12 Restaurants You Have To Visit In Washington Before You Die
Washington has so many remarkable restaurants to choose from. Between places with jaw-dropping views to classic burger joints, we have all kinds of spots that could make up the ultimate Northwest dining list. Here are 12 of the many eateries to add to your restaurant bucket list in Washington:
There aren't many other restaurants in our state with such mesmerizing views as this place at Crystal Mountain Resort. Perched at 6,872 feet high, it can be reached by hopping on the Mt. Rainier Gondola. On their menu, you'll find seafood, sandwiches, burgers, hot specialty drinks and more. Be sure to grab a spot out on the patio and enjoy the breathtaking outlook of Mount Rainier and the Cascades. Read more about the Summit House in our previous post.
There's great food everywhere in Pike Place Market, but this spot offers a dining experience that's truly unbeatable. Besides the striking view of the famous market clock and Elliott Bay, they also have fresh seafood and seasonal specials. One of their must-try options include this Pan-fried Cornmeal Crusted Catfish Sandwich, served on artisan potato bread. For more information on Matt's in the Market, visit the website.
Breakfast is by far the most important meal of the day. Thankfully, this cafe in the heart of downtown serves it til they close. They also offer wine, beer and cocktails, as well as handcrafted lunches. One of these mornings, stop by and get a taste of their fluffy Stawberry Granola Pancakes or a French-baked omelette. Visit the Maple Counter Cafe website for more information.
You may recognize this small town cafe as their mural was featured in the '90s show Northern Exposure. But inside they also have a wide variety of breakfasts and burgers to check out, including the Rosylyn Cafe Burger made with two quarter-pound burgers topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and American cheese, all on a brioche bun. Visit the Roslyn Cafe website to learn more.
Between the wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and handcrafted ales, your taste buds might explode at this atomic-themed brewpub in the Tri-Cities. If you like toppings with a kick, try their Atomic Red - topped with red sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, bell pepper, onion and jalapeno. For more on Atomic Ale Brewpub & Eatery, visit the website.
This classic joint has been serving some of the best burgers in downtown Tacoma for years. The retro spot for dining in Washington offers a drive-thru and walk-up window where you can pick up their legendary cheeseburgers, fries, onion rings, and milkshakes. For more, visit the Frisko Freeze Facebook page.
This bistro downtown is busy often, and for good reason. They make some of the most fantastic wood-fired American food on the Olympic Peninsula and even have an exquisite garden area outside where you can enjoy it in. This is easily one of the best places to eat in Washington. Visit the Alder Wood Bistro website to learn more.
You won't find many other places quite like this spot shaped like a giant milk bottle. The Spokane restaurant serves deluxe burgers with quarter pound patties, as well as sandwiches, milkshakes, and classic ice cream flavors. Read more about Mary Lou's Milk Bottle in our previous coverage.
From Dick's Drive-In to Uneeda Burger, we have countless places to grab a great burger in Seattle. This top-rated joint is also worthy of adding to your bucket list - serving all the classic options (including a popular vegetarian burger), as well as shakes, fries, and huge onion rings. And there are three locations around the city.
For more on Red Mill Burgers and to find a location, visit the website.
What could possibly be more relaxing than dining at a place overlooking the Pacific Ocean? Set on a secluded forest bluff by the water, this restaurant can be found in a cozy resort just miles from Pacific Beach State Park. They offer wonderful breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals as well as an extensive wine list. Learn more about Ocean Crest Resort in our previous post.
This tavern in downtown Burlington features a unique train theme and lies next to a railroad track. Inside, they serve food that's raved about including breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, and fabulous cocktails. Being next to the track, you may even catch a train passing by during your meal. Learn more about Train Wreck Bar & Grill on the website.
The Bavarian sausages, fresh pretzels with cheese, and local brews from Icicle Brewing Company make stopping by this place in Leavenworth a must. If you'd like, you can load up their fire-grilled dogs with dozens of toppings and condiments, including several types of mustard and their famous apple-cider kraut. Visit the website to learn more about Munchen Haus.
Have you been to any of these restaurants before? What other places would you add to your restaurant bucket list in Washington? Share your favorite spots with us below.
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Address: 33914 Crystal Mountain Blvd, Enumclaw, WA 98022, USA
Address: 94 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Address: 209 E Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362, USA
Address: 201 W Pennsylvania Ave, Roslyn, WA 98941, USA
Address: 1015 Lee Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA
Address: 1201 Division Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403, USA
Address: 139 W Alder St, Sequim, WA 98382, USA
Address: 802 W Garland Ave, Spokane, WA 99205, USA
Address: 312 N 67th St, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
Address: 1613 W Dravus St, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
Address: 3058 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA 98107, USA
Address: 4651 WA-109, Moclips, WA 98562, USA
Address: 427 E Fairhaven Ave, Burlington, WA 98233, USA
Address: 709 Front St, Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Restaurant Bucket List In Washington
May 04, 2021
Melissa M
What are the best mom-and-pop restaurants in Washington?
If you’re looking for a home-cooked, made-from-scratch meal, the best place to visit is a mom-and-pop restaurant. Let someone else do the cooking for once and head to an eatery like Pete’s Eggnest in Seattle. This family-run restaurant offers up huge delicious breakfasts all day long. Captain Bob’s in Long Beach makes some of the best seafood chowders served in bread bowls. Aside from chowder, you can try their crab cakes or crab rolls and fish ‘n’ chips.
What are the most unique places to eat in Washington?
To be considered a unique restaurant, a place has to offer something a little different aside from serving delicious food. One such unique restaurant is The Orient Express in Seattle’s SODO neighborhood. Here patrons dine on Chinese food while aboard one of several train cars, and it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience! Another place in Seattle, Bizarro Italian Cafe, serves trattoria Italian fare inside a dining room decorated with loads of funky, eclectic decor. This is a place that’s a feast for both your eyes and your stomach.
Are there any food trails I can take in Washington?
Yes, we have some awesome food trails you may be interested in. If you love tacos, consider taking our Taco Trail which leads to six different places from Trejo’s Mexican Restaurant in Pasco to Tacos Chukis in Seattle, with several other excellent places in between. You’ll get your fill of some of the best tacos in the state along this trail! If you have a sweet tooth you need to satisfy, hop aboard our Donut Trail which will take you to incredible shops like Good Day Donuts in White Center and Luke’s Donuts in Pallyup.
