When Washington state’s second indoor dining ban of 2020 was enacted back in mid-November to slow the spread of COVID-19, dozens of local restaurants scrambled to move their tables back outdoors, where guests from the same household can still gather to enjoy a meal. Now that the statewide ban has been extended through Jan. 11, many area restaurants are relying on this temporary option to attract customers and sustain business into the new year.
While most venues are opting to add tent structures to their patios or parking lots, others have simply added radiant heaters and cozy fire pits to existing outdoor spaces, like what you’ll find at No-Li Brewhouse.
“It’s been well received, and it’s a really nice environment on the river,” says No-Li’s John Bryant. “If you bundle up with a stocking cap and coat, you’re good to go. It’s fun — it gives you a kind of tailgating feel. Like everyone else in town, we’re trying to limit the losses but want to be accessible to customers and the community, and create as many jobs as we can.”
The list of sheltered, outdoor dining options continues to grow, with spaces debuting in the last month at O’Doherty’s Irish Grille downtown and Brick West Brewing. Here’s a partial roundup of heated, outdoor dining options:
North Spokane
Prohibition Gastropub
The Flying Goat
Bigfoot Pub and Eatery
5 North Brewing Co.
Jackson St. Bar and Grill
Happy Trails to Brews
Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar (Wandermere)
Lost Boys Garage
Cascadia Public House
Hop Mountain Taproom and Grill
East Spokane
Checkerboard Taproom
Red Wheel
No-Li Brewhouse
South Hill
South Perry Pizza
Luna
Press
Perry Street Brewing
Remedy Kitchen and Tavern
Rock City Grill
Manito Tap House
Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar (South Regal)
Spokane Valley & Liberty Lake
True Legends Grill
Millwood Brewing Co.
Charlie P’s
Stormin’ Norman’s Shipfaced Saloon
The Rock Bar and Lounge
Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar (Spokane Valley Mall)
Bardic Brewing and Cider
Downtown
Osprey Restaurant
Globe Bar and Kitchen
Borracho Taco and Tequileria
Brick West Brewing Co.
Browne’s Bistro
Pacific Ave Pizza
Davenport Grand
Bark, A Rescue Pub
Saranac Public House
Nectar Wine and Beer
Veraci Pizza
Iron Goat Brewing Co.
O’Doherty’s Irish Grille
Cheney
Wild Bill’s Longbar