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We've compiled the best of the best in Southeastern Washington - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
A favorite spot for special occasions, this intimate downtown bistro is highly regarded for its deftly prepared, European-influenced Northwestern cuisine, such as Spanish-style octopus a la plancha with harissa and kalamata olive oil emulsion, and cocoa-and-chile-rubbed New York strip steak with red wine honey. Elements is also one of the best brunch spots in town—consider the Dungeness crab Benedict.
One of the region's best purveyors of authentic Mexico City–style tacos, this hip little counter-service cantina also boasts an impressive mezcal and margarita cocktails. About 10 reasonably priced tacos are offered, including slow-cooked brisket with fried jalapeños, garlic-roasted oyster mushrooms with salsa verde, and chorizo and crispy grilled cheese. There's a second location in the suburb of Ridgefield.
Have a seat on the sidewalk or inside the colorfully painted dining room of this upbeat contemporary taqueria that turns out delicious, boldly flavored snacks—like house-pickled vegetables with mezcal salt and fried cheese with chili gastrique and honeycomb. Be sure to save room for the main event, though: delicious street tacos with creative fillings, from cochinita pibil (braised pork shoulder in bitter-orange sauce) to grilled achiote-marinated steelhead with avocado mousse.
This sophisticated, locally focused modern American bistro offers a relatively affordable menu, with many dinner entrées clocking in under $25, including a daily-changing risotto and a wild-salmon nicoise salad. Other highlights include one of the best cheeseburgers in town, ricotta doughnuts with caramel sauce for dessert, and a well-chosen wine list with a mix of international and Northwest bottles. There's a second location in Hazel Dell, on the north side of the city.
A tradition with hikers, bikers, fishermen, and scenic drivers out exploring the Gorge, especially for weekend breakfast but also at lunch and dinnertime, this colorful roadhouse in the center of town is festooned with license plates, vintage signs, and kitschy artwork. Grab a seat at the counter or in one of the high-back wooden booths, and tuck into a plate of smoked Columbia River sturgeon spread, home-style fried chicken with garlic-mashed potatoes, home-style meat loaf with seasonal vegetables, and other hearty, reasonably priced fare.
This warm and inviting neighborhood bistro serves creatively prepared international fare with a decided Northwest focus—think mussels with coconut-saffron broth and Fresno chilis, and grilled Porterhouse pork chop with potato gnocchi, summer squash, corn, and compound butter. The bar serves terrific, innovative cocktails, and food prices during the weekday evening (4:30–5:30 pm) happy hour represent one of the best deals around.
With exposed-brick walls, varnished wood tables, and a sleek long bar, this downtown gastropub excels both with its extensive craft-beer and drinks selection and its modern take on comfort food. Snack on shareable starters like deep-fried Brussels sprouts with pork belly and apple-cider reduction and smoked salmon flatbread, while popular mains include ale-battered seasonal fish-and-chips and bacon-jam Gouda burgers.
