Are you new to Spokane? Just stopping through? Maybe you’ve lived here all your life… We thought we’d introduce you to some Classic Spokane Restaurants. Each of these iconic spots are hometown favorites and local hangouts.
Not only are these local favorites, but they’re also great family spots as they offer kid-friendly foods and a laid back environment.
Frank’s Diner (Breakfast)
I remember the first time I ate at Frank’s Diner. I had just turned eight, and my mom was taking me on a special outing. The train car diner was fascinating and at 8, I certainly thought it was one of the coolest restaurants ever. While, the restaurant is known for its breakfast food, I had a French Dip for dinner and enjoyed it immensely.
Opened in 1905, Franks Diner has been proudly serving travelers (and locals) ever since. Some breakfast favorite’s are their Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs, Great Nana’s Meatloaf Benedict, and the Gourmet Belgian Waffles.
Whether your looking for a spot to grab breakfast on your way through town or a family friendly spot Frank’s Diner is sure to satisfy.
Aloha Island Grill (Lunch)
Opened in 1997, Aloha Island Grill quickly became a favorite as one of the only restaurant’s in Spokane serving authentic Hawaiian cuisine. Their first location on Francis, was a favorite hang out for many Whitworth Students. The little restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating and massive servings for lunch or dinner. They also also offers catering for events.
The family-owned restaurant opened a second location on Monroe in 2008. Favorite menu items include their Katsu Chicken and Garlic Chicken. The homemade Teryaki Sauce is also a favorite. Make sure to grab extra from the bottle on the counter. You’ll be dissapointed if you don’t.
Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle (Lunch)
Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle is a classic fifties style diner in a building that looks like…well…a milk bottle. Located in the Garland District, not far from the Theater, the Milk Bottle is primarily known for serving Mary Lou’s Homemade Ice Cream and milkshakes. You can also enjoy a bite to eat as the diner serves classic American food alongside their sweet options.
Make it a date and get dinner and dessert at Mary Lou’s and a movie afterwards at the Garland Theater. You won’t be dissapointed by this timeless Spokane classic.
Dick’s Hamburgers (Fast food/lunch or dinner)
One of the most Iconic spots in Spokane, Dick’s Drive-in offers Hamburgers, by the bag full. Founded in 1954, Dick’s has maintained it’s original 1960’s California Style Drive-In architecture.
The founder Elmer “Abe” Miller’s philosophy was that it was “better to make 2 cents each on a thousand hamburgers than a dollar each on only a few burgers”. Dick’s has maintained this philosophy through the years and attracts many customers daily with its cheap hamburgers and open air dining.
Dick’s is the only restaurant of it’s kind and a true favorite for Spokane locals. You’ll find High-schoolers and much older generations all hanging out on a Friday evening at the classic diner. The diner offers a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss.
Clinkerdagger (Romantic Dinner)
Clinkerdagger is another classic Spokane restaurant. For more than 40 year, the restaurant has offered fine dining in a romantic setting overlooking Spokane Falls. You would be hard pressed to find a better view of the falls anywhere else. The classic American grill is known for its Steak and Seafood.
The local favorite is definitely one of the nicest places to eat in Spokane. Favorite menu items include the Rock Salt Roasted Prime Rib and the Shellfish Fettuccine. When it comes to dessert you can’t go wrong with the Burnt Cream or the Warm Pear Bread Pudding.
Didier’s (Dessert)
The final spot on the menu so to speak is Didier’s. Located not far from Pattison’s North Roller Rink, Didier’s has been a classic since it opened more than 30 years ago. Didier’s Yogurt & More is the oldest running frozen yogurt restaurant in the country and certainly in Spokane.
The spot is a favorite for college students, high school kids, and locals alike. The restaurant blends many of its flavors in-house to give you a creamy frozen yogurt that is unmatched elsewhere. Despite the popularity of the new self-serve frozen yogurt shops, Didier’s has remained a classic Spokane favorite.
Enjoy a bowl of frozen yogurt with any topping you might desire. Make a date out of it and head to Pattison’s for some Roller Skating before or after.
Do you have an iconic local favorite that’s not on the list? We’d love to hear about it and we hope you get the chance to visit one of these Classic Spokane Restaurants.
