NEW RESTAURANT INDIGENOUS EATS

“Spokane needed this.”

That’s what Indigenous Eats owner Jenny Slagle’s customers tell her again and again. In fact, it’s the top piece of feedback she gets.

“We needed the diversity and representation of Native food in our area. Spokane County is actually a hub of tribes,” Slagle says.

Indeed, over 300 tribes are represented in Spokane, and Slagle believes the community was very ready to embrace Indigenous Eats along with the Native culture it honors and celebrates.

“We’re very intentional about what we bring into the space,” Slagle says.

Upbeat Native music is always playing, the kind you’d hear at powwows. Local, original Native artwork hangs on the wall. Slagle has even hosted events at the restaurant, including a recent arts and crafts night in which local vendors sold their art and beadwork.

Not only is the ambience always positive, in large part thanks to Indigenous Eats’ outstanding crew (which includes Slagle’s husband, Andrew, as well as her kids, Matthew and Kara), so too is the menu.

It heavily features fry bread, a crowd-pleasing staple used in both sweet and savory dishes. The recipe for Indigenous Eats’ fry bread recipe comes from Slagle’s mom. Before opening the restaurant in mid-2022, Slagle’s family ran a concession stand.

While serving on the planning committee for Spokane’s annual Gathering at the Falls Pow Wow, the Slagles sold food to fundraise for the event.

“My mom made fry bread by hand,” she recalls. “We served thousands.”

Along with Indigenous Eats’ tried-and-true fry bread, the restaurant’s fan favorites include its house-made huckleberry sauce, served on both its burgers and fry bread, as well as the seasonings used on its proteins. The most popular is bison seasoned with Indigenous Eats’ signature sage-forward blend. Recently, the restaurant’s menu expanded with a new, sage-based soup incorporating squash, beans and corn, as well as the aforementioned burger.

Besides its menu, Indigenous Eats itself is expanding, too. Slagle reveals that a lease has been signed for a second location in Spokane. That’s all she can say for now, but lovers of Indigenous Eats should keep on the lookout for exciting updates later this spring.

— HANNAH MUMM

2nd PLACE: Molé

3rd PLACE: Chowderhead

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Stylus Wine and Vinyl Bar, Coeur d’Alene

Best Dessert Miflavour

It’s been said we eat with our eyes. What a feast you’ll find at miFLAVOUR. Good luck picking just one from the seemingly endless array of delectable desserts on display in Max and Ella Piskun’s Sprague Avenue spot. Rich tiramisu, crunchy biscotti, tangy tarts, flaky croissants, and countless flavors and colors of co-founder Ella’s coveted macaron cookies — you’ll find them here and more. (CSz)

2nd PLACE: Birdie’s Pie Shop, Hayden and Post Falls

3rd PLACE: Wild Sage Bistro

BEST MEXICAN FOOD DE LEON’S TACO & BAR

The De Leon family brings the Texas/Mexico border to Spokane. Across three locations, diners can choose from authentic burritos, enchiladas, chilaquiles, quesadillas, tamales and nachos. And then there are the drinks. More than 50 different brands of tequila and rainbow margaritas that are absolutely massive. Like, you might need two hands to hold them. (NS)

2ND PLACE: Cochinito Taqueria; 3RD PLACE: Molé NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Nadine’s Mexican Kitchen, Rathdrum

BEST SEAFOOD ANTHONY’S

“Spokane’s classic.” (Magreta A.); “Fresh seafood, great service, great view!” (Randy B.); “A Northwest staple.” (Dan R.)

2nd PLACE: Zona Blanca Ceviche Bar

3rd PLACE: Clinkerdagger

Best Cupcakes Sweet Frostings Blissful Bakeshop

“They have great tasting cupcakes and gluten-free options!” (Meagan V.); “They have the most moist cakes and cupcakes I’ve ever had! They offer so many different flavors, it’s always a surprise what they will have when I go to buy something.” (Nevada B.)

2nd PLACE: Celebrations Sweet Boutique

3rd PLACE: Breaüxdoo Bakery

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Stacie’s Cupcakes, Post Falls

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST DESSERT BIRDIE’S PIE SHOP

“Birdie’s awesome assortment of fresh-made pies is astounding! They’re always changing things up, offering new delicious flavors and unique combinations.” (Lance H.); “Their crusts are phenomenal, the fillings are incredible, and Mama Birdie is a very good human who just wants us to be happy!” (Marilyn C.)

BEST LATE NIGHT DINING

SATELLITE DINER & LOUNGE

Sitting in the heart of Spokane, the Satellite Diner is an absolute staple of downtown nightlife. Need to fuel up before a night out? Head to the Satellite. Looking for a chill happy hour location? They’ve got $1 tacos on Thursdays! Calling it a night? The Satellite’s comforting tables and booths are ready to welcome you inside. Whether you’re grabbing an early morning or late-night breakfast, the Satellite doesn’t discriminate. (MP)

2nd PLACE: Durkin’s Liquor Bar; 3rd PLACE: The Gilded Unicorn

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Atilano’s, Coeur d’Alene

BEST FINE DINING

BEST STEAKS

CHURCHILL’S STEAKHOUSE

Whether it’s a significant milestone in your life or a celebratory get-together with folks who are special to you, Churchill’s is the place to go. Founded in 2007, the recently remodeled downtown spot features a warm and inviting atmosphere, top-notch customer service and an extensive wine list recognized by Wine Spectator. And the food? Elegant, classy and flavorful, from the seafood tower to the filet mignon to the New York style cheesecake. (CSz)

BEST FINE DINING

2nd PLACE: Wild Sage Bistro; 3rd PLACE: Clinkerdagger

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Beverly’s, Coeur d’Alene

BEST STEAKS

2nd PLACE: Masselow’s Steakhouse

3rd PLACE: Wolf Lodge Steakhouse, Coeur d’Alene

Best Ramen Nudo Ramen House

It’s like déjà vu all over again. Last year’s readers’ poll results for Best Ramen nearly mirror this year’s, and who are we to argue with our readers? With two locations, in downtown and on the North Side, Nudo Ramen delivers rave-worthy ramen: huge steaming bowls of flavorful meat, veggies, noodles, broth and all the little extras that make this soup a memorable and nourishing meal. (CSz)

2nd PLACE: King of Ramen Spokane; 3rd PLACE: Little Noodle

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Hokkaido Ramen, Coeur d’Alene

BEST THAI FOOD KUNI’S THAI CUISINE

Kuni Colliton’s Thai-style restaurant has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a traditional Thai dish or you want to change it up with a Chinese or Indian inspired meal, Kuni’s brings a variety of flavors and styles to the table. Try one of Colliton’s favorites, Chiang Mai pork curry, a tangy and aromatic dish from northern Thailand with red curry, ginger, shallots and rice. (SSa)

2nd PLACE: Thai Bamboo; 3rd PLACE: Bangkok Thai

Best Donuts Donut Parade

“Delicious donuts and real history.” (Tara H.); “Open many hours to enjoy their donuts.” (Debbie M.); “Best maple bars!” (Kevin P.)

2nd PLACE: Hello Sugar

3rd PLACE: Casual Friday Donuts

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Gross Donuts, Post Falls

Best Ice Cream The Scoop

“I love that they are small and their style is fun. They also have dairy-free options!” (Corrie N.); “Two words: mud pie. Nom nom nom.” (Jess D.); “I just love them so much.” (Teresa H.)

2nd PLACE: Pete and Belle’s

3rd PLACE: Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Panhandle Cone & Coffee

Best Indian Food The Mango Tree

“The curry with complimentary naan bread is a chef’s kiss!” (Aleacia G.); “Huge portions that REALLY hit the spot.” (Charity M.)

2nd PLACE: Taste of India

3rd PLACE: Karma Indian Cuisine

BEST VEGAN FOOD

BEST VEGETARIAN FOOD

RüT BAR & KITCHEN

Rüt has been a staple for vegans and vegetarians alike in the Spokane area for almost four years, serving up unique and innovative veggie-based dishes. Our readers have voted them Best Vegan and Vegetarian food for three years in a row — that’s when you know you’re doing veggies right! (MP)

BEST VEGAN FOOD

2nd PLACE: Boots Bakery

3rd PLACE: Allie’s Vegan Pizzeria & Cafe

BEST VEGETARIAN FOOD

2nd PLACE: Mizuna; 3rd PLACE: Cascadia Public House

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Cosmic Cowboy Grill, Coeur d’Alene

BEST MILKSHAKE

MARY LOU’S MILK BOTTLE

All scientists and historians agree: The dawn of civilization began with the invention of the milkshake. Reason tells us, then, that the truest symbol of what we can do when we come together is Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle. Yes, that bottle-shaped building that glows like a beacon for all the world’s people to converge on Garland Avenue and slurp down that divine concoction of ice cream and milk, made better with chocolate, strawberry, butter brickle or any one of the more than two dozen flavors Mary Lou’s has to offer. Fear not, Mary Lou’s doesn’t skimp. Yours, too, will come complete with a stainless steel malt cup bursting with that sweet nectar that didn’t fit in your glass. (ND)

2nd PLACE: Zip’s; 3rd PLACE: Hogan’s Diner

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Roger’s Ice Cream & Burgers Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls