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.
The Yakima Valley may be best known for its must-visit wineries, but there’s more than grapes growing in this American Viticultural Area. Home to over 75% of all US hop production, Yakima is a craft beer powerhouse. And nowhere are those hoppy brews fresher than from the source. Visit these five Yakima breweries to get...
What started in 1871 — with Missionaries and French fur traders bringing vinifera plants to eastern Washington — turned into the American Wine Growers launching Ste. Michelle wines in 1967 and creating their first Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Semillon and Grenache Rosé. In 1974, the Washington State winery phenomenon, Chateau Ste. Michelle, broke ground in...
When you imagine a cidery what comes to mind? For me, it’s sweeping orchards and farm animals nestled in a quaint valley, the sound of buzzing bees and baaing lambs abound with a cool breeze wafting through the trees and rustling the leaves. While many cideries do fit this description, a recent surge in urban...
Did you know that your Friday night IPA is likely made from juicy hops grown in Yakima, Washington? Or even the apple on your counter, and the sprig of mint in your salad? I’d say it’s well known to most Washington residents that Yakima Valley has a fascinating geographical and native history, killer views of...
When you think of culinary hotspots in the greater Seattle area, Renton might not spring immediately to mind – but it should. This suburb best known for its history of airplane manufacturing has an exciting and diverse food scene that’s worth checking out. This list is by no means exhaustive, but here are my top...
“300 days of sunshine” is a promise worth traveling for — especially in the winter. So after spending much of the season in hibernation, my partner and I hit the road for a destination just three hours from the Seattle area: Lake Chelan. This massive, glacially-carved lake runs over 50 miles from the Cascade Mountains...
Bobae Coffee and Tea is a bubble tea shop to not only go for a treat, but to experience. It sits quietly between a beauty supply shop and a chocolate store in an unassuming strip mall in downtown Woodinville. But don’t let looks deceive you. What is Bubble Tea? First of all, what is bubble...
If you are a Washington resident, or even a newcomer to the state, you know that driving over the Snoqualmie Pass can be treacherous at times. Even during sunny seasons, driving from one side of the state to the other can be exhausting. You need somewhere to stop where you don’t have to drive fully...
Located in Old Bellevue is the unique and aesthetic Third Culture Coffee (3C). The cafe sits in an apartment building’s retail space and is conveniently less than a block away from Bellevue Park. Upon entering, you are immediately greeted with a friendly hello from a barista and by the giant copper 3C logo painted on...
Walking inside Sweet Mickey’s retro-styled candy store on Ballard Avenue, I was expecting to learn more about the eternal appeal of crafted sugar in all its forms and flavors. I’ve toured jelly bean factories and chocolate production lines, but Sweet Mickey’s is a next-level candy destination. As we begin this year’s season of sugarplums, candy...
As cider lovers, we know there’s no specific season for cider, but there are special ciders for every season! Winter in Washington can range from cold and raining to freezing and snowy. So, whether you’re snuggled up cozy at home, or out exploring the great outdoors, here are eight winter ciders that are sure to...
Not far off of the highway and tucked into the Perry District of Spokane, Wisconsinburger is a Midwestern-themed burger stop you don’t want to miss. From its creative menu to its authentic Wisconsin custard and cheese, visitors get a real taste for the dairy state with every visit. I recently sat down with Jeff Nordvall,...
