Now in its fourth year as one of Downtown Sandpoint’s most popular dining spots, Baxters on Cedar is seeing great success with The Back Door, Sandpoint’s newest wine and craft beer bar, which opened last fall.
“We wanted to offer the community a new option for a tapas-style menu,” says Rich Curtis, who is a local full-time realtor with Tomlinson Sotheby’s and is co-owner of Baxters on Cedar with Tommy Dageford. “My motto is ‘List with me and eat for free.’”
Located adjacent to Baxters and one level below, The Back Door offers wine, craft beer and tapas and is accessible from Cedar Street or Second Avenue. It opened in early October 2017 and has quickly become a new favorite spot for many. “We were waiting to find the right person to manage The Back Door, and we found that with Brandon Emch,” says Rich. Brandon is a natural fit as he has a passion and knowledge for wine and beer and managed Tagaris Winery in the Tri-Cities for the last 10 years.
Baxters has always been known for its classic décor, friendly staff, excellent food and great prices, and The Back Door is no different. With seating for up to 42 people, the warm and intimate atmosphere offers a great place to go for a glass of wine or beer prior to dinner or to enjoy an after-dinner port. There is also a menu of unique and delicious appetizers including lobster mac and cheese, duck quesadillas, sliders and a cheese and cured-meat platter.
The Back Door offers a tasteful venue for holiday parties and other gatherings, whether for business or pleasure. They also have big-screen TVs where you can gather to watch various sporting events.
As for Baxters, Tommy says, “It’s a place where you can have a burger and beer one night and grilled fresh halibut and bottle of wine another.” The more popular dishes include Maine lobster roll, sweet-and-sour crab salad and Moroccan lamb sliders. “We are also known for our signature key lime pie,” says Rich of the popular dessert.
Both venues take pride in using locally sourced food whenever possible. “We try to support as many local businesses as possible,” he says. The coffee is from Evans Brothers; their meat from Wood’s Meats; fresh produce is purchased from the Farmers Market during the market season; and they have fresh flowers from Petal Talk. And for many of their kitchen needs, they only have to step next door to Weekends & Company to fulfill their order. It’s that sense of community that both Rich and Tommy say is important to them.
For the craft beer fans, both Baxters and The Back Door offer beer from throughout the Pacific Northwest. “We have a variety of wines available from throughout the region as well as some great South American wines,” adds Brandon.
The Back Door is home to some great musical entertainment and provides an opportunity to see the work of local artists. And it’s not just art on the walls. The unique historic building has been renovated to display the brick that had been covered with drywall for decades. “From the studs out, we totally changed the look; it’s all about the space,” says Rich. They utilized barn wood for the panels on the bar and the walls in Baxters and repurposed old church pews to serve as the countertop for the bar, offering a green design.
Whether it’s date night or a night out with friends, make it a point to come check out The Back Door, Sandpoint’s newest wine bar. And while you are there, why not stay for a delicious meal from Baxters on Cedar.
The Back Door is open Monday through Saturday 3pm to midnight, and Baxters on Cedar is open Monday through Saturday 11am to 9pm.
Baxters on Cedar
Sandpoint
109 Cedar St.
208.229.8377
The Back Door
Sandpoint
113 Cedar St.
208.610.7359
