Since we’re foodies at heart, Amy and I relish the opportunity to sample unfamiliar cuisine and discover innovative twists on traditional dishes when we travel and whenever the inspiration grabs us locally. 

We’re fortunate that our local area offers a plethora of options for culinary exploration, including a renowned establishment known as The Flying Goat.

Established in Spokane, Washington in 2010, The Flying Goat is a lively destination renowned for its exceptional selection of craft beer and microbrews. 

In addition to its pub-like atmosphere, it also boasts a reputation for serving up mouth-watering wood-fired pizzas that are sure to impress even the most snobby pizza connoisseur.

The restaurant has embraced the rich tradition of classic pizza-making, drawing inspiration from the legacy, flavors, and aromas of Neopolitan-style pizza. 

The Flying Goat even takes it a step further by adding its own playful touch to the art of artisan pizza-making by incorporating local ingredients and flavors that lend a distinctive character to its offerings.

Along with its delectable pizza, The Flying Goat also boasts a premier craft beer and microbrew bar. The establishment holds the belief that the beer selection is equally as crucial as the food menu, and it delivers on both fronts with outstanding quality. 

Drinking good beer while eating artisan pizza with an excellent companion? Sign me up, please!

Built With A Vision

When The Flying Goat’s owners embarked on constructing their local pizza pub, they aimed to infuse it with a touch of eccentricity by utilizing sustainable and upcycled materials to their fullest potential. 

In a stroke of luck, they discovered an incredible opportunity to revitalize a local wooden grain elevator that dates back to 1910.

They meticulously disassembled the elevator, and its wood is now incorporated both inside and outside the pub. The resulting ambiance is truly distinctive, with an authentic rustic allure that perfectly captures the establishment’s character.

Dedicated to their community, the establishment persistently endeavors to improve it. By partnering with highly skilled local artists, they have converted their pub into a one-of-a-kind destination.

The wall exhibitions of local artists, neighborhood snapshots, and personalized pub signage provide only a glimpse into their collective achievements.

What They Do Best

These people have a serious dedication to the craft of pizza-making! 

Their attention to detail ensures that the crust’s outer edges acquire the perfect wood-fired char, which imparts a delightful smoky flavor and distinctive texture. Achieving this element is considered vital for Neapolitan Style pizza, and they have mastered it perfectly.

Fresh dough and sauces are prepared in-house every morning, and some meat toppings are even cured on-site. To ensure the perfect authentic quality, each pizza is hand-stretched and baked in a 2500-pound Woodstone oven from Bellingham, Washington.

Although the Goat doesn’t brew beer, they offer the finest craft beers and ciders from the Pacific Northwest.

Their selection of brews includes everything from sweet ciders to tart sours to hoppy IPAs, and our personal favorite, barrel-aged stouts. 

There’s a wide variety of options to cater to everyone’s preference, with 15 rotating craft handles, an extensive selection of cans and bottles, and a cellar beer list available.

Wine enthusiasts are also well-catered for, as the venue provides a house wine, the Goat Head Red, created by the nearby Townshend Winery, and an eclectic wine list that boasts an impressive selection of red and white wines.

Our Experience At The Flying Goat

On a chilly but bright late January afternoon, Amy and I opted to visit for some beer and pizza. As it was during the lull period between lunch and dinner, the restaurant wasn’t overly crowded, and we were promptly seated.

To begin our culinary journey, we perused the drink menu and, although they had our beloved stout beers, we chose to try something new. Variety is the spice of life after all.

Amy savored a glass of the Goat Head Red, while I relished a Pear Cider. We sipped our drinks alongside an order of “A” Street Chips, consisting of thinly sliced potatoes deep-fried with Flying Goat seasoning, deep-fried to crispy perfection, and absolutely delicious.

Of course, we indulged in Amy’s favorite, a side of creamy gorgonzola dressing for dipping. Overall, it was a delightful beginning to our experience.

Although the place has a great selection of delicious salads and sandwiches to choose from, we decided to try their specialty: 13 different artisan Neapolitan pizzas. It was a difficult decision to make, as the pizzas offered a wide range of flavors, from the traditional Margherita style to the classic pepperoni. 

However, we were intrigued by the more unique options with toppings like truffle oil, yellow coconut curry, and exotic Italian cheeses I’d never tasted before.

Ultimately, we opted for the “Fairview” pizza – a truly distinct creation comprising of heavy cream, a house cheese blend, house back bacon, gorgonzola cheese crumbles, and sliced pears, all finished with a white balsamic reduction. 

Yes, you read that correctly – there were actual pear slices on this pizza! The combination of flavors melded seamlessly, and we easily polished off the entire pie between the two of us.

We’re Hungry For More

Our visit to the Flying Goat was exceptional, earning them a five-star rating from us. 

The atmosphere, decor, food, and drinks were all perfectly aligned with our expectations for a pub-style pizzeria with a unique twist. 

Their take on the classic Neopolitan style was spot-on, and their innovative ingredients and additions made it even better.

After experiencing the delectable cuisine and delightful atmosphere at the Flying Goat, we are eagerly anticipating our next visit. 

We highly recommend this hidden gem to anyone in the Spokane area who appreciates quality drinks and a unique pizza-eating experience.

The seating area is on the small side for winter time, but in the summer they have patio seating which about doubles the seating. Still, at prime meal times, you could experience a bit of a wait.

And if you ever find yourself visiting Spokane, don’t make the mistake of missing out on this amazing eatery – it’s a must-visit spot that will leave you satisfied and craving more.