While downtown Spokane and Coeur d’Alene might hog our region’s fine dining accolades, you might not want to overlook little ol’ Liberty Lake.

There, you’ll find Hay J’s Bistro, a classy but ultimately casual restaurant that for more than six years has been operating just a stone’s throw off of I-90, serving up an eclectic slate of bistro fare, including pastas and risottos, as well as steaks, seafood offerings and more. During the lunch hours, the menu leans toward lighter items like gourmet sandwiches and wraps, in addition to a scaled-down entrée list with salmon, risotto and pastas.

The interior is simple and clean with artsy touches here and there, especially in Hay J’s bar area, which has an expansive collection of wine and a creative selection of martinis. It’s there that you’ll find happy hour specials that rotate throughout the week.