For all-American breakfast “comfort food” served in an old railroad car, don’t miss Knight’s Diner (2909 N. Market, 509/484-0015, Tues.–Sat. 6:30 a.m.–2 p.m., Sun. 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m., closed Mon.) a Spokane landmark for over 40 years. Sit at the long mahogany counter to watch the chef working a mountain of hash browns and catch the banter slung by the speedy waitresses. You’ll find a cross-section of Spokane folks at this immensely popular, noisy, and hectic morning eatery any day of the week.

Café Marron (144 S. Cannon St., 509/456-8660, 8–3 9 8–3, www.cafemarronbrownes.com) is an excellent local breakfast place. Good lunches, too.

The Milk Bottle Restaurant (802 W. Garland, 509/325-1772, Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., closed Sun.) has been around since 1932 and is locally famous for burgers, shakes, and homemade ice cream. The building’s shape is easy to guess.

Domini Sandwiches (703 W. Sprague, 509/747-2324, Mon.–Fri. 6:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., closed Sun.) has been in business for 90 years. This family-run place has a great chaotic atmosphere and huge sandwiches with thick slices of meat.

Also well worth a visit for pastas, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and espresso is Lindaman’s Gourmet-to-Go

(1235 S. Grand Blvd., 509/838-3000 Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., closed Sun). The Onion (302 W. Riverside, 509/747-3852, open at 11 a.m. daily) is a Spokane institution with fast and friendly service, a convivial atmosphere, and justly famous gourmet burgers, barbecue ribs, fajitas, and salads. Huckleberry milk shakes are another favorite, and beer drinkers will find plenty of offerings and a weekday happy hour. The location is within one of Spokane’s classic old buildings, originally the St. Regis Hotel; many of its original furnishings are still present. Take heed of the name—this place has killer onion rings.

If you just want a great inexpensive burger without the frills, head to Dick’s Hamburgers (10 E. 3rd Ave., 509/747-2481, Mon.–Thurs. 9 a.m.–midnight, Fri.–Sat. 9 a.m.–1 a.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–midnight).

Similarly, Longhorn Barbecue (7611 W. Sunset Hwy., 509/838-8372, Sun.–Thurs. 6 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 6 a.m.–8 p.m.) in the valley is the place for beefy ribs, steaks, and good milk shakes, minus the pretension.