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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.
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.
The formidable redbrick, wood-fired oven toward the back of this artisanal bakery's airy dining room hints at the delicious treats on offer here, from local-mushroom scrambles over rustic toast in the morning to line-caught-albacore melts and smoked-beet sandwiches with basil aioli and local farmers cheese at lunch. There's also a vast selection of savory breads, chewy cookies, and a nice selection of espresso drinks, beers, and wines.
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.
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.
