Hay J’s Bistro
21706 E Mission Ave, Liberty Lake, WA, 99019
Hay J’s Bistro Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Liberty Lake for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Liberty Lake for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Liberty Lake for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
21706 E Mission Ave
Liberty Lake, WA, 99019 - Phone (509) 926-2310
- Website https://www.hayjsbistro.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
- Mon : 11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Intimate
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Tammy S.
You would never think to find such a gem next to a gas station! The food and service was absolutely amazing! I will DEFINITELY come again!!!
(5)Hung N.
Today, was much better than my first visit. The waitress was very attentive and made sure drinks were always full for our group. The wait for food though is still very long...something they are known for apparently. The food: French Dip w/fries It was pretty darn good. Just the right portion for me to go back to work and not feel like I would need a nap. The meat was tender and I like be the hint of horseradish inside. I would say it in my top 5 places for French Dip. The au jus was simply wonderful and the best I have had. Very recommended!
(4)Liz W.
Hay j's is our favorite place to dine in Spokane when we come for our annual visit, especially if you are in the Spokane Valley. I always get the seafood Cobb, it is a beautiful and delicious. It has a huge seared prawn on top and Langostinos, and spicy seared ahi, which were unique add ons. The dressing is very light vinaigrette which is great to balance the bacon and lots of blue cheese. The special seafood chowder really stood out on this visit. It had a little extra something like lobster stock and maybe a hint of sherry that amped it up way over an ordinary chowder. My husband had the steak and chimichurri sauce sandwich and was a little let down because of the lack of chimichurri and he didn't like the bread, but that's what you get sometimes when you ignore the server's recommendation. At least we got the chowder, which she suggested. It is a casual place, and much more upscale (but cozy) inside than it's gas station parking lot location indicates. It is funny that this gem of a place is in the middle of nowhere off of the Liberty Lake/Otis Orchard exit. We are known for our foodie tendencies and ability to search out local gems whenever we travel out of the metro area where we live and Hay j''s makes our short list!
(4)Nicole T.
I love the food and service. My husband and I have been coming here for years. I would recommend it.
(5)Ali S.
The Steak is orgasmic. Have the steak tips appetizer. I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious everything was, we even ordered a a second appetizer because the first was so good. A little pricey, but absolutely worth it. Yum! Great service, quick and well versed in the menu. The music was great too, perfect date night setting! We will be back for sure!
(5)Chris D.
My wife and I was going to go to Hooters as I have been there before and they had a great salad and felt like having a salad this evening. Well, Hooters was out of business so I got the Yelp app out and saw this place wasn't too far away so after a short ride in the country side we arrived and the parking lot was full. We went in and put our name on the list to get a seat. Reservations is a very good idea, but they got us in after 15-20 minutes so it wasn't too bad a wait. We both had a salad and it was very good. This place isn't the kind of place you go for just a regular meal as its on the expensive side. The wait staff was very nice so no complaints. The noise level was a bit to much for us, but its a small place with lots of seats and it was packed full for dinner. Not your quiet dinner kind of place either. Overall I was happy we found it, but I probably wont be back as I'm usually in this area on business and its kind of high priced for me.
(4)Nichole P.
Every plate I have had here has been wonderful! Truly a great find!
(5)Nancy S.
This is a lovely restaurant located near/adjacent to a gas station. But once inside, it is very warm and well decorated. The food is perfect. I had the seafood Cobb salad. Seafood and lettuce can be a tricky combo and I've had seafood salads at other great restaurants that end up a soggy, fishy tasting mess. But this seafood Cobb was perfectly seasoned, contained a great combination of ingredients, and the seafood was perfectly prepared. My friend had the halibut and gave me a bite to try. It was equally delicious and came with a wonderful tasting rice. We also had the tapas plate which was excellent. Creme brûlée was also well prepared and delicious. I felt the service was five star: Attentive and kind without ever being pretentious. This is a hidden gem and highly recommend.
(5)Heidi F.
A nicer more expensive restaurant but their food is amazing! Their lunch.menu is not as expensive.
(5)Stacy B.
Amazing food, portion size was great! Rich flavors, super staff very helpful and friendly. We will be back!
(5)Patty F.
Great food. Courteous & personable servers/barkeepers. Request the basil martini - 1 of the best in area. Food presentation exquisite. Don't let the exterior fool you. Intimate & romantic inside. Therein lies the only problem - when going w a friend need to ask 4 table up front! LOL! Definitely make reservations. A Spokane area gem.
(5)Shelby G.
I have been here about 10 times and every experience was perfection. A clear favorite is the Parmesan Crusted Halibut; it is always cooked properly and is generously portioned. The service is prompt and friendly and the atmosphere is lively and warm.
(5)Michael C.
My first experience with this place was last year. We were visiting from Seattle for work. It really looked like a dive but my coworker was insistent that we go. OMG this place is amazing. The 4 times I have been here since, I have had the burger, the steak tips appetizer, the steak wrap, rocket salad and a pasta dish no longer on the menu and all are extremely flavorful. I repeat, amazing flavor and decent portion sizes. The service was fast and friendly too. Don't let the outside appearance of his place fool you. You will not be disappointed with this place. Every time we travel to liberty Lake we make it a point to have at least 1 meal at Hay Js.
(5)Sarawr O.
You'll hear it from everyone- it doesn't look like much from the outside, in fact you might think you got the wrong place because it kind of seems like it's attached to a gas station- oh, because it is! Once you get inside the atmosphere envelops you with a charming friendly place. The outside and the inside couldn't reflect each other more oppositely. The beef medallions is one of the best dishes you can find between all of northern Idaho and Eastern Washington. The restaurant can be a little spendy on the budget of someone who lives in the area (lower income than the west side of the state) but is worth saving up for as an occasional delicacy. Waaaay worth.
(5)buttrdish b.
Every single thing we had was absolutely delicious and prepared with great pride and care. Killer Parmesan Crusted Halibut w/ smooth as silk lemon thyme butter sauce, very flavorful brown Basmati rice and Broccolini, House Roasted Turkey Sandwich on seeded baguette. Brulee'd Banana Split with Kona coffee ice cream, dulce d leche, whipped cream & candied pecans. Highly addictive, crack infused can't remember exactly what kind of bread pudding it was but wow, crazy delish and honestly who would ever order bread pudding!? Going back tomorrow! Seriously. And who cares if it sits next to a gas station? The interior space is quite nice and comfortable and the service top notch & friendly. Go and enjoy, we loved it. Read a few of the stellar reviews and head on in you will be deliriously happy you listened. I mean for heaven's sake even the water is wonderful! Raspberry, cucumber & something else was infused in our water today. Cloth napkins at lunch! Well thought out and beautifully delivered. SO GOOD!
(5)Daniel H.
In my area and in my opinion this place is the crème de la crème. I either need to give them 6 stars or go back through my other reviews and bump all other competition to 4 stars. Cons: Shares a parking lot with a gas station and the parking is minimal. The signage is easy to miss so be on the look out for it. There are two uni-sex bathrooms, so do all your heavy lifting at home before you go to Hay Jays if you no what I mean. That's it! Pros: The food is wonderful cooked and presented. They fired our steak tips perfectly! They garnish and dress everything so well. At most places I eat I have to modify things like the amount of dressing on my salad, but at Hay Jays I just order the food and it comes out SPOT ON. Unique plates and great ambience. Low light and candles on the table at dinner with a decent wine list makes for a cozy romantic evening, and the place brightens up nicely at lunch. They did a great job with their lunch menu btw. Steak sandwich is money! Their ingredients are what set them apart as well. They have a butcher/cheesmonger shop next door they own and sell great cuts of meats and fine cheeses. It's the same stuff they use in the restaurant as I understand. The service staff is AWESOME. Friendly and knowledgable and THANK GOD they know the menu!! There are several gluten free options which we love. I got scotch by the glass last time I was there and the prices were reasonable and the selection was good. I normally take photos and I will next time I'm in there, but I keep eating the food as soon as I get it. The experience at Hay Jays is so far above anything else around here that it pulls me in and won't let me grab my phone and take a frickin selfie of my entree. That's a good thing in my opinion. I don't think about it until after I've finished eating and I'm rambling on about how great it was..."Dang I should have taken a picture of that for Yelp!". So please, go to Hay Jays, just enough that they can make a killing and stay around forever making me amazing food, but don't go so much that I can't find a table.
(5)DO B.
Best restaurant in liberty lake and pretty much Spokane Valley. Everything on the menu is literally perfect. It's expensive, but you get what you pay for. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Valkyrie J.
Came in for lunch with my boyfriend one day when we were running errands, sat at the bar and got sandwiches and we were both extremely satisfied with our choices! Can't wait to come back and try more.
(5)Todd C.
This bistro is in a strip mall connected to a gas station, but once you walk in the door it's like a completely different world. The atmosphere is warm and romantic. Great for date night. The gorgonzola salad was the best I've ever had. The signature martini was great and the wine was excellent too. My wife had the seafood risotto and I had the sea bass with ratatouille, both of these were 5 star entrées. We finished with crème brûlée that came with a chocolate and butterscotch sauce. Great meal and the service was fantastic. We will be back.
(5)Brett M.
Many times, a bistro is a bistro is a bistro, and they are almost always pretty damn good. Every now and then though, you run into one that seems as if they found a secret portal into a realm where perfect chefs grow on trees, and they managed to return safe with one of those chefs in tow. And thank the food god who lives in my heart and yours, because, holy shit, this place is delicious. I'm not sure if I'm being clear, but this place makes really good food. It might seem a little weird, because they are located in a gas station strip mall, but trust me fellow Yelpers, you will NOT be disappointed! Check it out and enjoy.
(5)Bill B.
Stew Meat is NOT Medallions !!! I recently dined with friends at HayJ's Bistro in Liberty Lake. I ordered the "Bistro Medallions". "Bistro Medallions Medallions of beef seasoned & grilled, topped with cabernet demi-glace & gorgonzola cheese with garlic mashed potatoes & vegetables." I asked for them "rare." In the meantime I had the Ladieu salad for a starter which is always wonderful. "Ladieu Wild greens, candied pecans, red grapes, red onion & goat cheese with huckleberry vinaigrette." The wine and the bread accompanying the meal were great. The service was impeccable. Unfortunately when the Bistro Medallions were served, for me, the meal turned to a disaster. I pressed on one of the three morsels of beef and it felt like it was medium to well done. I cut into the piece and it looked rare - as ordered. Curious???? I cut a bite sized piece. It was tough, grisly and difficult to chew. I asked the server what cut of beef were used in the Bistro Medallions? Without hesitation she responded "shoulder meat." In my experience that's a catchall term for stew meat. The difference between stew meat and beef tenderloin can be measured in light years. Both in terms of taste and tenderness. Hay J's has a great, well earned reputation. It's a shame that they are misleading diners by substituting stew meat for tenderloin. Please remove the item from an otherwise wonderful menu or revise the description to include a warning that it is not "beef medallions" in the classic sense of the culinary meaning. On the other had "Bistro Stew Meat" doesn't have a very appetizing ring to it - especially at $23 a pop!
(1)Travis A.
This is one of the finest restaurants in Spokane. Seafood Cobb salad is amazing. If you are entertaining a client or want to celebrate a special occasion, this is the place to go.
(5)Lance C.
I went there based on the reviews on Yelp and the comments. To my surprise this place had the best food, service and atmosphere that I wasn't expecting due to it's location. Food: I Ordered a steak Medium and I got it just how I like it, perfect on the outside and the inside. the dish combo between Mashed Potatoes and asparagus was complementary to the taste and well seasoned. Service: was amazing, we got the food in time, the food was warm when we got it, Server was charismatic and very much knows what to do to reach the customer satisfaction. Price: was responsible based on the volume of food and the quality of food we got. Over all: I recommend this place to everyone, it was a great experience that I could have missed if I just judged the place by it's location.
(5)Adrian F.
Delicious, but avoid the small portion lunch menu.
(4)Cc S.
When my friends first said we were going to go eat at this restaurant and we drove up to a gas station I was very very skeptical. However the moment you walk into this beautiful establishment you are incredibly pleased. Then you open the menu and you get very excited being able to see all these great options. I ordered the steak salad which was a meal in itself and enjoyed it incredibly. I would recommend this to anyone who would enjoy a excellent meal. Great service very attentive.
(5)B. N.
My husband and I had heard so much about this restaurant and we were eager to give it a try. We arrived about 4:45 on a Wednesday evening and the first to be seated with a few that came in shortly thereafter. We gave our drink order, and then ordered our meal. It arrived in a fair amount of time, but was surprised that they didn't offer any bread with the meal. As we sat there we heard other people ask for rolls, and also learned there was a special that our server neglected to tell us about. We sat for quite awhile after finishing our meal for the server to come back. We don't know what the delay was because it wasn't that busy and they had a number of servers on the floor. The food was good but not exceptional, and our opinion tarnished because of the lack of service. Not sure if we will go back.
(3)Jill P.
Well above average bar food! It's not the best food ever, but it is the best sports bar food I've ever had. I tried the chicken with hollandaise, rice pilaf, and garlic green beans. All very well cooked, flavorful, and generous portions! I especially appreciated the green beans which were still a bit crunchy, not over cooked like most places. I spied at all my companions food and it all looked just as good, I happened to notice a particularly beautifully cooked steak... Give it a shot, you will leave satisfied!
(4)Patty B.
Very tasty but greatly overpriced. Portions are small so don't come hungry. Two very small (taqueria-sized) ahi tacos for $11. My husband had the seafood chowder for $8 - wonderful creamy texture and not too many potatoes. Small portion but delicious Bibb lettuce bleu cheese salad ($9) was also very good - a fairly average portion. Service was slow but quite friendly.
(3)Trevor W.
Came for dinner with a coworker while on a business trip last week. As others have mentioned, the interior and food quality is light years better than you'd expect for a place that shares a building with a gas station. Service, food, and drinks were all excellent. The seafood trio dish was one of the better seafood dishes that I've had in months. I'll be back the next time I'm in town.
(5)Krista G.
Like many of the previous reviews mention, don't be fooled by the outside of this place. They have done amazing things with the interior, so much so that the mellow, relaxed atmosphere and strategically frosted windows makes you completely forget its location. The food was delicious, staff was friendly, and the service was great.
(4)Grant C.
If I could rank Hay J's Bistro a 4.5, I would. The menu is very small and could use three times more options. That being said, 90% of what is on this little menu is very delicious. If you'd like to compare this restaurant to Spokane dining options, 5 stars for sure. The wait for your order is much longer than most places so be ready to wait. The location is also ugly as it shares space with a gas station. Lastly, there two servers that have been there for years and have quite a snobby attitude and unkindness towards customers. Every time we go we worry about getting one of these two (I believe they are sisters and related to the owners). Take out is always a solid option. What not to get: The street tacos Tapas Platter What to get: Seafood Cobb Parmesan Crusted Halibut Gorgonzola Burger Blackened Blue Tender Tips Seafood Chowder
(4)Shayla M.
Love Hay J's, the atmosphere is so quant and sophisticated AND their food is BOMB. So thankful for the lengths they go to getting your food right. Their French fries would be apart of my last meal if I had a choice ;) they are so accommodable to allergies! Only negative is its a pretty long wait for your lunch!
(5)Matt W.
Lived here 3yrs now and kept hearing about how good the food was here. Decided to have lunch there today, and what a pleasant surprise. First off it is very deceiving from the outside. The inside is very well decorated and clean. We were greeted and seated right away, so the service was fantastic. The food was very well presented and it was nothing short of fantastic. My only regret is that we didn't try this gem 3yrs ago. I highly recommend this place!
(5)Sao K.
We are so happy to have found this place a few years ago! Food is great and Christian is our favorite (we always request him when we make reservations) he is the most knowledgable food and beverage connoisseur and is AMAZING! My only complaint is the lighting in this place. It needs to be less "mood lighting/candlelight" and more ambiance lighting--I would still like to see where I am going without feeling as if I have to hold my hands in front of me in fear of bumping into things.
(5)Seth S.
Looking for the perfect spot to take a lady or your wife? Look no further. Romantic interior, excellent service and some of the best food you will ever have. The chefs take huge personal pride in culinary excellence, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Monica F.
They have bleu cheese steak tips as an appetizer. When I first ate them, I became angry. Why had I spent my entire life not eating these every day? Why has hay j's so selfishly hoarded the recipe? Why are the locals so bent on keeping hay js a secret? So many questions still unanswered today.
(5)John S.
Best food and service in Spokane! This place has never let me down. If you are looking for special place to eat, then make sure you come here. Don't let the location fool you!
(5)Alisa L.
Don't let the location fool you! This place is great for a night out. A little Spendy but great food, drinks, and great service. They kept our waters full, they were fast, they checked on us just enough. Will definitely return!
(5)Ron S.
This was not expected. Someone recommended it and warned me of its location. It's next to a gas station on a fairly empty intersection. The sign out front is amusing, "When lit no wait". So I walked in and my whole impression changed. It has a nice vino bistro like feel. The staff was really friendly. I was told to stick with the special which I did and was not disappointed. I had the Grilled Lobster Sandwich, OMG it was good. The bread was buttery and melt in your mouth, the lobster was tender and tasty, and the accompaniments on the sandwich just brought it all together. I will be back the next time I'm in town. They have opened a wine shop/lounge next to it, I can't wait to try it.
(5)Donna H.
Yum! I had the salmon over kale and white beans... delicious. In a very unlikely area for such nice cuisine!
(5)Yoga B.
Amazing food and service. The place is friendly, has great atmosphere and the menu rivals Luna.
(5)Sam S.
This is one of my favorite places. Classy, and great service and food to match. Pretty good wine list, too.
(5)Elizabeth C.
Glad I had the good sense to make a reservation for 6 pm on a Sunday - the place was packed! As always great food and service. Loved seeing how many of their items can be made gluten free!
(5)Ryan S.
Excellent food! Average dinner will be $20 or above per person. Great atmosphere with dark rooms and candlelight tables. Perfect for more intimate or professional occasions.
(4)Robin H.
My third visit here hit a snag. I explained to the waitress we didn't make a reservation because I had forgotten the name if the restaurant. She rudely told me there's not many in liberty Lake it must've been terribly hard to find in the directory. Food, while it had a good taste was not as described in the menu and I was unable to eat half of it due to items I did not know were in. Topping it off where the waitresses petting and playing with the dog somebody brought into the restaurant at dinner time. I probably will not go here again there's too many other places that serve just as wonderful food but focus more on the service for customers
(2)Catherine K.
This place is a gem! I can honestly admit that if we would have driven by the hole in the wall in a gas station parking lot we would not have stopped. However we went on a recommendation from a friend and we exceptionally suprised! Even when you walk in it still looks like it would seat 7. It is larger but you can not see the other side from the entrance. Staff was very welcoming and friendly. They were very attentive to our needs. You have your choice of flavor of the day water or regular. We had the blu and black steak tips to start and ponzu calamari. Both were amazing, the calamari was very tender and so different from others we have had. We both had a salad, very fresh and delightful. The i had the seafood trio risotto and my husband had the ahi tuna. Both were beautiful meals. Although if i was recommending to other have the risotto is was exceptional. We end out dinner with the caramelized banana split which was divine! Good wine list, mostly local but very nice and good price points. We would recommend this restaurant to everyone. We will be making reservations and taking friends back!
(5)Tania H.
Basically at the gas station! The inside is very warm and modern. This just surprised me... it was in an awkward and it seemed remote location, yet the crowd for lunch was sizable and mostly professionals. Parking is limited since it shares space with a Gas station and some other store, they do have a bar as soon as you walk in, the dining room is a fair size for a small local place. Service was good albeit a little slow, the food though was pretty good. I had the fried Mozzarella for an Appetizer and that was pretty good. I then had the Seafood Cobb Salad (16$?!) and that was a little disappointing. The shrimp was overcooked, the crab looked shredded and unrecognizable (tasteless too) and then there were some elements on the plate that just didn't blend, like the pile of blue cheese... really?? Anyway, I would go back to try something different next time.
(3)Kelly J.
This place has such good food! I have yet to try something that I havent liked. Unfortunately it seems very overpriced for the size of the portions that are given. But the atmosphere is nice and the staff are helpful. Hay Js is great!
(4)David W.
Came for lunch the food was great awesome flavor. Portions were good and quality of food was fantastic. Don't let the gas station next door scare you off.
(5)J B.
Too salty - might have been an off night so will give it another try. Update: Came here again to give it another shot. Ordered the crab/artichoke dip, the seafood chowder, the ahi tuna, and the seafood risotto. Still very very VERY salty, all of it. The Ahi Tuna could have been better if it had more of a sear on it, the shrimp on the trio was overcooked. Why all the salt guys? The food does not live up to its price.
(2)Lady T.
We were on our way to visit my in-laws in Wenatchee when we stopped to meet a friend for lunch. Hay J's was the choice of our buddy, so when we pulled up to the gas station strip mall, we were a little hesitant. However, the large amount of cars parked off the side of the road outside was a promising sign. When we met up with our friend and headed inside, I was pleasantly surprised. It was cozy, clean, and chic inside...and PACKED! It was lunch time on Friday, but we got a table after maybe a 5 minute wait. The cocktail list looked delicious, but I just had water (which by the way was flavored with citrus and was so refreshing and a nice touch.) There were quite a few items on the menu that sounded great, it was hard to decide. When we were waiting for our table, I saw quite a few green wraps coming out of the kitchen. We shared some kind of steak appetizer that was really tasty. I ended up ordering the huckleberry chicken wrap with salad. The salads are very fresh and flavorful with lots of veggies. While I enjoyed my wrap, I don't think I wouldn't have it again. The huckleberry vinaigrette was a bit too sweet and the wrap had too much goat cheese and spinach in it I found it hard to eat, I ended up unwrapping it and eating it with a fork. The chimichurri steak sandwich sounded fantastic! Hubby loved his Kobe beef burger. The service was lacking, but our server was friendly enough and it was busy. Beer got forgotten, food took a bit longer than expected and we weren't checked on. Those things aside, I wouldn't hesitate to stop here for lunch the next time we make the long drive back to Washington.
(4)Wes S.
Beef Medallions (cooked medium), potatoes, and asparagus paired with Rogue chocolate stout. It really doesn't get any better than that. Great service, quiet atmosphere, and fantastic food. Went there on a referral from a family member, because we would have never seen this place. My wife had the lemon chicken risotto with a glass of pinot noir and enjoyed it immensely. Never been? I'd highly recommend giving this place a try. Don't let the fact that it's on the end of gas station strip mall keep you from going in.
(5)Jazzy P.
Pay little attention to the outer appearance. The restaurant is lovely, tastefully decorated, and inviting. The bar area is a little cramped, and it can get a little busy during lunch. The food is superb! The salads are great and there are plenty of menu options for varied tastes. This place is great for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner. The infused water is a nice touch.
(5)Shawna S.
We love this place. Its classy but we still feel comfortable bringing our kid. The food is always great.
(5)steven h.
Wow. big changes in the portions for their signature seafood chowder. Last visit 2 days ago received half of a shallow saucer. Trip before that, full shallow saucer. Every visit prior to that for the last 3 years a 3/4 full large bowel. I usually go there a couple times a week for the chowder beginning this time of year when the air is crisper and running through the winter. The chowder is the best I've had on the planet. Since I'm a little too self conscious to ask for 4 orders of chowder, I will start a new search for the "best seafood chowder on the planet" that you can consider a meal. I asked and the new shallow saucer is the only choice. Too bad, I would have paid extra for the bowel.
(2)Mark T.
Took my wife out for dinner on her birthday and we were both pleasantly surprised. Our waiter Christian was fantastic and very friendly. We will be going back. Try the fries!
(4)Katia B.
Location and external signage would never have drawn me to this place. We decided to try it because of the great reviews. They were right! The inside is charming and the menu delightful. What a hidden treasure!
(4)Deanna P.
I've never had a bad meal here. It's a little hole in the wall in a strip mall by a gas station. Don't let this put you off on this place. The inside is has warm, modern bistro feel. The wraps are wonderful for lunch. Romantic for dinner. Getting a table at dinner can some nights leave you in for a bit of a wait without a reservation. Find this little place in Liberty Lake.
(4)Emily D.
Do not be fooled by the exterior- the food is good and inside its surprisingly nice! My family thought about turning around when we pulled into the parking lot, but we were so glad we came in for lunch. They had a good selection of salads which is just what we were looking for. The ingredients were fresh and everyone in my group liked what they ordered.
(4)Roni S.
Never a bad meal! Very upscale but quaint and friendly. You'd never know it was here! This wonderful place is 4.5 hours from me and we make a point of visiting. I have never been more impressed with an establishment than I have been with this one. I urge everyone who has a chance to please eat a meal here. You will never judge a book by its cover again. Open the front door and its a whole new world!
(5)Holly M.
Random location. Unexpected delicious food. For the area exceeded expectations.
(5)Paul N.
My in-laws used the gift card we got them and they loved it also!
(5)Mark N.
I had the Butterhead & Bleu salad with the Blackened Steak Wrap. Both were outstanding. I definitely wasn't expecting such excellent food, and was very pleasantly surprised!
(5)Jonathan C.
This is a tough review to write. The service was fine, the restaurant has a nice ambience. I sat at the bar and watched the plasma TV. The food was good. Not out of this world, but very good. The beef medallion on my mixed grill plate was by far the best, and all the seafood I had was OK. If money is no object I would say that based on taste, this restaurant deserves 3.5 stars. But money is an object for most people and this place is way over priced. They are charging $7 for a well gin and tonic which is too much for a place like this. The mixed grill was $31! Wow. I think overall it was about 25% too much money. I was actually mad at myself for eating here. It was not in the budget. I spent less at the space needle which is an overpriced tourist trap. They views are better at the space needle! This place is next to a gas station! (though to be fair, you wouldn't know it once inside) Anyway, it's a tough call. It may be the best meal in town (I was just in town for a day) but I would not eat here again.
(2)Belen S.
Staying the night at the Best Western next door, and after reading the reviews, I couldn't resist walking over to give it a try. It was a thoroughly delightful experience. I was thrilled that they had a Seghesio Zinfandel available, and we started with the tapas platter. It was a lovely variety of tasty things - cilantro hummus, roasted garlic, goat cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, kalamata olive and anchovy mix, and little toasted French bread squares. We split the seared ahi entree, and it was spectacular...the wasabi sauce totally put it over the top. Dessert was the B-52 Bites...3 layers of chocolate with strawberries and caramel drizzle...a perfect treat that wasn't overwhelming. Our server was so friendly and attentive, and everyone who worked there shared similar spirits. As the reviews have predominantly said, this place is a little gem. Check it out if you find yourself in the Spokane area! I definitely think the price point is worth the value.
(4)Mike S.
This is the best restaurant with the highest quality food in Spokane. I've never had a food disappointment here. I enjoy taking people to HayJ's just for the surprise. The restaurant is in a small strip mall anchored by a gas station. No one would ever imagine such a fine restaurant in this location! Seeing the shock on their face as we walk in is always entertaining. I've never taken someone here without them absolutely raving about the meal. The only reason to hold off on 5 stars is service. Often I've had poor wait-service. I've been here so many times and way too many times service has been beyond disappointing. This has been the case for years. Fixing this would make this the best place in the region for both lunch and dinner.
(4)Ben R.
I'm going to echo some of the other reviews. Yes, without yelp I would have never found this place... it's very unassuming. Yes, it's connected to a gas station. Yes, the food is great. Yes, you should try it. I've been back a few times now and it has been consistent with regard to the quality of the food as well as how busy it is. Unless you plan on trying to find a seat in the bar (there is one table for two and about 6 barstools) you should make a reservation. I plan on returning on my next trip to Spokane.
(5)Lindsey K.
This was a great escape for a couple NYers while visiting family. We ordered brie and a salad to start. We ended up sharing both and not finishing either - these portions are BIG. The salad was surprisingly complex and delicious, the brie was accompanied by this great grilled bread, but personally I would have liked the cheese a little warmer/softer. I ordered the special (breaded veal and risotto)- the server said it was the chef's favorite dish so of course I had to try it. The mushroom risotto was very good...maybe a little too salty, and the veal could have used a bit more seasoning. In the end I was jealous of my husband's tuna steak, which was seared perfectly and accompanied by the best wasabi and soy sauce I've had since Chinatown. Did I mention the servings were huge? We took home half of our entrees and split a creme-brule (so divine!). The cocktail list is markedly more sugary than what we're use to, but the Side Car was great.....my husband ordered some scotch on the rocks and they must have brought out 4 ounces in a glass....it looked like iced tea! How these westerners drink like this without public transportation is beyond me.
(4)Steven D.
Favorite place to eat! Always good and the Salmon Risotto is so good it's unreal.
(5)Tim W.
Came here with two coworkers while traveling on business. This place is pricey ($20-30 entrees), but I felt like I got what I paid for. I had halibut with risotto which was amazing. One of my coworkers had herb crusted lamb shanks, which was reported very good as well. Service was very good, ambiance was nice, noise levels low. We came around 7 on a Wednesday night and the place was almost at capacity - would keep that in mind if coming on a weekend. If I find myself back in the Spokane area in the future, I would like to come back again. Would definitely recommend this place to other friends and coworkers. 5 stars for food 5 stars for service 5 stars for ambiance 4.5 stars for value
(5)Mike And Nita B.
Nice ambiance and great food. I really enjoyed the Ahi Tuna. Not great parking and don't let the outside appearance fool you.
(5)Josh B.
Hay J's is excellent. I've never had a bad meal here. The only downside is that it's kinda slow but worth the wait.
(4)Amy A.
Love this place, best in Liberty Lake! If they knew better, they would get a new bigger building as they are always packed & can make more money. Guess its the best kept secret of this little town. Food is pricey though quality is high. ordered a glass of Pinot and almost fell down... $10, whoa! Most of their dinners are 20+ Their seafood salad is the best, the half order is enough for me and reasonably priced!!! Love their decor and style. If you can't afford this place, check em out for lunch at least.
(5)Kate D.
Excellent food, great ambiance. Don't let the gas-station-strip-mall-right-off-the-freeway location fool you. There is great food and service inside!
(5)Ted M.
Located next to a gas station, and mini mart, it's in an odd location, but inside it is spacious with a dozen or so booths and tables, and a bar area. The service is great, and the food portions are large. The fries were served hot, but the tomato bisque soup was just warm. The hummus wraps, and hummus appetizers were fresh and tasty. They have a kids menu, and once inside, you quickly forget you're right next to a gas station. The prices are reasonable, and it's just off the freeway between Post Falls and the Spokane Valley, so there isn't much out here. It's one of just a few non fast food places to choose from, so I'm giving it 4 stars. If it were located more centrally, I'd probably rate it a 3/3.5. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.
(4)Bruce A.
Always good food and service, both for lunch and dinner. My favorite place to eat in Liberty Lake.
(4)Courtney J.
The food was amazing! Great wine. The outside looks sketch but don't let it fool you, this is a hidden gem. It's a bit pricey though. $28 a plate for some
(4)Dinesh D.
I had an orgasm last night. In my mouth. I had ordered the prawns and scallops pasta. Enough said.
(5)Nancy G.
Best in Spokane !!!!! Enough said !!!!!
(5)Katrina S.
Classy Place to Dine in Liberty Lake I have ate as Hay J's a few times and every time the food has been fabulous! I have had my steaks cooked to perfection and the real bacon bits on the mashed potato's amazingly Delicious! I recommend if you have a sexy hot date in Liberty Lake this is where you take the girl...nice wines, great food
(5)Jennifer B.
Really have enjoyed all of our meals here!! Great service and great menu variety. Can't believe attached to gas station....don't let this fool you. Liquor prices quite steep though!!
(4)Sandra K.
After driving all day, we were a little tired. Without the recommendation, we would never have tried this little restaurant which is next to a gas station. There is a sign over the bar that says family comes before business. It was quite appropriate for this little family run establishment. We learned that the manager is the Mother; the chef and sous chef are her sons; and the daughter is the bar tender. I ordered crab cakes which were a perfect balance between crab, seasoning, and breading. We shared a delicious salad with just the right mix of ingredients and dressing. My husband had a seafood pasta dish that was perfectly prepared with large succulent shrimps, spicy sausage, and al dente pasta. We finished with a large slice of delicious key lime pie that was not the condensed sweetened milk variety. Everything was perfectly prepared and served with a friendly smile. Reservations are recommended because even at 7:30 on a Wed. night we waited for a table.
(5)Don M.
Well, we eat at Hay J's a lot - at least four times per month for the past few years. So we obviously like the food and are qualified to yelp. The food is just really good. The chef is always creating some sort of interesting special dish, and the menu items are unbeatable too. We don't normally have dessert, but the entrees and appetizers are all good. I particularly like the ahi tuna entree, and my wife loves the ladeau salad and crab cakes. We do get annoyed when the menu is changed and our favorite items disappear (the crab cakes have come and gone over the years, but they are now offering halibut cakes that we haven't yet tried). The reductions can be VERY SALTY - my only complaint - but we haven't noticed this problem over the past few months. The dining room is not large, but there is an interesting buzz of an atmosphere when the room is full. The staff is normally very competent. The restaurant owners are normally present, which we believe helps to ensure quality. The prices are a bit high for the area, but the food is worth it. I travel a lot and seldom find a restaurant with similar consistent quality. You'll need reservations for weekend nights. Guests tend to sit and chat after they finish their meals, which can slow the table turnover but is a testament to the enjoyable atmosphere of the restaurant.
(5)Amanda B.
I really enjoy this place. My friend plays here on Wednesday nights (cheers to Hay J's for supporting local music!) and they have great food. Though its a little pricey for my taste, I am willing to splurge and go here because the service is good, the food is delicious, and I love the "bistro-like" ambience, for lack of a better way to explain it.
(5)Cris Y.
I had heard several good reviews of this restaurant, so as my wife and I were out on our last "Date Night" of 2012 we decided to venture out to Liberty Lake and give this a try. I had heard it was in a Gas Station, but I really didn't expect to see what I did as I pulled up. Cars were literally parked across the street in the dirt (some were probably for the very busy bar on the other side as well). We were a little worried that it was going to be too crazy for our date night, but we had made a reservation so we figured we would go ahead and try. We were very glad that we did. The place was full, and a bit noisy, but the staff seated us quickly and our server explained that they had taken some drapes that usually dampen the noise down for cleaning. He recommended the top 2 sellers and his personal favorite. We chose the top 2 items, which were amazing! Overall experience-- Parking was a mess, the place was loud and a little odd, but the food and service made up for all of that. We will be back!
(4)C N.
Best food I've ever had. The tapas platter was sublime. The Medallions of Beef and Sea Bass were superb. Everything cooked perfectly. Flavors were a feast for the taste buds. The key lime tart was just too sweet. It's a bit dark, but very pleasant atmosphere. Definitely will come here again.
(5)Mia G.
How serendipitous to find this place on the recommendation of the helpful guy at the gas station beside my Best Western :D I had the Ladieu salad (greens, candied pecans, sliced red grapes, goat cheese, huckleberry dressing) with some juicy grilled scallops on top. One of the best salads I have ever had. The gentleman who seated me and the lady serving the food were nice and checked in once in a while (not pushy though). What a joy to end up here after a long day travelling. To think all I thought I would have for dinner was some cereal bars from the store.
(4)M C.
Who would have guessed such a gem in a strip mall next to a gas station? Ended up here on a whim and will definitely be back. The food was amazing. I had the Parmesan crusted halibut. I'm not really a fish eater but thought I would be daring and it was easily one of the best meals I've had in my life. The cocktails were good and service was decent. Nice atmosphere though it felt slightly pretentious. Only complaint was that the wait for our food was rather long and there was only one other couple there.
(5)Steven T.
I've been to Hay J's 3 times and have had very good meals each time. Only once were we not absolutely with one entrée, not that there was anything wrong with it, it was just rather plain. We have had great service, the food is good and I like the casual atmosphere, sans the gas station several doors away. Overall I would not hesitate recommending it for a casual lunch or dinner out.
(4)William F.
Food was good, but it was too expensive for what we got. Draft beer was $6. Salads were $14. Probably wouldn't go back.
(3)J A.
Enjoyed another great dinner at Hay J's last night. The halibut is great. Service was perfect. Our waitress was there when needed but not intrusive. Food was served prompt and hot.
(4)Marilyn H.
Had a little difficulty finding the place. In an unusual location right next to a gas station. Anyway, the food was great. My husband and I shared the mixed grill and the fish and beef and the veggies were done very well and tasted wonderful. They have a kids menu with a good selection of kids' favorites as well. The chocolate bread pudding was excellent. The service was prompt and very pleasant. Don't miss the opportunity to try this out of the way place. It is worthwhile.
(4)Robert S.
Food was outstanding! You get what you pay for. While not inexpensive, Hay J's delivers on quality. I am so glad I stopped by. I will make the trip across town to eat here again.
(4)Jen R.
Love this little Bistro- they have a Seafood Cobb to die for. The ambiance is perfect, and the food fabulous. Enjoy your evening here without costing yourself an arm and a leg
(5)Ross S.
Absolutely love it. Great food and wonderful people. Your one of my all time favorites!
(5)Wn T.
Everytime I have been here it is excellent. Might be one of my favorite places in all of Spokane. If you haven't gone you need to.
(5)Lisa B.
Don't let the "truck stop" appearance from the outside fool you, this place is a gem! Like to come here for special occasions due to the distance from my home! Never had a bad meal or service here. Food is imaginative and tasty! Favorite menu is Valentine's Day!
(5)Kimberly O.
really liked this place. weird name. very nice place. good atmosphere. the salad we had was great and they split it for us. champagne something or other. the wine was great. my pasta was fabulous. seafood, sausage, creamy sauce, yum. would have loved another scallop. perfectly cooked. I would definitely go back next time I'm in town.
(4)Stina T.
great food! great location!
(5)cynindenver c.
what a joke. the service was so bad it actually became funny. despite having reservations, we waited for an hour for our table. two hours passed and we still hadn't gotten our entrees. i asked for our wine to be served with dinner, but it was served an hour before we got dinner - a ploy to run up the bill, perhaps? not one, but two beef orders came out over cooked and tough. when they brought out a redone dish, they literally brought just the meat - not the mashed potatoes that my 83 year old mother ate while waiting for them to get the order close to right. have you ever seen less than the full plate served when the restaurant is trying to make it right? have you have seen a waitress say, with a straight face, your order will be right out -when the other six people at the table were more than half way done with their meal? i haven't laughed that hard in a long time. the restaurant graciously comped the meal that wasn't eaten and our appetizers, which they had said they'd comp during the hour we waited for our reserved table, so really - big deal. the restaurant also comped 4 desserts for 7 people - without actually asking what we preferred. the topper was staff sweeping the floor while we waited to pay our check it was the worst birthday dinner ever - it was so bad it actually became funny. well, except for the bill. they should have comped the whole meal and waited to clean up after we left - it wasn't our fault it was almost 10:30 p.m. we did arrive at 6:45.....
(1)Peggy D.
Went here for lunch today. Have been once before and liked it. Today it was packed at noon, good sign indeed. However, after being seated we waited 55 mins. before our order was taken. We then waited about 35 mins. before our meal came. Would have appreciated the waitress coming by to let us know our meal was on its way. The lunch itself, mine was a veggie wrap, was beautifully plated. It was average, was supposed to have hummus in it but sure didn't taste it. The restaurant is extremely loud so it was very hard to visit with my lunch companions. As we left the front of the house manager was primping in the mirror in the bar area so no "thank you for coming" comments were made. This is a great local spot so it was very dissapointing to receive this sloppy service. Perhaps it was just a bad day to go?
(3)Barbara S.
I am the consummate foodie, and we tried this restaurant last night, as recommended by my junior high school friend from upstate ny. I must say, each and every thing we ate was perfect, and I'm a very harsh critic. The seafood cobb salad is to die for. They are generous with their portions, and it is very appetizingly presented. Our friend opted for the mixed grill (for a second night in a row). One of the selections were beef medallions, my favorites ever. My husband and I shared the London broil special and it was perfect. We 3 split a key lime pie, and without missing a beat ordered a second piece as we liked our forks from the first piece. don't miss this. True, the service is slow, but to me it's way worth it for food of this caliber. We'll be back! And a word to the wise, don't let the totally nothing exterior deter you.
(5)