Gonzaga University
- Nightlife

Dempsey’s Brass Rail

Opened in 1989, Dempsey’s is Spokane’s only club oriented towards the gay crowd. It’s gained a reputation as one of the better dance places around, as it usually has a big crowd and stays open until 4 a.m. on the weekends. You can hit the dance floor upstairs, or enjoy the pool tables and lounge on the street level.

Star Restaurant & Lounge (The Star)

Gonzaga students have a love/hate relationship with this dark and seedy restaurant. They’re suspicious of the mullet-sporting Spokanites who frequent it, but are drawn to its unabashed sleaziness and karaoke. The Star used to be the only bar in the “Gonzaga Triangle” to serve hard liquor, but that competitive advantage has vanished as both Jack & Dan’s and the Bulldog added liquor in 2004.

The Viking

The Viking is seemingly in the middle of nowhere—a glorified aluminum-siding shed. Still, Gonzaga students are willing to hunt it down because of its fantastic selection of beers (26 on tap), its Free Pint Glass Wednesdays and $5 Pitcher Thursdays. The crowd varies from quiet elderly couples to hair-metal screamers, depending on the night.

Jack & Dan’s Tavern

Jack & Dan’s is nothing short of the pride of Spokane. It was named the sixth best sports bar by Sports Illustrated. Much has to do with the fact that it’s owned and operated by Jack Stockton, father of NBA Hall of Fame point guard John Stockton. It has pool tables, an award-winning lunch menu, and family seating. However, it still feels cozy when half of Gonzaga is packed into it on a weekend or game night.

The Bulldog

The Bulldog is second to Jack & Dan’s in student popularity, and has a more noisy, smoky, dive-bar feel. It is very much geared toward Gonzaga students, offering pool tables and free popcorn. Wednesday night is College Pint Night, with mediocre specials on various pints of beer.

Fast Eddie’s

Fast Eddie’s is perhaps the most popular downtown bar, drawing a big crowd of locals, seemingly around the clock. It advertises “Lousy Food, High Prices, Warm Beer!” and offers a strange mix of big-bar glitz with trashy-bar vibe. It’s a must-visit for every Gonzaga student on birthdays—you can “Spin the Wheel” for a chance to win up to $100 in drinks.

Lindaman’s Restaurant

Lindaman’s has it all: bistro-style restaurant, coffeeshop, and bar. With spacious indoor and patio seating, it’s the perfect place to bring a laptop and spend time studying off campus.

Rockwood Bakery

The Rockwood Bakery is definitely the finest coffeeshop in town to pass an afternoon. It has a spacious yet homey interior, replete with couches and comfy chairs. It’s also only a block from Manito Park, so if the weather is good, you can get your coffee or lunch to go.

The Big Easy

As previously listed, 18 and over can get into College Night with a valid student ID. This is the only club option available for the under-21 crowd, though.

Liberty Café

The Liberty Café is open until 9 p.m. nightly, nestled as it is inside Auntie’s Bookstore—unquestionably the coolest (and biggest) bookstore downtown.