Check Out Griffin Tavern: Downtown Spokane’s Fresh Take on the Classic Pub

If you’ve been walking around downtown Spokane’s Arts and Entertainment District lately, you might have noticed a buzz coming from 1st Avenue. Griffin Tavern Kitchen + Taphouse has stepped into the local scene, bringing a fun mix of classic pub comfort, great food, and a modern twist to downtown.

Whether you’re catching a show nearby at the Fox Theater or the Bing Crosby Theater, looking for a new happy hour spot, or just craving a solid burger and a cold pint, here is why this place needs to be on your radar.

Pour Your Own Pint: Eastern Washington’s First Self-Pour Beer Wall

The biggest headline at Griffin Tavern is its 20-tap self-serve beer wall.

If you’ve ever wanted to sample four different local microbrews, ciders, or wines without having to commit to a full pint (or wait for a busy bartender), this is your spot. You get to control your pour—pour an ounce to test it out, or fill up a whole glass of your new favorite local draft. It makes exploring regional breweries super easy and interactive.

The Food: Classic Comfort with a Twist

Don’t let the taphouse label fool you into thinking the food is an afterthought. The kitchen serves up British pub staples alongside familiar American comfort food classics:

Pub Favorites: Hand-breaded fish and chips, crispy fried pretzel bites, and juicy tavern burgers.
Shared Bites & Daily Specials: Great options to split with a group before heading to a downtown event, plus weekly features like Taco & Trivia Tuesdays.

The Vibe: Hidden Doors and Classic Arcade Fun

Located right in the historic Montvale Hotel building, the space hits the right balance between historic charm and a relaxed, casual hang.

Beyond the main dining area and bar, there’s a classic arcade section to hang out in, plus a hidden private dining room behind a secret door—complete with a custom black walnut table for groups booking a special night out.

Plan Your Visit

Location: 1001 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA 99201 (Across from the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox)
Hours: Opens late afternoon daily through midnight on weekends
Reservations & Details: Head over to thegriffintavern.com to check out their full menu, look at party bookings, or reserve a table.