Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Where to find martinis – shaken or stirred – in Spokane on National Martini Day today

You’ll only find a lemon twist in this martini made by Simon Moorby of Hogwash Whiskey Den in Spokane. Olives aren’t for cocktails, according to Moorby. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)

Before my current love affair with all things Old Fashioned, the martini was the poison of choice. Bombay Sapphire gin martini, extra dirty, extra olives.

(BTW, I accept that gin is an acquired taste, but gin martinis are the only real martinis. Vodka isn’t just a morning drink anymore and is OK in martinis, but gin martinis are the only real martinis.)

Per the assistance of Yelp (because I want to keep my liver healthy), here are the 10 best martini bars in Spokane in order of ranking from Nos. 1 to 10 (note that the Top Five joints are downtown):

Bistango Martini Lounge

108 N. Post St., Spokane; (509) 624-8464

www.bistangolounge.com

Volstead Act

12 N. Post St., Spokane; (509) 808-2516

www.volsteadactspokane.com

Durkin’s Liquor Bar

415 W. Main Ave., Spokane; (509) 863-9501

www.durkinsliquorbar.com

Hogwash Whiskey Den

304 W. Pacific Ave., Spokane; (509) 389-7137

www.drinkhogwash.com

Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar

808 W. Main Ave., Spokane; (509) 232-3376

https://twigsbistro.com

Legends of Fire (in Northern Quest)

100 N. Hayford Road #106, Airway Heights; (509) 481-2093

www.northernquest.com/dining-bars/bars-lounges

Wild Sage Bistro

916 W. 2nd Ave., Spokane; (509) 456-7575

www.wildsagebistro.com

Wiley’s Downtown Bistro

115 N. Washington St., Spokane; (509) 838-4600

www.wileysbistro.com

Mizuna

214 N. Howard St., Spokane; (509) 747-2004

www.mizuna.com

Clinkerdagger

621 W. Mallon Ave., Spokane; (509) 328-5965

www.clinkerdagger.com

Behind the times

Tuesday was National Sushi Day. I love sushi. I had McDonald’s for dinner because I’m a real person and not always a fancy food editor at a daily newspaper. Plus, I found out that it was National Sushi Day too late. Curses!