Finding a spot that actually feels like home is getting harder. If you’re driving through Northern Idaho, specifically the Post Falls area, you've probably seen the sign for the Oval Office. It’s tucked away in a spot that feels more like a cozy neighborhood secret than a high-end bistro. But don’t let the unassuming exterior of this converted house on Spokane Street fool you.
The Oval Office menu Post Falls locals rave about isn't your standard pub fare or a generic steakhouse lineup. It’s specific. It’s curated.
Honestly, it’s one of those places where the atmosphere does a lot of the heavy lifting before the food even hits the table. You walk into what used to be a residential home, and suddenly you’re in a space that balances "white tablecloth" vibes with "I’m wearing jeans and that’s totally fine" energy. It’s owned by the same folks behind the White House Grill—another Post Falls staple—but while the White House is all about garlic and chaos (in the best way), the Oval Office is the sophisticated, slightly more relaxed sibling.
What’s Actually on the Oval Office Menu Post Falls Foodies Love?
People talk about the martinis first. It’s almost a rule. But we’re here for the food.
The menu leans heavily into Northwest flavors but drags them through a bit of international flair. You’ve got starters that feel substantial. Most regulars won't even look at the menu before ordering the Brie and Roasted Garlic. It’s a mess, frankly. It’s a delicious, gooey, social mess of warm brie, roasted cloves of garlic that spread like butter, and sliced apples to cut through the fat.
It works. It shouldn’t be that simple, but it is.
Then there’s the Chili Rellenos. This is where the kitchen shows its range. They aren't trying to be an authentic Mexican cantina. Instead, they take a poblano, stuff it with shrimp and jack cheese, and serve it with a cumin-scented tomato sauce. It’s heavy. It’s savory. It’s exactly what you want on a Tuesday night when the Idaho wind is kicking up.
The Entree Breakdown
If you're moving into the main course, the Oval Office menu Post Falls relies on a few heavy hitters that have been there for years. Consistency is their superpower.
- The Filet Mignon: They usually serve this with a gorgonzola crust. If you don’t like blue cheese, stay away, because they don't skimp. But if you do? The sharpness of the cheese against the richness of the beef is a classic pairing for a reason.
- Honey Balsamic Salmon: It’s the Northwest. You have to have salmon. This version is sweet, tangy, and usually served over a bed of greens or mashers.
- The Pasta Dishes: Often overlooked because people want the steak, but their seafood pastas—usually loaded with scallops and shrimp—are surprisingly delicate.
Prices? They’re fair. You aren't paying Seattle or Coeur d’Alene resort prices, but it’s definitely a "step up" from the local burger joints. You're looking at spending somewhere between $25 and $45 for a solid entree, depending on how fancy you're feeling.
The Martini Culture in Post Falls
You can’t discuss the Oval Office menu Post Falls without acknowledging the liquid portion of that menu. They are famous—or perhaps infamous—for their martinis.
The list is long. It’s printed on a separate sheet because it needs the space.
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They have the classics, sure. But they also have things like the "Lemon Drop" that actually tastes like fruit and the "Dirty" that’s salty enough to satisfy a craving. During Happy Hour, the place gets packed. People stand in the small bar area or huddle on the porch just to get those discounted drinks. It’s a scene. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see a construction worker in hi-vis gear sitting next to a lawyer in a suit, both working through a plate of calamari.
The calamari, by the way, is light. Not that rubbery stuff you get at chain restaurants. It’s flash-fried and served with a dipping sauce that has just enough kick to keep you interested.
Why the Location Matters
The building itself is a character. Located at 620 N Spokane St, it sits in a residential-looking area.
This matters because it dictates the vibe. You aren't in a strip mall. You aren't in a sterile downtown storefront. You are in a house. The rooms are small and intimate. This makes it a nightmare for large groups—honestly, if you have a party of 12, go somewhere else—but for a date? It’s perfect.
The lighting is low. The walls are covered in eclectic art and political memorabilia (hence the name). It feels lived-in.
A Note on the "White House" Connection
Ruzhdi Bakalli, the man behind the curtain here, has a specific philosophy. He wants food to be flavorful. Bold. He isn't afraid of seasoning. If you’ve been to the White House Grill down the street, you know his obsession with garlic. At the Oval Office, that obsession is tempered. It’s refined. You’ll still find the garlic, but it’s roasted, mellowed out, and tucked into sauces rather than hitting you in the face the moment you open the door.
The "Secret" to Navigating the Menu
If you want the best experience, ignore the big steaks for a second.
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The real magic of the Oval Office menu Post Falls is in the "Small Plates" and appetizers. Many locals don't even order an entree. They grab three or four small plates, a couple of martinis, and just graze.
- The Lamb Sliders: These are gamey in the best way, topped with a bit of feta and greens.
- The Crab Cakes: Mostly crab, very little filler. That’s the test of a good kitchen.
- The Duck: Often featured as a special, it’s usually crispy-skinned and served with something fruit-forward.
If you go during the summer, the patio is the place to be. It’s shaded, green, and lets you soak in that North Idaho air while you pretend you're at a garden party instead of a restaurant.
What People Get Wrong
Newcomers often think they need a reservation weeks in advance. While it’s busy, they do a decent job of rotating tables. However, the bar is first-come, first-served. If you’re a party of two, skip the host stand and head straight for the bar. You get the same menu, faster service, and you get to watch the bartenders work their magic on those martinis.
Another misconception? That it’s a "stuffy" political place because of the name. It’s not. The "Oval Office" theme is mostly aesthetic. It’s a nod to the "White House" brand, but nobody is going to lecture you on policy while you’re eating your pasta. It’s just a name.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
To get the most out of your trip to the Oval Office, follow these steps:
Aim for Happy Hour. It usually runs from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (double-check their current seasonal hours as they do shift). This is the best way to try the martinis without committing to full price.
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Order the Brie. Even if you think you don't like garlic. The roasting process turns it into a sweet, nutty spread that bears no resemblance to the raw stuff.
Dress "Idaho Fancy." This means a clean pair of jeans and a nice shirt or a simple dress. You don't need a tuxedo, but you might feel out of place in gym shorts.
Check the Specials. The kitchen often experiments with fresh catches or seasonal produce that isn't on the permanent printed menu. These are usually the highlights of the night.
Parking is tricky. It’s a residential neighborhood. Be respectful of the neighbors and be prepared to walk a block or two if the tiny lot is full.
The Oval Office menu Post Falls offers something that’s becoming rare: a consistent, high-quality experience that doesn't feel like it was designed by a corporate committee. It’s quirky, it’s a bit cramped, and the food is unapologetically flavorful. Whether you're a local or just passing through on I-90, it’s a detour that’s actually worth the time.