Explore Washington State
Washington State Food and Drink
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.
There have been some changes in the Spokane coffee scene I decided to revisit my list of the best coffee spots in town. Ethical purchasing, quality beans, care while roasting and community spirit all factored into this list. Bonus points were added for a truly remarkable space in terms of design, comfort and inclusion. It...
If walls could talk, these Washington state attractions would have a lot to say about their storied pasts. Historical Haunt #1 Oxford Saloon With a facade that looks like it’s straight out of a Western movie, there’s no surprise this Snohomish restaurant and pub is alive with more than just the nightly musical entertainment. Visitors report witnessing...
White Branches tea house is an experience unlike any other. Step into a new world, watch captivating performances, and of course, have tea.
Where in Washington can you experience a world of wine and culinary delights all within a block? Woodinville’s Schoolhouse District provides a hedonistic range of wines from Washington, Napa Valley, Oregon, Rioja and Champagne along with decadent wine country fare and Spanish tapas. This area is Woodinville’s best kept secret. There’s free parking, all the...
With spring rapidly approaching and sunny weekends right around the corner, my mind is already trending towards brighter days. Those days that make living in Washington State so worth the gloomy months. As the sun reappears to dry out our soggy backyard fire pits, springtime in the Pacific Northwest is all about getting outside and...
Traveling Northbound on Highway 3 towards the Hood Canal Bridge, a large brown sign stands on the shoulder reading “National Historic Landmark straight ahead.” Passing the bridge exit on my left, Highway 3 becomes Highway 104 East as it quickly narrows and slows to a cautious 25 mph. Entering a large thicket of Evergreens the...
I think it’s safe to say that as Washingtonians, we are pretty lucky people. We have breathtaking landscapes, enjoy actual seasons and don’t fear natural disaster the way many other states do. We are a center for technology, commerce and agriculture. The agriculture is what completely sets us apart though. Large software companies can always...
Mill Creek was a rush of water through the middle of town – an upwelling of recent snowmelt and rain that careened westward toward the valley and gorge beyond. It sounded of the impending new season and warmth, but even now the first tint of spring was still tempered by cool nights and frost lingering...
For those of us with a sweet tooth in Spokane, or for those visiting, there are a variety of candy stores, ice cream shops and coffee shops ready to serve up a sugar rush. But what if we want something on the sweeter side for breakfast? How about something with flaky layers or chewy caramel?...
The Tri-Cities is famous for wine, for rippling rows of golden wheat, for three rolling rivers that swiftly merge into one and for the kaleidoscope of color each time the sun sinks into the vastness, turning the twinkling daylight into a deep blue, luminous dome. Known for the deeply rooted connection to the land, the...
What is hot pot, you may ask? A wholesome meal with a soup base and dipping ingredients (meat and vegetables.) It is a comfort food worth trying, especially during the fall and winter months when it’s cold and rainy here in the Pacific Northwest. Hot pot originated in China – making it a fan favorite...
Travel into prehistoric times and dine among dinosaurs! This diner goes beyond a good burger and gives you an experience of a lifetime.
