Washington is home to some of the best restaurants in the country, and it’s not limited to our bigger cities – in fact, you’ll find some of the most mouthwatering food in our small towns. But since our more populated places get the most visitors and the most national attention, it makes sense that our most famous restaurants are in our big cities. We all know that some famous restaurants are worth the hype and some aren’t. But the majority of patrons at these nine spots seem to think they live up to their reputations.
- Paseo Caribbean Food, 4225 Fremont Ave N., Seattle
Michael M / Yelp
Venus F / Yelp Paseo is such a beloved local icon that when they closed suddenly in November 2014, a wave of depression spread around the city (and seemingly the world). Luckily Paseo is back, and they now have three Seattle locations to choose from. Considering how long people are willing to wait in line for this cash-only spot, it’s safe to say this place lives up to its reputation.
- Willows Inn, Lummi Island
Ashwin R / Yelp
PaPa E / Yelp The Willows Inn has received national attention for having one of the most remote restaurants in the country. It’s also quite an investment to experience. Not only do you have to spend a day traveling, but the dinner is a $195, 12 course experience. For that kind of time and money, it had better be amazing… and it is. It’s so amazing, in fact, that it was named one of the Best Restaurants in America by Eater magazine.
- Biscuit Bitch, 1909 1st Ave., Seattle
Jay B / Yelp
Truc T / Yelp Despite the name, this place is all about good old-fashioned Southern hospitality. The owner, Kimmie Spice, doesn’t want any customer who comes to her shop to feel the notorious “Seattle freeze.” Not only are the employees friendly, but the biscuits are incredible. They’ve earned shout-outs in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Food and Wine Magazine and have been on the Travel Channel.
- Wild Sage Bistro, 916 West 2nd Ave., Spokane
Gaby P / Yelp
Steven N / Yelp Wild Sage Bistro has been a Spokane icon for years. They use fresh, local ingredients, and the ambiance is warm and inviting. This bistro is definitely worth the hype.
- The Swiss Restaurant & Pub, 1904 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma
Richard H / Yelp
Alex H / Yelp The Swiss is housed in a historic 1913 building. Local artist Dale Chihuly’s Venetian glass sculptures sit on top of the bar. They have everything from kids’ menus to pool tables and a full bar. What’s not to love?
- Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle, 802 W Garland Ave., Spokane
Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle / Yelp
Chandler B / Yelp The menu at Mary’s is simple, but that doesn’t mean the food isn’t delicious. The quirky building and interesting history are enough to draw people in, but thankfully the burgers and shakes are anything but mediocre.
- Cougar Country, 760 N Grand Ave., Pullman
Cougar Country Drive In Facebook
Cougar Country Drive In / Yelp If you went to WSU or used to visit someone who did, you definitely drove by the burger stand on Grand Avenue. Hopefully you also discovered that the burgers, crinkle cut fries and Cyclones (their take on the DQ Blizzard) live up to their reputation.
- The Crab Pot, 1301 Alaskan Way, Pier 57, Seattle
Roy A / Yelp
Taylor J / Yelp The Crab Pot might be the most well-known restaurant in Washington due to its waterfront location and guest spot on “Man vs. Food.” Some people say that it has gotten too “touristy” or that the food isn’t that great, but the popularity is part of what makes it so charming. Enjoying a hearty seafood meal on the beautiful Seattle waterfront is never a bad thing, and The Crab Pot is worth visiting at least once.
- El Fat Cat Grill, 539 N Edison St., Kennewick
Elfatcat G / Yelp
Justin H / Yelp This food truck is well known throughout the Tri Cities for its addicting, uncomplicated Mexican food and its friendly staff. The best part is that it’s every bit as tasty as people say it is, and if you’re not up for Mexican on the day you find it, you can also order one of their perfectly cooked burgers.
The best part about dining at a well-known restaurant is knowing you’ll have no problem finding it. But if you’re ever feeling adventurous, check out one of Washington’s hidden gems.
Michael M / Yelp
Venus F / Yelp
Paseo is such a beloved local icon that when they closed suddenly in November 2014, a wave of depression spread around the city (and seemingly the world). Luckily Paseo is back, and they now have three Seattle locations to choose from. Considering how long people are willing to wait in line for this cash-only spot, it’s safe to say this place lives up to its reputation.
Ashwin R / Yelp
PaPa E / Yelp
The Willows Inn has received national attention for having one of the most remote restaurants in the country. It’s also quite an investment to experience. Not only do you have to spend a day traveling, but the dinner is a $195, 12 course experience. For that kind of time and money, it had better be amazing… and it is. It’s so amazing, in fact, that it was named one of the Best Restaurants in America by Eater magazine.
Jay B / Yelp
Truc T / Yelp
Despite the name, this place is all about good old-fashioned Southern hospitality. The owner, Kimmie Spice, doesn’t want any customer who comes to her shop to feel the notorious “Seattle freeze.” Not only are the employees friendly, but the biscuits are incredible. They’ve earned shout-outs in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Food and Wine Magazine and have been on the Travel Channel.
Gaby P / Yelp
Steven N / Yelp
Wild Sage Bistro has been a Spokane icon for years. They use fresh, local ingredients, and the ambiance is warm and inviting. This bistro is definitely worth the hype.
Richard H / Yelp
Alex H / Yelp
The Swiss is housed in a historic 1913 building. Local artist Dale Chihuly’s Venetian glass sculptures sit on top of the bar. They have everything from kids’ menus to pool tables and a full bar. What’s not to love?
Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle / Yelp
Chandler B / Yelp
The menu at Mary’s is simple, but that doesn’t mean the food isn’t delicious. The quirky building and interesting history are enough to draw people in, but thankfully the burgers and shakes are anything but mediocre.
Cougar Country Drive In Facebook
Cougar Country Drive In / Yelp
If you went to WSU or used to visit someone who did, you definitely drove by the burger stand on Grand Avenue. Hopefully you also discovered that the burgers, crinkle cut fries and Cyclones (their take on the DQ Blizzard) live up to their reputation.
Roy A / Yelp
Taylor J / Yelp
The Crab Pot might be the most well-known restaurant in Washington due to its waterfront location and guest spot on “Man vs. Food.” Some people say that it has gotten too “touristy” or that the food isn’t that great, but the popularity is part of what makes it so charming. Enjoying a hearty seafood meal on the beautiful Seattle waterfront is never a bad thing, and The Crab Pot is worth visiting at least once.
Elfatcat G / Yelp
Justin H / Yelp
This food truck is well known throughout the Tri Cities for its addicting, uncomplicated Mexican food and its friendly staff. The best part is that it’s every bit as tasty as people say it is, and if you’re not up for Mexican on the day you find it, you can also order one of their perfectly cooked burgers.
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