Chowderhead - Spokane (WA)

5 /5 Linda Jimenez: The food here was really good. I had the cheesesteak with fries and a bowl of steelhead clam chowder. The chowder was delicious, the sandwich was great, and even though the fries were a little salty, they were still fresh. Unfortunately, the service didn’t match the quality of the food. The place was empty when I walked in, but the guy who helped me seemed really dry and uninterested, like I was bothering him just by asking for an iced tea. Later on, another couple came in and he greeted them warmly, chatted about the menu, and seemed way more engaged definitely not the same experience I got. I was never checked on or asked if I wanted a refill or a to-go box, and I got my bill while I was still eating. When I went to pay, it was kind of an issue, and he even rang up my ticket wrong so it came out higher at the register. I’m visiting from out of state and chose this place because the food looked good and it was! But the poor service really ruined the overall experience. I hope it wasn’t because I’m Latina, and more just a bad start to his shift. Either way, great food, but I wouldn’t come back. My check was $40, despite the poor service I still left a tip.

5 /5 The_Spokane_Burger_Guy: I have enjoyed this place since it opened. Every meal from Italian beef sandwiches to burgers to hot dog sandwiches have been made with intense flavors that can only be executed by an extremely passion driven chef and staff. The ambiance of the lobby where you can see fresh vibrant local art, local cut and displayed flowers as well as feel the history of the restaurant in every tile deep into your soul. The menu not vast but very intentionally made where it’s actually hard to not order what ever special they are running that week.

3 /5 theedronus: Atmosphere: Small Dive Bar Vibes But with Explicit rap music from the era when rap was dope. Service: waitress stopped and asked if we needed anything, but not too many times, and the dude that took our order knew when to approach our table as we were ready when he arrived. This equates to employees knowing their role and crushing it at this restaurant. There was also some dude downing beers at the bar that I assumed was the owner or manager. He helped clear tables with the waitress on shift and had asked why the customers left their food behind and left so much. This equates to a manager or owner who is actively trying to figure out issues before they become apparent, top notch on quality control. My advice would be to pro actively engage with the staff prior to opening and reiterate the importance of engaging with customers for their feedback. Especiallly when trying new menu items, or are new customers. I had the turkey with pesto on ciabatta* bread and the pesto didnt taste like it was made in house, I assumed from the lack of oil in the pesto. But I could be wrong. The fries were warm on their way to cold, and I can understand from the lack of space theres probably no heater for them to sit under. The price of the sandwiches are a little steep, but with the atmosphere and the excellent service, it is worthy of a stop.

3 /5 J.J.: Definitely cozy. Very dive bar feeling. So I know this place is insanely popular. Service friendly and attentive. But dont hate me for this in my opinion only for all the hype the chowder fell short. The bacon reminded me of the precooked kind not fresh bacon it would have gave it flavor. And little to watery. The bread toasted on both sides perfection. Ive had alot of chowder at alot of different places so it was ok. Was fresh ingredients like the potatoes. But my husband loved his dish and the sandwiches served around me made me regret not trying one they looked so good.

5 /5 Tracy Blair: 9.29.25: We live over an hour away but had to come to this part of town to run an errand and I wanted to check this place out since it was nearby. When we walked in you immediately got that cool divey feel and I loved their old school music choice. I didnt catch our servers name but she was super sweet and friendly. I ordered the grilled cheese sandwich with a cup of tomato basil and my friend got the meatball sub. My grilled cheese was so cheesy and the bread was perfectly toasted. The tomato basil soup was hot, creamy, and had a good season besides the tomatoes themselves. My friend said he enjoyed his meatball sub and that it had a great flavor and that the bread was awesome. He just wished it was a tad bit hotter, temperature-wise. Overall, it was an enjoyable first visit and well be back again. My friend really wants to try the Chop Cheese next time. Its worth noting they have daily specials and a happy hour from 3-6pm daily with Thursdays being all day.