This Massive Restaurant In Washington Has A Century-Old History And An Unforgettable Menu

If you've spent any time in downtown Spokane, you've certainly noticed The Steam Plant. This massive structure is now a restaurant and brew pub with an adjacent hotel, but for almost 70 years, it served as a functional steam plant supplying heat for the city. When you visit, you'll notice there's certainly no shortage of places to sit. And just wait until you see the menu.

The Steam Plant is located at 159 South Lincoln, where it has been since 1916.

But after 70 years as a functional steam plant, it was obvious that it was no longer economically feasible to supply steam heat throughout downtown Spokane. Washington Water Power ordered it to close, and the last boiler was shut down in December of 1986.

The space lay dormant for a decade before a plan was formed to transform it.

The transformation wasn't easy, but the results speak for themselves.

Wander through the restaurant and the brew pub and you'll still see plenty of evidence of the building's old steam plant days ...

... especially if you opt for a private dining room like this one.

This was once an actual boiler within the Steam Plant, and it still has the original pipes lining the walls and ceiling.

Speaking of seating, there's no shortage of places to dine here. This restaurant is enormous.

You can even reserve the rooftop for special occasions like milestone birthdays and wedding receptions in the summertime.

The food here might be classic American fare, but it's anything but ordinary.

The Handhelds menu includes a tasty Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich and the Smokestack Burger (Tillamook aged cheddar, applewood smoked bacon, crispy onions, spicy blue cheese mayo, ketchup, butter lettuce, and pickles).

You can also enjoy a rotating selection of hearty entrees like chicken, pork loin, and seafood.

Definitely save room for dessert. The Chocolate-Ancho Pepper Truffle Brownie is served with Mexican mocha ice cream, and it's amazing.

The Steam Plant is open Tuesday - Saturday from 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. (and midnight on the weekends).

Enjoy a decadent dinner in this enormous eatery as soon as possible.

This unique restaurant is actually one of the only historically renovated steam plants in the country. Learn more about its history here.