Latest Reviews

Corner Bar

February 22, 2013 - 9:42pm

Don't feel like going to downtown Coeur d'Alene to drink? This watering hole may be the place for you. The Corner Bar is set in midtown Coeur d'Alene, right on 4th Street at the corner of 4th and Spruce, just five blocks south of the freeway. So it is easily accessible. The bar has parking on all sides of the building, except where it faces 4th Street, offering more than 40 spaces so there is almost always room to park. When you first see the bar, it looks small, but on the inside it really opens up into a good-sized, but still cozy environment. It features a large bar area, table seating, pool tables and a dance floor. Beware, the pool tables are close to the tables, so you may find yourself dodging players and cues every once in awhile if you're at one of those tables.

Corner Bar is a country bar and has the music and clientele to prove it. It is also one of the few Coeur d'Alene bars that allows smoking indoors.

The drinks are average prices for the area, and are made strong enough to satisfy. For what seems on the outside to be a smaller bar, it offers an impressive selection of beers along with hard liquors. The bartenders were fast and good at their jobs, but you do seem to get faster service if you're with someone they know. The bouncer recommended a drink he seemed particularly proud of, and that is their version of the Irish Trash Can. Other members in my group also recommended it.

Capone's

January 31, 2013 - 12:16am

Capone's has been a Coeur d'Alene staple since 1991, and how has a location in Post Falls another coming soon to Hayden. The restaurant has a full menu of burgers, pizzas, wings and more. Burgers are more expensive than some other comparable establishments. They start at $8 for a quarter pounder and $9.50 for a half pounder with a choice of salad or fries. You can also build your own burger, starting at $7 for the quarter pounder fully-dressed, plus $.75 per additional topping with a choice of 15 toppings.

Pizzas are right in line with prices at similar restaurants, ringing in from $10 for a 9" small pizza to $25 for a 20" "mondo" size. Specialty pizza types include Roasted Garlic Chicken, Pizza Blanco, Taco and Heart Blocker.

Tuesdays are buy one pizza get a second at half price all day long (excluding 9″ pizzas). They also have a late night happy hour Monday through Friday from 9:00p to close with Imperial pints for the price of a pint, $1 off well drinks and $5 appetizers.

View Capone's Full Menu
View Capone's Drink Menu

Video of the Capone's segment from Diners, Drive Ins & Dives.

The Coeur d'Alene Capone's is located at 751 N. 4th Street

Dangerous Dog

May 16, 2012 - 11:06pm

Dangerous Dog LogoI like a good hot dog (probably a little more than the next guy) but I have to admit, I'm not one to usually stop at a place that serves strictly dogs. I was wandering downtown with my family a while back and came across Dangerous Dog, now that first statement has been thrown out the window. I love these hot dogs!! There are so many hot dog and sausage combinations available here that you could eat at Dangerous Dog every meal for a week and still not have eaten them all. I went with a recommendation and tried #22, the Argentinean Chorizo Sausage. I kept telling my wife she had to try a bite, but she was too busy enjoying her #9 Blue Demon. The prices seem steep at first glance, but after first bite, you know it was worth every penny. The atmosphere is open and inviting. When Coeur d'Alene is buzzing with excitement, Dangerous Dog is perfect for getting some good food, while still enjoying the night life.

Dangerous Dog is located at 108 N 4th Street, just north of Sherman Ave.

El Paisa Mexican Restaurant

May 14, 2012 - 7:44pm

Recently I was meeting with couple to show them their wedding photos, and they wanted to view them over dinner. We decided to choose a place we had never been before, and landed at El Paisa. Located in a small strip mall along Lincoln Way (Highway 95), El Paisa is a very unassuming restaurant. In fact, until my clients suggested it, I'd never even seen it even though I drive or walk past it nearly every day.

When you walk into this small restaurant, it is just as utilitarian as it is on the outside with a classic cafe layout, albeit decorated with garish colors and cheap Mexico-themed art. I was, however very impressed with its cleanliness. It was bright and comfortable inside.

Since I'd never been in before, I ordered a chimichanga with ground beef and pinto beans--my go-to choice when going to a Mexican restaurant for the first time. My clients ordered a burrito asada and enchiladas as well as two Jarritos sodas. Total price: under $20. Most of the menu items range in the $4-$6 range, making for a nice inexpensive meal.

There were two people working. Who I presume were the owner, Francisco Padilla, and his wife. They were very friendly and waited patiently while we looked over the menu before ordering. The food was prepared in plain sight and delivered to our table quickly. Unlike some restaurants I have been to where you could fill up on multiple baskets of tortilla chips before the meal, the three of us weren't even through our first basket when the food arrived--along with a fresh batch of chips.

Jamms Frozen Yogurt

June 2, 2011 - 8:53pm

Jamms Frozen Yogurt LogoJamms Frozen Yogurt "Where you rule."

I'd never noticed Jamms, even though I'm a frequent visitor to Costco, and it's very nearby. But a few weeks ago I was visiting a friend and he suddenly decided he was in the mood for frozen yogurt and we just had to go to Jamms.

I have to say, Jamms is the most unique place I've been for frozen yogurt. It's entirely self-serve.

This ice cream shop has an interesting setup. When you enter you proceed directly past the (often crowded) entrance to the back of the store where you select a size of bowl and dispense the flavor of low-fat frozen yogurt you want from 10 choices. On my first visit I chose snicker doodle and New York cheesecake. You then proceed to the toppings (more than 55 choices). I went with crushed Butterfingers. They have a variety of syrups, fresh fruit, candied fruit, candy, nuts, sprinkles...just about any topping you can think of. After you've loaded up your frozen yogurt with all the toppings you want, take it to the register and place it on a scale to be weighed.

Jamms charges 40 cents per ounce, which for my small bowl, filled about half-way up with frozen yogurt and a few sprinkles of Butterfingers came out to $2.80. That's a very reasonable price! It's downright cheap compared to a lot of frozen yogurt joints.

Since I went here for the first time, I've heard other people complaining about the prices--claiming prices of over $20 per bowl! Now forgive me if my math's wrong (it's not), but that's 50 ounces of frozen yogurt! Getting more than three pounds of frozen yogurt for $20 sounds pretty darn good to me.

The Grille From Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse

April 4, 2011 - 8:06pm

Sim, por favor. Yes, please. The Grille From Ipanema is a nice change of pace in Coeur d'Alene restaurants. It is located in the Parkside Tower, and is entered from the Parkside lobby facing Front Avenue. We were seated promptly and the service was excellent. Reservations are recommended, but not required. Our waitress, Carol, was professional and gave us precise directions on what to expect from our dining experience.

She invited us to partake of the salad and sidefood bar, explained the best way to work with our server when he brought the churrasco (pronounced Shoo-Ras-Koo) Brazilian Barbecue around. Carol also provided us with tokens to signal the server whether to stop by our table with more meat. "Yes, please--Sim, por favor" on the green side and "No, thank you--Não, obrigado." on the red side.

I sampled a little of each of the meats, all of which were excellent. I can't honestly name a favorite. The food was perfectly cooked and served at a good temperature.

Don't go to the Grille expecting spicy food. Unlike many of the international foods we're used to eating, Brazilian fare uses more in the way of herbs than spices.

From the salad & side bar I had a small helping of Brazilian Rice and Beans. These were good, if a little on the warm side, rather than hot. Their cheese bread was a nice little surprise. I'd expected it to be a slab of bread with melted cheese. Instead, it was a small "nugget" of dense, cheese-infused bread. Quite good. Luckily, I only had one, because they're very filling. The friend who was with me had two, and between those and the rest of the side dishes he filled up too quickly to sample more than a few meats!

As for me, I made the mistake of ordering a Brazilian Lemonade, which was quite tasty to start, but very rich, and I was unable to finish it because after about half of what they brought me was gone it tasted too sweet to continue.

Nosworthy Hall of Fame

November 29, 2010 - 4:21pm

Coeur d'Alene's Nosworthy Hall of Fame is located in an unassuming building off Government Way across from the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. The restaurant is small and there is a small bar inside too. Once you step inside there is no doubt what kind of food you're about to enjoy--good old fashioned American fare.

While the preparation and presentation aren't fancy, the meals are delicious and filling, and are perfectly complemented by a schooner of beer. If you're unfamiliar with a schooner, it's a 15 ounce goblet, and Nosworthy fills it to the rim. Whenever I dine at Nosworthy I make sure to order a side of garlic bread with the meal.

I've never been to the restaurant for breakfast, but I'm told that the omelets are as large as the portions of everything else, and just as tasty. One person recommends getting a schooner of orange beer with your breakfast.

Nosworthy Hall of Fame does NOT accept any credit or debit cards. It is a cash-only establishment. There is an ATM machine available for anyone who forgets this detail and has a debit card. The ATM charges for each transaction.

The Beacon

August 2, 2010 - 6:37pm

I adore The Beacon's layout. It's one of the classiest bars in Coeur d'Alene, and its clientele tends to bear that out. The stereotypical Beacon patron is a middle aged woman, and that's pretty accurate.

It features (nearly) floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides of the establishment, and the bar is an enclosed island in the middle of the floor. The bartenders here definitely know what they're doing, and with their very solid selection of alcohols can mix up pretty much anything you'd choose to order. The windows and open floor plan really make the bar seem spacious, even though it's average sized compared to Coeur d'Alene's other bars.

It is also very quiet compared to the other bars, and quite clean with simple decor.

The Beacon has a full menu available during the days, but I'm not certain that carries on into the night life. Under 21's are allowed during the day for meals, but there is a bouncer at the door checking IDs at night.

Drink prices are fair, but not as reasonable as some in Coeur d'Alene.

The Beacon is located right on the busiest corner in downtown Coeur d'Alene--the corner of Sherman Avenue and 4th St, almost directly across from Pita Pit.

Keep in mind, Coeur d'Alene police are out in force in the evenings, especially during the summer. Remember to drink in moderation and never drink and drive.

Top of China Buffet

July 22, 2010 - 9:51am

So I'm a bit of A food addict, and out of all the many food choices in this world, the one that entices me most is Chinese food, so believe me when I say that if I come across a buffet style Chinese restaurant it's very difficult for me to stay away. It's probably for this reason that I keep coming back to the Top of China Buffet.

Unfortunately, as Chinese food goes, Top of China is not one of the best. It's not even very good. They have a decent selection of the standards. "General Chows Chicken" and "Mu shoo Pork" abound but it all seems to be cooked in the same pot and separated afterward. Even though I've eaten here at least a dozen times over the past few years, I can't think of a single dish to recommend. I will tell you to avoid the sea food as best you can. I've gotten physically sick more than once due to some rogue crab legs.

I really do hate being ALL negative in reviews so I'll give them this. They have gotten better in just about every way since they opened their doors about 10 or so years ago. The selection is increasing, and the quality of the food seems to get better every few years. They're also reasonably priced for all you can eat.

If Top of China would just update their interior and exterior to a more authentic Chinese theme (from their current decrepit 80's theme) and hire a better cook, this place could be great. Until then, keep searching for a good Chinese buffet and please let me know when you find one.

208-676-8888
757 W Appleway Ave
Coeur D Alene, ID 83814
Map

Garlic Jim's

July 8, 2010 - 9:23am

GARLIC JIM'S IS NOW CLOSED. See comment below.

Garlic Jim's Famous Gourmet Pizza lives up to its name. They don't skimp on the garlic in their food and I'm loving it! The restaurant is nestled into a slot along Highway 95 in the same building as Super Supplements, and from the outside looks like it'll be just like any other hole-in-the-minimall-chain-pizza store. Once you're inside, though, it has a quaintly industrial feel lent in no small part by the painted concrete floor and mystifying garage door on one side. The dining room layout is spacious, allowing you a comfortable dine-in experience and place to talk while waiting for a carry-out order. One unusual feature I noticed that sets them apart from any other pizza joint in the area is their gluten-free pizza offerings.

In addition to coke products, Garlic Jim's has a small selection of typical draft beers and a large variety of bottled. They incorporate their drinks into their specials, for example a lunch special which is buy two mini-pitchers of soda or beer and get a medium 2-topping pizza free.

The food was excellent for the price. The large 1/2 Garlic Chicken, 1/2 Ultimate pizza I ordered cost just under $20 and was more than enough for two guys. We munched on it all night and still had leftovers. They pile the toppings high and make the pizza very worthwhile. When I picked up the box I was surprised by the weight. My only complaint is that the "hand-tossed" crust tasted a little pre-made, and there's a very good reason for that, they're the same type of pre-packaged crusts I used when I worked at the Triple Play restaurant.

Altogether, Garlic Jim's was a nice place to eat, and provided good value for the price.

Their website is www.GarlicJims.com. You can order online from there. Phone number: 208-930-4818

The Moose Lounge

May 12, 2009 - 6:41pm

Coeur d'Alene's Moose Lounge is home to the Moose Mug, a frosted mug of beer that holds about 36 ounces.

The Moose recently expanded, opening up a new area for gaming and seating in their back room. Their front room is a somewhat cramped area with a stage at the north end for live bands which perform there every week. They also have an open mic night on Tuesdays, and Karaoke on Thursdays.

The new addition includes a large garage door that opens to the street for fresh air and easy access to the bar.

The event you really don't want to miss out on though is Wednesday night trivia. Head in and try your hand at beating the trivia night veterans like Nasty and Inebriated, Super Seat Savers, and Trivianos.

Moose Lounge alcohol prices are average compared to the other bars, but on trivia nights Moose Mugs of Bud Light are available for $5. The selection of liquor at the Moose Lounge is small, but solid. They won't have specialty alcohols, but most of the usual liquor staples are there.

It's definitely a unique experience, drinking at the Moose. They have mounted trophy heads on the walls, including a moose, elk, and deer.

The Moose Lounge offers a large selection of food items as well as drinks. However, prices on these are typical of food prices at bars--high! $4 for a bowl of nuts, $12 for a small pizza. The food is good, but just a bit pricy. You may find yourself wandering over to the Pita Pit kitty-corner to the bar.

This is a 21-and-over establishment.

It is located at the corner of 4th St. and Sherman Ave.

Keep in mind, Coeur d'Alene police are out in force in the evenings, especially during the summer. Remember to drink in moderation and never drink and drive.

Longboard Burgers -- Great Food and Great Service

February 13, 2009 - 2:51pm

Ever heard of In-n-Out Burgers in California? (Yes, I know they're in Arizona and Nevada now...but they started in California.) Well, Longboard Burgers is the next best thing to In-n-Out AND they are right here in Coeur d'Alene. A double-double (double meat, double cheese) at Longboard's is pretty hard to turn down.

Their menu is simple...burgers, fries, onion rings, drinks, and a few other odds and ends. However, it's their burgers that attract the most attention.

If you're in the mood to try a good little burger joint, then head over to the A & D Gas Station on the corner of 4th and Appleway. Yes, Longboard's is tucked in the back corner of a gas station. But, just trust me...it's worth navigating the busy and sometimes cramped parking lot. Longboard's has limited hours too: Monday thru Saturday from 11am to 3pm. They also have a drive thru for those patrons who are on the go.

Their prices and portions are very reasonable. Customer service is great too. They have a small seating area in the back corner of the gas station for those who wish to eat there.

So, if you're looking for just a good ol' burger and fries, head over to Longboard's today. You won't be disappointed.

Longboard Burgers
356 E. Appleway (corner of 4th and Appleway)
CDA, ID

MacKenzie River Pizza Company

February 8, 2009 - 6:52pm

My family decided to eat at MRPC this past Thursday night after my son's basketball game. After waiting about 15 minutes for a table, we were comfortably seated in their relaxing dining area.

We decided on two orders of lodgepoles (breadsticks) and three large pizzas: one cheese, one Bell Ranch (chicken and veggies), and one Stockman (meat!). Everything was delicious! For a party of seven people, we had plenty of food. We actually took two pieces of pizza home. Also, we were pleasantly surprised by the prices. In my opinion, it was very fair. Again, there were seven people in our party: 3 adults, 2 teens, and two kids (ages 12 and 10). The bill came to $54.33 (not including tip). Now, we didn't all order soft drinks, some just had water...so that would bring the price up somewhat. However, it's still economical considering that everyone enjoyed their meal and they were well satisfied.

MacKenzie River Pizza Company is definitely a great place to eat. They have more than just pizzas on their menu; you can review their entire menu at their website (link listed below). Very friendly service and a family friendly atmosphere await you at MacKenzie River Pizza Company.

If you eat there or have eaten at one of their other locations, please feel free to leave us a comment here about your experience. Everyone will certainly appreciate your input!

MacKenzie River Pizza Company
405 W. Canfield Ave.
CDA, ID
208.772.5111
www.mackenzieriverpizza.com

Map

The Rendezvous

January 2, 2009 - 6:45pm

RENDEZVOUS IS NOW CLOSED. See comment below.

Formerly The Torch Lounge, The Rendezvous is a gentlemans club in downtown Coeur d'Alene.

This club is for ages 21 and older and features one of the largest selections of alcohol in Coeur d'Alene. The bar staff is top-notch, although the wait staff and bikini dancers can be less-so with a high turnover rate and periodic lack of professionalism.

Come armed with money, because this place takes a lot of it. There is a five dollar cover for entrance to the club--for everone, including women. Drink prices are comparable to the rest of the bars in downtown Coeur d'Alene, and they have nightly drink specials. Wednesday night is the Rendzevous keg night, offering $10 all-you-can-drink domestics or $15 for specialty/imports. This is on top of cover charge and the special ends at midnight. So if you think you can drink more than $15-$20 of beer before midnight, you should definitely consider getting a wristband for it.

At one time, this bar made it into the top five bars in Idaho for alcohol purchases. That may not be the case anymore. Last time I was in Rendzevous was a Saturday night at about 10:00pm, and a generous estimate would be a dozen patrons inside. I saw a number of large groups make it to the entrance, learn that there was a $5 cover for everyone, and choose to go to another bar. It's definitely not as popular as it used to be.

Features include pool tables, a small public dance floor, DJ music, and bikini dancers.

Smoking is allowed at Rendezvous--much to the delight of smokers, and the chagrin of some non-smokers. It is one of two Coeur d'Alene bars I'm aware of that still allow smoking inside their establishment.

Rendezvous is located at the corner of 3rd and Coeur d'Alene Ave. (216 E. Coeur d'Alene Ave)

Keep in mind, Coeur d'Alene police are out in force in the evenings, especially during the summer. Remember to drink in moderation and never drink and drive.

Herbies Deli

November 27, 2008 - 3:14pm

Let me just say this from the beginning, the very fact that I'm writing a review for this deli says something. I don't go into many delis. I don't like them. At an average deli, you pay outrageous prices for a bland sandwich and some store-bought soup that you could have made yourself with a couple bucks and minimal skill. Herbie's deli breaks free from that stereotype.

Try any sandwich from this place and you'll soon discover that they're all amazing and very filling. Try the Tuscani Chicken, with its unique blend of seasoning, or Mel's Melt if your looking for something a little closer to classic. I've tried several of the sandwiches and each has been an excellent sandwich at a reasonable price.

They also do daily specials. I've been to some places where their specials are nothing more than a regular menu item at a slightly discounted price. At Herbie's, every special is a unique culinary masterpiece. I've grown accustom to going in and ordering the special without even looking to see what it is because I know it's going to be amazing.

The good times don't stop there. Make sure you try Herbie's potato salad. This request is coming from a guy who doesn't like potato salad! Herbie makes the best potato salad I've ever tried and thus the only potato salad that I'll eat on a consistent basis.

If there's any downside to this little deli it's the fact that they're only open during lunch (10am-3pm) so you need to plan accordingly.

Update:
I just ate at Herbie's a few days ago and they are now open for lunch on Saturdays (as of 7/17). I don't know if this is just a summer thing or if this is a result of high demand for their great food.

Herbie's Deli
4055 N Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
(208) 667-8840
Open 10am-3pm

Kootenai Coffee

October 27, 2008 - 11:02pm

Kootenai Coffee is one of my personal favorites here in the CDA area. Great coffee, good food, polite servers, and an excellent environment all add up to one thing...a great experience.

Kootenai gives you the ability to pick up a drink on the go via their drive through window or choose to sit down and enjoy the comfortable decor inside or out on their patio, weather permitting.

When I am able to, I enjoy ordering my usual caramel latte and a piece of their delectable coffee cake (warmed up and served on a real plate). Just recently, they removed some of their product racks, expanding the seating area - a much needed and wise choice. At times, it can be difficult to find a place to sit. I've never tried their lunch menu, but it looks delicious. So, I guess I'll have to go there for lunch and add my comments later.

Kootenai also roasts their own coffee in-house. Their espresso roast is mild, which only means that I usually have to order an extra shot in my drinks to achieve the coffee/caramel balance that I enjoy. It's worth noting that their prices for regular coffee (either whole bean or ground) is extremely competitive. My wife and I enjoy their Kootenai Bold blend at home frequently. Their website lists their hours of operation as well as allowing you to review their entire menu online (with prices). Also, if you are so inclined, you may order coffee via their website.

Wi-fi is available here for FREE too. So, if you're looking for a place to grab a great cup of coffee and pull out the laptop, I highly recommend that you visit Kootenai Coffee!

Kootenai Coffee
5417 N. Government Way
CDA
208.765.5158
www.KootenaiCoffee.com

New York Express

October 21, 2008 - 4:22pm

NEW YORK EXPRESS IS NOW CLOSED, see comment below.

My youngest son talked me in to going out for lunch today. So, Ben, my wife, and I took off and decided to try a new (to us) lunch spot. After a little discussion, we decided upon the New York Express. For those of you who aren't familiar with New York Express, it's a small establishment located just south of Kootenai Medical Center on Lincoln Way.

We were pleasantly greeted at the door, seated, and were looking at menus within just a few moments of stepping through the door. New York Express touts itself as having the "world's best Italian sausage." My son ordered a New York Sausage sandwich (sausage, peppers, and onions) while my wife and I, who are die-hard cheesesteak fans, ordered Philly Cheesesteaks. (My wife grew up in New Jersey, just outside of Philadelphia.)

When our food was served, my son's eyes grew huge at the sight of his monstrous sandwich. I think his exact words were, "oooh yeah." The cheesesteaks were equally plentiful. While they aren't as good as a real Philly cheesesteak, they were delicious in their own right. Oh, by the way, their sausage is extremely delicious! In fact, I might order the sausage sandwich next time!

There are other sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes on the menu. They also are now open for dinner and will deliver to your home or business.

Lunch for the three of us, with drinks came to just over $23.00. They also have a punch card for your meals...buy 9, get the 10th for free. We enjoyed our meal and will definitely patronize this pleasant, little establishment again!

New York Express
1801 Lincoln Way
CDA
208.667.6414
Map

The Blue Plate Cafe

October 6, 2008 - 11:32pm

biscuits
Okay, for all of you who may be visiting the beautiful Coeur d'Alene area...here's an insider's scoop for you. If you're looking to "eat with the locals", then head up to The Blue Plate Cafe. Located on the corner of Government Way and Dakota Ave. in Hayden, this little cafe has some of the best home style food available in the area. Breakfast is full of the traditional fare: omelettes, pancakes, waffles, and my personal favorite, biscuits and gravy.

I guess I'm not much of an adventurous eater. I find something I like at a restaurant and then I always seem to order the same thing! When I have breakfast at The Blue Plate Cafe, it's always a full order of biscuits and gravy. *Tip: If you like sausage, order the patty...it's a much larger helping than the links. It's also tastier in my opinion. However, I can say that their pancakes are pretty tasty as well (I sampled them off of my youngest son's plate on my last visit there).

The Blue Plate also bakes all of their own bread on site too. So, if you order a burger at lunch, it will be served on a fresh baked bun.

The prices are extremely competitive and fair. The service is excellent as is the atmosphere.

The Blue Plate Cafe is truly a local haunt. Be prepared to wait a few minutes for a table though, especially in the summer time. The cafe is not large, so you'll have to be patient for a few minutes. It's worth the wait...

The Blue Plate Cafe
10015 N. Government Way
Hayden, ID
208.772.8399
Map

The Iron Horse

October 2, 2008 - 6:35pm

Termed by some as a "cowboy bar," and a "dive" by others, the Iron Horse is actually one of the go-to bars for the young crowd in Coeur d'Alene. It does have it's share of country music in the form of both live bands and music played over the sound system, but it features a variety of other music too, ccovering all styles.

I'm not a fan of Iron Horse. For my tastes it's always far too crowded, far too loud, and has far too many people looking for a fight. Nonetheless, it's one of the most popular bars in downtown, and there's always something going on. Live bands generally perform on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Iron Horse features two bar areas, one in each room. They run periodic drink specials that are worthwhile, but otherwise their prices are fair to high for the area.

The crowd at Iron Horse is almost always young, but very diverse with cowboys, tourists, yuppies, hipsters, hippies, and everything else in between.

The bartenders and wait staff are generally very quick and competent. The exception to this being the smaller bar area in the second room, at which the staff are sometimes slow and rude. They had 2 for 1 tequila shots at the smaller bar one night when I was in there with a friend. The drink special ended at 10:00, and we were there at 9:50. No one else was in line, but the bartender busied himself behind the counter, putting up clean glasses, replacing empty bottles, etc. We tried to get his attention, but he ignored us for a full 12 minutes until 10:02, when he turned around with a big grin and asked what he could do for us. We asked for 2 for 1 tequila, and he took great pleasure in first checking his watch, then then checking the clock on the wall, shaking his head and saying, "Sorry, that special ended at ten." That was a highly frustrating experience, and turned me even further against this bar than I already was.

I must be missing something about this particular bar, because it is almost always packed out.

Tomato Street

September 15, 2008 - 3:23pm

So my husband and I wanted to get the most out of "date night" one Friday. And I knew exactly where to go.

I worked at a Summer day camp, and one day we took the kids on a field trip to Tomato Street. They gave us a tour of their restaurant, and a sample of the food. I have never been so impressed with pizza!

First of all, I'd like to mention, the tour. We got to wind around the back halls of the kitchen and dish-washing area, see the fridge and freezer. But I was most impressed with a pile of wood they have in back. Our lovely tour guides explained that the wood was used to heat the brick oven.

After we finished our tour, we got to sample the pizza, and it was amazing! The crust was cooked perfectly, and the whole pizza just melted in my mouth with the perfect most tasty flavor.

So, my husband and I sat down for "date night." He was planning on getting some of the amazing pasta he'd eaten before. I insisted that at least one of us got some of that great pizza. So he gave in, and we shared a pizza. It was amazing! He loved it, I loved it. And we couldn't finish it, so we got to love it again for lunch on Saturday.

When the check came, I made my husband take care of it, because I didn't want to know the damage. I just wanted to enjoy "date night."

A few days later when I was willing to see the cost, I was pleasantly surprised. For the two of us to have soft drinks, appetizers, and amazing pizza, with left-overs. It was about $30.

So I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a hot date, or even a family outing. We went there on a previous occasion and they were very accommodating for the kids in high-chairs and booster seats. And because the place is so buzzing with noise and excitement, the kids can be loud without being embarrassing.

Tomato Street
221 W Appleway Ave
Coeur D Alene, ID 83814
(208) 667-5000

Java on Sherman

September 7, 2008 - 11:18pm

latte-heave-21

Java on Sherman has been a CDA mainstay for almost 15 years now. They are wildly popular with the local crowd as well as visitors to our lovely town. The atmosphere of their location at Third and Sherman is very relaxing. Tastefully decorated, cozy chairs and tables, great views of the Sherman Avenue pedestrians and vehicles all add to the ambiance that makes Java so popular. Of course, they also make excellent drinks too!

My "judgment drink" is always a 20 oz. triple shot caramel latte. It's the drink that I always order when I'm comparing espresso drinks at various locations; whether it's a drive thru hut or a full blown coffeehouse. Java's caramel latte is a great one. The espresso taste shines through and then I'm hit with a nice smooth, subtle taste of caramel (not too overpowering...just the way it should be).

Java serves breakfast and lunch items as well. I've never tried any of their food. Their baked items all look delicious as well. However, again I have not tried any of them.

There are a couple of things that have disturbed me about Java. I've been kind of irritated on every visit I have made due to the lack of cleanliness behind the espresso bar. I don't care to see empty milk jugs and caps lying all across the floor. In one case, I watched a young barista throw an empty jug up against a wall after pouring the remaining milk into a steam pitcher. Uncouth was the first thing that popped into my head at the moment. I've owned a specialty coffee company in the past and I know what it's like to be super, super busy. However, being busy doesn't justify making a mess.

Joey's Smokin' BBQ

September 2, 2008 - 2:25pm

JOEY'S IS NOW CLOSED, see comment below.

Joey's Smokin' BBQ is like a small town BBQ joint meets international fast food chain. You walk up to front counter, order your food from an over head menu, pay, and go sit down. The food comes fast, especially for BBQ, but that's where the fast food similarities end. The burgers are superbly cooked and very filling. Also, the fries are made from fresh cut potatoes, something you'd think would be more common in the state of Idaho. However, for a place that has BBQ in their name, I wasn't at all impressed with their BBQ sauce. It wasn't unique or tangy, it was just . . . BBQ sauce.

The atmosphere is not my favorite, but still comfortable. The owners have done their best to combine classy and rustic but there's still a sense of the modern, sterile environment that seems to be prevalent throughout the Riverstone area where Joey's resides.

Overall I'd say that Joey's Smokin' BBQ is a good place to grab a quick bite before a movie, but if you want a sit down, savory BBQ meal, go somewhere else.

2360 Old Mill Loop
Coeur d’ Alene, ID 83814
Map

Michael D's Eatery

August 21, 2008 - 11:55pm

I enjoy Michael D's every time I visit. I must confess though...I've only eaten breakfast there so far. I also have to say, I always order the same thing, every time! I get there and think, "okay, this time I'll try one of the omelettes." But, then I see the Barbara D Combo staring at me, calling to me. I always give in. The waitress comes over and I find myself saying, "I'll have the Barbara D Combo with sausage links and my eggs over easy please." Of course, I'm never disappointed with my choice. I always manage to clean my plate with a glint of satisfaction in my eyes.

I must get there during lunch sometime! There are several sandwiches on the menu that look very scrumptious.

Michael D's is a fantastic place to eat. Excellent service and excellent food! Whether you're solo or showing up with a large group, they will accommodate you quickly and take excellent care of you. They open at 6 am (yawn) and close up at 2pm. If you would like to schedule a dinner party at Michael D's, they are available for in house catering.

Michal D's website lists their entire menu and information about dinner parties. It also has Michael's cleverly written resume there, which is a fun read.

203 Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive
CDA
208.676.9049
www.michaeldseatery.com
Map

Valentinos

August 21, 2008 - 8:54pm

If Papa Murphy's and Quiznos ever fell in love and had a kid, it would be Valentinos. Valentinos is an interesting blend of sub shop and take-n-bake pizzeria. While it may sound like a weird combination, it's actually one of the reasons I like this place.
Every time I've eaten here, I get a sub so I've never actually tried their pizza, but if your interested, you have the option of pizza by the slice or you can cook it yourself. If you opt for the take and bake it's considerably cheaper and not a bad deal as far as take and bake goes.

Valentinos has a wide variety of options on the sub sandwich menu and they're all good. They toast the subs by default and all the ingredients are fresh and wonderful. There's only one issue I have with their subs and it's this: every sandwich gets a healthy helping of oil and vinegar which leaves the bread soggy, even after getting toasted. It's not that bad though. I kinda like them that way, but some people can't stand the texture of soggy buns.

Expect to pay 5-10 bucks per person if you go the sub route or about $8-15 for the take-n-bake pizza.

I've taken many friends and family members to this little place and they've never been disappointed. Check them out.

Update: I have now tried several of their pizzas and they're crazy good. I'm a big pizza fan so I've eaten at many different pizza places and Valentino's makes some of the best pizza I've ever had.

219 W Canfield Ave
Coeur D Alene, ID 83815
(208) 772-0220
Map

Drive Thru Hut: Caffe Baci

August 19, 2008 - 12:44pm

Italian Flag

Caffe Baci is a tasty little espresso hut located at 5767 N. Atlas Road. It is owned and operated by Shawn and Nesza Riley. My wife and I frequent this coffee hut for several reasons:

1. It is convenient to our home since it's only about a third of a mile away.
2. Nesza and her daughter make excellent drinks!
3. Wonderful service

Caffe Baci uses Thomas Hammer coffee in all of their drinks. The one thing I truly enjoy about my 20 oz. triple shot caramel lattes here is the fact that I can taste the espresso. There are several places in town where the drinks are overpowered by the flavor. A good latte is one that allows you to taste the coffee first and then gives you the flavoring of choice in a secondary fashion. Nesza always tamps her portafilters properly and times her shots. This, along with well roasted beans, creates excellent shots of espresso which in turn, creates a wonderful beverage!

Excellent drinks and fantastic service awaits you when you pull in the driveway at Caffe Baci. If you're there early in the morning, make sure you get one of their muffins or breakfast bars (the huckleberry ones rule!) too. The baked goods are made locally at a bakery in Rathdrum.

Enjoy! (Now I'm craving a latte...gotta run!) :)

Caffe Baci Espresso
5767 N. Atlas Rd.
CDA
208.691.0138

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Moon Time

August 15, 2008 - 7:22pm

Moon Time

When you first step up to the front door of Moon Time you're not sure if anyone under 21 is allowed inside. It screams bar. When you enter the place, it still looks like a bar. In, fact there is a bar along one side and they sell a wide array of alcoholic beverages. All this said, Moon Time is not just a bar. It's an amazing gem of a restaurant that's well hidden. Just think of the whole bar thing as sort of a mask that keeps out tourists.

It's the food that really matters here and it didn't disappoint. I started out with the onion garlic bread appetizer topped with Gorgonzola cheese. It wasn't anything fancy but it melted in my mouth. That, by itself, was enough of a meal for one person but I couldn't stop there. I continued the culinary adventure with the moon burger. This thing is awesome! The beef patty was probably 3" thick, cooked completely, and very juicy. There wasn't anything special or frilly about the meal, it just rocked. The whole meal was about ten bucks. Well worth it.

Moon Time may be in an old, weathered building, but it has a heart of gold . . .er . . . beef. You're not a real local until you've eaten here.

Check out their Menu

1602 Sherman Ave.
#116 CDA, ID 83814
(208) 667-2331
Map

Tito Macaroni's

August 15, 2008 - 12:34pm

Tito Macaroni's

Tito Macaroni's is a good local spot for Italian food. Located in the Coeur d'Alene Plaza Shops on Sherman Avenue, it features a classic Italian menu. You may choose to dine inside or outside where you can enjoy the happenings along Sherman Avenue. Tito Macaroni's is a very family friendly restaurant. One thing that may interest parents with younger children is that they can choose to make their own pizzas. Donning chef hats, your children are able to toss their dough, and create their own masterpiece pizza which is then cooked in front of them in the brick oven.

Their entire menu is available online. They make deliveries as well as offering to-go orders. Their lunch menu is offered from 11am to 4pm. If you're looking for a place to eat downtown that won't break your budget, Tito Macaroni's is an excellent choice!

Tito Macaroni's
CDA Plaza on Sherman Ave.
CDA
208.66PASTA (They do accept reservations)
www.cdaresort.com/dining_nightlife/tito_macaronis
Map

Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery

August 14, 2008 - 3:58pm

While our children have been away visiting their grandparents in New Jersey over the past few weeks, my wife and I have been trying out some new (to us) eateries here in CDA. Yesterday, we decided to try Bardenay for a late lunch/early dinner. My wife has dined here before, but this was my first time.

Neither my wife or I drink alcoholic beverages, so the distillery and the lengthy adult beverage menu was not of interest to us. However, for those of you who enjoy fine spirits, Bardenay has quite an exhaustive list of beer, wine, and mixed drinks available. They distill their own vodka, gin, and rum on site. The distillery is pretty awesome to look at and I'm told that you can tour their facility to learn how it all works as well.

Anyhow, I ordered their steak sandwich and fries. The sandwich was much larger than I had anticipated. It was very tasty...I ate the whole thing. My wife? Well, again, she ordered a veggie sandwich. This one had a large, marinated and grilled Portobello mushroom along with an assortment of onions, tomatoes and other greenery. She thoroughly enjoyed her sandwich.

We ate outside under an umbrella facing the Riverstone Pond. The setting for this restaurant is perfect. You can see the Spokane River and the Riverstone Complex is very pleasing to the eyes, even though it isn't finished yet. Our server was very polite and took very good care of us.

We didn't order dessert. In fact, I didn't even look at the dessert menu, so I can't comment on it at all. Prices on the menu range from about $6.00 to $23.00 for a dinner entree. For both of us to eat and our two drinks, the tab came to $23.00. Their website features their entire menu along with their bar menu too. Bardenay is definitely on the list of places that I'll eat at again. Very enjoyable.

Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery
1710 W. Riverstone Dr.
CDA
208.765.1540
www.Bardenay.com

Bistro on Spruce

August 13, 2008 - 10:44am

Recently my wife and I enjoyed a delicious lunch at Bistro on Spruce. This was our first visit to this tasty CDA restaurant. The decor and service were excellent. If it had been slightly cooler, we would have sat outside on their large patio area. My wife enjoyed a veggie sandwich (it had some sort of huge grilled mushroom in it) along with what she described as a very yummy salad while I devoured a very, very good hamburger and fries.

We then decided that since this was our first time at Bistro on Spruce, that we would sample one of their desserts. We chose to split an ice cream sandwich. This was an excellent choice! Their version of an ice cream sandwich involves the following: two very large white chocolate macadamia nut cookies with vanilla ice cream stuffed in between. Then half of this concoction is dipped into milk chocolate. It was sliced into pieces and served with a nice white chocolate raspberry sauce on the side. Delectable!

We were definitely pleased with our experience at Bistro on Spruce. Prices are fair (lunch, two regular beverages and dessert was $27). Their lunch menu runs until 4pm. The dinner menu looks very scrumptious as well. So, I guess we'll have to return at dinner time!

Bistro on Spruce
1710 N. 4th St.
Coeur d'Alene, ID
208.664.1774
www.BistroOnSpruce.com
Map

Mik's

August 2, 2008 - 6:43pm

Formerly 9 Below, formerly Mik & Macs, this bar is located just up 4th Street from the main downtown area.

The entrance to Mik's makes it look like nothing more than a hole-in-the-wall, but once you're inside and down the steps into the main area, it really opens up.

My first impression of Mik's was that it didn't look clean. That's a mistaken impression, and I've since revised it. It just doesn't look new.

Mik's is known as a gay bar, but it is welcoming to everyone (21 and up). It is one of only two bars left in Coeur d'Alene that allows smoking inside. Their alcohol selection, while not as large as some, is able to satisfy most tastes.

The drinks at this bar are very reasonably priced compared to the rest in Coeur d'Alene, and the bar staff is competent. They run regular happy hour specials, including 2 for 1 deals. It's hard to beat two Jager shots for $4.50! It's not the fastest service I've ever experienced, but when you're in Mik's you seem like family. It has an easy-going atmosphere that makes it easy to hold conversations and meet new people.

DJs run music nightly, pool tables are available, and there is a large public dance floor. On Tuesday nights you can learn pole dancing from Fancy, an extraordinary dancer who began offering these lessons in May 2011. They offer Karaoke on Wednesday nights.

If you're hitting the bar scene in downtown Coeur d'Alene, Mik's is definitely one you shouldn't miss!

Mik's is located at 406 N. 4th Street.

Keep in mind, Coeur d'Alene police are out in force in the evenings, especially during the summer. Remember to drink in moderation and never drink and drive.


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