Spokane, WA

Date night. Late night. My husband and I are in dire need of both after one too many games of Princess Monopoly and trips to Applebee’s. So with no plan but a lot of motivation, we embark on the Abbott and Costello-like bit of “So where do you want to go?” “I don’t know, where do you want to go?” and so on, until we somehow arrive at Steam Plant Grill, the amazing, industrial-hip Spokane landmark, that serves up fabulous food and spirits as well. And it’s the beginning of a great night…a late, date night.

We soon find our way to a table overlooking the fabulous bar below—fully stocked with cozy booths as well as many pub tables. An overly enthusiastic, but charming waiter takes our order and our drinks are on the way—a pint of Scottish Ale for the Scottish girl, and for my husband, a Captain Morgan’s-and-7, a favorite summertime drink of ours, ordered with dreams of sunny beaches and balmy breezes as there’s another blizzard brewing outside, and it’s March 29th!

Speaking of brewing—the Coeur d’Alene Brewing Company brews its award-winning line of microbrews on site. Then there’s the incredible renovation of the interior of the old Steam Plant to take in—an incredible feat which has won the truly innovative renovators, Ron and Julie Wells, many awards. In between bites of scallops and shrimp, and swigs of ale, it’s hard not to ooh and ahh in perpetual awe, as you gaze at the pipes running up to the 80 foot ceilings and boiler doors, gauges, and steam plant paraphernalia greeting you at every glance.

So we’ve finished dinner and decide to stroll around the unique and ultra-cool banquet rooms, and step inside the Smokestack Viewing Area which could be one of the most romantic little niches of Spokane, granted there aren’t too many viewers waiting in line! Then on up the stairs to peek at the chic offices of employers that make you think, “Why can’t I work in an office like that?”

And it’s time to move on. Like the pairing of an aged cheese with the perfect glass of wine, we’re faced with finding a suitable cap to an already brilliant night. And the winner is…Prago, the Argentine Café at the corner of Riverside and Browne. A sweet lil’ hot spot, pulsing with energy and good vibrations—partial courtesy of D.J. J.A.H who’s in the house and rockin’ the roughly 900 square feet. The décor is simple, yet cozy, with exposed brick and pressed-tin ceiling from 19th century days, juxtaposed with modern lighting fixtures, copper trim, and artwork, all of the human form and very tasteful. We’re lovin’ every bit of the atmosphere and ready to hang out ‘til closing time. So we snag the only table left, next to the D.J. and his magical spinning fingers, and order two Chambord Kamikazes. Looking out the bar-front, entirely of glass, it feels like J.A.H. should be spinning Jingle Bells as the snow comes down in buckets. But it’s pure beautiful.

We talk—very loudly. We people watch—very entertaining. And we have a great time, making a pact to do this at least every other week. But soon we’re wrapping up our night with—hands down—one of the best lattes we’ve ever had, in a very large yellow cup, contrasted nicely on a turquoise saucer, and looking at the clock, see that it’s a mere 11:30 p.m. Ok, so we’re a little out of practice. Next time, we’ll get the late part in there. But it was a great date night, nonetheless.