The first time I walked the streets of Spokane after dusk, the air was laced with something savory and unmistakable: the scent of meat searing over open flames. I remember pausing near a corner where the wind carried the aroma of garlic butter, charred ribeye, and smoky oak. Spokane may be known for its river, its falls, its blend of urban and wild, but to me, the city began revealing itself on a plate—thick cuts of beef, prepared with a reverence that bordered on ritual.
Steak is different here. It is not just food but part of Spokane’s character: hearty, unpretentious, rooted in both ranching tradition and the city’s appetite for authenticity. I’ve eaten steak in Dallas, in Chicago, in New York, but there is something about Spokane’s way—less performance, more soul. And so I set out on a journey across the city, exploring the steakhouses that locals whisper about, the ones that travelers stumble upon and never forget.
The Charm of Churchill’s Steakhouse
Location and Atmosphere
Churchill’s Steakhouse at 165 S Post St, Spokane, WA 99201 was the first on my list, and it didn’t disappoint. Located right in downtown Spokane, its presence is commanding yet elegant. When I pushed through the heavy wooden doors, the first thing I noticed was the lighting—low, golden, intimate. Dark leather booths hugged the corners, and the quiet clink of crystal glasses filled the air.
My Evening Experience
I was led to a booth near the window, and as I settled into the supple leather, I felt cocooned in warmth. The server handed me a menu that read like poetry to a carnivore: filet mignon, porterhouse, prime rib. I chose the bone-in ribeye, dry-aged for 28 days, and paired it with a glass of Washington Cabernet Sauvignon.
When the steak arrived, the scent alone was enough to silence the table next to me. The crust was seared to perfection, a caramelized armor encasing tender, pink meat. My knife slid through as if it were butter. Each bite was rich, juicy, the kind of flavor that lingers on your tongue and refuses to leave quickly.
Must-Try Dish
- Bone-in Ribeye – 28-day dry-aged, robust flavor, perfectly marbled.
- Pair with truffle mashed potatoes and sautéed mushrooms.
Guest Impressions
Around me, I overheard conversations. A couple celebrating their anniversary said it was the “best steak outside of New York.” A solo traveler at the bar murmured to the bartender, “This is my ritual stop every time I’m in Spokane.”
Booking and Saving Tips
Churchill’s is popular, so reservations are essential. I booked through OpenTable, which I recommend because it also allowed me to earn dining points. I’ve seen people use Resy as well, though OpenTable seems to have more consistent availability here. For the best value, consider going early evening for their lounge specials; some cuts are offered at lower prices before the dinner rush.
Wolf Lodge Inn Steakhouse: A Rustic Pilgrimage
Location and Vibe
A short drive east of Spokane, just off I-90 at 19003 E Avery Rd, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814, lies Wolf Lodge Inn Steakhouse. It’s technically outside Spokane, but locals insist it belongs on any Spokane steak trail.
The exterior looks like a log cabin, rugged and unpretentious, with neon signs glowing against the night. Inside, the wood-paneled walls are covered with antlers, old photographs, and the kind of Americana that feels frozen in time.
My Memory Here
I remember the sizzle as servers carried steaks the size of hubcaps past my table. I ordered the Rancher, a 24-ounce sirloin, cooked over an open flame of applewood. The smell was intoxicating—smoke, char, and the primal aroma of beef cooked outdoors. When it landed in front of me, I laughed out loud at the sheer size. Cutting into it, I realized it wasn’t just about quantity: it was tender, smoky, deeply flavorful, a reminder that steak can be both rustic and refined.
Must-Try Dish
- The Rancher (24-oz sirloin) – smoky, applewood grilled, unforgettable.
Guest Impressions
I chatted with a table of bikers nearby, who told me they drive here every summer just for the steak. Reviews often mention that Wolf Lodge is an “experience” as much as a meal—rustic, hearty, unapologetically bold.
Booking and Saving Tips
This is a place where calling ahead is still the norm. Their phone reservations are reliable, and they don’t always list availability on apps. Cash is king here, and portion sizes are massive, so one steak can easily be shared if you want to save.
Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops
Location and Ambiance
Located inside the DoubleTree Hotel at 322 N Spokane Falls Ct, Spokane, WA 99201, Spencer’s feels upscale yet approachable. The interior mixes wood, steel, and candlelight, creating a contemporary but warm setting. Large windows look out toward the river, and in the evenings, the city lights reflect on the glass.
My Dinner There
I arrived hungry after walking along the Spokane River. The server recommended their New York strip with roasted garlic butter. I added a side of asparagus and a wedge salad. The steak arrived glistening, the butter melting in rivulets down the crust. The first bite was balanced—juicy but not overwhelming, seasoned to let the meat’s natural flavor sing.
What I loved most about Spencer’s was their wine selection. They had an extensive list of Washington reds, and the sommelier suggested a Syrah from Walla Walla Valley that elevated the steak into something transcendent.
Must-Try Dish
- New York Strip with Roasted Garlic Butter – balanced, juicy, flavorful.
Guest Impressions
At the bar, a business traveler told me Spencer’s was her “comfort spot” whenever she was in Spokane. Locals celebrate birthdays here, and many say it’s the most consistent fine-dining steakhouse in the city.
Booking and Saving Tips
I made my reservation through Resy, which worked flawlessly. Prices hover in the \$45–\$65 range for most steaks, but you can catch seasonal specials if you follow their website. If you’re staying at the DoubleTree, look for package deals that include dinner credit.
Clinkerdagger: A Riverside Legend
Location and Setting
At 621 W Mallon Ave, Spokane, WA 99201, in the historic Flour Mill building, Clinkerdagger is practically a Spokane institution. Overlooking the Spokane River, its location is unmatched. The moment I stepped onto the patio, I was greeted by the roar of the river below and the sight of Spokane Falls crashing just beyond the windows.
My Experience Here
Dinner at Clinkerdagger felt almost cinematic. I sat by the window, ordered the prime rib, and watched as the river shifted colors in the fading light. The prime rib was slow-roasted, thickly cut, and served with au jus that tasted like it had been simmering for hours. It was tender enough to fall apart under my fork.
What elevated the experience was the view: the river at dusk, the city lights flickering on, and the hum of diners sharing their evening stories.
Must-Try Dish
- Prime Rib – slow-roasted, melt-in-your-mouth, classic Spokane tradition.
Guest Impressions
Locals call it “the place to bring visitors.” Guests rave about the riverside ambiance as much as the food. Many say they return here year after year for anniversaries.
Booking and Saving Tips
Clinkerdagger is extremely popular, so book at least a week ahead, especially if you want a window seat. I used OpenTable to secure my spot, and I’d suggest aiming for early evening when the sunset over the river adds magic to the meal. Lunch menus are slightly less expensive but still deliver the full experience.
Texas True BBQ and Steakhouse
Location and Feel
Just north of downtown at 1234 N Division St, Spokane, WA 99202 (a location that feels more neighborhood than touristy), Texas True BBQ and Steakhouse is where Spokane meets southern flair. The vibe is casual—wooden tables, paper napkins, walls decorated with vintage rodeo posters.
My Evening Here
I came here on a rainy night, and the warmth of the grill hit me as soon as I entered. I ordered the cowboy ribeye, a 20-ounce cut served with jalapeño cornbread and smoked beans. The steak came sizzling, the fat crisped perfectly around the edges. It wasn’t fine dining—it was bold, flavorful, and unapologetically Texan in style.
The crowd was diverse: families, college students, older couples. The room buzzed with laughter and the clatter of plates.
Must-Try Dish
- Cowboy Ribeye – bold, smoky, with classic southern sides.
Guest Impressions
Reviews call it “down-home cooking with big flavor.” Many love that it combines barbecue staples with true steakhouse cuts. Portions are generous, and service is fast-paced but friendly.
Booking and Saving Tips
This is more casual, so walk-ins are usually fine, but weekends can get crowded. I used the Yelp Reservations feature to hold a spot, which saved me from waiting. The portions are so large that sharing sides easily cuts the cost.
Platforms That Help Me Dine and Travel
Eating across Spokane taught me not only about steak but also about how to plan smarter. For dining, OpenTable and Resy were invaluable for securing tables at spots like Churchill’s and Spencer’s. Yelp Reservations worked well for more casual places.
When I planned the trip itself, I leaned on travel platforms. For flights, Expedia and Priceline helped me compare prices quickly. Booking.com and Hotels.com gave me options for staying near the river so I could walk to dinner. I found that by bundling a hotel and flight on Expedia, I saved enough to splurge guilt-free on a ribeye at Churchill’s.
A Night That Stays With Me
One night, after finishing a slow, indulgent dinner at Clinkerdagger, I walked out onto the bridge by Spokane Falls. My stomach was full, my senses heightened by red wine and roasted meat, and the roar of the river filled the cool night air. The memory of each steakhouse—the rustic smoke of Wolf Lodge, the elegance of Churchill’s, the riverside calm of Clinkerdagger—seemed to linger with me.
In Spokane, steak isn’t just a dish. It’s the city’s way of saying: slow down, savor this moment, feel the weight of the day lift as you cut into something that has been prepared with care and fire.
And in those moments, I didn’t just taste Spokane. I felt it.
