Jennifer’s Restaurant Review

REX’S BURGERS & BREWS

Address: 14 N POST-SPOKANE
Phone: 474-0564
Open: SUN-WED 11-10/ THUR-SAT 11AM-12PM
Entree Cost: $11.20-18.95
Corkage Fee: $12 – WINE LIST*

As promised, this is the 2nd part of the dynamic duo
of restaurants that Jason Rex of Scratch fame has recently
opened. Fraiche was my review for December and is the
French dining venue that is inhabiting the former bar of
Niko’s old location. Rex’s Burgers & Brews occupies the
larger portion of the former Niko’s and its focus is vastly
different then it’s sister restaurant. Here we have the kid
friendly, sports oriented casual dining scene complete with
TV’s piping out your fave sports events. That, thankfully,
doesn’t equate to “noisy” as the room is very well sound insulated.
It’s comfy and you even get a cloth napkin to help
clean up from the juicy, good burgers, should you need to.

The staff is friendly and will make sure you’re well
taken care of. Which means a beverage in hand once you are
seated, of course! As this is a “brew” oriented facility, the
focus is on beer. There are many selections in that world
starting with a nice little array of rotating tap handles and
bottles galore with nicer options such as the Ninkasi Total
Domination IPA, Elysian Immortal IPA, Dales Pale Ale,
Sessions, Widmer Hefeweisen and Samual Smith Oatmeal
Stout to mention but a few. You’ll also find a list of cocktails
to quench your thirst and yes, even a bit of wine. House wines
are by Coastal Vines and you can also choose from Barnard
Griffin Chardonnay, Chasing Venus Sauvignon Blanc, Pacific
Rim Riesling, Maryhill White, Zonin Prosecco, Desert
Wind Cabernet, Red Rock Merlot, Jacobs Creek Shiraz, 40
Nights Red, Sensual Malbec and a few others.

My brew buddy and I have had a few opportunities
to check out Rex’s and have subsequently tasted a good variety
of what is there. While the emphasis is on burgers, there are
a great deal of other tasty treats to tempt you. In the appetizer
world, one simply must try (even if just once) The Tots.
These little gems are tater tots wrapped in jalapeno bacon,
fried all crispy and come with nacho cheese to dip into. On
the other end of the spectrum is the sliced Zucchini that is
Dijon marinated and topped with a tangy tomato drizzle,
very tasty. Others in between are the classic Crab & Artichoke
dip, Cheesy Boursin Dip, Nachos (loaded with all the good
stuff and you can add buffalo chili if you wish), Tomato
Bruschetta, rich and gooey Potato Skins filled with cheddar,
pepper jack, green onion and bacon with sour cream, Beef or
Pork Sliders, Hot Wings in Frank’s Red Hot or Rex’s own
sweet and spicy BBQ (ask about the Idiot Hot Wing
Challenge…) and others.

Burgers come in many varieties and configurations, as one
would expect. You can go with a pre-ordained version, such
as the Husky with beef, pineapple, ham and grilled onions or
the Eagle made with turkey, smoked Gouda, grilled onions,
mushrooms and peppers, or even the Black Bean with Brie,
grilled onions, mushrooms and pineapple. Or you can build
your own using any of the meats above or buffalo, elk, grilled
chicken, duck or a Big City Hot Dog. Along with that are a
plethora of cheese possibilities ranging from cheddar, Swiss
or Blue to Nacho Cheese Sauce. Add to that a unique bacon
perhaps, or grilled and/or roasted veggies or egg and you can
build to your hearts content. With all of the burgers you can
take your creation to the condiment bar to load up on toppings
and a set of sauces will await you at your table. Fun
stuff! And with all of that you still get a choice of fries, tots,
salads and more to go with your masterpiece.

Never fear, however, if you wish some other nibble. Rex’s
offers great sandwiches ranging from a French Dip, Philly
Cheesesteak, California Wrap (gluten free is available) or even
the decadent, heady Ultimate Grilled Cheese. We found the
salads to be tasty with a classic Wedge Salad with bleu cheese
and bacon crumbles, a Spinach Salad, Caesar Salad or even a
loaded Taco Salad. And don’t forget the homemade soups!!
Also, do check out the entrees. We really enjoyed the Petit
Filet, cooked perfectly with roasted spuds and the pastas are
quite satisfying (Chicken Tortellini Alfredo or Veggie Pesto
Pasta). Save room for a bit of dessert all the way from
Brain Freeze Ice Cream, a Molten Lava Cake,
Mile High Carrot Cake, etc.

Whew! Many choices, many visits!

WINE LIST: * MODEST **GOOD ***VERY GOOD ****EXCELLENT