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Frank's Diner

4.5(1,674 reviews)$$Restaurant
🕑 45 minutes to 1 hour (plus potential wait time)👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love the train car setting and can easily spot it from the street, while elementary-aged kids enjoy the vintage atmosphere and hearty breakfast portions that fuel active days exploring Spokane.

About

Step back in time at Frank's Diner, Spokane's beloved breakfast spot housed in a genuine 1906 railroad dining car! Kids are mesmerized by the novelty of eating inside a real train car while parents appreciate the generous portions of classic comfort food, especially the famous giant pancakes that are almost as big as their plates.

Highlights

  • Eating breakfast inside a genuine 1906 railroad dining car
  • Giant pancakes that are Instagram-worthy and perfect for sharing
  • Vintage train car atmosphere with original features and cozy booths
  • Classic diner counter seating where kids can watch food preparation
  • Hearty portions of comfort food favorites like hash browns, eggs, and sandwiches

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive before 8am on weekends or expect a 30-45 minute wait,this local favorite fills up fast, but the line moves steadily
  2. 2.Seating is cozy and vintage-authentic with limited booth space, so families with multiple kids may be split between the counter and tables
  3. 3.Order one giant pancake to share first,they're enormous and you can always order more if needed
  4. 4.Let kids peek into the tight kitchen area (from a respectful distance) to watch the cooks work their magic in the historic space
  5. 5.Cash and cards accepted, but bring patience during peak hours,the authentic diner experience is worth the wait

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings between 7:30-9am offer the shortest waits. Avoid weekend brunch hours (9am-1pm) when lines stretch out the door. The diner closes at 2pm daily, so this is strictly a breakfast and lunch destination.

What to Know

Moderate pricing ($$) with huge portions that are great for sharing with kids. Street parking available but can be limited during peak hours. The historic train car has narrow aisles, so large strollers may be challenging,consider wearing babies or using umbrella strollers.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round, but the warm, cozy interior is especially appealing during Spokane's cold winters. Summer mornings may have slightly shorter waits as visitors explore outdoor attractions. Check holiday hours as the diner may have modified schedules on major holidays.

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Nature

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The Centennial Trail offers 40 miles of paved, scenic pathway along the Spokane River, making it one of the Pacific Northwest's premier family-friendly outdoor destinations. Whether you're looking for a quick 30-minute bike ride or an all-day adventure, this trail accommodates strollers, training wheels, and everyone in between with stunning river views, wildlife spotting opportunities, and multiple access points throughout Spokane.

Entertainment

Looff Carrousel

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