Boots Bakery & Lounge

High ceilings, exposed brick walls and artsy murals make this one of the prettiest spots in downtown. But it’s the creative and artfully executed vegan and vegetarian bistro fare that’s creating such a buzz. Spokane's first bakery/bar, Boots is now a fixture in the downtown food scene. In the vegan community, Alison Collins — former Mizuna bar manager, now Boots owner — holds a celebrity-chef status for her contributions to Mizuna's repertoire, specifically its vegan carrot cake (and yes, the carrot cake is at Boots and in cupcake form). Behind the bar, she slings thoughtful, simple drinks, often created at the spur of the moment, and always with the recipient in mind. (February 2013)