If you ever have the chance to eat at a restaurant that was profiled on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, why not give it a try, right? This past weekend, we took advantage of an opportunity.

My parents were gracious enough to not just host Sloan and Beau for a “sleepover” but my sister’s two youngest children, Mikayla and Johnny, as well. With the kids safe and sound under the watchful eyes of their grandparents, we went out on a double date with Miranda and her husband, Jay.

We found ourselves at Elk Public House, a pub-style establishment in Spokane’s beautiful and historic Browne’s Addition. The restaurant and its famous Reuben sandwich took center stage during a Diner’s, Drive-Ins and Dives segment in 2010. Although I think it could pass as either a diner or a dive, I am thinking that it is probably the latter—albeit a very cultured one.

Sidney and I at the Elk Public House in Browne’s Addition.

Let me tell you, this place has charm…and plenty of social distancing. We were able to sit outside away from others on an absolutely gorgeous Spokane evening. Sidney and I had lively and intimate conversation with my sister and brother-in-law in a unique and safe atmosphere. It was perfect.

My sister, Miranda, and my brother-in-law, Jay,

And it was also delicious.

Sidney and Miranda on Saturday night.

Let me show you a few of the things we ordered. My sister ordered something called the Swimming Angel—a chicken breast served over rice and topped with spicy peanut sauce and complemented with sweet and sour cucumber salad. A huge fan of Thai food, I almost chose that dish as well. However, I was after something else on this particular night…

My sister ordered the Swimming Angel at the Elk Public House.

I ordered the wet burrito. Yes, I know it doesn’t exactly look like a burrito but that is because it tastes even better. This thing was stuffed with pulled chicken, rice, beans, and cheese. When I ordered it, our server noted that the restaurant used its famous dirty rice in the burrito and thus had peas and carrots in it. She admitted that this was off putting to some customers. “Did you still want it?” she asked. I want it even more, I replied.

This burrito at the Elk Public House was AH-Mazing.

Sidney opted for the Jagerschnitzel, a breaded pork loin dish. The cutlets were pan-fried and topped with a gravy and served with the freshest golden potatoes you could ever imagine.

Sidney ordered the Jagerschnitzel

My apologies for not shoving my phone in my brother-in-law’s meal but he got the Cajun cavatppai, a creamy fettuccini dish with sausage, onions, mushrooms, peppers, and lots of garlic. If you are following along closely, you are probably looking at our entrees thinking….Thai. Mexican. German. Italian. If you are looking for a place with many culinary influences, the Elk Public House is calling your name.

Despite our dinner choice being a complete gem, we could have went to McDonalds and still had a great time with Miranda and Jay. Sidney and I are thankful for strong relationships with my siblings and their significant others. To be able to do so much with them since moving here has been a blessing. Don’t Blink.