Restaurant Review: Lookout Restaurant and Bar
By Kris Smith
Ah yes! Spring is here and with it comes the strong desire to be outdoors! What can be better than alfresco dining with a gorgeous view? Well, I’ve got the best spot to do just that: The Lookout Restaurant and Bar at the University of Idaho Golf Course, 1215 Nez Perce Drive, Moscow. The Lookout is soon to be discovered as the best place to meet in Moscow. It features a nice food menu with full bar service filled with great hand-crafted cocktails.
Being a regular weekly golfer, I had been anticipating an average municipal course style concession stand. The Lookout far exceeds that label, hosting numerous tables on the patio overlooking the Palouse with gorgeous vistas and stunning sunsets. But, they keep a clean and inviting dining room with great service and lots of variety on the menu for those who would like to remain indoors. Join them seven days a week, lunch and dinner from 10 am until 9 pm and brunch Saturdays and Sundays 10 am until 4 pm.
I’m not going to spoil the surprise but, well, OK, I have to share. Brunch is upscale without the crazy prices. Bloody Mary’s and Seasonal Mimosas, French 75’s, and Backspins (a tropical bubbly rum-based affair) and all the hot boozy beverages you know and love. There are yogurt parfaits, pastries and mini croissant beignets. For mains: biscuits and gravy served with two eggs, loaded breakfast burritos, a massive breakfast sando, brioche French toast with huckleberry chantilly (whipped cream with huckleberry) and a not to be missed chicken and waffle stack. Sides are available, enjoyable, affordable and encouraged. This is a classy brunch! Ask them about Vandalizing your entree!
Lunch is another sweet spot. For appetizers I recommend trying the pepper jack mac n cheese bites and yes, dip into the Korean BBQ sauce! Another hit is the roasted beet hummus, so different and so good! A very fresh selection of salads that you can add a protein of choice to for a nominal cost. The entrees at lunch are pretty tasty. I prefer the wagyu steak burger, the western bison burger or the Korean BBQ chicken sando with Asian slaw. I also like to add pepper jack cheese, just because I can!
At 4 they start serving dinner entrees. Market steak can be had two ways: a 14 oz ribeye (yum) or a 6 oz sirloin. They also have; a nice piece of salmon, airline chicken breast, mac n cheese topped with pulled pork, bacon or chicken, and a tasty vegetarian lentil cottage pie topped with mashed potatoes and melted gouda.
Signature cocktails are a highlight here, I’ve had ’em all and love ’em all. They also feature a rotating special as well. Alas, the beer menu is limited to cans and bottles but I heard they are working on taps! Stay tuned for that. All things considered do get out to the Lookout, you’ll thank me!
Check out their website for menu options and business hours!