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Top 10 Best Mac and Cheese in Spokane, WA

Looking for the best mac and cheese spots in Spokane? Don’t worry, I got you covered! I went all over the Spokane area – from downtown, to the valley, to the north side, tasting my way through some of the best places around to try to find that one spectacularly good mac. 

I guess I’m what you’d call a cheese enthusiast, lover, fighter for all cheeses. When I was told to go on the hunt for the best mac and cheese in Spokane, I could barely stay in my seat. I was so delighted! Cheese is my love language, and I want to show everyone that love.

So first and foremost, what makes a GOOD mac and cheese? I think that depends on the person. Some people prefer the white, savory, rich cream sauce, mixed with the rich buttery flavors of breadcrumbs, while others prefer the gooey, cheesy, golden mess with a side of Texas Toast. 

But to me, what truly makes a good mac and cheese dish is the time, effort, and care that goes into the process of making each dish so perfect. 

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Part of determining which places had the best mac and cheese also went into the vibe and feel of the restaurants. I began my research by looking online at different social media to see what the public was saying about mac and cheese. 

Spokane is known for its foodies and food lovers from all around, and I knew they would have plenty of opinions and input on this topic. After spending some time reading all the buzz, I wrote my own list of places to go check out, and then began eating my way through town.

My goal with this search was to find some local, hidden gem spots that showed me the most unique and tasty mac and cheese options available. Honestly, I’m blown away with what I found. 

From ooey gooey goodness, to sweet and savory, to one-of-a-kind, here’s my top 10 best mac and cheese dishes (listed in ascending order) in Spokane.

The Best Places for Mac and Cheese in Spokane

10) Cascadia Public House 

Mac & Cheese $14

Curry Mac $13

6314 N Ash St, Spokane, WA 99208

When I went to check out Cascadia, I had no idea they had TWO kinds of mac and cheese to try. The first is their regular mac with a mixture of Fontina, Parmesan, and Gouda cheeses, and topped with herb breadcrumbs. It had an incredible flavor that just overpowers your tastebuds. You can easily taste the garlic and pepper right off the bat. It’s a very savory cheese sauce that is rich and thick. The breadcrumbs just make the whole thing come together perfectly. 

The second kind of mac is called the Curry Mac. I have never had anything quite like this before: its coconut herb sauce was a sweet and tangy flavor with a rich combination of breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices. This was more of a yellow sauce, and less “cheesy” but makes up for it with the creamy coconut sauce. If you’re a big curry fan, you’ll love this!

Both dishes came with warm baguette slices and were well worth it.

9) O’Donnell’s Irish Pub 

Irish Whiskey Mac $16.99

719 N Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99201

best mac and cheese in spokane
Photo by the author

I have a secret love for Irish foods, and I hate feeling like I have to wait until March to jump into all the cool, trendy foods to fit the St. Paddy’s Day theme. However, at O’Connell’s you’re free to enjoy all their unique and wonderful dishes any day of the week!

This Irish dish is a far drift from traditional mac and cheese, made with an Irish whiskey cream sauce, white Cheddar cheese, corned beef, and roasted red onion.  It was a rollercoaster of flavor! The rich flavor of bourbon in the sauce mixes so well with the corned beef brisket and white cheddar cheese. The red onion gives a touch of sweet in each bite, making you want to dive in for more. This was a really fun twist on your regular everyday mac and cheese. 

8) The Onion

Epicurean Mac $16.50

302 W Riverside Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

best mac and cheese in spokane

If you’re obsessed with a gooey cheesy mess of a dish here is another one for you on our list. The Onion’s Epicurean Mac is for you. Epicurean means luxury or indulgence – this dish is definitely both! It is mac and cheese fit for a king.

The overload of sauce made from Gouda and Cheddar cheeses with savory bread crumbs is the perfect combination. To top it all off, it’s also served with warm slices of garlic toast. The perfect late-night dinner or snack!

7) The Bearded Ginger

BBQ Mac $13.95 

8125 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99212

best mac and cheese in spokane

Recently, the Bearded Ginger has exploded with popularity and is mostly known for their mozzarella sticks and smoked brisket. But I wanted to expand my horizons and try their BBQ mac and cheese. This mac dish kicks it up a few notches by adding pulled pork and smoked savory brisket over top with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. This blew the flavor out of the water and was so rich and filling, I couldn’t even finish it. Cheese lovers unite! 

6) Manito Tap House

Green Chili Mac $13.95

3011 S Grand Blvd, Spokane, WA 99203

best mac and cheese in spokane

Another business taking a different approach to the meaning of mac and cheese. Manito Tap House is widely known for their green chili mac, and… holy smokes do I see why now!

This unique mac has a crispy top layer of pepperjack and Cotija cheese, a very flavorful green chili sauce that gives a zesty kick, and some chicken and bacon that adds a nice smokey flavor to it all; it has a very Tex-Mex feel.

5) The Black Diamond

Smoked Mac $13

9614 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99206

best mac and cheese in spokane

The Black Diamond is known for their unique style of foods and themes, especially their smoked dishes. When I heard they serve a smoked mac and cheese dish, I had to give it a try! 

They bring the plate out to you covered, and once served they lift the lid to release all the smokiness inside, right at your table! It hit my tastebuds perfectly, the thick creamy sauce matched perfectly with the Cavatappi pasta, and there were hints of onion and garlic hidden inside as well.

This dish was the messiest, cheesiest, gooiest of them all. The cheese stretch went beyond my wildest dreams, and the flavor was just all cheese, a cheese heaven if you will. 

4) Downriver Grill

Pork Belly Mac $20.50

3315 W Northwest Blvd, Spokane, WA 99205

best mac and cheese in spokane

Downriver Grill does it right by adding a twist to traditional mac and cheese. Layers of pork belly in a maple glaze, a Gouda cream sauce, and topped with Parmesan panko breadcrumbs, this sweet and savory combination is what dreams are made of.

The maple glaze adds a hint of a sweet BBQ, yet smokey flavor, while the pork belly is so tender it practically melts in your mouth. The portion size is huge, and while it’s on the pricier side, it is well worth every penny!

3) RÜT

Truffle Mac $15

901 W 14th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204

best mac and cheese in spokane

Just when I was about to give up hope on finding a decent vegan mac, I stumbled across this place, and when I tell you I fell in love, I mean it. Their Truffle Mac is absolutely incredible!

This dish is full of flavor, starting with a creamy coconut sauce with grilled broccolini, spices, and roasted coconut “bacon” bits. The Aleppo flakes give a nice hint of spice to the dish, and you are left wondering how this mac and cheese is this good?! Don’t walk, run to Rüt and try it for yourself. 

2) Zola

Zola Mac $13

 22 W Main Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

best mac and cheese in spokane

This stuff is a total game changer. If you’re looking for a melty, delicious, cheese bomb of flavor, you have to go to Zola. The combination of Gouda and Cheddar cheeses mixed with the crunch of the bacon bits and crispy fried shallots adds an incredible mouth feel and makes you want to go back for more. Also, the cheese stretch on this dish will blow you away and that’s what makes it a winner in my book. 

1) Saranac Public House

 Mac and Cheese $16

21 W Main Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

best mac and cheese in spokane

Saranac’s take on mac and cheese is a delicious and decadent blend of white cheeses and cream tossed together with parmesan and breadcrumbs on top. What makes this mac and cheese stand out from others is the creamy and rich flavors, with breadcrumbs that give a wonderful nutty and buttery flavor to it, similar to a Ritz cracker.  It’s a wonderful comforting food that will make you miss home.

Hopefully this top ten list made you hungry, I know I am. Whether you’re a cheese fanatic like me, or just looking to expand your taste buds and try something new, every day is a good day to go try out some of these creative over-the-top mac and cheese dishes! 

Shaye Hubbard

Shaye Hubbard is the Content Strategist for Trending Northwest, and is a 2022 Spokane Falls graduate with a degree in Digital Marketing and Social Media Design. She dedicates her efforts to creating compelling content and producing written narratives that can extend beyond mere entertainment, diving into stories that truly matter. Shaye is a major foodie, is passionate about stepping out of her comfort zone, and loves to get crafty. When she is not busy being a mom to her three children, she likes to spend her free time exploring everything our region has to offer, and has an exciting taste for any new adventure.

read all of shaye’s articles here.

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