Let’s Patio: A guide to patioing in the INW

Jun 5

Let’s Patio: A guide to patioing in the INW

BY SYDNEY FLUKER

Patioing: the act of going out for drinks on a patio.

Though not an official word according to Merriam-Webster, the internet’s Urban Dictionary argues for patioing as “an awesome summer activity.”

I am issuing an official correction here, though. Patioing does not need to involve alcohol to be “an awesome summer activity,” because patios are spaces for everyone.

Patios can build community, both between the people you show up with and those around you. Conversations flow smoothly in the open air. The stigma around talking to the strangers around you is seemingly lifted when sitting outdoors, and table-neighbors butt in on one another without worry.

Sometimes, if you’re lucky, someone even has a dog with them.

In the grand scheme of restaurant features, patios are a notable highlight. Fresh food is delivered to your party as you enjoy the benefits of being outdoors — the gentle breeze, the sun on your skin, enjoying your friends and family outside. Save the harsh, indoor lights and aggressive indoor heating for the snow season and dine under the sun while you can. What better way to officially welcome in the summer months than with good company, great weather and even better food?

So now, you know where to find me: I’ll be patioing all summer long at these spots and beyond.

P.S. Keep an eye out for paw prints, which signifies if a patio is dog-friendly or not.

South Perry Pizza

South Perry Pizza has been known for serving up the finest quality pizzas since it opened its doors 15 years ago.

Its reputation stands both as a neighborhood staple and gathering spot for folks from all around the city. There’s nothing quite like South Perry Pizza — crispy homemade dough and a velvety sauce, fire-roasted and decorated with the most unexpected ingredient combinations. They’re even partnered with Casa Cano Farms, a vegetable and livestock farm just 12 miles south that provides the pizzeria with locally-sourced, fresh ingredients. Try their produce on the House pizza, which pairs Casa Cano Farms’ Italian sausage with pepperoni, mozzarella, mushrooms and caramelized onions to make one delightfully savory pie.

Reliably crunchy in the best way, their pizza is incredibly difficult to pass up.

But when I do, I reach for whatever veggie pasta option they offer. This summer, that’s the gnocchi, an amalgamation of made-from-scratch ricotta gnocchi, goat cheese, sundried tomato and pesto cream that eats lighter than its ingredients might lead you to believe in summer months. I demolish it at a record-breaking speed each time.

South Perry Pizza has one important note for those wanting to bring their furry friends along with them to feast: all dogs are welcome as long as they don’t make noise. South Perry Pizza’s street-facing patio can get a bit overwhelming for some pups, and excessive barking only exacerbates it.

1011 S. Perry St., Spokane
www.southperrypizzaspokane.com

Perry Street Brewing - Photo by Nico Lopez

Wisconsinburger — dog-friendly

Craving a burger? Look no further than Wisconsinburger.

Modeled after the mom-and-pop burger joints from Wisconsin, the South Hill classic prides itself on the locally-sourced and freshly-ground beef it serves.

From the diner classic Plain Janesville to the Tractor Pull turkey burger and the bougier Spooner, featuring house-made bacon jam and fried onion rings, there’s something for everyone. Ditch the calorie count and dig in on some cheese curds while you're at it — the Wisconsin classic does not disappoint.

For any vegetarians in the party, try the Madison, which uses Wisconsinburger’s mouth watering house-made bean patty and holds the spot as my favorite vegetarian burger in Spokane. Though it can be quick to fall apart at times, the taste is unmatched and the freshness can be tasted with each bite.

For those looking to patio like Urban Dictionary does, Wisconsinburger also offers 10 taps and over 80 canned and bottled beers, cider and local wine to enjoy on their spacious patio with umbrellas aplenty for when the sun is just too bright.

916 S. Hatch St., Spokane
wisconsinburger.com

Perry Street Honorable mentions: Perry Street Brewing, South Perry Lantern

The Roof Garden Terrace Bar at the Historic Davenport Hotel

Perched atop the iconic Historic Davenport Hotel, The Roof Garden Terrace Bar offers a secret escape in the heart of Spokane.

Complete with specialty cocktails, beer, wine, a full menu and views of the downtown skyline, this rooftop bar is a prime choice for when you crave the patio experience but with a fun twist. Though not technically a patio, The Roof Garden Terrace Bar deserves a spot on this list for its novel setting — it’s not often you can enjoy cocktails and appetizers from above a local landmark.

No need to worry about booking a bed to make it to this bar; the rooftop experience is accessible to everyone.

10 S. Post St., Spokane
www.davenporthotelcollection.com

Crêpe Café Sisters — dog-friendly

“Sweet. Savory. Simply Divine.”

The menu of Crêpe Café Sisters stands true to their slogan, which varies from berries and nutella to chicken and cream cheese — all of which are, in fact, simply divine.

Sisters Audrey Sadaoui and Jessica Moon began slinging crêpes out of a food truck in 2015. Almost a decade later, the duo has two brick-and-mortar crêperies in Washington, crafting every crêpe right in front of your eyes. The menu boasts ample options for any craving and each crêpe can be customized by adding or substituting to your liking.

The Kendall Yards space features spacious windows and tables, making it a great choice for brunch with a large party. The wraparound patio offers plenty of space to absorb the sun, but if you’re up for a stroll, wander a little down the road to the Centennial Trail to enjoy your crêpe with a view of the Spokane River. The Leavenworth location offers a more grab-and-go service that allows you to grab your crêpe and stroll through the Bavarian-style city square.

441 N. Nettleton St., Spokane
220 9th St. Suite J, Leavenworth
www.crepecafesisters.com

Kendall Yards honorable mentions: Mole, Maryhill Winery Spokane Tasting Room, Backyard Public House

Versalia — dog-friendly

Nestled in the heart of Liberty Lake lies Versalia Pizza, a modern pizzeria serving up wood-fired ‘za by the slice and the pie.

Versalia began as a mobile wood-fire pizza oven pop-up in 2009, dishing out slices and whole pies at farmers’ markets and private events. The team expanded in 2014 to a brick-and-mortar location in Kendall Yards and welcomed their Liberty Lake location in 2022.

If you’re looking to patio here, note the difference in ambiance between the locations: the Kendall Yards location showcases views of the Spokane River from just off the Centennial Trail while the Liberty Lake spot offers a nice lookout to local wildlife amid the growing River District. Both are great picks for enjoying a slice on a sunny day, like Versalia’s crowd-pleasing Pepe Sal.

1333 W. Summit Parkway, Kendall Yards
20760 E. Indiana, Liberty Lake
www.versaliapizza.com

Uprise Brewing Co. — dogs allowed

A stones throw from the main drag of the Kendall Yards neighborhood is Uprise Brewing Co., a full-service, all-ages brewery crafting its award-winning beers onsite.

Though known for its beer, the food is not to scoff at. The menu offers plenty of allergy-friendly options, upgrading pub classics with influences from around the world. Try the Jackfruit Bahn Mi or the Nashville Fried Chicken sandwiches, both of which feature their mouthwateringly fluffy homemade buns and breads.

Uprise Brewing knows what the people want — its patio has expansive seating and cornhole sets for those who want to toss and sip. The brewery packs the house each Tuesday for its trivia night at 7 p.m., so be sure to arrive early to reserve your spot. And for those who like getting active, Uprise even has its own running club, which meets on the patio every Monday at 5:15 p.m.

617 N. Ash St., Spokane
www.uprisebeer.com

Litz’s Bar & Grill — dogs allowed on a leash during the day

What do beach volleyball, a bloody mary bar and pull tabs have in common?

They can all be found at Litz’s Bar & Grill.

Located at the edge of the Logan Neighborhood lies Litz’s, Spokane’s self-described indoor-outdoor living room. Litz’s patio is the perfect spot to post up for an afternoon, complete with a full-size beach volleyball court, an abundance of seating and sometimes (if you’re there on Saturday) live music.

Litz’s is a favored spot among Zags and locals alike, especially once the sun goes down and the grill begins to look more like a bar. Whether on the court or at the pool table, just make sure you come to Litz’s ready to play.

204 E. Ermina Ave., Spokane
litzspubandeatery.com

Crafted Tap House + Kitchen — dog friendly

Located toward the end of Coeur d’Alene’s main strip, Crafted Tap House + Kitchen is Coeur d’Alene’s top spot for all things craft beer.

The taphouse offers 62 rotating taps from breweries around the globe on top and an elevated, made-from-scratch gastropub menu to accompany it. Ingredients are locally sourced from around the Inland Northwest, which the chefs use to craft unmatched pub food to satisfy any craving one might have.

Each member of Crafted’s bar staff has formal Cicerone training, making them well-equipped to answer any questions about the world of craft beer. For novice hopheads and experienced beerologists alike, Crafted’s staff is guaranteed to serve you something good and teach you something while they’re at it.

Pups are only allowed on the streetside patio, but the real wonder is their corner patio, which offers loads of seating options and free-to-use cornhole sets.

523 Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
www.craftedtaphouse.com

CDA honorable mentions: Terraza Waterfront Grill, Sweet Lou’s Restaurant and Taphouse, The Buoy Bar & Grill

Tony’s On The Lake — dog friendly

Since it first opened its doors in 1952, Tony’s On The Lake has been offering spectacular lake views with a menu to match, boasting Italian-inspired cuisine, fine wines and crafted cocktails. A true classic, Tony’s sets the scene for any celebration — even if that’s just a sunny afternoon by the lake.

Though Tony’s menu changes with the seasons, it makes sure to keep vegan and gluten free options available year round. With an open kitchen in the back, be sure to take a peep at the chefs working to craft each dish to Tony’s high standards.

For those looking to soak up the rays, snag a seat on the patio and sip on one of their house cocktails with a view of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Lake life doesn’t get much better than that.

6823 E. Coeur d’Alene Lake Dr., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
www.tonysonthelake.com

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