FIRST AVENUE COFFEE F

irst Avenue Coffee’s goal is to provide locals with quality coffee for a long time to come.

But perhaps what makes the downtown cafe especially unique in that pursuit is its simultaneous mission of caring for both people and the planet along the way.

“Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world,” says Jake Fassbinder, First Avenue’s general manager.

This fact underscores First Avenue’s focus on organic, sustainable and ethically sourced coffee, coming from 10 different countries around the world. First Avenue’s coffee all comes from Spokane’s Roast House Coffee, founded in 2010 by Deborah Di Bernardo, who opened the cafe on west First Avenue near the Fox Theater as an extension of Roast House in 2018.

“We also pride ourselves in having vegan and vegetarian options that are not only available, but taste good, too,” Fassbinder says.

First Avenue Coffee’s menu offers, of course, a host of coffee options.

“We have five different pourover options, three different espressos — decaf and two variations of regular espresso — and in-house sauces and syrups for your lattes,” Fassbinder says.

While First Avenue is, of course, known for its high-quality coffee, Fassbinder explains that the shop’s baked goods, particularly its donuts, biscuits and coffee cake, tend to be very popular as well. The cafe’s entire food menu is gluten-free and vegan.

Since its opening four years ago, First Avenue Coffee has established itself as a go-to spot in the heart of downtown Spokane. During the week, customers tend to come there to work, but during the weekends, things get a little busier.

Open mics are offered weekly in an effort to support local musicians, and environmental trivia is offered monthly. First Avenue’s community revolves around coffee, sure, but according to Fassbinder, it’s centered on caring, too.

“We care about the customer and the city of Spokane. We care about our world and our environment,” he says. “It takes a special person to step outside their own box and realize there’s a pretty darn big world out there. At First Avenue, people are paying for community, and they are paying for sustainability. People are caring a little more here.”

— HANNAH MUMM

2nd PLACE: Atticus Coffee and Gifts

3rd PLACE: Revel 77 NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Vault Coffee, Coeur d’Alene

BEST NEW BREWERY UPRISE BREWING CO.

While its focus is making delicious beers, from Northwest-style IPAs to bright, tart sours, Uprise has something for everyone, even those who don’t even drink beer! An expansive, family-friendly taproom? Check. A large outdoor space with cornhole, picnic tables, shade and sun? Check, check, check. Food for all tastes, ages and diets (vegan/vegetarian, gluten-free and a kids’ menu)?

Yep! A large second-floor event space? That, too! A weekly running club for all levels? Yep, meets every Monday. It’s no wonder this mid-2022 newcomer has quickly become a local favorite. (CS)

2nd PLACE: Spokanite Brewing

3rd PLACE: Common Language Brewing Co. (now closed)

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Lone Mountain Farms & Brewery, Athol

Best Trivia Bearded Trivia

The last time Mike Duke — trivia meister for Bearded Trivia — won the Inlander’s Best Trivia award it was “right before the world exploded” in 2020. “I’ve been joking that if I won again it would be my redemption song,” Duke says. Well, consider that song sung. His trivia game started as a side-hustle to pay for day care 13 years ago. Now, Duke asks 44 questions a night for three nights a week, every week at places like Lumberbeard, YaYa and Garland Brew Werks. It means finding a mix of stumpers and headscratchers and no-brainers. And it means truly being a host, not just an inquisitor. (DW)

2nd PLACE: nYne Bar & Bistro; 3rd PLACE; Backyard Public House

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: The Crown and Thistle, Coeur d’Alene

BEST LOCAL BREWERY NO-LI BREWHOUSE

“Atmosphere is relaxed, outside is wonderful.” (Carmen A.); “Shoutout to Porch Glow!” (Christiane P.); “Yummy Amber! Fun place.” (Barbara M.); I can’t Li!” (Duncan A.)

2nd PLACE: Brick West Brewing Co.

3rd PLACE: Whistle Punk Brewing

North

IDAHO’S

Best Local

BREWERY

POST FALLS BREWING CO.

“I’ve been a regular since they opened because they consistently craft the BEST tasting varieties! The entire staff are fabulous and fun.” (Tammi B.)

Best Local Winery Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

“Love all of the events and the views. The wine is spectacular!” (Karen B.); “Great wines, wine club, and wonderful concerts and food!” (Sheryl K.)

2nd PLACE: Barrister Winery

3rd PLACE: Winescape

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Coeur d’Alene Cellars

BEST APPETIZERS

BEST ALL-AROUND BAR

The Viking

Whether you’re popping in for a drink before catching a Chiefs game, seeking somewhere to play shuffleboard or pool, or wanting to sample some delicious steak bites, the Viking has a little something for everyone. With a laid-back atmosphere, a roomy patio and snacks like bleu cheese fries and fried pickles on the menu, it’s no wonder Inlander readers voted the Viking both the best place to get appetizers and their favorite all-around bar. (SW)

BEST APPETIZERS

2nd PLACE: Wooden City; 3rd PLACE: Vieux Carre NOLA Kitchen

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Terraza Waterfront Cafe, Coeur d’Alene

BEST ALL-AROUND BAR

2nd PLACE: Logan Tavern; 3rd PLACE: Durkin’s Liquor Bar

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: The Crown and Thistle, Coeur d’Alene

BEST CASINO

BEST BACHELORETTE PARTY LOCATION

Northern Quest

RESORT & CASINO

If you’re looking for somewhere to win big, or throw a bachelorette party, look no further than Northern Quest Resort & Casino. With a luxury spa, over a dozen restaurants and bars, and a 24/7 casino, you can find something fit for everyone in your group that will create a fun night you’ll never forget. Of course, even if you’re not feeling like gambling or part of the bridal party, a night at Northern Quest — with your sweetie, friends or even family — is always sure to be a memorable outing. (SSa)

BEST CASINO

2nd PLACE: Spokane Tribe Casino; 3rd PLACE: Coeur d’Alene Casino

BEST BACHELORETTE PARTY LOCATION

2nd PLACE: nYne Bar & Bistro; 3rd PLACE: The Globe

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Nashville North, Stateline

2021

St. Patrick’s Day will have come and gone by the time readers discover that The Crown & Thistle won the Inlander readers’ poll for best beer bar in North Idaho. Not to worry, though. Guinness is always on tap at this British-inspired Coeur d’Alene pub.

“We are pretty obsessive about our Guinness,” says Jennifer Drake, who opened Crown & Thistle in 2020 with husband Ben Drake.

Also always on tap: Harp and Smithwick’s, two similarly venerable Irish brews. And while you can get a batch of bangers or crispy fish and chips at Crown & Thistle to go with your beer, you’re out of luck if you’re hankering for a Miller Lite.

“I really wanted to bring in a lot of Old World beers,” Drake says of the pub’s 14-tap offering. “I mean, beers that are actually brewed in England, Scotland, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, all of these amazing beers that — some of these beers have been brewed the way same way for 1,000 years.”