The 9th Street Bistro at Huckleberry’s: a neighborhood institution that prides itself on quality, choice and being really delicious

Huckleberry’s Natural Market opened on Spokane’s South Hill almost three decades ago. Since then, the neighborhood grocery store has become synonymous with its emphasis on natural, healthy and regionally sourced items that cater to a wide range of diets and appetites.

That same philosophy extends to its 9th Street Bistro, where you’ll find scratch-made meals, tons of vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus a menu that prioritizes customer choice. Breakfast for dinner? An omelet prepared with your selection of fixings? A traditional club sandwich with a vegan twist? Yes to all the above.

Bistro Manager Luis Hernandez says that the burger options are just one example. There’s the Carnivore, a fresh-ground bison burger topped with Black Forest ham and peppered bacon, served on a ciabatta bun with Dijon aioli. Its vegan mirror image is the Herbivore, which brings a Beyond patty together with Field Roast slices and tempeh strips.

Of course, you’re always welcome to build your own burger from a huge selection of ingredients such as a gluten-free bun, a chicken breast, avocado, caramelized onions and honey habanero sauce.

Or maybe you’re more in the mood for a made-to-order sandwich? You can opt for that, too, and draw on an equally large selection of à la carte options like roast beef, turkey, hummus, various cheeses and seasonal organic produce.

“Another thing we’re pretty proud of is our hot bar area,” says Hernandez. “All of that is scratch-made — we prepare it all here in-house.”

On Saturdays and Sundays, the bistro’s omelet bar consistently draws a crowd of regular diners and newcomers. Just pick your favorite proteins and veggies and the chef will prepare it on the spot. Better still, the omelet includes a coffee, a side and fresh fruit.

The equally popular pasta bar on Fridays and Saturdays works much the same way. And, just like any bistro meal, you can pair it with a refreshingly healthy beverage from the juice bar or a glass of one of the many regional beers or wines.

Tastes To Delight Any Appetite

• All-day breakfast (French toast, Bistro scramble, pancakes, sausage burritos and more)

•Juice bar with smoothies and protein shakes

• Classic wraps (salmon Caesar, BBQ chicken, Thai chicken and more)

• Five daily soups, all made from scratch

“With this great team and all these great ingredients and choices, there’s a lot of different options that we have available. That might be why we have so many regulars who just appreciate what we’ve been doing.”