It's getting harder to keep up with all the wonderful changes in the local restaurant scene, but Inlander Restaurant Week is doing its part to bring more of everything this year: types of food, styles of dining and ways to enjoy the ever-evolving culinary scene. Pub, grill, taphouse, tavern, taqueria... this year's newcomers have got you covered.
COCHINITO TAQUERIA
"From our history working in and managing other restaurants, we know how fun of a week it is for all of the restaurants and guests involved," says Travis Dickinson, chef and co-owner of Cochinito, which celebrates its two-year anniversary during Restaurant Week.
"We hope to use it as a great way to celebrate with our many regulars, as well as some new faces that we can't wait to impress." Start with their popular queso fundido cheese dip with house-made chorizo sausage. Pick any three tacos — their fried maitake mushroom will have you rethinking meat — followed by dessert like the rich horchata panna cotta with mango coulis.
COSMIC COWBOY GRILL
Cosmic Cowboy will have their new Spokane location in River Park Square open in time for Restaurant Week; that location plus the flagship Coeur d'Alene restaurant are offering the $22 three-course menu this year. Cosmic Cowboy is excited to be one of a handful of fast-casual restaurants invited to participate in 2020, says founder Steve Eller. "Our healthy gourmet food is on par with the finer restaurants in the area, but at a better price point," he says. Try sustainably sourced Alaskan salmon with huckleberry butter or tri-tip steak with wild mushrooms and garlic mashed potatoes.
DE LEON'S TACO & BAR
Lots of places are offering tacos this year, so if you'd rather go right to the source, there's three De Leon's locations from which to choose: north, south, and the central location near Gonzaga University. Three is also the number of meal courses and options in each for this award-winning local fave, voted best Mexican in Spokane by Inlander readers. Try the hearty chicken tortilla soup or share some guacamole, then dig into three possible entrees: mouth-watering carne asada, fajitas, or mahi-mahi tacos. Don't forget dessert: flan, crunchy churros or the decadent tres leches cake.
NORTH HILL ON GARLAND
The Garland District is a great place for a pub and North Hill fits right in with the neighborhood's urban, eclectic vibe. And if their menu choices sound upscale — steamed clams with garlic and shaved fennel in a white wine and absinthe reduction, flatbread with seasonal fruit, feta cheese, and Walla Walla caramelized onion — it's because this relative newcomer to the region, and its head chef Kadra Evans, prides themselves on offering upscale pub food. Definitely order an adult beverage, too, as North Hill is also known for cocktails, like the aged Dry Fly Cask and Release whiskey old fashioned.
KUNI'S THAI CUISINE
It didn't take long after opening this summer for Kuni's to catch on with local diners. The atmosphere is as vibrant and fresh as the food from authentic Thai to Thai-inspired dishes on the menu, all of it served with love. Owner Yukonthorn "Kuni" Pratanporntrakul Colliton channels her homeland with her mother's Chiang Mai pork curry, one of three delectable entrees offered during Restaurant Week. Or try crispy tilapia fish topped with green curry sauce, eggplant, green beans and Thai basil, followed by a hearty dessert of fried bananas.
New for 2020
- Barnwood Social Kitchen & Tavern
- Black Pearl Casino
- Cochinito Taqueria
- Cole's Bakery and Cafe
- Cosmic Cowboy Grill
- De Leon's Taco & Bar
- Eyvind
- Fai's Noodle House
- The Filling Station Post Falls
- Gander and Ryegrass
- Hunt
- Kuni's Thai Cuisine
- MacDaddy's Pub & Grill
- Manito Tap House
- North Hill on Garland
- Pentagon Bistro and Martini Bar
- Prohibition Gastropub
- Rüt Bar & Kitchen
- The Sawmill Grille
- Shawn O' Donnell's
- American Grill & Irish Pub
- Tito's Italian Grill
