12 Unassuming Restaurants To Add To Your Washington Dining Bucket List
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from lists like this, it’s that we should never judge a restaurant by its exterior. A place that looks simple or even a little rundown on the outside just might serve the best food you’ve ever had. The restaurants on this list are unassuming and unpretentious, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised when your plate of food is placed before you.
You’ll find the small town of Bow in Skagit County close to Burlington and Mount Vernon. The Corner Pub is a local favorite, offering classic breakfast, lunch and dinner options as well as live music every Thursday and free mini golf and horseshoes onsite.
"It’s a small teriyaki and burger restaurant in a strip mall… how good can it be?" you might ask yourself when you see this place. The answer is very, very good, especially if you get the chicken teriyaki.
The Satellite is everyone’s favorite spot for late night dining in downtown Spokane, but not only because they’re open until 4 AM. You can get breakfast anytime here, and it’s delicious.
You might walk right by Sea J’s during a day in Port Townsend and not think anything of it… but if you stop in, you’ll realize they have the best fish and chips ever.
The Breakfast at Valerie’s building may be simple, but the food here certainly doesn’t lack character. The portions here are huge, but that won’t stop you from trying to finish your breakfast.
Sweetwood BBQ just opened a few months ago, and they already have an outstanding reputation. The restaurant isn’t attention-grabbing from the outside, but once you sink your teeth into their wings or brisket, you’ll never forget it.
Seattle might dominate Washington’s pho scene, but Pho Saigon can really hold its own. While many people order their piping hot Vietnamese food to-go, you’ll also have a great experience if you eat in their clean, quiet dining room.
This burger joint’s reputation is so good that Macklemore gave it a try (and loved it) when he was in town. This is fast food, but it’s made fresh, and it shows.
Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood is constantly being flooded with new restaurants, and this one is easy to pass over for something a little flashier. But the ambiance and food can’t be beat here - their garlic naan and Himalayan curry are outstanding.
This restaurant is a little out of the way, but it’s worth the drive. If you don’t have the best steak of your life here, it will definitely make your top five list.
The Wild Blueberry serves classic American fare (breakfast, lunch and dinner) in the tiny town of Lyman (population 437). The food is hearty and good, just like you’d hope for in a roadside diner.
Great Spot serves homestyle organic meals in a quaint little building in Cle Elum. The menu consists of soup, salads and main dishes like chicken and salmon - and it’s all delicious.
The next time you see an unassuming restaurant, give it a try and see if you’re pleasantly surprised. Washington is full of hidden gems and neighborhood favorites.
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