Start 2025 with Caffeine and Laughing

January 02, 2025

It’s the New Year – If you caught last week’s edition, I hope you took some of my tips, applied them, and that started your 2025 with an oh so sought after SMOOOOOCHAROOOO 💋 I hope you’re feeling renewed, rejuvenated, and ready to. . . get back to work! Jkjk but if you’re working remote or need to catch up with a friend, there are some fire coffee spots in the area to discuss business, dive into the nitty gritty and turn the area into your impromptu coworking space. . . Either way, there is something about feeling productive in a coffee shop while your town freezes over that delivers a nice little dose of serotonin. 

I know you might say places like Indaba, Atticus or the Thomas Hammer LTD hold court in these parts, but even though they have an abundance of seating (which rules. . . keep it up Daba) Here are five perfect options to have a coffee, open up the laptop and let the creative juices flow 🧘 

This one’s become a regular spot for me. Good news for the loyalists: there are two locations. Personally, I gravitate toward the one tucked near Perry Street in the morning—until, of course, a lunch at the Lantern is calling my name. Aside from their strong-ass coffee (seriously, it packs a punch), they’ve got some delectable pastries to keep your appetite in check. Friendly staff, good vibes, and about as straightforward as their name.

This one’s for my Zags—it’s exactly what I’m looking for: chill, reeks of coffee, and just a stone’s throw from my beloved Gonzaga University. Back in 2018, a local teacher turned coffee roaster transformed an old auto garage into a haven for coffee lovers and hungover college kids cramming for their Communications 201 exam. Whether you’re fueling up, logging in, or crushing a mid-day brainstorm session, this spot delivers. No questions asked.

This spot’s a little less packed, but I always find myself putting in the hours here. The place is spacious, though there are some larger bier hall tables you might have to share (just a heads-up for you introverts—don’t tell me how rare you are). Play your cards right and grab a seat on the balcony for prime people-watching, feel the buzz of the place, and lock into your flow-zone. Oh, and their pastries? Straight fuego. If you’re planning to crush some work for a while, do yourself a favor and tack on a Southern Biscuit Sammy—made in-house, perfectly executed, and guaranteed to satisfy. Head down, secure a seat, and hope you beat me there.

If you find yourself out in CDA—scratch that—please find yourself in Coeur D’Alene. Hopefully, it’s still before noon, so you can lock in a spot ASAP. This place looks like it was designed for people who thrive on obliterating a morning of work in the dead of winter. Seriously, just look at it. Coffee? Next level—what’d you think. From smooth pour-overs to expertly crafted lattes, they’ll keep you buzzing. Pro tip: pair your drink with a fresh pastry or a hearty breakfast sandwich. If you’re on the hunt for great coffee, killer vibes, and a space that makes you want to conquer your to-do list, this is the spot in CDA.

This one’s a little special to me—it was the first place where I dabbled with combining my workspace and a coffee shop. Located on 57th, right before the Palouse Highway, you’ll find the Revel crew whipping up Scandinavian-style coffee. If you’re hesitant about trying something new, don’t sweat it. Scandinavian-style doesn’t mean intimidating; it means clean, light, and bright flavors that’ll make your usual cup feel like it’s been holding out on you. I highly recommend heading up there to meet some friends or, let’s be honest, pretend to work (while mindlessly scrolling on TikTok).

Checking Out the Inland’s Vibrant Art Scene??

Gee whiz—let me fill up your cup: First Friday || Downtown Spokane is about to glow up, and you should definitely indulge in the city’s retail and art scene. It’s about to get mega groovy. This event highlights the shops and some of the dankest eats in town—and who better to share the spotlight than artists, musicians, and more? First Friday also hands you the perfect chance to strike while the iron’s hot with exclusive product launches and some of the best munchies in the area. Into live music, art, or foodie vibes? This is your jam.

Taking a stroll through Downtown Coeur D’Alene is friggin sick as-is. No debate there. From 5-8—though–every second Friday of the month. The CDA aesthetic will be amplified–apparently more than it already is. Take in some gallery openings, pop-up art displays, live music–CDA’s glow-up is unreal (IYKYK) so don’t skip–run to CDA on Jan 10th. 

Get Your Giggle On

Nothing fights away the winter blues quite like laughter—who doesn’t like to get a healthy dose of the gigs? Lucky for us, the Spokane Comedy Club curates an abundance of laughter. Apparently, I was living under a rock because our club here in downtown is evidently well-known around the country for being a pretty ruckus laugh factory. Not the notoriety of the Comedy Mothership in Austin, but still, we get some killer acts. I always like to cash in on a date night at open mic night. Rationale? If they’re great, you’ll both have laughing tears, and if they bomb… well, you’ll have something to talk about.

Anyway, here are some upcoming acts that will Tonya Harding your ass right in the funny bone:

Chris Hardwick is rolling into the Spokane Comedy Club January 3rd and 4th, and if you miss this, honestly, rethink your priorities. The dude’s a comedic Swiss Army knife—Talking Dead host, Nerdist mastermind, and a stand-up killer who can spin pop culture into pure gold. His energy is next-level, his humor is whip-smart, and he’s guaranteed to have you laughing so hard you forget it’s only the first week of the year. Grab your tickets, snag a good seat, and let Hardwick kickstart your 2025 with a night that’ll leave your face sore from smiling.

Moshe Kasher is rolling into the Spokane Comedy Club January 10th and 11th. Don’t sleep on this show. If you’ve seen his Netflix specials or caught him riffing on Comedy Central, you know Moshe doesn’t just tell jokes; he takes you on a wild ride through the chaos of modern life, all while making you laugh so hard you forget it’s January. Dude’s comedy is sharp, witty, and cuts right through the monotony of the everydayness… in the funniest way possible. Tickets are moving fast, so rally your crew, grab a seat, and prepare to laugh until it hurts.

In addition to these headliners, the club offers regular events such as New Talent Tuesday and Open Mic Night, providing a platform for both amateur and professional comedians to showcase new material.


For the most current information and to purchase tickets, visit the Spokane Comedy Club's official website.

Please note: event details are subject to change; it’s advisable to confirm showtimes and availability in advance.

Starting the year off right: 

Startups in the Inland Northwest are making moves despite a dip in funding (thanks a lot interest rates), and 2025 could garner some serious attention. LaunchPad Inland Northwest’s Bill Kalivas says the post-pandemic flood of entrepreneurs is the real deal, with their Springboard program mentoring 30 companies over the last year and a half. No surprise–with people moving to work remotely, only to have received a slack notification that their position no-longer exists.

Tom Simpson of Ignite Northwest and Spokane Angel Alliance backs it up—I’m sure the dude’s phone is blowing up with founders ready to pitch for next year. Sure, securing early-stage funding is a tougher gig right now, with investors being pickier than a toddler at dinner. And it should be! Debt, man. It changes folks. . . But that’s not slowing anyone down.

Springboard is helping startups pivot, focusing on bootstrapping and building solid customer bases. It’s all about showing the grit and savvy to make investors take notice.

The takeaway? The Inland Northwest isn’t just sitting tight—it’s laying the groundwork to crush it in 2025. Keep your eye out for these startups, you might find yourself hitting a home run and working for one of them. 

This Story’s Bussin 🚌

Thriving public transportation and infrastructure might be an underlying love language of mine, not like you needed to know that detail, but I was so hyped about double decker buses that I thought I should shove my excitement down your throats: two of the region’s first double decker buses have arrived on-site. 

Now, my ridiculously high standards desperately wants a light rail from GEG to CDA, but we’ll have to settle for some London-esque double decker style buses–romanticizing your commutes around the area. . . bummer is, they won’t be in-service until September 2025, but hey. . . at least there’s a definitive timeline (looking at you North-South Freeway). Anyway, I’m stoked. Check out these bad boys and the full story here. 😍👇

Swing for the Fences:

For All My Kings With Receding Crowns, This One’s Brought to You By: 

Use Code: SPILL for $20 Off Your First Order

Look, I get it. . . it’s gray asf outside, and if you’re not a powder hound ⛷️, then you could be twiddling your thumbs without a clue of what to do while it’s cold out. . . Now, my personality isn’t tied up in my handicap like some of my buddies, but golf simulators offer something for everyone. Some power-drives, a little food, some brewskis, you’re not attached at the hip to your cart-mate. Honestly, my favorite part is I’m not losing half a dozen balls. Here’s a few around town that stroke your golf ego, and help fend off the gray vibes. . . 

Poole’s Clubhouse: This place is like the Taj Mahal for South Hill Golf Bros, I mean, the food bangs, and the swing lounges are always vibing. . . hard. It’s almost better than a full 18 at Latah (circumstances may vary), but you don’t have to worry about missing out on a Zag’s game. . . or trying to make it work on your phone while the rain/snow mix lays siege to your golf cart. Snackies, Brews, Claws, and a virtual 18 await. 

Swing Lounge: Anyone that’s played with me says, “sheeeesh–ya know–you might benefit from some lessons,” and I tell them to “kindly, piss off.” I will say, this presents an interesting scenario. betcha never played a round like this. Golf Lessons, kick-ass happy hour. . . now we’re talkin’. I’ll drink that Kool-Aid. Let’s double-down on the good news. . . there’s more than one location:

Downtown Spokane: 601 W Riverside Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

Valley: 3808, 103 N Sullivan Rd Bldg N 15, Spokane Valley, WA 99216

X-Golf: As I’ve invested more into golf simulators more than the outdoor links, I’m simultaneously making subtle judgements on atmosphere, food & drink, and how difficult the virtual course is that I’ve chosen (not like that’s anything the establishment can control), but still, I’m passing judgements.  I would rather plug local biz’s, but–admittedly–this spots pretty groovy. I encourage you to get down on their Cauliflower Poppers, peer pressure someone to share their–rather industrious-sized–pretzel. . . have a beer. . . and crow hop into that mf’er, Happy Gilmore. 

Farm to Prepared Fresh to Table:

Alright this is dope–We’ve got our own food meal kit company located right in the heart of the Inland Northwest. Copow is delivering ultra high quality meals right to your front door. Even though they’re now shipping nationwide, there’s no reason the best customer base isn’t right in your backyard. 

Here’s what I found: Evie Fatz, a renowned fitness expert bringing food that’s clean, whole, and hearty to everyone. . .  and she has 15 years of nutrition coaching to help you avoid all the BS that’s hidden in our food. They have everything – Individual Meals, Grocery Items, Snacks, some fun alternatives to booze, and they even have some kid friendly options for the little ones (or in my case, my buddy Ronnie with the pallet of a 10 year old). 

Even if my pitch didn’t peak your curiosity→ check out the link here

Happy New Year, folks – I’ll be back in your inbox next week with a bit of a cheesy edition for ya’ll. Until then, Ciao!

P.S. If you’re into earning some free stuff, lookout below! ⬇️