Landmark Restaurants, based in Spokane, owns and operates The Onion Taphouse & Grill and Frank's Diners. Facebook provides more details about Landmark Restaurants, including their Facebook page. Greater Spokane Inc. also highlights The Onion Taphouse and Grill's focus on fresh, local products and its expanded tap selection
His wife Christy Belisle oversees the marketing, landscaping and remodeling projects. Landmark owns and operates both The Onion Taphouse & Grill and both Franks Diners in Spokane.
A. Downtown Onion Taphouse and Grill
The first Onion menu actually debuted at 302 W. Riverside in 1975, and that is when the old sign was changed from the Union to the Onion. Founder Larry Brown didn’t have the money to change the sign at the time when the painter recommended changing the U to an O, and the Onion brand was created. In 1978, Larry got a large loan from US Bank and truly did a beautiful remodel. That is when the Onion everyone knows today was born. In 2018 we celebrate our 40th year in business, but the original 1975 Onion menu still hangs in the restaurant today as a reminder of our humble tavern roots.
Downtown Frank’s Diner
A lost ground lease in Seattle was Spokane’s gain, and Frank’s Diner railcar came to 1516 W. Second Ave. in the fall of 1991. This original beautiful 1906 railcar was actually the private car for the president of that time and is as beautiful today as when it was first built.
North Side Onion Taphouse and Grill
Built in 1982 by Bargreen Ellington, this beautiful taphouse has been a north side hangout for large parties and family gatherings for 36 years. In 2015, the new Area 51 lounge became an instant north side favorite.
North Side Frank’s Diner
After six months, we finally found a transport route to bring this 80-foot, 100-ton railcar over from the coast. It then spent two years in a warehouse hangar being restored to its beautiful original condition. After $1 million and thousands of man hours, we were then ready to set it in its new home in North Spokane. With the help of two huge cranes and a massive semi haul with police escort, our beautifully restored railcar was moved to its final home, and [Frank’s Diner] opened in 2005 on Newport Highway.
We recognize the enormous obligation to keep finding ways to exceed our guests’ expectations. We love Spokane and its people. Our managers and crew are family. Our love of great craft food and beverage, and the honor it is to share with our friends and neighbors, has never been more important than today. We know time is valuable, and when you can get away for a meal, the experience truly has to be wonderful. Our guests’ desire for craft, locally sourced food and beverage prepared fresh when they order is our passion.