Summer Guide: Cocktails and a view are a perfect pairing
Is there a better summer pairing than a cocktail and a view, the refreshing adult libation a respite from the seasonal heat and the landscape an escape from everyday life?
Spokane and the surrounding areas, Coeur d’Alene, specifically, offer cocktails and a view in spades, a benefit of living in the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest.
Speaking of the Pacific Northwest, craft beers are booming in the region, so they’re being included in this cocktail list, as well. Beer or bust!
Per a handful of locals and yours truly, here are eight solid options for this summer’s best cocktails and beer with a view. Martinis and Old Fashioneds are always a solid choice, but the spotlight is on lighter summer drinks. And anything huckleberry, please step to the front of the line.
Anthony’s at Spokane Falls
510 N. Lincoln St., Spokane; (509) 328-9009
Anthony’s has a view of downtown Spokane’s waterfall and, well, downtown, and the view can be enjoyed during a casual lunch, friendly happy hour and special-occasion dinner. Anthony’s patio is definitely a plus and a must-request.
Cocktail picks: Sparkling Tarragon Lemonade, Best of the Season “Spiked” Lemonade and Prickly Pear
Beverly’s in Coeur d’Alene
115 S. 2nd St., Coeur d’Alene; (208) 765-4000
Beverly’s on the upscale and lakeside Coeur d’Alene Resort’s seventh floor and its Lakeview Lounge offer a casually elegant ambiance and sweeping views of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Cocktails in Coeur d’Alene, on the water, it is!
Cocktail picks: Huckleberry Lemondrop, Mary Cherry Sour and Apple Pie Martini
Clinkerdagger
621 W. Mallon St., Spokane; (509) 328-5965
The landmark Spokane restaurant has been open for 45 years, and the patio is the place to be for happy hour and special occasions such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and more. What’s that sound? It’s the clink of cocktails at Clinkerdagger.
Cocktail picks: Basil Gimlet, Elderflower Greyhound and Raspberry Margarita
Craft & Gather
4403 S. Dishman Mica Road, Spokane Valley; (509) 795-1825
Deep in Spokane Valley on Dishman Mica Road, imagine a country manor hosting a wedding reception or family reunion, and you have Craft & Gather, which is in the former Painted Hills Golf Course clubhouse. The patio features a view of the picturesque countryside.
Cocktail picks: The Huckleberry, Craft Margarita and Maple Old Fashioned
No-Li Brewhouse
1003 E. Trent Ave #170, Spokane; (509) 242-2739
The craft beer scene can’t be ignored, and No-Li Brewhouse, on the banks of the Spokane River just east of Gonzaga, is a solid spot, and that’s no lie. Families, couples on dates and dude bros in shorts and flip-flops dine and drink seamlessly in the super-casual environment.
Cocktail … no, beer picks: Day Fade Huckleberry, Day Fade Rainier Cherry Hard Seltzer and Jet Juiced IPA
Steam Plant
159 S. Lincoln St., Spokane; (509) 777-3900
Steam Plant offers a view like no other in town. It’s not a cityscape, landscape or waterscape. Instead, it’s a cool steam plant – with multiple rooms, staircases and crevices – that has undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation. New look, new menu, indeed.
Cocktail … no, beer picks: This brewery is sneaking on this list for its Huckleberry Harvest Ale, Strawberry Sour and Blood Orange Pale Ale.
The Grand Terrace Bar
333 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane; (509) 598-4200
www.davenporthotelcollection.com/our-hotels/the-davenport-grand/dining/the-grand-terrace-bar/
The Grand Terrace Bar sits atop the Davenport Grand Restaurant & Lounge and is an outdoor, open-air offering with views of Riverfront Park. As the sun sets, gas fire-pit tables keep the evening going in the cool night air.
Cocktail picks: Seasonal libations including the Grand Worthy and Riverfront Refresher
Veraci Pizza
1333 W. Summit Parkway, Spokane; (509) 389-0029
https://veracispokane.com/menu
Veraci Pizza, really known for its Italian fare, is the choice for Kendall Yards. It’s back patio has a sweeping view of downtown and the swift Spokane River.
Cocktail picks: There’s wine, beer and cocktails, but maybe this is the place to take a break from alcohol and enjoy a Root Beer Float with Brain Freeze ice cream?
