Go to the Viking for the beer. They have one of the best selections in town with 32 taps running, plus tons of bottled stuff. The fact that they have food is nice, but not necessarily a draw. The menu is heavy on burgers and sandwiches (which are good, but not fantastic), but the salads are good by bar food standards, and you can gorge yourself senseless on the free popcorn. Plus, on Tuesdays, more than half the beers are $2.50 a pint.

This place was run into the ground. It’s former glory: the town’s best hang, the only place to get decent beers in miles and miles. Recently sadly neglected (though loved by long-time employees), visits over the last few years have been bittersweet, like meeting your high school darling now after two divorces and four kids. No longer is it Spokane’s only all-city tav.

A recent lunch brings evidence of resurrection. The menu is smaller and more expensive, but concentrates on the good from the past, including their unparalleled Reuben with horseradish. They seemed to have the beers they have. It has been vaccumed, and the bathrooms have been cleaned.

The service is wonderful, the food perfect bar food, the tap selection well done. Popcorn for everybody! TVs still a throwback, but you can still play shuffleboard.

The outside needs attention, I’d get rid of or replace some of the tattered flags and sell some of the bar memorabilia from John’s days…collectors items, I am sure, now, just to update the place a tiny bit—remove the clutter somewhat. It could be a long road for the owner, but the journey should be worth it, it can still be the best stop after arena events, and the lunch place of choice in the Gonzaga area.

Have faith, folks, beneath the shabby exterior lies the soul of the Viking, still alive.

You cannot beat having your choice of any beer imaginable, free popcorn, live music and shuffleboard. I heart the Viking.

PS – the pepperjack melt rocks my world.