There is a certain magic in Spokane on a weekend morning. The air is crisp, carrying a subtle hint of roasted coffee beans mixed with the soft perfume of nearby bakeries. Wandering through the streets, I felt a sense of anticipation—the kind that builds when you know you are about to indulge in one of life’s small pleasures: brunch. For anyone visiting Spokane, this city offers a wealth of breakfast-and-lunch experiences that feel deeply local yet delightfully indulgent.
I’ve spent several weekends exploring Spokane’s most beloved brunch spots, sampling everything from hearty breakfast skillets to delicate pastries paired with hand-crafted lattes. There is a rhythm here: the clinking of coffee cups, the soft murmur of conversation, and the occasional burst of laughter from a sunny patio table. Each restaurant tells a story, and as I wandered from one to another, I realized that brunch in Spokane is more than a meal—it’s a ritual, a slow, sensory dive into the city’s charm.
1. The Yards Bruncheon – 1122 W Summit Pkwy, Spokane, WA 99201
The first time I stepped into The Yards Bruncheon, I was immediately captivated by the open, airy space. Sunlight poured through floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating exposed brick walls and polished wood floors. The atmosphere balanced casual comfort with a touch of elegance; it felt like a place where you could linger for hours without feeling rushed.
I settled near the window, watching the gentle bustle of Kendall Yards outside, while the aroma of freshly baked croissants wafted through the air. Their menu reads like a love letter to comfort food: buttermilk pancakes topped with house-made berry compote, smoked salmon benedicts with creamy hollandaise, and avocado toast adorned with microgreens and a perfectly poached egg. My personal favorite became the truffle-infused breakfast hash, a decadent mixture of roasted potatoes, caramelized onions, and tender brisket, topped with a sunny-side-up egg that oozed golden richness over every bite.
Booking a table at The Yards Bruncheon is straightforward. They use OpenTable, which makes reserving a spot simple, especially for weekends. I noticed that early morning slots often provide a calmer, quieter experience, while brunch around 11 a.m. is bustling but full of energy. Many guests mention that arriving just before the peak hour can lead to faster service and occasionally a complimentary coffee refill—a small but noticeable perk.
For travelers planning around Spokane, combining brunch with local exploration is easy. Walking through Kendall Yards’ parks or popping into boutique shops after a satisfying meal makes the morning feel unhurried and indulgent.
2. Clinkerdagger – 421 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
Clinkerdagger has an almost cinematic quality. Located in a historic building with views of the Spokane Falls, the restaurant combines rustic elegance with a certain urban flair. I arrived just as morning sunlight danced across the falls, casting sparkling reflections into the dining room. There’s a palpable energy here, a mix of locals who have made it a weekend tradition and visitors drawn to its prime location.
I chose a table by the window, fascinated by the interplay of rushing water and calm dining ambiance. Their menu is a masterclass in classic American brunch with a twist. The smoked bacon and cheddar quiche stood out with its flaky crust and rich, savory filling, while the cinnamon-studded French toast, paired with warm maple syrup and candied pecans, felt like a comforting hug. I also couldn’t resist their signature Clinkerdagger Benedict, featuring local ham, poached eggs, and hollandaise with just a hint of smoked paprika.
Reservations can be made via Yelp Reservations, which often allows access to exclusive time slots. Weekday mornings occasionally provide discounted pricing on select dishes, a detail I discovered after chatting with the hostess. Pairing brunch with a morning stroll along Riverfront Park makes the experience feel complete, as the gentle roar of the falls serves as both a soundtrack and a visual treat.
The restaurant encourages small indulgences: a cappuccino with artful foam, a mimosa with fresh orange juice, or a side of roasted fingerling potatoes. Guests often remark that the attention to presentation elevates the meal, turning even casual items like scrambled eggs into a feast for both eyes and taste buds.
3. Madeleine’s Café – 411 E Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99202
If there’s a place in Spokane that feels quintessentially European, it’s Madeleine’s Café. The moment I walked in, the scent of freshly baked baguettes and croissants enveloped me, evoking memories of early mornings in Parisian streets. The interior balances charm and sophistication, with rustic wooden tables, softly lit chandeliers, and an open kitchen where chefs skillfully prepare each dish.
Madeleine’s menu is a blend of French classics and local favorites. Their croque madame, a decadent sandwich with ham, Gruyère cheese, and a perfectly fried egg, is an absolute must. The berry tarts, delicate and flaky, paired with a café au lait, created a sensory experience that lingered long after the last bite. On one particularly sunny morning, I sat on the patio, savoring lemon ricotta pancakes topped with macerated strawberries, while watching the city slowly wake up around me.
For reservations, Resy provides seamless booking, especially for weekend mornings when the café fills quickly. I discovered that arriving just after opening can also give access to prime seating on the patio, coupled with attentive service before the crowd peaks. Frequent diners mentioned that signing up for Madeleine’s newsletter occasionally offers special promotions, from discounted pastries to complimentary espresso shots.
Madeleine’s Café combines the joy of a leisurely brunch with a subtle sophistication that makes each bite feel intentional. The staff often share recommendations based on the season’s best ingredients, enhancing the experience by connecting diners to the city’s culinary rhythm.
4. Sante Restaurant & Charcuterie – 123 S Stevens St, Spokane, WA 99201
Sante Restaurant & Charcuterie delivers a farm-to-table approach that instantly resonated with me. From the moment I entered, I was enveloped in the earthy aroma of fresh herbs and baking bread, a signal that everything here is crafted with care. The décor is minimalist yet warm, featuring reclaimed wood accents, hand-blown glass fixtures, and a natural color palette that complements the culinary offerings.
Their brunch menu celebrates fresh, local ingredients. I remember trying the wild mushroom frittata, filled with creamy cheese and tender herbs, alongside roasted asparagus and house-made hollandaise. The charcuterie platter, often reserved for lunch, works beautifully for brunch when shared, offering an assortment of cheeses, meats, and preserves that pair perfectly with a morning mimosa or freshly squeezed juice. I discovered that the French toast with bourbon maple syrup was a crowd favorite, with many patrons returning week after week just for this indulgence.
Reservations are recommended, and using OpenTable often ensures the best seating. Weekday visits occasionally feature “chef’s choice” small plates at a reduced rate, a tip I learned from chatting with regulars. Sante’s attention to detail extends to drink pairings, with craft coffee and specialty teas thoughtfully curated to complement each dish.
5. The Wandering Table – 907 W 2nd Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
Finally, The Wandering Table offers a playful yet sophisticated approach to brunch. Located in a charming downtown neighborhood, it feels like a local secret—one of those places you stumble upon and immediately wish to keep quiet, though its reputation quickly grows by word of mouth. The interior is a blend of vintage charm and contemporary touches, featuring an open kitchen, cozy seating nooks, and eclectic artwork that adds personality to every corner.
Their brunch offerings are creative and comforting. I savored the smoked salmon avocado toast, complete with capers, radish slices, and microgreens on perfectly toasted sourdough. The sweet potato pancakes, drizzled with a lightly spiced maple syrup, were a revelation, providing both warmth and a subtle hint of earthiness. For anyone craving a savory option, the duck confit hash, with caramelized onions and a poached egg, is an absolute showstopper.
Booking is flexible through Yelp Reservations or directly via their website, with early reservations often yielding window seats or patio options. Some guests mention that subscribing to their mailing list occasionally results in special offers, such as a free pastry with brunch or discounts during quieter hours.
The Wandering Table’s charm lies in its ability to balance creativity with comfort, offering dishes that surprise without overwhelming. I found myself returning multiple times, each visit uncovering a new favorite item and creating a sense of familiarity with the staff and the space.
Making the Most of Your Spokane Brunch Experience
Beyond choosing the right restaurant, I discovered a few strategies that enhanced my weekend brunch experiences.
- Book in advance: Platforms like OpenTable, Yelp Reservations, and Resy make securing a table simple, especially on weekends. Early reservations often provide the best seating options.
- Timing matters: Arriving just before or after peak hours often results in a calmer dining experience, faster service, and sometimes complimentary perks like coffee refills or pastry samples.
- Explore nearby attractions: Many brunch spots are near parks, rivers, or shopping areas, allowing a leisurely stroll before or after your meal. For example, a brunch near Spokane Falls pairs beautifully with a walk along the river.
- Sign up for newsletters: Many restaurants offer special promotions for subscribers, from complimentary beverages to discounts on specific dishes.
- Combine with travel bookings: For visitors, using Tripadvisor, Expedia, or Booking.com for lodging, and Kayak or Skyscanner for flights, can simplify planning and occasionally provide package discounts that include meal credits.
Personal Reflections on Spokane Brunch
There’s something profoundly comforting about a city that celebrates brunch with such dedication and creativity. Each morning I spent in Spokane brought new flavors, aromas, and interactions that deepened my connection to the city. The energy of a bustling café, the tranquility of a sunlit patio, the delicate textures of a perfectly executed dish—these are experiences that linger long after the last bite.
I remember savoring my truffle hash at The Yards Bruncheon while watching children and dogs play in the nearby park, feeling a simple joy that travel often brings. At Clinkerdagger, I watched the sunlight glinting on Spokane Falls while enjoying eggs Benedict, the pairing of nature and culinary excellence leaving me in awe. Madeleine’s Café offered a small taste of Europe without leaving the city, while Sante celebrated local agriculture and craftsmanship, grounding me in the rhythms of Spokane life. The Wandering Table, with its inventive menu and cozy environment, reminded me that brunch can be both a daily pleasure and a small adventure.
The rhythm of Spokane’s brunch scene is easy to fall into. Each visit offers new dishes to try, new corners of the city to explore, and new moments to savor. Whether it’s a quiet weekday morning, a bustling weekend with friends, or a solo adventure exploring flavors, the city’s culinary offerings invite you to slow down, enjoy each bite, and connect with the essence of Spokane itself.
Platforms like OpenTable, Resy, and Yelp Reservations ensure a smooth booking process, while Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Expedia, and Kayak make coordinating flights, accommodations, and additional activities straightforward. This integration allows travelers to focus on what truly matters: enjoying the food, the ambiance, and the subtle pleasures of a well-spent morning.
Spokane’s brunch culture is more than a meal. It’s an invitation to linger, to explore flavors, and to experience a city through its kitchens, cafes, and patios. Every visit feels like a personal journey, one plate at a time, one café at a time, crafting memories that stretch beyond the final sip of coffee or the last bite of French toast.
