brews
NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Capone's Pub & Grill; Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls and Hayden
Best Casino
NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO
Owned and operated by the Kalispel Tribe, Northern Quest has made quite a name for itself throughout the region and beyond. It's been ranked among the top 10 casinos in the country and, with the addition of the six-story River Tower in 2023, has grown into the largest casino resort in the state. The gaming floor itself features over 1,650 slot machines and 37 table games along with poker tables, off-track betting and the Turf Club sportsbook. All those offerings are augmented by multiple restaurants and nightclubs plus a spa, golf course and entertainment venues that routinely host top-tier national acts. With so many amenities and a reputation for high-quality hospitality, is it really any wonder why Northern Quest is such a resounding hit with Best Of voters? (EJI)
2nd PLACE: Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino
3rd PLACE: Coeur d'Alene Casino
Best Coffee Roaster
THOMAS HAMMER COFFEE ROASTERS
One thing the Inland Northwest does really well is roasting and brewing amazing coffee — some might say the best coffee in the United States. With 18 locations, Thomas Hammer continues to consistently deliver great roasted beans and excellent coffee around the region. Whether you're looking for a single-source of Costa Rican beans for your espresso machine or just a casual breakfast blend with notes of fruit and chocolate, Thomas Hammer has you covered. For the coffee aficionado or business, their subscription plans make it extremely easy to always have fantastic coffee at home and never run out. Life for some, perhaps, has never bean better since the release of this affordable subscription plan, $77 for a 5-pound bag delivered and charged every four weeks. (VCM)
2nd PLACE: Indaba Coffee
3rd PLACE: Roast House Coffee
NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: DOMA Coffee Roasting Co., Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls
VOTER COMMENTS
BEST IPAs
No-Li Brewhouse (Big Juicy, Born & Raised)
"Delicious IPAs within a great setting!" (Sybil M.); "Just the right amount of hoppiness." (Born & Raised, Shane G.); "Because it is so juicy. Yum, yum, juicy, yum!" (Big Juicy, Lola F.)
2nd PLACE: YaYa Brewing Co. (Fluffy Puffy Sunshine, Angel)
3rd PLACE: Uprise Brewing Co. (Bright Side, Bitcrusher)
NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Post Falls Brewing Co. (Stoney MacGuyver, King Billy Hazy Pale Ale)
BEST HAPPY HOUR AND BEST INDOOR GOLF SIMULATOR
Poole's Public House
"Great drink and food specials!" (Chris N.); "Fun and friendly atmosphere, great bartenders." (Ketia A.); "Half off all alcohol [during happy hour]." (Stephane L.); "Private golf simulators with great prices on food and drinks!" (Hayden B.); "Great staff and wonderful setup!" (Sandra A.)
BEST HAPPY HOUR
2nd PLACE: Tavolata; 3rd PLACE: Zola
NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Stylus Wine & Vinyl Bar, Coeur d'Alene
BEST INDOOR GOLF SIMULATOR
2nd PLACE: Golf District; 3rd PLACE: Golf Island
BEST PLACE TO DANCE AND BEST KARAOKE
Nyne Bar & Bistro
"They have the perfect dance floor paired with seating for those needing a break, and just an all-around welcoming vibe. LOVE them!" (Alina M.); "Great stage and venue for karaoke!" (Jim M.); "Love the two hosts they have." (Jeslyn A.)
BEST PLACE TO DANCE
2nd PLACE: Highball at Northern Quest
3rd PLACE: Zola
NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Nashville North, Post Falls
BEST KARAOKE
2nd PLACE: Monterey Cafe; 3rd PLACE: The Star Bar
NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Iron Horse Bar & Grill, Coeur d'Alene
BEST IRISH BAR
O'Doherty's Irish Grille
"A legend! My favorite Irish Coffee. Great vibe, great food." (Amy B.); "Truly feels like stepping into a pub in the motherland." (Gabi K.); "St. Patrick's Day Parade Day. Need I say more?" (Brad C.)
2nd PLACE: Shawn O'Donnell's American Grill & Irish Pub
3rd PLACE: The Crown & Thistle Pub
BEST DISTILLERY
Dry Fly Distilling
"Community-first mindset!" (Mindy O.); "Great whiskey and a great story." (Andy K.); "World-class distillery!" (Leigh H.); "Best huckleberry vodka ever." (Connie S.)
2nd PLACE: Browne Family Spirits; 3rd PLACE: 2 Loons Distillery NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Up North Distillery, Post Falls
BEST TEA SHOP
Revival Tea Company
"Did someone say Northwest Breakfast? Sticky Rice Puerh? Blackberry Tea? So many to choose from. Love this place to the moon and back." (Sherry J.); "I am obsessed with their tea variety, swag and love the BOGO 50% off deal on tea bags they have!" (Alina M.); "Their tea flights are fantastic." (Meg F.)
2nd PLACE: Lunarium; 3rd PLACE: Torra Tea
NORTH IDAHO'S BEST TEA SHOP
Inland Cafe & Tea, CdA
"The food is from scratch. There are gluten-free options. The tea blends are like no other." (Jocelyn W.)
BEST COFFEE SHOP, SINGLE LOCATION
Atticus
"Surrounded by great books, greeting cards, kitchen stuff, coffee, Spokandy, cozy seating with delicious fresh sandwiches, pastries and terrific waitstaff. So much fun and interest and comfort in such a small space." (Royce G.); "Duh!" (Jamie F.)
2nd PLACE: Revel 77; 3rd PLACE: First Avenue Coffee NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Vault Coffee, Coeur d'Alene
BEST DRIVE-THRU COFFEE
Wake Up Call
"Their blended London is absolutely the best. So is their caramel macchiato. They use the best processes and the best ingredients in just about anything they make." (Miles B.); "They have my drink on file so they always make it just right. Friendly and fast service. Best part of my morning." (Nicole M.); "I've been to drive-thru stands all over the PNW and they are the most consistent, the most original and have the best customer service!" (Arielle S.)
2nd PLACE: White Dog Coffee
3rd PLACE: Thomas Hammer
BEST WINERY AND BEST WEDDING VENUE
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars
"Beautiful views, wonderful people, delicious wines!" (Vicki N.); "The atmosphere elevates the experience." (Mindy O.); "An amazing tasting experience with their location and variety of music events." (Jeana A.); "Such a perfect wedding venue — the tent and view are really something else!" (Jason H.); "The grounds of the Cliff House Estate are unparalleled." (Robin F.)
BEST WINERY
2nd PLACE: Maryhill Winery; 3rd PLACE: Barrister Winery; NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Coeur d'Alene Cellars
BEST WEDDING VENUE
2nd PLACE: Beacon Hill Events; 3rd PLACE: The Historic Davenport Hotel; NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Hagadone Event Center at the Coeur d'Alene Resort
BEST PILSNERS AND LAGERS
Brick West Brewing Co. (German Style Pilsner, My Town Lager)
"Crisp and refreshing. My first choice." (Justin L.); "Yummy! Great atmosphere!" (Jodi A.); "Great for sipping." (T.J. C.); "Who doesn't love BW?" (Toria R.)
2nd PLACE: Whistle Punk Brewing (Czech Pilsner, Helles Lager); 3rd PLACE: Garland Brew Werks (Second Star Lager, Worn Hands Lager) NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Vantage Point Brewing, Coeur d'Alene (Mexican Lager, Helles Lager)
