“Norm!” We all remember the feeling of familiar warmth that came when the occupants of Cheers shouted out their greeting to Norm. And if we’re honest, don’t we all want to walk into an establishment and feel the same warm welcome? Well in and around SPOKANE Spokane, we’ve discovered some great locally owned restaurants, bars & pubs that offer that same welcoming atmosphere with a personal touch so hospitable, they will keep you coming back for more than their beer and wings!
BIRDY’S SPORTS BAR – North Spokane/Mead
Located just off Hwy 395, Birdy’s Sports Bar is a quaint little neighborhood hangout that makes you feel like royalty from the moment you enter their massive medieval style wooden door. Celebrating their 2nd year in business, owners John and Michelle Goode pride themselves on providing a “family-friendly” sports bar atmosphere where you can catch the big game on Sunday afternoon with the whole crew while indulging in their famous House Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich sandwich. You may even find yourself taking advantage of the well-stocked Bloody Mary bar! You will 
often find a packed house watching The Zags play basketball on one of Birdy’s 11 HD plasma screens but you’re extra lucky if you get a table in front of their 10’HD projection screen. Whether it’s for Taco Tuesday, Trivia Wednesday nights, or 65¢ Jumbo Wings Thursday, you will almost always see a familiar face to catch up with. Located in the Wandermere Shopping area close to the Village Center Theatre, you can wait for your movie time on a warm summer night out on the patio while enjoying one of their 18 draft beers or a cocktail from the full bar. The Goode’s have put together a great staff who always seem to remember at least your favorite beverage, if not your first name, making you feel like you’re in your own living room…. only with better food!
Photo Courtesy of Manito Tap House
MANITO TAP HOUSE – South Hill
A self-proclaimed “Eco-Friendly Gastro Pub”, Manito Tap House has pioneered one of the fastest growing trends in eating out since opening their doors in September 2011 and is striving to become your SOUTH HILL neighborhood hang-out. The term Gastro Pub usually applies to a menu that takes normal ingredients and dishes then applies some sort of imaginative flair to make it out of the ordinary. Take the “Blackened Mac & Cheese” for example. Manito Tap House has added their house-made blackening season to a rubbed chicken breast, thrown in some bacon and voila! This is definitely not your mom’s mac-n-cheese! And don’t be intimidated by the overwhelming selectin of 50 tap handles as their gracious staff is incredibly knowledgeable and ready to explain the options and even offer samples. I love riding my bike up Grand and being able to utilize their outdoor bike rack provided with love for patrons. During the summer, there is nothing better than sitting out on their covered patio when the large garage doors are up since it gives it such a unique atmosphere! With a fun, funky, hipster type staff, MTH has a cool vibe that will make you want to stay and chill awhile. This is a South Hill gem that will always make you feel welcome to pop in for a quick lunch, afternoon beer or a great dinner!
The Flying Goat – Spokane
This local gem is definitely a favorite of Spokanites both near and far! Most famous for their “fire-kissed crust” Woodstone oven pizzas, you will also find yourself wanting to linger longer at the bar even after your table is ready to enjoy one of their 14 tap or 22 bottle selection of beers. The warm feeling of the interior comes from the story behind the materials used to build it. According to the company website,
The wait staff is obviously doing something right since I keep coming back for more…. one glance at the busy parking lot will tell you I’m not alone! You too will want to add this to your list of “Go-To” spots for a bite to eat when you’re looking for more! So join in the familiar SPOKANE chant by telling your friends, “Meet me at the Goat!” 
ZENTROPA PIZZERIA & PUB – Cheney
Named after a movie where a young American hopes to “show some kindness” to the Germans after WWII, Owners Josh and Tegan Baldwin are carrying on that theme and showing some kindness to the community of CHENEY. Located on eclectic College Ave, the charming brick exterior invites you to enjoy the day using their outdoor seating. But if you opt to sit inside, whether you choose a cozy booth or one of the pub style red leather stools, you will be greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable staff who can guide you through one of the best craft beer selections in Cheney! They even have their very own “Z Beer Club” where you can enjoy some benefits like $3 Growler fills and invitations to exclusive events. Their newly revamped menu is full of refreshing salads and delicious specialty pizzas. With a happy hour that is hard to beat, Zentropa will quickly make your list of “must-visit” spots in Cheney….. especially since the usual bartender will quickly be calling YOU by name!
So get out there this weekend and explore this awesome”Big-Little City” we call home to find your own new favorite watering hole! And if you’re unsure where to start, check our AREA GUIDES section at HARDIEGROUP.COM for some of our agents favorite spots to find your new dream home!