The Lantern Tap House expanding into former Perry St. Cafe | Restaurants

The owners of the Lantern Tap House in the South Perry district are looking to extend the good vibes into the empty suite next door.

“Close and intimate space, that's what we're about,” Mike Dolmage, co-owner and operator, said. “We don't have TVs, so you're kind of forced to talk to people.”

Dolmage, with his wife Melinda, and business partner James Pearson are working feverishly to renovate and clean the former Perry St. Cafe so they can have the dining area of their restaurant open by St. Patrick's Day 2013 – though being open by that day will mostly depend on how fast the Liquor Control Board approves their change of permits.

Dolmage and Pearson said they were working to strip the kitchen bare to get a clean start.

“People have preconceived notions about the cleanliness of the kitchen,” Dolmage said. “We want to reverse that.”

The tavern has been open since 2009, and when the Perry St. Cafe moved to Cheney, the owners of the Lantern wanted to offer food to make the Lantern experience to be more family-friendly.

“We're a neighborhood establishment and we're proud of that,” Dolmage said. “But we want to extend that feeling to all families and to all of Spokane and not just a 21-and-up crowd.”

The Lantern will serve “traditional pub fare,” and their chef will be Troy Webber – formerly of the Elk.

The renovations include installing donated church pews and a fireplace to the dining area. Patio seating will also be added on 10th Avenue.

“We pride ourselves on knowing names here,” Dolmage said. “It's a real neighborhood, and – soon-to-be – family environment.”