Closing and re-opening under new ownership within less than a year. We have seen the Viking go through many changes, but this new remodel has left people awestruck. New food and an extensive selection of microbrews from around the pacific northwest. Everything is new, and we are pretty happy to give out our review as we had had a close relationship with the Viking for many years.
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I guess I should give some of my history with the Viking cause it has been extensive. The Viking was the first bar I went to when I moved to Spokane. It was small, it was quaint and made me feel at home. The Viking was also the place I had my first Kiss with the love of my life. It has also been the location of some great musical memories, like Outcold, All age Rage and much more. Lots of local bands got their start at the Viking as well as had their last show while moving on to bigger and better things.
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A lot of stuff has changed for the Viking and not just ownership. The old Viking had a very quaint small bar feel with a fire pit in the middle of the place which gave it a Viking hall fit for a Viking king. The beer list went from great to regular bar selections. The food was far better than most bar food you could get, and even before the big reopening, the staff was home away from home, always seeing a friendly face any day of the week. So you could surmise that it was a huge, heartbreaking loss to everyone when they were forced to close.
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When the announcement that someone bought out the Viking. Fear was my first reaction as I thought "Oh no they are going to defile my favorite bar," But when I learned that the general manager of the old Viking and a seasoned pub owner in Spokane teamed up to bring the Viking alive again. The anticipation for the grand opening was huge everyone waited patiently wanting to know what they had in store for us. I am not a very patient person, so it was killing me to know, plus there weren't any good bars to go to hang out.
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The Viking had a soft opening and then a big grand opening both of which I was present. I fell in love with how the place looked. It opened up the fireplace replaced with islands. The island being a divider to the bar, a stopping point for adults and children as they now cater to families and not just the party crowd. Which now I can freely bring my family to enjoy my favorite historical bar that I love. I have been particularly happy that they have interchanging selections of fantastic Micro brews which change weekly. Microbrews are my favorite past time especially tasting them. I was glad they brought back a good selection because that was one thing that made me fall in love with the Viking in the first place.
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The food took a turn for the better going from good bar food to gourmet bar food. With Nacho platters almost bigger than the table, piled high with yummy goodness. Swiss patty melts that are to die for and the sweet caroline burger with a side of tots. They have taken it up a notch catering to everyone's needs with new menu items every week. They also offer an excellent breakfast buffet that allows you to make your mimosas and bloody mary's to your liking, and of course, can't forget the hashbrowns and eggs on hot plates ready for you to fill your tummies with the most important meal of the day. The Specials for lunch and dinner have so far knocked it out of the ballpark with their beer pairings, including brats cooked in new beer releases or The fish, chips, and Chowder, Ale battered Mahi-Mahi fish and chips paired with a nordic chowder that sends all of you senses into explosions of tasty happiness. These are just one of the many great dishes the Viking has to offer. They are heading down the ally of a great gastropub. Make sure you take to Facebook and hit the like button on their page as they are consistently showing their new menu items every day.
-CD