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$ | | American
Long a top venue in downtown Bellingham, both for sampling distinctive, well-crafted microbrews and enjoying big portions of delicious pub fare, this convivial spot occupies a vintage former garage—the huge central door is rolled open in warm weather, and there's also a good-size side patio. Boundary garners high marks among beer lovers for its ruby-red Scottish ale, smooth oatmeal stout, and rotating seasonal ales. From the food menu, you won't go wrong with the Bavarian-style pretzels (served with spicy brown mustard), smoked-clam chowder, beer-barbecue-sauce pizzas, and char-grilled lamb burger.
1107 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, Washington, 98225, USA
Known For
- Bavarian-style pretzels
- Imperial oatmeal stout
- Pecan brownie sundae
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$$ | | Sandwiches
You'll find everything from thoughtfully curated aritsanal groceries and prepared foods to a selection of creative contemporary American and international fare in the cheerful dining room of this stylish market set inside a retrofitted auto repair shop a short walk from the Port Gamble Museum and General Store. Try the fried chicken and waffles at breakfast. Later in the day, specialties include grilled-pork banh mi and the deceptively simple but flavorful bowl of local clams with garlic butter and white wine. Stock up on scones, cookies, and pecan sticky buns in the bakery.
4719 Hwy. 104, Port Gamble, Washington, 98364, USA
Known For
- Fried chicken and waffles
- Pecan sticky buns
- Great selection of gourmet picnic provisions
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
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$$ | | American
This good old-fashioned roadhouse, with rough-hewn fir floors and knotty-pine walls, is nestled beneath soaring pine trees along the main road to Mt. Rainier from Eatonville. It's been a favorite lunch and dinner stop since it opened in the 1940s, and these days parkgoers still come by in droves to fill up on hearty, straightforward American comfort fare, such as biscuits and gravy in the morning, and bacon-and-blue-cheese burgers and wild Alaskan salmon with blackberry vinaigrette in the evening. Be sure to save room for the blackberry pie à la mode. The restaurant is part of a rustic inn with standard rooms and cabin rentals.
35707 Hwy. 706, Ashford, Washington, 98304, USA
Known For
- Blackberry pie à la mode
- Biscuits and gravy
- Rustic, family-friendly vibe
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed. in winter
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$$$ | | Seafood
One of several popular seafood restaurants along Ruston Way, overlooking Tacoma's picturesque Commencement Bay, Duke's is part of a regional chainlet that can be counted on for serving some of the freshest and most creative fare of the bunch—it's not just about the view here, although the tables on the patio do offer dazzling panoramas. Chowder fans having a tough time deciding what to try might want to order the "full fleet" sampler, with small servings of clam, lobster, crab bisque, chicken-corn, and Northwest seafood varieties. Other notable dishes include the greens with crab cakes and Laura Chenel goat cheese, and pan-seared wild salmon with a balsamic-infused beurre blanc.
3327 Ruston Way, Tacoma, Washington, 98402, USA
Known For
- Outdoor dining on Commencement Bay
- Chowder sampler
- Dungeness crab cakes
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$$$ | | Pacific Northwest
It's a scenic 20-minute drive east from downtown to reach this intimate but lively contemporary bistro near the north shore of Lake Whatcom, where chef-owners John and Gina Russell emphasize local, seasonal ingredients in creating some of the most creative and artfully presented fare in the region. In the evening, you might start with an heirloom-tomato-and-lump-crab salad with chèvre, mizuna greens, and balsamic vinaigrette, before continuing on to a perfectly grilled hanger steak with roasted-garlic-and-cauliflower puree, kale "lollipops," and a cherry-shallot demi-glace. Breakfast and lunch are served on weekends—try the North Carolina–barbecue pulled pork with eggs and a biscuit, accompanied by a Sparkling Fork cocktail (prosecco, aromatic bitters, raw-sugar cube, and lemon).
2530 N. Shore Rd., Bellingham, Washington, 98226, USA
Known For
- Barbecue pulled pork with eggs and a biscuit
- Wood-fired flatbread pizza
- Strong commitment to sourcing locally
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch Wed.–Fri.
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$ | | American
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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$$ | | Asian
The elegant, pan-Asian conglomeration of sounds, scents, and sights takes place in a sleekly modern yet darkly cozy space. The taste-dazzling array of Thai, Chinese, Indian, and Japanese cuisines includes curries, stir-fries, soups, and seafood. Standouts include coconut and galangal chicken soup and the Oceans Five seafood platter.
1924 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, Washington, 98402, USA
Known For
- Oceans Five seafood platter
- Honey-glazed-walnut prawns
- Spicy lemongrass prawn soup
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Closed Mon.
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$ | | Mexican
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. Save room for the capirotada, a rich and spicy bread pudding.
1001 W. Main St., Centralia, Washington, 98531, USA
Known For
- Capirotada (bread pudding)
- Carne en su jugo soup
- Chicken mole
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
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$ | | Modern American
Locally sourced, sustainable ingredients take center stage in the artfully plated dishes at this otherwise simple-looking downtown restaurant popular for its affordable breakfast, lunch, and dinner fare. Fluffy house-made biscuits with sausage gravy and the hangtown fry with local fried oysters, bacon, and house-made hot sauce are among noteworthy morning dishes. In the evening, tuck into plate of crisp pork belly with green lentils and a pickled-grape gastrique, or duck-and-root-vegetable pâté with smoked onion jam and pickled figs. The chocolate mousse dessert is fluffy and delicious.
406 4th Ave. E, Olympia, Washington, 98501, USA
Known For
- Chocolate mousse
- Hangtown fry
- Duck-and-root-vegetable pâté
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed. No dinner Sun.
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$$$$ | | Seafood
Above the shore on a steep, wooded bluff, this intimate restaurant in the village of Bow is regionally famous for what may be the best marine view from any Washington restaurant. People come here to dine and watch the sun set over the islands to the west or to watch the full moon reflect off the waters of Samish Bay. The menu changes regularly, so it's hard to predict what you might find, but the oyster bar, along with the refined seafood dishes (including a delectable oyster fry with Parmesan–bread crumb crust and sour-apple aioli), wild game, and pastas never disappoint—and there are well-chosen wines to complement every dish.
2578 Chuckanut Dr., 22 miles south of Bellingham, Bow, Washington, 98232, USA
Known For
- Outstanding water views
- Oyster fry with Parmesan–bread crumb crust
- Steak-and-lobster combo
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$ | | Hot Dog
The first thing you notice upon walking 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, from Northwest craft brews to Belgian Trappist tripels. But it's the dogs and brats that set Red Hot apart—the kitchen here serves up the classics, like a Chicago-style beef version 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. German-style bratwurst and vegan dogs are served, too.
2914 6th Ave., Tacoma, Washington, 98406, USA
Known For
- The Hound Dog (with peanut butter and bacon)
- Late-night dining
- Lots of great beers on tap
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$ | | American
Sure, it's awfully far north to be specializing in down-home Southern cooking, but this bustling, casual spot on Tacoma's north side, a little west of Wright Park, serves remarkably authentic and absolutely delicious soul food. In the morning, regulars swing by for heaping plates of chicken-fried steak with grits and eggs, or homemade biscuits and gravy. Later, move on to fried catfish strips with a side of hush puppies, Texas-style hand-trimmed brisket, and hot-links sandwiches. Dinners come with corn cakes and lots of tasty sides—and do save room for the sweet-potato pie. Note that the restaurant closes on the early side most evenings, usually around 8 pm.
1716 6th Ave., Tacoma, Washington, 98405, USA
Known For
- Hand-battered fried catfish
- Chicken-fried steak
- Jalapeño hush puppies
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$$ | | Pacific Northwest
A couple of blocks from the river on a bluff with expansive views of the village, this homey restaurant with a rustic dark-wood interior serves some of the best seafood in the area, plus a few well-prepared French classics, such as cassoulet with duck confit and house-cured bacon, and fall-off-the-bone pork shank with wild-mushroom risotto. Simpler fare—caramelized-onion flatbread, shepherd's pie—is served in the adjoining pub.
205 E. Washington St., La Conner, Washington, USA
Known For
- Extensive selection of regional oysters
- Impressive list of Northwest and French wines
- Filet mignon with crab-stuffed prawn
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$ | | Café
Drop by this spacious, modern café 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 and a pint of craft beer or local wine. Tall windows let in plenty of sunlight, and on warm days you can stroll across the street and enjoy your coffee on a park bench in verdant Pioneer Park.
210 W. Pioneer Ave., Puyallup, Washington, 98371, USA
Known For
- Sweet-cream cold brew
- Bacon-cheddar scones
- Wine and beer happy-hour deals in the evening
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$$$ | | Seafood
Tucked into chic Marina Village, this elegant waterfront outlet of a popular Washington-based seafood chain has large windows opening to a panorama of Port Gardner Bay. The specials, which change daily, might include meaty Dungeness crab, wild chinook salmon, and other sea creatures caught just offshore, and the clam chowder is justly renowned. Desserts are fabulous, especially those crafted from the state's succulent berries and fruits.
1726 W. Marine View Dr., Everett, Washington, 98201, USA
Known For
- Great views of Port Gardner Bay
- Weekday-evening four-course "sunset dinners" for $23.95
- Clam chowder
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$$ | | Seafood
At this deliberately rustic waterfront restaurant diners share a casual, seaside camaraderie as they slurp up clam chowder, steamed clams, and mussels, plus larger plates of creatively prepared seafood grills and pastas—cioppino, wasabi-spiced fresh halibut, and smoked-salmon linguine are some of the best bets. Sailors, who enjoy free boat moorage, arrive early for the famed Sunday brunch.
101 Shore Dr., Bremerton, Washington, 98311, USA
Known For
- Expansive patio overlooking the water
- Alaskan halibut fish-and-chips
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$ | | Café
A local favorite, this storefront bakery, with branches nearby in Anacortes and Mount Vernon, turns out some of the best pastries in Skagit County, 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. If dining on-site, grab a seat on the back deck overlooking the river.
720 S. 1st St., La Conner, Washington, 98257, USA
Known For
- Riverfront seating on the deck
- Filling and delicious breakfasts
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$$$ | | American
The old-fashioned, glassed-in dining room and bar overlook the mouth of the Samish River, Samish Bay, and the mudflats, where great blue herons hang out. It's a popular spot for sunset- and bird-watching: bird feeders outside the bar's picture windows attract finches, chickadees, red-winged blackbirds, and other songbirds. Occasionally bald eagles can be seen gliding past. Besides the view, folks come here for classic American fare with an emphasis on steak and fresh seafood—the mac-and-Jack-battered halibut is a novel take on fish-and-chips. There's also a very popular Sunday champagne brunch.
3056 Chuckanut Dr., Bow, Washington, 98232, USA
Known For
- Sunday champagne brunch
- Sunset views of Samish Bay
- Dungeness crab–and–bay shrimp salad
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Sat., Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.–Thurs.
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$ | | Burger
This casual burger joint with a small but decent beer list and an outdoor space draws hikers, skiers, families, and tourists 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 (buffalo and elk burgers). The jalapeño burger topped with Swiss cheese and a tangy secret sauce ranks among the house favorites.
12968 U.S. 12, Packwood, Washington, 98361, USA
Known For
- Jalapeño burger
- Wild-game burgers
- Fresh-berry milk shakes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed. in winter
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$ | | Mexican
You'll find some of northern Washington's tastiest Mexican food, from wild-cod ceviche to chicken in a complex 30-ingredient mole sauce, at this cheerful and unpretentious downtown eatery that also specializes in made-to-order premium margaritas (try the smooth "top shelf" with Jimador Blanco tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar). There are additional locations in La Conner and Snohomish.
102 S. 10th St., Mount Vernon, Washington, 98274, USA
Known For
- Deep-fried ice cream
- Chiles rellenos
- Margaritas made with premium tequila
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.