As the saying goes, big things come in small packages. We have tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurants all over Washington that don't have the most noticeable storefronts, but their locally-sourced ingredients and unique menu twists will have you coming back for more in no time. Whether you're grabbing the food to go, you have reservations, or you get lucky enough to score a seat, these small, unassuming spots around the state are completely worth swinging by next time you get hungry.
1. Chuck's Hole In The Wall BBQ, Seattle (Pioneer Square)
It can be tough finding good BBQ in Seattle, but Chuck's in Pioneer Square definitely delivers, especially when it comes to their hand-sliced brisket. Seating is pretty limited, but you can always grab some of their quality ribs, chili, sandwiches, and sides to go. Address: 215 James Street, Seattle
2. Gianfranco Risorante Italian, Snoqualmie
In a comfy, intimate setting, Gianfranco's serves authentic Italian food (for dinner-only) along with an extensive selection of wines and homemade desserts. With a capacity to only seat about 40 people, it's an ideal, romantic place for a quiet date night. Address: 8150 Railroad Ave SE, Snoqualmie
3. Fountain Cafe, Port Townsend
Fountain Cafe is a small, quaint place to eat inside the Mary Webster historical building. Inside you'll be able to dine on some fantastic clam chowder, salads and sandwiches made with local ingredients, along with a well-curated wine selection. Address: 920 Washington St, Port Townsend
4. Soulful Soups & Spirits, Spokane
A hidden treasure by River Park Square, this place in Spokane offers a delectable selection of homemade soups, like their Tomato Basil Soup with croutons, as pictured. They also serve amazing beer bread, salads, sandwiches, and cocktails later in the evening. Address: 117 N Howard St, Spokane
5. Pel' Meni, Bellingham
This cozy late-night spot only makes two kinds of Russian dumplings: meat and potato. The restaurant is set in a long and narrow room downtown, but you'll still be able to find plenty of wooden tables in the upper and lower levels. Address: 1211 N State, Bellingham
6. Kama'aina Grill, Bremerton
If you're hungry and waiting for the ferry in Bremerton, check out this hole-in-the-wall only about a block up from the terminal. They don't have a lot of places to sit and eat inside, but you can always swing by for a plate of the fresh Hawaiian BBQ to take on the go.
Address: 208 1st St, Bremerton
7. Max's World Cafe, Issaquah
As the name might suggest, Max's World Cafe serves authentic dishes from all over the globe. Their eclectic menu ranges from Portuguese dishes fused with Indian flavors to Wild Alaskan Cod Fish Tacos, as pictured. A fair warning: the spicy here is known to have some intense heat. Address: 212 Front St N, Issaquah
8. New Moon Cooperative Cafe, Olympia
In the heart of Olympia's downtown, New Moon Cafe serves up delightful breakfast and lunch foods in a small, charming atmosphere. Try their Northwest Eggs Benedict with fresh Nisqually-caught salmon, or one of their many signature sandwiches. Address: 113 4th Ave W, Olympia
9. Turnip The Beet, Port Angeles
Vegans and meat-lovers alike will appreciate this small, unassuming place in downtown Port Angeles. All of their creative, healthy options are made with locally-sourced ingredients, from the salads, soups and pitas to the fresh Wild Caught Salmon Wraps. Address: 132 E Front St, Port Angeles
10. Rice & Noodles, Pasco
Rice & Noodles is a pint-sized hidden gem for Asian cuisine in the Tri-Cities. Mongolian rice bowls, Japanese sushi, Korean dishes, Chinese food and more are available on the menu, as well as a number of great options for vegetarians. Address: 3315 W Court St #110, Pasco
11. Art of the Table, Seattle (Fremont)
Art of the Table offers an amazing, one-of-a-kind dining experience. Every dish is a new masterpiece (on a menu that changes daily), and comes to your table introduced personally by the chef-owner. It's hard to not fall in love with every little detail on the food's presentation here. To ensure you'll get a table, make reservations ahead of time as they only seat about 20 people.
Address: 1054 N 39th St, Seattle
12. Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen, Walla Walla
After a long day of wine tasting in Walla Walla, there's nowhere better to stop for a romantic, intimate meal afterwards than Saffron downtown. It may seem like small place out front, but they have plenty of seating inside and on the patio now that it's warm out. They feature unique twists on Spanish & Italian tapas, as well as pizza, pastas, and of course, fabulous local wines to go with. Address: 125 W Alder St, Walla Walla
Have you been to any of these tiny places before? Where are some of your favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Washington?
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