The Palouse runs on two things: coffee and craft beer. Both Moscow and Pullman have more per capita options than you'd expect, and most of them are locally owned. Here's where to go.
Coffee Shops
Cafe Artista (Moscow)
Cafe Artista on Main Street is a cozy, art-filled coffee shop with a European feel. The espresso is excellent, the pastries are baked in-house, and the walls rotate work from local artists. It's a great spot to settle in with a latte and a book, or meet a friend for a long conversation. The outdoor seating in summer is one of the best people-watching spots in downtown Moscow.
One World Cafe (Moscow)
One World is a nonprofit community cafe on South Main. The coffee is good, the food is vegetarian-friendly, and the atmosphere is eclectic and welcoming. They host open mics, art shows, and community meetings. It's the kind of place where you sit down for a coffee and end up staying for three hours.
The Break (Pullman)
The Break is Pullman's go-to coffee spot near the WSU campus. It's modern, well-lit, and has reliable wifi — making it popular with students and remote workers. The espresso drinks are solid and the pastry selection rotates.
Drinking Gourd (Moscow)
Newer to the Moscow coffee scene, Drinking Gourd on Jackson Street serves specialty coffee with a focus on quality beans and careful preparation. If you're particular about your pour-over, this is your spot.
Breweries
Hunga Dunga Brewing (Moscow)
Hunga Dunga on Troy Highway is Moscow's beloved neighborhood brewery. The beer is consistently excellent — the lager and the IPA are standouts. The taproom is casual, dog-friendly (on the patio), and regularly hosts live music, trivia, and community events. It's the kind of brewery where everyone knows each other.
Paradise Creek Brewery (Pullman)
Paradise Creek is the Palouse's longest-running craft brewery, right in downtown Pullman. They brew a wide range of styles and have a full food menu. The pub is a popular spot for Coug fans on game days and has a solid patio for summer evenings.
Shattuck West Brewing (Moscow)
Shattuck (on Sixth Street) offers rotating taps of their own craft beers plus a full bar. The space is large and hosts regular events — Monday trivia, Wednesday open mic, and weekend live music. It's evolved into one of Moscow's key gathering spots.
Rants & Raves (Moscow)
Located downtown, Rants & Raves offers a rotating selection of craft beers and ciders. The space is intimate and the tap list is curated. It's a good spot for a quieter drink.
Birdsong Brewing (Pullman)
A newer addition to Pullman's brewery scene. Birdsong focuses on smaller-batch brews and has a taproom with a relaxed atmosphere.
The Palouse Drinking Culture
A few things to know:
- Happy hours are real. Most bars and breweries have weekday happy hour deals.
- You can walk between most Moscow spots. Cafe Artista, Hunga Dunga, Shattuck, and John's Alley are all within a reasonable walk of each other.
- Many breweries are family-friendly during the day. Kids are welcome at Hunga Dunga and Paradise Creek.
- Check The Palouse Calendar for trivia nights, tap takeovers, beer dinners, and special events at all of these venues.