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

The Dirt: Texas-themed bar to open in downtown Spokane

By Nicholas Deshais and Amy Edelen The Spokesman-Review

Lil Sumthin’ Saloon, a Texas-themed bar, is opening in downtown Spokane later this month.

Owner Austin Estrada filed an application with the city in October to convert a former photography studio at 301 W. Second Ave. into a 600-square-foot bar.

Estrada, who moved to Spokane in July from Fort Worth, Texas, describes the saloon’s theme as “kitschy” with cowboy and cactus decor.

“It will have a Western kind of feel to it,” he said.

Estrada decided to lease the vacant space because of its large windows and central location.

Estrada said the drink menu will include whiskey and tequila forward cocktails. Beer will be available in bottles and cans.

Lil Sumthin’ Saloon is Estrada’s first venture into bar ownership with his girlfriend, Kryston Skinner.

“It’s been great coming here and opening the bar,” Estrada said, adding the community has been receptive to the idea. “It’s just been so positive.”

Estrada said there are potential plans to partner with the nearby Tiny Tiki for events.

Lil Sumthin Saloon is holding a soft opening Dec. 31 with an event starting at 9 p.m. that includes a cowpoke costume contest and a “Bless Your Heart” art show. Admission is $5. – A.E.

Orcutt Brewery in works for West Central

A new brewery with an outdoor patio and taproom is coming to Spokane’s West Central neighborhood, according to plans making their way through City Hall.

Orcutt Brewery will be built on a vacant lot across the street from the car wash facility constructed in 2016 on a full city block at Gardner Avenue and Ash Street.

The 3,500-square-foot brewery and taproom at 1623 W. Gardner Ave. will be built on the southeast corner of Ash and Gardner. The project is estimated to cost $750,000.

Mickey and Linda Orcutt purchased two parcels for $190,000 in November 2017. Mickey Orcutt is the president and founder of Tamarack Software, which provides testing and assessment tools to educators.

Plans for the brewery are still in predevelopment conference with the city and have not yet been finalized.

Armando Hurtado, with Spokane’s HDG Architecture, designed the project. – N.D.

Mac Daddy’s to open later this month in downtown mall

Mac Daddy’s Gourmet Grub is finishing renovations at the River Park Square food court to make way for a new restaurant.

Mac Daddy’s, which has a restaurant at 415 W. Hastings Road and a food truck, is planning to be open before Christmas in the space formerly occupied by Many’s Venezuelan Pizza.

General manager Jeremy Dillon said the restaurant chose to expand into downtown because of the location at River Park Square, which draws plenty of foot traffic.

The menu will feature five to eight favorites from Mac Daddy’s food truck, such as pulled pork and buffalo chicken mac and cheese, in addition to beer and wine selections.

But Mac Daddy’s mall restaurant will offer something different than its other locations: building your own mac and cheese with a selection of 25 different toppings.

“We are excited to offer something different to Spokane,” Dillon said. – A.E.

Contact Nicholas Deshais at (509) 459-5440 or at nickd@spokesman.com.

Amy Edelen may be reached at (509) 459-5581 or at amye@spokesman.com.