Tamarack takes root
Downtown Spokane’s newest taproom, Tamarack Public House, is taking a different approach with its beer offerings.
Twenty of the 24 taps at the main bar downstairs are devoted to craft beers. But instead of the typical random assortment of ales, Tamarack features four beers each from five regional breweries.
Icicle, Iron Goat, Ninkasi, No-Li and Twelve String were first up, with River City scheduled to arrive later this week. The lineup will rotate regularly.
“We really wanted to represent the breweries,” says co-owner Teresa Gonder. “They put a lot of effort into many different beers. Some people like IPAs, some people like stouts – they might not try a brewery if only one of their taps is on.”
In addition, she says, “It’s just a really clean look.”
Pints are only $3.50 (a $2 discount) during Happy Time from 4 to 6 p.m. The remaining four taps are reserved for PBR, D’s Wicked Cider and a couple of kombucha offerings from Bare Culture in Coeur d'Alene.
Assorted rotating craft beers also fill the eight taps in the upstairs loft, open on Fridays and Saturdays as well as for special events and private bookings.
A regional brewer or distiller is highlighted for First Friday each month. In February, it was Iron Goat; this Friday, the No-Li crew will stop by with their new pale ale, Poser.
There also will be special menu items incorporating No-Li beers, including honey-IPA roasted almonds with Born & Raised, both a duck glaze and a dessert featuring Mosh Pit tart cherry ale and a bread made with Poser.
Tamarack opened in mid-January in the immaculately restored Settlemier Building, originally an 1890s grocery store, on West Sprague across from the Knitting Factory.
Teresa’s husband and business partner Leo, a contractor, handled most of the painstaking renovation work of the brick-walled space, including the fir ceiling and trim, walnut floor and art glass throughout. Others provided the hand-troweled artisan plasters and metal artwork. A plush couch and chairs are nestled next to a gas fireplace in one cozy nook.
Along with an array of appetizers, soups and salads, the menu features focaccia pizza, a few sandwiches (burger, brat, steak, lamb sliders) and entrees ranging from steak, salmon, duck and pork to roasted portabellas and a tofu stir-fry.
Tamarack is adding lunch service starting this week. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to close.