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
219 LOUNGE
219 N. First Ave. | 208-263-5673
Its exterior is intimidating enough to scare away tourists, but inside, you’ll find friendly service and stiff drinks — if you can stand the rowdy locals. (NJ) STYLE: Dive
A&P BAR & GRILL
222 N. First Ave. | 208-263-2313
A&P is small but always seems to be busy. If you can stand the smoke, you’ll find an excellent jukebox and a pool table that’s always being used. (NJ) STYLE: Dive
COLDWATER CREEK WINE BAR
311 N. First Ave. | 208-255-1293
For those not familiar with Coldwater Creek clothing, picture upscale, Western rancher-style — overstuffed leather couches, a serpentine wooden bar, the huge central fireplace. Upstairs from the retail outlet is the perfect spot to sample the Sandpoint music scene or have a glass of wine and a nibble. (CS) STYLE: Wine bar
CONNIE’S CAFE
232 Cedar St. | 208-255-2227
This hotel bar is warm and friendly. It feels like a cross between a ski lodge and an old guy’s rumpus room. (CR) STYLE: ‘70s lounge
DOWNTOWN CROSSING BAR & GRILL
206 N. First Ave.
A favorite of Sandpoint’s up-and-comers, the DTC is one of the best places to catch live music and stiff drinks. (CR) STYLE: Classy
EICHARDT’S
212 Cedar St.
In an historic downtown building, Eichardt’s serves a variety of micro and craft brews on tap and is known for its live music and game room. (NJ) STYLE: Pub
ENOTECA LA STANZA
102 S. First Ave. | 208-263-0211
Inside Ivano’s you’ll find this charming, light-filled space with its own bar specializing in wine and martinis. Plan a quiet rendezvous with friends or rent the place out for a private party. (CS) STYLE: Bistro HAPPY HOUR: Wed 5-8:30 pm
MICKDUFF’S BREWING COMPANY
312 N. First Ave. | 208-255-4351
Every night is a good time at this local hotspot. Try one of MickDuff’s handcrafted ales and grab a sandwich or burger. (NJ) STYLE: Hangout HAPPY HOUR: Daily 3-5 pm
PEND d’OREILLE WINERY
220 Cedar St. | 208-265-8545
Consistently award-winning, POW offers daily tasting, tours, wine by the glass and live music on the weekends. (CR) STYLE: Wine
ROXY’S
205 W. Pine St. | 208-263-6696
Roxy’s is friendly and affordable, but it can get raucous when busy. Be sure to bring some quarters to use in the plethora of bar games. (NJ) STYLE: Dive HAPPY HOUR: Mon-Fri 5-6 pm
SLATE’S PRIME TIME GRILL & SPORTS BAR
477272 U.S. 95, Ponderay | 208-263-1381
Families are always welcome in this log-cabin style restaurant, which serves home-style meals. (NJ) STYLE: Sports bar HAPPY HOUR: Daily 4-7 pm
SPAR MARTINI TAPAS BAR
209 N. First Ave. | 208-265-1535
Sushi and martinis, gangsters and neon. Spar is an artful blend of the eclectic upstairs from Oishii, a sushi- and tapas-oriented restaurant with wasabi-green exterior walls and a primo downtown Sandpoint location. Try the huckleberry Kamikazi: 44 North, Chambord, sweet-and-sour and lime juice. (CS) STYLE: Nightclub
THE TAM O’SHANTER
411 Main St.
A classic old-timer’s watering hole, the Tam is famous for its “Frosted Schooner” and sign that reads “Tervan.” (CR) STYLE: Dive
TRINITY AT CITY BEACH
56 Bridge St. | 208-255-7558
Location, location, location. Trinity offers a sweet view of City Beach from the dining room and adjacent bar inside Best Western Hotel’s full-service restaurant. The Southern-inspired menu, huge outdoor patio and penchant for events like KPND radio-sponsored ski parties and the annual Mardi Gras festival make them popular all season. (CS) STYLE: Restaurant bar HAPPY HOUR: Daily 4-6 pm
BAR GUIDE 2010
Downtown Spokane
South Hill
Spokane’s North Side
The Valley
Coeur d’Alene/Post Falls
Sandpoint
Pullman/Moscow
The Holy Grail
Looking for the perfect mixed drink in the Spokane area
Dive Bars
The best, worst taverns around
Hotel Bars
Seeking an echo of the old scene
Bar Royalty
Confessions from area bartenders
The Last Word
Seattle has its trademark drink. What’s Spokane’s?
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
