Where to find the best Irish fare in Spokane

You’re going to need some food to go with that Irish whiskey and beer.

And you might not feel like cooking it yourself.

So, before you head into another verse of “Ramblin’ Rover,” consider these dishes.

Some might not be traditional Irish fare – the nachos, for example – but they are, at the very least, inspired by the Emerald Isle and just might help you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Anything from the “Traditional Pub Fare” menu at O’Doherty’s Irish Grille. O’Doherty’s, 525 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., is Spokane’s signature Irish pub. While it offers an array of burgers and sandwiches, its Irish comfort food is really the reason to visit – well, that and a pint or three of Guinness. O’Doherty’s offers everything from Tullamore Dew whiskey steak and Guinness fish and chips to Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash, braised lamb shank and a Butte beef pasty, topped with gravy and billed on the menu as “Montana’s answer to feeding those hungry Irish miners.” Entrees will fill you up without breaking the bank. And, if you’re lucky, you just might see someone stand on the bar and sing for the honor of sticking a dollar on the wall or ceiling. (509) 747-0322. www.odohertyspub.com.

Note: O’Doherty’s Irish Pub and BBQ Cater Co., 11723 E. Sprague Ave. in Spokane Valley, offers a smaller “Taste O’ The Irish” menu with corned beef and cabbage, Guinness fish and chips, Tullamore Dew whiskey steak and the Butte pasty, along with a few more items not on the menu at the downtown location: old-style meat and potatoes, grilled salmon sandwich and garlic salmon fillet. (509) 924-2578. www.odohertysirishpub.com.

Irish nachos at Poole’s Public House. The house chips are covered in corned beef, cheddar and jack cheese, tomatoes, olives, green onions, jalapenos and pico de gallo for $13.99. Sour cream is available for another dollar. Another semi-Irish nosh: the $6.50 hand-battered, deep-fried pickle spears; the batter uses Quilter’s Irish Death, made by Iron Horse Brewery in Ellensburg. Poole’s has two locations and an extensive menu of elevated pub fare. The north location features 18 taps, while the one in the south has a dozen. North: 101 E. Hastings Road, Suite A. (509) 413-1834. South: 5620 S. Regal St., Suite 1. (509) 368-9760. www.poolespublichouse.com.

Traditional Reuben sandwich at Conley’s Place. This longtime local favorite at 12622 E. Sprague Ave. in Spokane Valley mostly serves up home-style American fare. Its Irish dishes are denoted on the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus with green shamrock symbols. The Reuben is included. The popular sandwich’s origins are disputed, but it likely originated in America about 100 years ago. Whenever and wherever it came from, it features corned beef, so it counts. Conely’s version also features sauerkraut and Swiss cheese on grilled rye bread and special house dressing. (509) 924-5411. www.conleysplacerestaurant.com/.

Irish Benedict at Frank’s Diner. This American diner, located in an old railway car, makes an eggs Benedict breakfast dish that includes grilled shaved corned beef on rye with grilled-poached eggs and Dijon Hollandaise sauce in small ($9) and large ($13). Downtown: 1516 W. Second Ave. (509) 747-8798. North: 10929 N. Newport Hwy. (509) 465-2464. franksdiners.com.

Corned beef hash at Downriver Grill. Breakfast is served on Saturday and Sunday at this Audubon neighborhood favorite, at 3315 W. Northwest Blvd., where the corned beef and hash is among the heartier options. Downriver’s version features house-braised corned beef, smash-fried herb potatoes, red peppers, grilled bread and two eggs for $13. Indulge, also, in an $8.50 Irish coffee with Jameson whiskey, coffee and whipped cream, or coffee with Baileys Irish Cream for $6.50. (509) 465-2464. www.downrivergrillspokane.com/.

Baileys Irish Cream chocolate mousse at Anthony’s at Spokane Falls. Besides providing one of the best views of the Spokane Falls, this regional seafood chain in the heart of Spokane at 510 N. Lincoln St. has a rich and decadent chocolate mousse that’s often served as one of the three dessert choices during its Sunset Dinner. The special runs Monday through Friday until 6 p.m. for $23.95. (509) 328-9009. www.anthonys.com.

Guinness float at The Onion Taphouse and Grill. Technically, it’s a beverage, but it’s being counted here as a dessert. The Guinness float isn’t actually on the menu, either. But, said Ken Belisle, president of Landmark Restaurants, which include Frank’s Diner and The Onion, they “make them often.” The float comes in a 22-ounce mug with hand-scooped hard ice cream for $7.75. Belisle recommends it to wash down a corned beef sandwich, which he said, “could be the best in town.” (He has it on menus at both Frank’s Diner and The Onion.) Downtown: 302 W. Riverside Ave. (509) 747-3852. North: 7522 N. Division St. (509) 482-6100. theonion.biz.