The Garland District is home to some fantastic landmarks. At the corner of Monroe and Garland, you’ll find The Garland Theater. Head east and you’ll walk by Ferguson’s Cafe and Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle.
It’s a fun district with lots of character and even more history. To brush up on your Garland District history, head on over to garlanddistrict.org.
Urban Village Life
Garland is known for being a very walkable neighborhood. Its main thoroughfare, Garland Avenue, is home to many independently owned shops, many of which have been in business for over 30 years.
Lining the avenue, you’ll find restaurants, diners, bars, a live theatre, a movie theater, antique shops, second-hand stores, and even a guitar shop. There’s much more to explore in this hip and funky part of Spokane; take a day and explore this fun part of town. You won’t regret it and you’re guaranteed to come back for more.
Food and Drink
From diners to finer dining, you’ll find something tasty to satisfy your appetite on Garland Avenue.
Garland Sandwich Shoppe Looking for a sandwich like no other? A sandwich where the pickle is the main attraction? Sounds like you’re looking for “The Big Dill” – a sandwich that skips the bread and stuffs all the fixins between two halves of a large dill pickle. Their other specialties include paninis, deli sandwiches, and a rotation of soups.
Ferguson’s Cafe Step into the past and belly up to the bar for the full diner experience. Ferguson’s has been a supporting actor in three Hollywood movies: “Benny & Joon”, “Vision Quest”, and “Why Would I Lie?” Breakfast is served all day, alongside burgers, patty melts, and other sandwiches. Wash it all down with a homemade milkshake or malted. You’ll definitely leave satisfied.
Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle Just drive Garland until you see the giant 38-foot tall milk bottle. You can’t miss it. Originally home to Benewah Creamery in 1935, the Milk Bottle has gone through several business iterations before being converted into an ice cream and dessert parlor in 1986. Today, under yet different owners and operators, Mary Lou’s makes its own ice cream, milkshakes, homemade burgers, and buns.
The Brown Derby Originally opened in 1933 as a tavern, remodeled and reopened in 2017, The Brown Derby is one of the oldest drinking establishments in Washington State. You’ll see all sorts of locals enjoying food served with beer, wine, or cocktails.
Shopping & Entertainment
You’ll find antique stores, second-hand shops, bookstores, and a guitar shop – all on Garland. For entertainment, check out one or both theaters, or stop in one of the local joints for some live music.
Garland Treasure Trove Three floors of treasures and collectibles. You just might find anything and everything in this shop. From new to vintage items, including old fashioned candy and freeze-dried candy.
Time Bomb Collectibles Retro collectible toys, model kits, older toys, bicycles, vintage clothing, hot rods, and miscellaneous music. Nostalgic memories come rushing back as you step through the doors.
The Garland Theater When the art deco Garland Theatre opened in 1945, it was the premier movie house in the west. It’s had its share of ups and downs, but renovated and improved recently, it’s going strong. Five dollars gets you in.
The Blue Door Theatre This is Spokane’s Improv Comedy Theatre and more. Come see a show, visit the art gallery, attend some improv classes, BOOST classes for professional development, or rent their space.
