Our story

The JT Livery Stable, pictured right, becomes the Jaborra Stable. The property will remain in the Jaborra family for over a century, until 2020.

The Jaborra livery barn was razed in the 1940s to make room for Johnny’s Cafe. The cafe served homemade classics and quickly became a popular dining option for both students and locals. They were known for their steaks, burgers, soda fountain, and malts.

Johnny’s Cafe became Johnnie’s Restaurant and Lounge. The reiteration advertised themselves as a place where college students could come get a home style meal and they also had pool tables. Johnnie’s had a few more reiterations over the years including a Mexican restaurant.

In 1999, this space became The Alehouse. The land was still owned by the Jaborra family but the restaurant was now owned and operated as part of a trifecta, with successful, corresponding restaurants in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.

In 2010, the Coeur d’Alene Brewing Company (who owned The Alehouse) decided to begin the process of selling their business and the remaining surplus of beer. This was the perfect opportunity for Wendy to go from manager to owner.

The Alehouse officially becomes the Moscow Alehouse and Wendy becomes “the waitress who pays the electric bill” and “chief hugger”. She brought in a rotating tap selection and donates to and works with several different local charities and organizations.

COVID-19 and the accompanying pandemic meant several changes for the Moscow Alehouse including a building-wide air purification system, temporary closure, a strict mask policy, and social distancing.

As COVID-19 and it’s variants continue to surge, the Moscow Alehouse thrives. The Jabotra family is ready to part ways with the land they’ve owned for over a century and Wendy and Rick now officially own the Moscow Alehouse and the land it sits on.