Best Downtown Coeur d'Alene Restaurants – Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Coeur d’Alene has a great food scene, especially in the downtown area. The downtown area is the “It Spot,” where tourists (and locals!) spend the most time when they are visiting CDA. In the downtown area, you’ll find the famous hotel, The Coeur d’ Alene Resort, and the famous lake, Coeur d’Alene Lake. There is so much to do downtown, both indoors and outdoors.
I have a list of favorite restaurants in CDA in this popular post, Top 10 Restaurants in CDA , but if you’re looking for restaurants specifically in the downtown CDA area, I’ve also got you covered. Today’s blog post is all about the best places in downtown Coeur d’Alene, everything that you could want. I’ve covered my basis– best breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, coffee, drinks. All of my downtown CDA favorites are here in one place to make your trip to Coeur d’Alene the most delicious vacation ever and to make your dining out planning a little easier. Enjoy!
Downtown Breakfast
Jimmy’s Down the Street
Jimmy’s Down the Street is hands-down the cutest diner in the downtown Coeur d’Alene area. (It is a bit down Sherman away from the resort. I would recommend driving there unless you’re up for a longer walk!) It became famous after Guy Fieri visited and showcased their food on his food and travel show, “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.” The vibe is adorable with 50’s music playing, (lots of Elvis) and license plates hung up all over the walls. The coffee is hot and comes with constant refills which is a win in my book. We loved “Jimmy’s Chimi,” a biscuits and gravy chimichanga filled with eggs and bacon. Their pecan rolls are also a must-try. We got them battered and fried, served as french toast sticks that we smothered in maple syrup. This place has been around for years and when you dine-in, the chaos of life seems to stop for a minute. It’s a simple, classic, retro diner that anyone will get a kick out of visiting. With that said, it isn’t the healthiest place for breakfast, but it’s very tasty and fun!
1613 Sherman Ave.
Wellness Bar
If you’re wanting a healthier or lighter option for breakfast, visit the Wellness Bar. They make stellar smoothies, fresh juices, and acai bowls. Everything that I have ordered here has been fresh and delicious. My favorite thing is called, “The Bomb,” an acai bowl with granola, strawberries, almond butter, and banana slices on top. It’s a pretty big size, easily shareable with an extra spoon. There are a few Wellness Bar locations, but the one on 4th St. is within walking distance from the downtown CDA area. Go check it out!
312 N. 4th St.
Downtown Lunch
Hudson’s Hamburgers
Hudson’s Hamburgers has been open since 1907 and is very popular often with a line out the door in the prime summer months. Their hamburgers are simple, made the old fashioned way just like they’ve always made them. No lettuce or tomato, just cheese, pickles, and onion. But man, are they good. They have great flavor and are perfectly executed. Don’t forget to add their spicy sauce! This hamburger with a cold soda equals the perfect lunch. And if you are craving something sweet, they also sell pie by the slice. Not homemade, but good nonetheless. Hudson’s closes early every day, around 5:45 PM.
207 Sherman Ave.
Downtown Casual Dinner
#1 Crafted
There is a reason why Crafted has over 1,500 positive reviews on Google. It’s my favorite casual dining restaurant in downtown Coeur d’Alene not only because of the creative and fun food but also because of the atmosphere. Crafted is the perfect place to go and chill with friends. It’s also the most family-friendly place downtown. I love their chicken and waffles dish with the huckleberry sauce and black pepper syrup. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and savory. Don’t miss their signature sweet potato fries with the blue cheese fondue or their house-made pretzel with the 5-cheese and beer dipping sauce. So good. We also love their hamburger! They have sixty-two rotating taps from breweries everywhere including some local favorites.
523 Sherman Ave.
#2 Moon Time
If you want a restaurant with a laid back feel and delicious food for a reasonable price, Moon Time is a great choice. I love a good homemade veggie bean burger and Moon Time always makes a great one. It’s my favorite one in town! They also have a Thai dish called, “Swimming Angel” that is so tasty. It’s the only thing that my dad orders when he goes. If you’re looking for delicious fresh salads, you’re in the right place, my favorite being the kale and brussel sprout salad with stone ground mustard dressing. Moon Time is located in downtown Coeur d’Alene a little walk down Sherman from the CDA Resort so you may need to drive unless you enjoy walking! Whatever you order, I’m sure you will have a delicious meal and a great experience.
1602 E. Sherman Ave.
#3 Collective Kitchen
This place has been hit and miss for me in the past, but the last couple of visits were total hits! I love the fried cheese curds for a starter. Enjoy that with a glass of beer. Their drinks list is huge so good luck picking one! So many great choices. I’ve loved their pork tacos with fresh salsa and avocado in the past. Also, their bacon wrapped figs are delicious. Lots of tasty eats coming out of the Collective Kitchen that you should try when you’re downtown. Don’t miss it!
501 Sherman Ave.
Downtown Fine-Dining
#1 Beverly’s
Beverly’s is my top choice for fine-dining in Coeur d’Alene. It is the nicest restaurant in the area and perfect for celebrating special occasions. The thing that makes it stand out is the location. It is located on the 7th floor of The Coeur d’Alene Resort right on Coeur d’Alene Lake. The gorgeous lake and mountain views enhance the dining experience, ranking it a step above other restaurants. The food is expensive for the area, seafood focused, with a delicious lobster macaroni and cheese and seafood paella, but I’d argue that it’s worth every penny. They also have non-seafood menu items including fillet minion, bison burger, and my all time favorite, the truffle honey fried chicken, pictured below. Make sure to start your meal with an orange roll, such a yummy twist to the regular dinner roll. I recommend the baked brie appetizer with pickled apples and jalapeño honey. They also have one of the most extensive wine collections in the Northwest. Don’t miss their Sunset Dinner from 5-6 PM, with a starter and an entreé for only $20! It’s the best deal in town.
115 S. 2nd St.
#2 Cedars
My favorite thing about Cedars and why I’d recommend it to anyone visiting the Coeur d’Alene area is the location. Cedars is the only floating restaurant in the area, floating on the beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene, right off of the Spokane River. It is Idaho’s first floating restaurant and is buoyed by 600,000 lbs. of concrete encased styrofoam! When you dine you can enjoy the gorgeous views of the mountains and water that surrounds you. It is breathtaking! Cedars is known for their seafood and steaks. The Biergarten Filet Mignon is their signature dish, serving it since 1965. Their 18-foot salad bar is fresh, the perfect compliment to your entree. With great service, delicious food, and a prime location, you can’t go wrong eating at Cedars.
1514 S. Marina Dr.
Downtown Dessert
Dockside
Dockside is known for their “Gooeys,” AKA desserts. Their ice cream sundaes are popular because of their massive size not because they are the best ice cream sundaes you’ve ever tasted. They use mediocre quality ice cream at best and probably just some Hershey’s syrup, but with that said, they are still fun to order because they are ridiculously large, making for a memorable night out. My favorite ice cream sundae at Dockside is the Peanut Butter Cup Sundae. If the giant size is not something you want, they do offer every sundae in a half-size as well. (Tip: They make their white chocolate ice cream from scratch. I like to sub in the white chocolate ice cream for vanilla in my sundae.) If you’re not an ice cream lover, go for the huckleberry cobbler, the Toll House pie, or the creme brûlée. I also love their milkshakes, especially the chocolate malt.
115 S. 2nd St.
Downtown Coffee
Evans Brothers
Evans Brothers is my favorite coffee shop in Coeur d’Alene. They roast their own coffee locally in Sandpoint, Idaho. The staff is so friendly. Evans Brothers started in 2009 by two brothers, Rick and Randy Evans. They strive to create a space where people feel connected to their communities and to the story of the coffee itself. Their organic fair-trade coffee is delicious. Make sure to grab a bag of beans to make at home! I was pleasantly surprised at the professionalism of the baristas. The space is huge with many different seating options. They have tables for people who need a work space as well as couches for people who want to sit and chat with friends. It seems that they strive to make their coffee shop a place for everyone to feel welcome. If you want something to go with your coffee, they also sell delicious sweet and savory hand pies. Bean & Pie, a local pie company, is partnering with Evans Brothers and selling their pie at this coffee shop. I love the huckleberry hand pie! And if you want a more savory pie, try the mac and cheese pie or the breakfast eggs and bacon pie. Yum!
504 E. Sherman Ave.
Downtown Drinks
Whispers– Cocktails
Whispers is a fantastic bar located inside of The Coeur d’Alene Resort. While there is an inside bar area, I prefer the outdoor space with the up close views of Coeur d’Alene Lake and the marina. The fire pits and cozy seating make for the perfect outdoor space. Their menu is impressive with lots of options for anyone’s tastes. They offer the classics with some local flair. I have enjoyed their Cucumber Lemongrass Martini and their Jalapeño Pineapple Maragarita in the past. Drinks and a view, you really can’t go wrong here!
115 S. 2nd St.
Crown and Thistle Pub– Beer
My husband and I lived in London for a year when we were first married. The Crown and Thistle reminds me of our days spent in London. It’s a cute little British pub offering all the British food and drinks that you could want. It makes you feel like you stepped into England for the day, and I love it. They have fish n’ chips, bangers and mash, a full English breakfast, and all the English draft ales on tap that you could want.
107 N. 4th St.
Live For Blu– Wine
LiveForBlu is my #1 favorite wine bar in Coeur d’Alene. When I walked in, I was very impressed with their decor and atmosphere. It was so modern, trendy, and inviting. It’s gorgeous on the inside. The owner, Camron, features his photography and art throughout the space, which are sourced from his travels. There is an ocean/surfing theme sprinkled throughout that makes it the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine. Out of all the wine bars in town, LiveForBlu has the best local PNW wine selection. They have a bordeaux blend from Leonetti Cellar in Walla Walla that is extremely hard to get ahold of, among other noteworthy local wines. But you won’t just find local wines here. They also feature global wines, so there is something for everyone. I’d say they offer the best flights, in either reds or whites. I really enjoyed the Triennes rosé from France as well as the Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. In the red flight, I loved the Elephant Seven Red Blend Syrah from Walla Walla.
505 Sherman Ave.
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoy eating through this list when you visit the beautiful downtown area of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. What’s your favorite place to eat downtown?
