Frank’s Diner is a fixture in Spokane, Washington. Car No. 1787 had been the presidential car on the Northern Pacific Railroad until 1931. Shortly thereafter, it was turned into a diner. As you can see, the rail car has a wrap-around building that houses the offices, storage, washrooms, and a wheelchair-accessible entrance and table… and likely more.
Jim and I had lunch at Frank’s one day last week. We’re always on the lookout for unique, non-chain restaurants that support their local food economy. Frank’s is definitely unique to view and experience, as you can see from this shot taken from just inside the main doors. The cooking area and counter seating take up about half of the diner. At the other end are the booths (two-person on one side of the aisle, four-person on the other), then the wheelchair entrance.
It also fits in with our love of fresh, local food. From the Frank’s Diner website:
We purchase mostly local sustainable products and prepare field to fork as much as possible. We cook nearly everything from scratch and fresh daily.”
We sat at the counter right across from the grill, and watching the two chefs work around each other was fascinating! tThe counter waitress also slid through that narrow space at times, so you’d definitely have to be able to handle people in your space. For that matter, it’s a prerequisite for eating at Frank’s, too. There’s simply not enough space to give anyone extra elbow room.
We each ordered a burger: a nice bun, perfect bacon inside along with a tasty patty and trimmings. Jim ordered fries. I stole a few, and they were considerably better than average. (I’m often not even tempted to sneak any!) I had the fruit cup as my side dish. This time of year (March), it was the typical fruit cup with melons, pineapple, and strawberries. Not especially local, but then, nothing is right now. All in all, it was a delicious lunch and priced decently.
So… why did we drive to Spokane? Why choose Frank’s Diner for lunch? My next series, the Urban Farm Fresh Romance, takes place not far from Frank’s in a neighborhood I’m fictionalizing. I’ve already fleshed out a couple of scenes that take place at Frank’s, and now I can fill them in with greater detail.
If you’re a fan of contemporary romance from a Christian worldview — and a lover of really good, local food! — join my email list to find out when the first novel releases in the summer of 2016.
Secrets of Sunbeams: One animal control officer with her own escapee goat. One solar architect whose report has been eaten. Can romance and urban farming blossom on the same city block?
What a awesome place! Enjoyed visiting Frank’s Diner with you.
Enjoyed reading about your visit there.
Almost funny – picture is of a familiar place so I had to double check where this post is coming from!
We went when we visited my sister’s family a couple years ago but the wait was going to be too long for 4 small, hungry children. Maybe next time!
It looks like a cool place to eat..
Used to live in Spokane and I’ve been there often. Great food.
It looks like a lovely diner :).
Lots of atmosphere and good food!