A Taste of Coeur d’Alene
Coeur d'Alene's culinary scene is as fresh and varied as its natural beauty. And the best part? You don't have to break the bank to enjoy delicious food and stunning lake views.
Forget the misconception that Coeur d'Alene's dining options are limited to typical "resort town" fare. This charming city boasts a thriving foodie scene, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries that cater to every taste and budget. Don’t get me wrong, the resort food is still great! This is simply about shining a light on some other, maybe lesser known fare.
Join us on a gastronomic adventure through Coeur d'Alene, highlighting some of the best dining experiences that this beautiful region has to offer. From waterfront restaurants with breathtaking views to cozy cafes with charming atmospheres, you're sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds.
Lakeside Delights: Arrive in Style, Dine with a View
You’re cruising across the sparkling waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene, the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. You got an early start in the morning and hit the water by 9:00. You’ve spent the last few hours enjoying the company of family and friends, motoring up and down the lake. Just then, you come around a bend and spot it: a charming waterfront restaurant with a bustling patio and the enticing aroma of delicious food wafting through the air. But instead of circling the parking lot, searching for a spot, you simply glide up to the dock, tie off your boat, and step ashore, ready to indulge in a memorable dining experience.
This is the magic of a boat-to-table adventure in Coeur d’Alene. With several fantastic restaurants located right on the water, you can ditch the car and arrive in style, enjoying the scenic beauty of the lake and the convenience of dockside access.
Here are just some of our favorite lakeside dining destinations:
Shooters Bar & Grill: This waterfront restaurant is a local favorite, known for its classic American offerings, lively atmosphere, and breathtaking views of Rockford Bay. Whether you’re craving a casual lunch, a quick cocktail, or a romantic dinner, Shooters offers a delightful breadth of taste sensations. And with its convenient dock access, you can make a grand entrance by boat and enjoy a truly unique adventure.
One Shot Charlies: Originally called the International Order of Odd Fellows (or I.O.O.F.), One Shot Charlies is a Harrison staple. This bar and restaurant boasts live music in the summertime, and good food and drink all the time. They offer wings & things, baskets and greens, pizzas and “classic hando sando’s.” If your journey takes you to the south end of the lake, a stop at One Shot Charlies is an absolute must. There’s no better way to enjoy the charm of a small lake town like Harrison. Park at the dock and take a short stroll up the road. Happy hour is waiting for you, with beautiful looks at the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Le Peep: This popular breakfast and brunch spot offers a variety of delicious and affordable options, from classic egg dishes to sweet and savory crepes. With its convenient location near the Coeur d’Alene Resort, it’s a great place to fuel up before a day of exploring the lake. And if you’re arriving by boat, you can easily dock nearby and enjoy a leisurely stroll to this popular eatery.
Terraza Waterfront Grill: This stylish café offers a relaxed atmosphere with stunning views of the lake. Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, or simply sip a cocktail and soak up the scenery. Step on shore and relax on the terrace, taking in the views of the Spokane River.
Boat-to-Table
Better yet, why not combine them into a full-day experience? Rent a boat from Coeur d’Alene Boat Rentals and embark on your culinary journey around the lake! Start your day with breakfast at Le Peep, then cruise over to Shooters for a scrumptious lunch with great views. Hit up One Shot Charlies for a quick drink and a stroll around Harrison. Head north back up the lake towards the river, and cap it off with a romantic dinner at Terraza as the sun dips low over the mountains. With a full day boat reservation lasting from 9:00am to 6:00pm, the whole lake can be yours!
Coeur d’Alene’s Culinary Gems: Delights in Town
While the lakeside restaurants offer fabulous views and a unique dining experience, Coeur d’Alene proper is also a hotspot of delectable discoveries, boasting a diverse array of restaurants, pubs, cafes, and bars that cater to every taste and budget. Just take a look at a handful of our favorites:
The Breakfast Nook: Start your day with a tasty and affordable breakfast at The Breakfast Nook. This family-friendly diner offers classic breakfast dishes like bacon & eggs, pancakes, omelets, and biscuits & gravy. It’s a popular spot for locals, and known for its generous portions and friendly service. Take this glowing recommendation from one of our own staff, “I've been going here for 20 years, the owners still know my son by name (He was 5 when we first came in) their Chicken Fried Steak is the best in town.” Sounds pretty tough to beat!
Fire Artisan Pizza: Craving pizza, but want something more than the typical run-of-the-mill offerings? Fire is where it’s at, offering tons of variety with their fresh toppings, and one-of-a-kind style. They say their secret to their mouth watering wood-fired pizza is their hand made brick oven. Fueled by locally sourced wood, it has been burning bright and hot since they opened their doors and hasn’t gone out since. Head on over to Fire to grab a glass of wine and get a handmade pie at the classiest pizzeria you’ve ever seen.
Shiki: This stylish sushi restaurant offers a modern take on Japanese cuisine, with high-quality ingredients and creative presentations. From classic sushi and sashimi to regionally-inspired rolls, Shiki is a must-visit for fans of Japanese food.
The Daft Badger: Just a block over from The Breakfast Nook, this pub features a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With a straight forward menu of classic pub grub and a fantastic selection of craft beers, The Daft Badger has indoor and outdoor seating and often features live entertainment. Coeur d’Alene’s first brewpub is an excellent spot to unwind with friends and have a great meal with a great beer (or two).
And this is just a taste of the kinds of gems you can discover in CdA. With a diverse and vibrant scene, Coeur d’Alene has something to tempt and delight any kind of palate.
Wash Up, Dinner’s Ready!
As you can see, Coeur d’Alene’s food landscape is diverse and vibrant. From waterfront restaurants with breathtaking views to cozy cafes with charming atmosphere, there’s an option to suit every occasion. A romantic dinner for two? A family-friendly brunch? A night on the town and drinks with friends? Don’t miss out on the opportunities our slice of the Inland Northwest can provide.
Are you ready to embark on your voyage through the tastes of the lake city? No matter the need and no matter the budget, Coeur d’Alene is sure to surprise and delight you. Start planning it all today. And don’t forget the boat!
