New eatery debuts in Spokane Valley
A new government-themed restaurant in Spokane Valley has attracted steady crowds since opening earlier this month.
Capitol Bar & Grill, owned by restaurateur Raci Erdem, began serving customers on August 7 at 18219 E. Appleway. The 85-seat dining room and 20-seat patio occupy the former Boomers Classic Rock Bar & Grill space, renovated for $400,000. Ben of All Trades LLC, based in Post Falls, managed the interior work with help from Erdem’s employee, Darren Cook.
Late-night comfort food with a political theme
The menu features American bar-and-grill staples—burgers, wings, fish and chips—while incorporating Mediterranean, Mexican, and Asian flavors. Dishes include playful political names like the American Smash, Big Beautiful Burger, and The Don’s Sandwich. Cocktails follow the theme, with drinks such as the Obama Mama and Corrupt Coconut.
Erdem described the food as affordable comfort fare. “You can eat here every day without spending too much,” he said.
Hours run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, extending to midnight on weekends. The focus remains on late-night diners.
A growing collection of themed restaurants
Capitol Bar & Grill marks Erdem’s fourth political-themed restaurant in the region. He launched the concept 30 years ago in Post Falls with The White House Grill, which started as a seven-table spot before expanding. The Oval Office opened in 2007, also in Post Falls, and The Pentagon arrived in Liberty Lake in 2019.
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In Spokane, Erdem previously operated The West Wing on the South Hill but closed it in 2014. “I wasn’t prepared for a third location then,” he said. “It was a valuable lesson, though an expensive one.”
Across his four restaurants, Erdem now employs about 200 people, including 35 part-time staff at the new location. He plans to hire more soon.
While he owns The White House Grill, The Oval Office, and The Pentagon outright, Capitol Bar & Grill operates as a partnership with his nephew, Emre Basar, who has worked for him for years. “I wanted to share this with my nephew,” Erdem said. “When I saw this space, I knew it was the right move.”
The restaurant is situated between Lady Luck Tattoo and Green City Saloon, featuring sports on multiple TVs and a long bar. Since opening, the response has been positive.
“I’m lucky to have loyal customers,” Erdem said.
For now, he intends to maintain the current momentum without expanding too quickly. The success of Capitol Bar & Grill may ease concerns from past experiences, as local businesses face growing pressures in the region.
