Travis Dickinson – Head Chef and Manager for downtown Spokane Taqueria, Cochinito – and his partner, Justin Curtis, knew that Spokane’s foodie scene was hankering for classic street tacos with a culinary twist. Thus, in late 2017 they took down their shingle at Clover Restaurant and Bar in the University District to pursue their desire to fill this hunger.
After a thorough location search, the duo found that the most affordable and central space for their new venture was in downtown at 10 N Post St, in a location formerly occupied by Mi Casa. The deciding factor, Dickinson says, is because downtown “is turning into something that is really special and I wanted to get in before it explodes and starts booming.” Located between Riverfront Park and the Historic Davenport Hotel, he sees their location as a “central hub with great business and tourist traffic.”
Cochinito has a very unique approach to both its atmosphere and food. Diners who walk into Cochinito will be welcomed into a laid back space with walk-up counter and full bar serving craft cocktails, thoughtfully-selected cervezas, and spirits. Setting a goal to be the first chef driven taco shop in Spokane, Dickinson and Curtis wanted their restaurant to be a dining location that was inclusive to everyone.
This causal setting and atmosphere helps draw in people of all ages. However, their food is far from casual, as they focus on the ingredients and fine-dining technique. Known for creative twists on classic street tacos, the menu also serves-up bowls, starters, and desserts. Dickinson and Curtis pride themselves on having the freshest local and responsibly sourced ingredients. “There may be cheaper options out there for ingredients,” Dickinson says, “but for more quality and the ability to have it hand crafted by chefs, the extra fifty cents is worth it.”
If you are looking for a new place for happy hour or a quick bite after work, Cochinito offers $1 off of all menu items every day between 3:00 and 5:30 p.m. and all night on Taco Tuesdays.
Make sure to keep an eye out for Cochinito’s monthly dinner series that will pick back up after the New Year. The series brings in brewers, wine makers, spirit producers and more for an exclusive dining experience.
Since opening in early 2018, the restaurant has enjoyed experiencing downtown’s community and seasonal events, even adopting a Hoopfest team to track and root for throughout the three on three weekend. The owners are looking forward to their first winter downtown, excited to see what this holiday season brings for their business.
If you haven’t had the chance, stop by Cochinito on your next lunch break, family night out, Taco Tuesday or when you’re in town visiting and you will see what this unique place has to offer.
Cochinito 10 N Post St, Spokane, WA 99201
Monday – Thursday 11AM–9PM
Friday / Saturday 11AM–10PM
Sunday Closed