Best Of The Inland Northwest

Visit Spokane is proud to partner with The Inlander to showcase Best Of hospitality industry winners.

Last Year's Best Of Food & Drink in Spokane

Sports & Recreation

Best Golf Course

1st PLACE: DOWNRIVER GOLF COURSE

Inlander Reader Comments:

“For decades, it has remained in top shape and relatively unchanged. The maintenance crew deserves a lot of credit for its always-impressive appearance.” (John D.)

2nd PLACE: Kalispel Golf and Country Club

3rd PLACE: Indian Canyon Golf Course

Best Place to Take Out-Of-Town Visitors

1ST PLACE: RIVERFRONT PARK

Inlander Reader Comments:

“Love the new remodels and the new Pavilion!” (Matthew D.); “So much to see and do and learn, without having to spend money.” (Holly M.)

2nd PLACE: Manito Park
3rd PLACE:
Bowl & Pitcher, Riverside State Park

Best Place to Ski

1st PLACE: SCHWEITZER

Incredible views, tons of terrain, fun tree skiing, and all the extra amenities one could ask for an apres-ski experience — it’s no wonder our readers love to head to the mountain above Sandpoint for a ski day or weekend. There are hills for all levels, so everyone in the family can get in on the fun.

2nd PLACE: Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park
3rd PLACE (tie):
Silver Mountain Resort, 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort

Best Place to Snowboard

1st PLACE: MT. SPOKANE SKI & SNOWBOARD PARK

The terrain park at Mt. Spokane makes it a perennial favorite among Inlander-reading snowboarders. As the snow flies and accumulates over winter, the jumps, rails, and other features come together to make boarding a blast. And if you’re just into riding through fluffy new powder elsewhere on the mountain, this mountain has plenty of room to play.

2nd PLACE: Schweitzer
3rd PLACE:
49 Degrees North Mountain Resort

Best Lake for Recreation

1st PLACE: LAKE COEUR d’ ALENE

Inlander Reader Comments:

“So many options from fishing to skiing… exploring the St. Joe and Coeur d’Alene rivers including the chain lakes!” (Richard B.); “Big and beautiful!” (Jamie A.)

2nd PLACE:
Priest Lake
3rd PLACE: Lake Pend Oreille

Music & Entertainment

Best Arcade

1st PLACE: CHAOS ARCADE

Beverly and Eric Lee are gamers. When the couple, who prefer activities beyond the bar scene, moved to Spokane from Colorado, they had difficulty finding new diversions that they enjoyed. So, they took matters into their own hands. In March 2021, the Lees opened Chaos Arcade in north Spokane, near Francis and Monroe, expanding the local arcade scene for gamers of all ages and interests.

2nd PLACE: Jedi Alliance
3rd PLACE: Gamers Arcade Bar

Best Record Store

1st PLACE: 4000 HOLES

Inlander Reader Comments:

“Lots of classic titles.” (Merrie W.); “The best variety and Bob is the BOMB!” (Kami H.); “So awesome I don’t think anyone else exists!” (Dale B.)

2nd PLACE: Resurrection Records
3rd PLACE:
Groove Merchants

Best Movie Theater

1st PLACE: AMC RIVER PARK SQUARE 20

Inlander Reader Comments:

“Nothing beats the Dolby theater!” (Hannah H.); “Twenty screens, comfy chairs and good staff.” (Angela J.); “Comfortable seating. Lots of room. Cool place to go see a movie.” (Kent J.)

2nd PLACE: The Garland Theater
3rd PLACE:
The Magic Lantern

Best Live Music Venue

1st PLACE: LUCKY YOU LOUNGE

Inlander Reader Comments:

“Great booking, great shows… amazing!” (Zana M.); “Great bands, and they [followed] Covid protocols!” (Melissa B.); “They’re the best!” (Taylor V.)

2nd PLACE: The Knitting Factory
3rd PLACE:
The Pavilion

Best Bowling Center

1st PLACE: LILAC LANES

Inlander Reader Comments:

“Clean and nice. Great equipment, well maintained — food and drinks are good, too!” (Richard B.); “Friendly, with great lanes and good food.” (Marc W.)

2nd PLACE: North Bowl
3rd PLACE:
River City Lanes, Post Falls

Shopping

Best Wine Shop

1st PLACE: VINO, A WINE SHOP

Whether you’re an experienced wine lover or a wine novice, Vino has the grapes you (and the rest of our readers) are looking for! This shop offers a wide selection of local, regional, and international wines — including the newest winery releases — and wine-related gifts. Vino also offers regular tastings and wine of the month club for those looking to perfect their palate.

2nd PLACE: Nectar Wine and Beer

3rd PLACE: Bottles

Best Antique/​Vintage Shop

1st PLACE: BOULEVARD MERCANTILE

Step through the doors of Boulevard Mercantile, and expect to have your expectations dashed, in the best way. Because you never know what you’ll find there on any given day, from home decor pieces to clothing to furniture, all handpicked by its experienced team of local vendors. That’s really the best thing about a trip to Boulevard — you’ll almost always find that one-of-a-kind “something” you can’t leave without.

2nd PLACE: Tossed & Found

3rd PLACE: Blue Cat Vintage

Best Farmers Market

1st PLACE: KENDALL YARDS NIGHT MARKET

The Inlander staff is spoiled having the Kendall Yards Night Market come to life Wednesdays for much of the sunny part of the year. The combination of local produce, artisan crafts, food trucks, live entertainment, and more makes it a lively spot to spend an hour or two hobnobbing with friends and strangers alike, and it’s a fine showcase for the businesses in the neighborhood all year.

2nd PLACE: South Perry Farmers Market
3rd PLACE:
Liberty Lake Farmers Market

Read More on Best Of