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Equal parts artisan coffee roaster and casual-chic brunch room, this airy café on a busy downtown corner stands out for both the quality and creativity of its food and drink. Highlights on the food side include the toast with balsamic rainbow beets and Humboldt Fog goat cheese; notable sippers range from a ginger-turmeric latte to local-blueberry mimosas.
221 W. Holly St., Bellingham, Washington, 98225, USA
Known For
- First-rate single-origin coffees and espresso drinks
- Seasonal lattes (cranberry crumble, candied pecan)
- Inventive brunch fare
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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This decidedly offbeat breakfast and lunch spot in a quiet neighborhood just north of downtown stands out both for its prodigious portions of rib-sticking all-day breakfast fare and its funny (and often freaky) decorative elements, from dozens of clown paintings and figurines to its psychedelic color scheme. Prepare for a wait, especially on weekend mornings, and if you can possibly save room for dessert, the seasonal fruit (peach-blueberry, for example) bread puddings are to die for.
521 Kentucky St., Bellingham, Washington, 98225, USA
Known For
- Wonderfully bizarre and kitschy decor
- Chicken-fried steak with chorizo gravy
- Homemade cinnamon-roll French toast
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner
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Fans of Michoacán-style Mexican food have been known to schedule their Portland–Seattle road trips to hit this festive but unfussy family-run restaurant for dinner. Authentic meals start with pickled carrots instead of chips and salsa, and favorite dishes include classic chicken mole and carne en su jugo, a heady soup of steak strips, bacon, onion, and cilantro, served with tortillas.
1001 W. Main St., Centralia, Washington, 98531, USA
Known For
- Save room for the rich and spicy bread pudding
- Dining room has a casual, colorful vibe
- Regional dishes like chicken mole
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
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Set in a dramatic 1920s downtown building with exposed rafters, big skylights, and plenty of seating, this accomplished third-wave coffeehouse is an inviting place to linger over a latte or cold brew. It's also one of Everett's best breakfast and lunch options, featuring choices like ricotta toast and bacon-brussels sprouts salads. There's a second location in Bellingham.
2927 Wetmore Ave., Everett, Washington, 98201, USA
Known For
- Mochas made with artisan dark chocolate
- Buttermilk biscuit breakfast sandwiches
- Cheerful living room-esque interior
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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Just across Port Washington Narrows (via the Manette Bridge) from downtown, this unassuming, almost industrial-looking space is helmed by James Beard Foundation award semi-finalist Matt Tinder, who draws folks from throughout the Puget Sound region with his artisan baked goods. Breads, sandwiches, and sweets are all exquisite, including harissa-tofu sandwiches, Swiss herb quiche, and coconut tropezienne (a flaky brioche with coconut custard filling). Because Saboteur produces different breads and sweets depending on the day, it's best to phone ahead if you're craving a particular item.
2110 E. 11th St., Bremerton, Washington, 98310, USA
Known For
- Sandwiches filled with seasonal greens and produce
- Espresso drinks made with Stumptown Coffee
- To-die-for pastries
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Thurs. No dinner
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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Rhyme it with "pies" and you'll sound like a local when you enter the town's most famous bakery, a fixture since the early 1900s. Gorgeous Norwegian pastries, braided bread, and lefse (traditional round flatbread) line the shelves. There's only strong coffee and milk to drink, and there are no seats, but you can grab a bench along busy Front Street or take your goodies to the waterfront at Liberty Bay Park.
18924 Front St., Poulsbo, Washington, 98370, USA
Known For
- Colorfully decorated cookies
- Scandinavian pastries from old family recipes
- Tasty frosted doughnuts
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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The first thing you notice inside this bustling tavern and hot-dog joint are the dozens of beer taps hanging from the ceiling, each one representing a particular ale that's been poured here. Indeed, this quirky spot is a must for beer lovers, with plenty of interesting varieties on tap and available by the bottle, but it's the dogs and brats that set Red Hot apart. The kitchen serves up the classics, like a Chicago-style beef dog topped with mustard, relish, and celery salt, as well as unusual versions, like the Hound Dog, which is slathered in peanut butter and crowned with crispy bacon. Vegan dogs are served, too.
2914 6th Ave., Tacoma, Washington, 98406, USA
Known For
- The place for German-style bratwurst
- Classic and creative hot dogs, including a vegan option
- Late-night dining
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This hillside neighborhood tavern just south of downtown doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's an appealing option for lunch (or weekend brunch), dinner, or cocktails, as the drinks selection is extensive and the affordable food—from tacos to tofu—far exceeds typical pub grub. Favorites include crispy pork-belly tacos with apple-cabbage slaw and tart cherries, Moroccan-style quinoa salad with harissa-agave vinaigrette and seared tofu, and a commendable Reuben on rye bread. For brunch, fill up on chorizo Benedicts or the dangerously decadent "hangover homies"—home fries topped with melted cheese, scallions, two fried eggs, and spicy cheddar sour cream.
3529 McKinley Ave., Tacoma, Washington, 98438, USA
Known For
- Sidewalk seating on warm days
- Jukebox with plenty of old-school tunes
- Some of the best sandwiches in town
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The spacious, high-ceilinged downtown branch of this local chain is steps from the Museum of Glass and other attractions. It's a great place to kick off the day with a well-crafted espresso drink and breakfast sandwich, or linger later in the day over a naan flatbread pizza.
1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, Washington, 98402, USA
Known For
- Outdoor tables on warm days
- Tall windows let in plenty of sunlight
- Craft beers and local wines
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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It's all about the fresh and flavorful tacos at this hip little tavern with exposed brick walls, a white tile and varnished wood bar, and a light-filled upstairs seating annex—oh, and the deftly poured cocktails. The hand-pressed soft tacos are available in about 10 flavors, both meat and veggie, and are served with house-made salsas.
211 W. Holly St., Bellingham, Washington, 98225, USA
Known For
- Creative fillings like rockfish, sweet potato, and steak-and-egg
- Cocktails with premium tequila and mezcal
- Covered sidewalk seating
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Brightly painted alebrijes (carved wooden animal figurines) and folk art lend warmth and authenticity to this friendly Old Town restaurant and bar that specializes in the richly complex cuisine of Oaxaca as well as artisan mezcal. Start with a few antojitos (snacks), such as prawn ceviche, braised chicken tostadas, and molotes (potato and chorizo pastries), before moving on to a platter of pork in a fragrant red mole sauce or chili-cheese tamales.
8030 Railroad Ave., Snoqualmie, Washington, 98065, USA
Known For
- Interesting mezcal and tequila cocktails
- Flavorful sauces made from scratch
- Hearty pozole and other soups
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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A local favorite, this storefront bakery, with branches nearby in Anacortes and Mount Vernon, turns out heavenly pastries, plus big portions of breakfast and lunch fare. Lunches focus on fresh and creative salads, soups, and burgers; huge and hearty breakfasts may leave you with little need for lunch—the roasted-butternut-squash hash and migas are a couple of favorites. Buy goodies at the take-out counter for a picnic adventure.
720 S. 1st St., La Conner, Washington, 98257, USA
Known For
- Deck seating overlooking Swinomish Channel
- Filling and delicious breakfasts served all day
- Rustic, savory breads
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner, Credit cards accepted
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This casual burger joint with a small but decent beer list and an outdoor space draws hikers, skiers, and other outdoors enthusiasts on their way to Mt. Rainier and Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Fish-and-chips, vegan bean burgers, and BLTs share the menu with a variety of hearty meat patties, including some wild-game options, with a wide variety of toppings.
12968 U.S. 12, Ashford, Washington, 98361, USA
Known For
- Jalapeño burger topped with Swiss cheese and a tangy sauce
- Buffalo and elk burgers
- Berry milkshakes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. in winter
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Set in the middle of the genial and hip Proctor retail and restaurant district on the city's north side (not too far from Point Defiance), this charming, affordable neighborhood spot focuses on regional Italian recipes. Regulars feast on traditional panfried zucchini with goat cheese and crostini, slow-roasted lamb over pappardelle noodles, seafood risotto, and thin-crust pizzas.
2515 N. Proctor St., Tacoma, Washington, 98406, USA
Known For
- Great selection of Italian wines
- Seafood risotto
- Meatball pizza
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sun.
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Along Highway 99's "restaurant row" a few miles east of downtown, this compact spot in an unassuming strip mall enjoys a sterling reputation for authentic dim sum. Bring a group of friends and select several plates per person, and don't miss the piggy buns (decorated with adorable piggy faces), salted egg yolk buns, shrimp-scallop shumai (a type of Chinese dumpling), crispy taro shrimp cakes, and sausage rice.
22923 Hwy. 99, Edmonds, Washington, 98026, USA
Known For
- Impressive selection of buns and dumplings
- A fun experience for family-style dining
- No one leaves here hungry
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed.
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This long-running microbrewery and tavern in a slightly industrial section of downtown has a bustling, open dining room with mounted fish on the walls. It's a funky and fun standby for big portions of pub standards—nachos, smoked wild salmon platters, black-bean burgers, fish-and-chips, and a much beloved Mudshark Porter dark-chocolate cheesecake. The ales are well crafted—try the Winterfish Organic Seasonal Ale during the cooler months, or cool off with a light Organic Blonde Ale on a hot summer night.
515 Jefferson St. SE, Olympia, Washington, 98501, USA
Known For
- Mudshark Porter dark-chocolate cheesecake
- Plenty of interesting seasonal ales
- Outdoor seating along the sidewalk
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Although new owners took over and renamed the restaurant in 2015, this reliable fueling stop on the way to Snoqualmie Pass remains a trusted community favorite for fresh-made doughnuts, pastries, and breads. Good coffee and a full deli menu of sandwiches, soups, quiches, and calzones are also available.
127 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, Washington, 98045, USA
Known For
- Maple bar doughnuts
- Meatball calzones
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner
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Occupying a light-filled, cheerfully painted late-Victorian building a few blocks from the port and train station in Fairhaven, this hugely popular breakfast and lunch spot adjoins an inviting little coffeehouse called Tony's, which is a nice option for lighter snacking and fueling up on espresso. In the main café, you can kick off a day of exploring with a filling Sitka omelet (smoked salmon, feta, roasted garlic, tomatoes, and pesto), or dig into one of the lunch options, such as the Matterhorn Burger, topped with mushrooms and Swiss cheese. The café closes at 2, but Tony's remains open till 6 pm.
1101 Harris Ave., Bellingham, Washington, 98225, USA
Known For
- Adjoining coffeehouse is a nice option for espresso
- Generously sized sandwiches and burgers
- Pleasant patio for warm-weather dining
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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This artisan ice-cream parlor has a few locales in Tacoma, but the newest one in the lively Point Ruston district is especially appealing because you have to walk only a few steps to enjoy your treat while strolling along the beautifully restored waterfront. Flavors here range from classic (mint chocolate chip, strawberry) to seasonally inspired (pumpkin, wild blueberry).
5107 Main St., Tacoma, Washington, 98407, USA
Known For
- Steps from waterfront walking path
- House-made ice cream that often features local ingredients
- Hot fudge, caramel, and strawberry sundaes
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The vibe is friendly and upbeat at this downtown taproom offering a menu of made-from-scratch Caribbean dishes, with an emphasis on healthy organic ingredients, along with notable Northwest wines and a well-curated selection of local brews and ciders on tap. Dishes like Cuban-style borscht, smoked tofu with pineapple kraut, and king salmon po'boy sandwiches burst with flavor.
525 Main St., Edmonds, Washington, 98020, USA
Known For
- Well-curated list of unusual Northwest beers
- House-made cucumber, tamarind, and ginger sodas
- Barley wine-cream bread pudding
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
