Forming as a band in San Francisco back in the early 1970s, Journey, is now coming to Spokane for their Last Frontier Tour. Spending decades as one of America’s favorite rock bands on stages all over the world, Spokanites and local area rockers can see the band for the final time on Wednesday, April 15th at the Spokane Numerica Veterans Arena. On Wednesday evening, the Arena will fill with concertgoers in leather and lipstick as they gather to see the band in all their glory for a final bow. The band will play for the final time at the Numerica Spokane Veterans Arena for the last time as part of their goodbye tour.
The band will perform their biggest hits, including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which Forbes named the “Biggest Song of All Time.” Catching them live one last time is the kind of moment that defines a bucket list. According to KREM 2, Journey founder Neal Schon shared his thoughts on the tour. He shares, “This tour is our heartfelt thank you to the fans who’ve been with us every step of the way, through every song, every era, every high and low.”
“We’re pulling out all the stops with a brand-new production – the hits, the deep cuts, the energy, the spectacle. It marks a full-circle celebration of the music that’s brought us all together,” he said. A limited number of tickets are still available for Wednesday night’s show. Click here to view remaining seats and spend your weekday night with the Journey legends!
Concert Night Tradition
There are certain concerts that feel like a beloved ritual – songs are filled with lyrics that have outlived the moments they were written for, and somehow, have grown larger in the process. When a band like Journey arrives on a farewell tour, the performance itself is only part of the story. The rest unfolds slowly across the city in the hours leading up to it. Everyone has their own concert night tradition, it seems, but if you’re looking for somewhere new to get a bite to eat, Spokane is brimming with options.
Local restaurants and businesses are excited with the buzz that the band is bringing as well. Kasa Tap House on North Howard, directly across from the venue, shared their excitement: “Big concerts like this always bring great energy to the area, and we love being part of that experience, and at Kasa Tap House, we’re looking forward to meeting both locals and visitors, giving them a fun experience.”
By late afternoon, downtown Spokane begins to shift almost imperceptibly at first, but everyone can tell something is going on. Tables begin to fill and places you can typically walk into are packed to the brim. There is a collective awareness at play, the sense that this is not just another weeknight because of all of the people dressed in their best and meandering along the sidewalks near the arena. That is when the slow procession of people begins – and the frazzled drivers trying to find a place to park that isn’t miles away. Especially when there are multiple events going on at the same time, it can feel impossible to get a good spot.
Restaurants Near Spokane Arena
The truth is, legendary concerts like this rarely just begin when the lights go down. They begin over a fantastic dinner & drinks, in the deliberate choice to arrive before the rush and let the anticipation build. The secret les in the decision to arrive early (because nearby parking is plentiful), choose your meal with intention, to let the evening build course by course – this is the quiet strategy behind a better experience. What binds all of these places together is not just proximity, but the promise of a smoother evening and a shorter walk to the venue.
Below is our list of top restaurants compiled by our Editor and resident foodie-in-chief, Erin Peterson, for you to snag a reservation before everyone else does:
The Papillon Building – East of the Arena
Kasa Tap House
The crew at Kasa leans into elevated bar fare done right, and the view of Riverfront Park is a great bonus. The menu is global fusion with a Spokane twist, featuring rotating taps, shareable plates, and adventurous flavors. It’s less about a single standout dish and more about the overall experience: easy, social, and satisfying. The menu has loaded flatbreads, crispy wings, and rotating seasonal small plates designed to pair with craft beer. They really have something for everyone.
Outsider
At Outsider, chef-driven dishes are thoughtfully composed and seasonal, with a balance of richness and restraint. Prices are modest for the high-quality of the fare. I’m a big fan of the ribeye tartare, the absurdly delicious pizzas with 3 day fermented dough and a wood fired oven, and their burger is worthy of a song of its own. Each plate is a conversation-starter and great to share with friends.
Lorén
If a gorgeous ambiance, creative craft cocktails and sophisticated bistro cuisine calls to you, this is THE spot to take a date or your friends to grab a bite and a sip before a concert. Lorén is in the basement of the Papillon building and definitely worth the journey to find. Historic brick and stonewalls and lighting in deep, vivid hues make everyone look and feel like a rockstar. The menu is chef-driven and exceptional every time.
The Flour Mill & South of the Arena
Clinkerdagger
Clink’s delivers exactly what you hope for from a long-standing steakhouse: char-grilled sirloin with Yukon gold mashed potatoes, shrimp scampi finished in beurre blanc, or a crab-stuffed salmon that leans indulgent and classic. It also boasts some of the best views of the falls in the city.
Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Cuisine
This beloved local spot offers something entirely different and great to share with a group to try all of the dishes that you can. The injera is soft, tangy, and spongy anchors the experience, soaking up deeply spiced stews and vibrant vegetable dishes. It’s hands-on, layered, and deeply flavorful, with warmth in every bite from the chef herself.
Victory Burger
This spot in the Wonder Building is unapologetically about the burger, and it’s exceptional. Smash-style burgers with crispy edges, melted cheese, and soft buns, paired with hand-cut fries and soft-serve for dessert. It’s nostalgic in the best way. Simple, crave-able, and done exceptionally well with fast counter-style service and tons of seating for your whole crew.
David’s Pizza
The focus here is on classic, crowd-pleasing flavors, and it’s a Spokane favorite. David’s Pizza sticks to what works: thick slices with plenty of extra cheese, classic toppings, hearty sandwiches, and a menu built for groups. Their fan-favorites are Stromboli that’s always made-to order, a New York style cheese pizza (with over a pound of cheese), and the meatball sub on a toasted hoagie.
Anthony’s
At Anthony’s at Spokane Falls, the menu shifts toward the region’s signature – fresh Northwest seafood – and pairs it with seasonal produce in dishes that showcases them beautifully. The view of the falls is stunningly beautiful, and it’s a great place if you’re looking to impress. Expect options like wild salmon, Dungeness crab, and simply prepared fish that let the ingredients speak.
Monroe Street & East of the Arena
Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill and Irish Pub
This historic spot (it used to be the old Milford’s) brings comfort food into focus. Rich, hearty plates reign supreme with crispy fish and chips, shepherd’s pie layered with flavor, and always paired with a solid pint. It’s filling enough so you won’t be reaching or (or paying for) snacks at the venue.
Seng’s Asian Barbecue
For an interactive experience that lets you be the chef, you can experience Korean barbecue with all of the banchan you can eat. It’s the city’s first all-you-can-eat, cook-it-yourself Asian barbecue and hot pot experience, where the meal becomes part of the fun. They blend Laotian, Korean, Japanese, Thai, and Filipino flavors for a meal as unforgettable as your concert.
Chowderhead
At Chowderhead, I’ve never had a bad meal. It’s a small space that doesn’t take reservations, but if you’re patient or hit it at just the right time. you’re absolutely going to have a phenomenal experience. Known for inventive comfort food, rich chowders, and creative twists, it offers some of the best sandwiches in town and rich, comforting chowder for those chilly nights. The menu rotates often, and it’s all delicious.
If you’re still here reading, you’re in luck. I’m going to give you my secret VIP parking spot – it’s in the Canopy Credit Union parking lot on Mallon. It is a spendy option, but if you’re in a pinch and don’t want to miss the show, it often has spots available due to the price point. No matter what you’re watching, I hope you enjoy the show and your pre-event meal. As always, feel free to tell the restaurant staff we sent you to put a giant smile on their faces.