Bloglander

Up in North Spokane, where strip malls and the blinking neon lights of chain restaurants are plentiful, finding a locally owned spot to enjoy happy hour can be tough. Of course, neighborhood hangouts are always a good bet, like the diner-turned-pub Lost Boys' Garage Bar & Grill, which debuted on the Northside last summer.

Located on North Wall, less than a block from the busy Francis arterial, the former auto shop and then a burger joint has been transformed into an auto-shop themed bar and grill, with burgers still offered, amongst many other tasty options — sandwiches, salads, wraps and more.

Though the recent spate of warm weather had restaurants and bars across town dusting off their patio furniture, by midway through happy hour (at least this time of the year) Lost Boys' spacious, fenced patio was already engulfed in the building's shadow. A cool breeze that would otherwise feel delightful if sitting in direct sun was a tad too chilly, so back inside the high-window dining room we went. On a warmer day, however, Lost Boys' patio is a must.

Inside, the family-friendly dining room was filled with parents and kids, adult couples and girlfriends grabbing a drink together after work. It's Wednesday, which means Ladies' Night specials that add a little extra incentive to make it to Lost Boys' before happy hour ends at 6 pm. During the week, happy hour runs from 3-6 pm, and again all day Sunday from 11:30 am-10 pm. 

For Ladies' Night, these extra food and drink specials entice us to turn a few drinks into drinks plus dinner, and my guest and I split the steak bites ($6.95) and a "twisted Caprese sandwich" — essentially a Caprese salad + grilled cheese ($8.95). With tomatoes, mozzarella, basil pesto and a balsamic glaze, it's the kind of savory indulgence that makes you feel a little bit healthier than wolfing down a bunch of melted cheese on buttery, toasted bread. Also, get the fries with your sandwich. With Lost Boys' in-house "special seasoning" dusted onto the thin-cut, perfectly crisped straws of potato, these are some of the best pub fries I've had anywhere in a long time. 

Also on special just for Ladies' Night food are the coconut prawns ($7.95). On top of regular happy hour specials — $3 wells, $1 off all beer and wine and $1 cheeseburger sliders — the Ladies' Night special offers $3 off glasses of wine. 

Next time you're up on the North Side of town, remember Lost Boys'.

For information on more Happy Hours in the region, use your phone and go to Inlander.com to download the Inlander's Drinkspotter app, or go right here.