On March 15th, Washington Governor, Jay Inslee, announced the closing of all sit-down restaurants statewide due to the novel coronavirus, noting that “very strong measures are necessary to slow the spread of the disease”. Restaurants were still allowed to offer takeout and drive through options.
Within just a few days, the riverside Osprey Restaurant and Bar set up multiple meat smokers and began to fill the streets of Downtown Spokane with the savory scent of smoked barbeque. In hopes of supporting the Spokane community, Osprey began slowly smoking a variety of family and individual meals with prices starting at just $4.50 per person. The news of Spokane’s new drive through barbeque spread quickly and soon Osprey’s parking lot was lined with cars. The appreciation Spokane’s community showed Osprey made it clear that there was a significant desire for downtown barbeque.
On May 22nd restaurants were allowed to reopen with 50 percent occupancy, given that tables were kept 6ft apart among other guidelines. The success of the drive through barbeque inspired Osprey’s chefs to recreate the restaurant’s menu. As of today, Osprey’s new temporary, reopening menu includes buffalo style pork shanks, street tacos, and baby back ribs from their newly purchased, top-tier smokers.
The drive through barbeque will continue to serve individual and family meals in addition to Osprey’s open restaurant, bar, and patio. The restaurant is located at 700 N Division Street on the Spokane River and adjacent to the Gonzaga University campus. The drive through barbeque is open daily from 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. and the restaurant will be open daily 11:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. To see menus or learn more about Osprey, visit www.OspreySpokane.com.
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