3 Happy Hour tacos
$10
Since opening Cochinito Taqueria in early 2018, chef Travis Dickinson has shown he knows his way around Latin flavors. If you're looking for dirt-cheap street tacos, this probably isn't your spot, but if quality counts and you love some unexpected flavors, hit Cochinito at happy hour (3-5:30 pm daily, Tuesdays 3 pm-close) and get into some of the $1-off tacos. For less than $10, I mix two of the 20 Hr. Carne Asada tacos (chili-rubbed tri-tip slow braised and served with corn, onions, peppers, chile garlic oil and asadero cheese, and just $3.50 during happy hour) with one pescado taco (rockfish marinated in honey and chili, then beer battered and fried, $3 during happy hour). And if meat isn't your thing, the rice-and-bean version of Karina's Bowl, abetted by guacamole, cotija cheese, crema and chips, makes for a sweet deal at $8, no happy hour required. Cochinito Taqueria, 10 N. Post, conchinitotaqueria.com
Yo Adrienne
$9
If you haven't made time for lunch at Nectar's downtown location, it's time to get it together and discover a sophisticated and delicious alternative to fast food on your lunch hour. The former wine tasting room and home base to Nectar's catering and event businesses (hence the name) has a winning menu of diverse flavors, with each dish available as a salad, sandwich or wrap. While it's hard to resist the Havana Deluxe, their version of a Cuban, or the Indian City, which boasts roasted chicken breast with tandoori curry, my favorite is the Yo Adrienne, a classic Italian grinder packed with soppressata (Italian dry salami), pepperoni, Italian sausage, provolone pepperoncini, tomatoes and lettuce, along with Italian dressing. You might want a breath mint after this spicy sandwich, but you'll leave satisfied. Nectar Catering and Events, 120 N. Stevens, nectarcateringandevents.com
Pork Belly Cuban
$9
A Cuban sandwich is pretty much designed to please me more than virtually any other sandwich. I love ham, I love pickles and I love yellow mustard. Ruins' version of the Cuban has all these things — plus pork belly as the featured attraction of this lunchtime specialty. You can't go wrong with any of the sandwiches on Ruins' menu, and I dabble in the banh mi and roast beef on occasion, as well as the shrimp po' boy and cold fried chicken sandwich. All of them come in under $10 and with a bag of chips. Ruins, 825 N. Monroe, facebook.com/ruins.spokane
Aloha Roll
$10
I know what you're thinking: No way does one sushi roll make for an entire meal. At QQ Sushi, they totally do, and a delicious meal at that. Most of the diminutive dining spot's rolls are a buck or two over $10, but the Aloha Roll is sure to satisfy with its blend of salmon, tuna, avocado and tempura asparagus, all topped with tobiko and sweet eel sauce. So good. And you can't go wrong with their wonton soup, either — a bowl for $6.50 will definitely fill you up. QQ Sushi & Kitchen, 1902 W. Francis, qqsushikitchen.com
Nachos
$10
Don't ignore the appetizer menu at your favorite bar when you're looking for a sweet deal on food. The Backyard is a great case in point. The nachos are tri-color tortilla chips slathered in housemade queso, along with a day's worth of veggies via tomatoes, onions, bell peppers and tasty salsa. If your tastes lean north of the border, the poutine is another good option at $9.50. Backyard Public House, 1811 W. Broadway, backyardspokane.com ♦
