Explore Washington State
Washington State’s food and drink scene has grown into something genuinely worth making a trip for. The same state that produces world class wines in the Walla Walla Valley and Yakima hop farms is also home to a craft brewery scene that punches above its weight, independent coffee roasters doing serious work, and a coastal seafood tradition that starts about as close to the source as you can get.
This section covers the eating and drinking side of exploring Washington. You will find restaurant recommendations, brewery and winery guides, coffee shops worth seeking out, food trucks worth tracking down, and the kind of local food finds that do not show up on national best of lists but should. Every post is written by someone who actually ordered the food and formed an opinion.
Washington is a genuinely interesting food state. The agricultural diversity east of the Cascades alone produces ingredients most other states can only import. Pair that with a Pacific coast seafood supply and a serious Pacific Northwest food culture and you have the conditions for some exceptional eating, whether you are in a city or a small town.
Browse recent posts below, or use the county tags to find food and drink recommendations near where you are headed.
Across the Spokane River from downtown Spokane, Washington, lies the neighborhood of Kendall Yards. Just over the historic Monroe Street bridge, this up-and-coming neighborhood runs alongside the Centennial Trail, making it easily walk-able to downtown and other Spokane destinations along the river. With views of the Spokane River Gorge, plenty of open park space, and...
One of my favorite aspects of living in the Seattle area is all of the different experiences you are surrounded with. The Green Lake neighborhood is just north of downtown Seattle. A quick 15-minute drive will take you away from the high rises and bring you to this low-key neighborhood built around the lake it’s...
Living in Tacoma for most of my life, I have found the restaurant/city life to be particularly exciting. Want lobster? No problem. Looking to try an elk slider? Yes, we’ve got that too. Planning a trip to Tacoma? Start with our complete Tacoma Visitor Guide → As I turned that whopping 21 years of age,...
Spring in Seattle means longer days, blooming cherry blossoms, and a fresh start. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a great brunch! Whether relaxing on a sunny patio, sipping local coffee in a cozy café, or digging into a plate of farm-fresh eggs, there’s a spot for you.From classic diners to hidden gems, this guide...
Seattle is best known for its coffee scene, but the cocktail scene has been growing for quite some time and might be nearing its peak. There are tons of very cool and interesting bars all over the city and no matter what neighborhood you’re exploring, you’re bound to step foot in an amazing establishment. I...
Where can you go in Washington when you’re in need of sunshine? My hubby and I head to Yakima, also known as the Palm Springs of Washington, as it is said to see sun 350 days of the year. Plus, with more than 90 wineries spanning 70 miles, Yakima Valley makes a fantastic destination for...
Visiting Ellensburg for Wine and Art Ellensburg, Washington may be best known for its annual rodeo. Yet, the city recently celebrated twenty-five years of monthly art walks. It also has a burgeoning wine scene! In fact, wine and art come together at the Fortuity Cellars and Nuwave shared space that is a distinctive tasting room...
It’s a good idea to revisit a destination from time to time to make sure the favorite spots still live up to the memories while discovering some new favorites. My latest outing to Woodinville’s Schoolhouse District did just that. Plus, it meant the chance to visit a couple of spots previously overlooked – one for...
Remarkable coffee is an essential part of any road trip. So, when Basalt Roasters popped up on my radar while planning a weekend getaway to Yakima Valley, a visit to the roastery landed on my itinerary. It’s located within Cot’s Peak Coffee in the town of Naches, just twenty minutes from downtown Yakima. Read on for more about our experience in the unique coffee house, and how to make the most...
What happens when a Spanish based winery hires a chef from Australia to oversee the kitchen of their Woodinville based restaurant? The outcome is a delectable menu that artfully fuses local ingredients with traditional Spanish cuisine along with an occasional nod to the chef’s Aussie roots. Of course, there’s also wine from their Washington and...
Let’s face it – there’s a comfort with knowing there’s a convenient caffeine station in every strip mall and grocery store that takes your gold card from an app on your phone. And there’s certainly a small glimmer of pride hearing every tourist downtown ask, “How do I get to the original Starbucks from here?”...
Established in 1889, Mount Vernon is a small city located 60 miles north of Seattle. The city is often abbreviated as Mt. Vernon, WA by locals and visitors alike. Most visitors know Mount Vernon as home of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, held annually during spring in Skagit County. But there’s plenty to do here...
