Getting The Most of Your Summer with Outdoor Dining: Part Four - THE ELK PUBLIC HOUSE

I have a culinary sin that I must relinquish from my shoulders. Even more so, a guilt that plagues me as someone proudly raised and cultured in Spokane.

I am disgraced to say, as a self-proclaimed foodie, that my mouth had never been spoiled the hearty, delicious, more-than-just-pub-food meals offered at The Elk Public House in Browne’s Addition.

With the approval from the Food Network’s Guy Fieri, the Elk has shined under its label as one of Spokane’s best bets for cheap eats and a good microbrew. But for me, my maiden voyage to The Elk Public House was about more than just the fantastic food. It was all about the feel.  The Elk is not just your regular hip or cool bar spot. The "ambiance” is not just friendly. It sucks you in. You are instantly welcomed and are immediately part of the family and the neighborhood.


MONDAY LUNCH

As a first-timer, I didn’t know any better than to show up at The Elk during the peak lunch hour and ask to be seated on the patio. The appeal of patio is simple, it is framed by blooming flowers, balanced by large vibrant umbrellas, and accented with the laughter of happy diners. The wait to be seated outside went quick enough, though I have never felt more exclusive than asking to be put on a "list” to be seated….outside.

Starting out with what seemed ordinary enough, I ordered the quesadilla (yes, even despite hearing endless raves about the Garlic and Onion Bread). This flour tortilla stuffed with Cotija and queso fresco cheeses, paired with roasted Poblano peppers, diced onions, and cilantro takes what I’ve experienced an easy late-night microwave gooey mess, into a delightful journey of spicy and creamy. And the smoked jalapeno sour cream for dipping? It was worthy of bathing in.

The salads are plentiful (and by that I mean way more than you can eat), and encompass fresh ingredients and unexpected combinations. I, personally, ordered the raspberry vinaigrette salad, and the toasted almonds combined with the gorgonzola cheese was refreshing, a "good morning” for my taste buds.


The sandwiches are more than just bread and meat and were more than even my caffeine-driven hunger could handle. The Sante Fe Chicken reincorporates the delicious roasted Pablano peppers with pan seared chicken, honey cream cheese, and more. Though, The Elk staple and MUST-HAVE is by far the Grilled Lamb Sandwich, with marinated thinly sliced lamb grilled with red onions, and served with Tsatsiki and mayo on a crunchy fresh French roll. Not to mention that each sandwich is served your choice of Tim's potato chips, potato salad, or their unique house recipe of roasted corn pasta salad.

The specialties are unique from the Swimming Angel (a traditional Thai dish of steamed spinach and char-grilled spinach with a spicy peanut sauce) to the Marinated Pork Soft Tacos (the mango and pineapple chutney has got to be the BEST in the NW!). And they are all affordable too!

All this fantastic food, enjoyed in the paradox that is Browne’s Addition: serene and bustling, modern and rustic, relaxed and chaotic. Drink a beer, eat until satisfied, and settle into that sweet summer sun.


by: Devin Devine


The  Elk Public House
1931 West Pacific, Spokane
(509) 363-1973
www.WeDontHaveOne.com