Eating breakfast inside a restored 1906 Presidential railcar might sound like a gimmick, but Frank’s Diner proves history and exceptional food make the perfect pairing. 🚂
This downtown Spokane institution has been serving award-winning comfort food for over 80 years, transforming from Seattle’s hidden gem into Washington’s oldest operating dining car restaurant.
The moment you step into Car No. 1787—originally built as an observation car for the President of the Northern Pacific Railroad—you’re transported to the golden age of rail travel.
With family recipes handed down over a century and Spokane’s Best Breakfast title for three decades running, Frank’s Diner downtown Spokane, WA, delivers nostalgia you can actually taste.
How Frank’s Diner Won Spokane’s Hearts
Frank’s Diner captured Spokane’s heart through a remarkable story that began during the Great Depression when Frank Knight purchased the stranded Presidential railcar in Seattle and converted it into a traditional diner in 1931.
For 60 years, the diner operated successfully in Seattle before losing its land lease in 1991—a devastating blow that could have ended the story completely. 📖
Instead, Seattle’s loss became Spokane’s incredible gain when the magnificent railcar found its new home in downtown Spokane, where locals immediately embraced this piece of living history.
The restaurant’s commitment to scratch-made preparation and family recipes dating back over 100 years created immediate credibility with diners tired of mass-produced breakfast chains.
Being voted Spokane’s Best Breakfast by The Inlander’s readers’ poll for over 18 consecutive years proves locals genuinely love this place—not just for novelty, but for consistent excellence.
Their commitment to locally-owned operations means profits stay in Spokane, and their insistence on quality ingredients and execution creates jobs locals actually want. 💼
Food Highlights
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Creole Eggs Benedict: This spicy twist on the classic features hollandaise sauce with Creole seasoning that customers describe as “delicious”—pair it with extra crispy hash browns and complimentary grilled onions for an elevated Southern-inspired breakfast.
- Conductor’s Derailer: This massive breakfast combo features French toast, bacon, eggs, and hash browns in portions so generous that customers warn, “you won’t go away hungry”—perfect for those seeking the ultimate diner breakfast experience that covers all the classics. 🥞
- Meatloaf Benedict: An innovative creation featuring house-made meatloaf instead of traditional Canadian bacon that surprises skeptics with how well it works—the scratch-made meatloaf elevates this Benedict variation into must-try territory.
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Hawaiian Chicken Burger: Features grilled pineapple, Swiss cheese, and mayonnaise on a grilled chicken breast that customers specifically praise as “so yummy”—you don’t feel overly full after eating it, making it perfect for lunch 🍍
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French Swiss Dip: Piled high with baron of beef cooked fresh and thin-sliced on a fresh roll with melted Swiss cheese and hearty au jus—this sandwich embodies classic diner excellence executed with quality ingredients.
- Blue Oatmeal: Frank’s signature creation features steel-cut oats prepared with huckleberries that turn it a distinctive blue color—customers specifically request “extra huckleberries” and call it a must-try item, showcasing Pacific Northwest ingredients in unexpected ways.
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Biscuits & Gravy: Even Southerners admit this Northwestern take on their regional staple tastes “almost as good as my grandma’s”—the biscuit comes perfectly cooked, and the country sausage gravy delivers authentic flavor that converts skeptics.
- Joe’s Special: Three eggs scrambled with spinach, onion, seasoned beef, sausage, and fresh grated Parmesan—this protein-packed scramble delivers hearty flavors perfect for fueling active days in Spokane. 🧀
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Deep Fried Deviled Eggs: This creative appetizer takes a classic picnic favorite and transforms it into something entirely new—customers recommend trying this unique starter that showcases Frank’s willingness to innovate beyond traditional diner fare. 🥚
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Blueberry Lemon French Toast: The sweet and tangy combination earns perfect ratings from customers who clean their plates entirely—this elevated French toast variation demonstrates how Frank’s takes classics and adds creative twists.
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Hot Turkey Sandwich: Made with turkey roasted fresh in their kitchen, served open-faced with mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, and cranberries—this comfort food classic showcases their scratch-cooking commitment.
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Wyoming Elk Chop Steak & Eggs: When available, this game meat option offers adventurous diners something different—while occasionally a bit dry, the flavor consistently impresses and showcases Frank’s commitment to unique proteins.
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French Quarter Creole Steak: This upscale dinner option features center-cut choice sirloin topped with real Bahamian lobster, rock crab, and spicy Creole hollandaise sauce—proving Frank’s does dinner just as well as breakfast.
- Great Nana’s Meatloaf Sandwich: House-made meatloaf served on Texas toast with mashed potatoes and savory brown gravy—family recipes like this one connect diners to Frank’s century-long culinary heritage. 🍞
- Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs: This hearty plate delivers a crispy large chicken fried steak with seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes, rich gravy, and a choice of toast or fresh-baked biscuit—earning consistent praise as comfort food done right. 🍖
Atmosphere
Housed in a magnificently restored 1906 railcar, Frank’s Diner downtown creates an authentic time capsule experience complete with elegant appointments, real silverware, and Presidential-car details.
The beautiful dining room features original railcar architecture with counter seating and booth options that maintain the intimate feel of vintage dining cars while accommodating modern crowd sizes.
The family-friendly environment welcomes all ages with efficient service that remains fast and friendly even during packed breakfast rushes, while the nostalgic setting creates Instagram-worthy moments. 📸
Bottom Line
Experience breakfast inside Washington’s oldest operating dining car restaurant—a genuine 1906 Presidential railcar with over a century of history.
Try the legendary hash browns that customers call “the best I’ve had in my life” and order them extra crispy with complimentary gravy for dipping.
Taste the unique blue oatmeal made with Pacific Northwest huckleberries—an innovative signature dish you won’t find anywhere else.
Enjoy massive portions of scratch-made comfort food using family recipes handed down over 100 years at this locally-owned Spokane institution. ✨
Address:
1516 W 2nd Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
📞 (509) 747-8798
🕐 Open daily, 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM