We ate (and drank) a ridiculous amount while we were in the Pacific Northwest.
Here's where we went, and what we thought:
Oregon (Portland)
Salt & Straw - The Stumptown Coffee & Bourbon ice cream was unreal. Oh, and the chocolate with gooey brownies? Heavenly. Totally worth the wait in line.
Fireside- Fried spiced chickpeas are the best snack on earth. Michael's farro salad was pretty solid too. Outdoor seating is excellent people watching since 23rd Ave is busy!
Bamboo Sushi - Even if you're not a vegetarian you must get the Green Machine roll. Tempura asparagus, avocado, sweet chili cilantro aioli. Nom. Also awesome people watching on 23rd.
McMenamin's Blue Moon Tavern- We went late night for drinks & cajun tater tots. Oh, and the boys got hot dogs. They're classy like that. Fun, busy atmosphere. Super casual.
Lompoc Tavern- We loved everything about this place. Great outdoor seating, great homemade beer, great food. Michael loved the Bleu Piggy fries & the Cubano, and my strawberry salad was a perfect summer meal. If you go to Portland, this is a must-go!
Cafe Nell- Brunch is a culture here. Fig & goat cheese flatbread with honey? Sold. I can get down with brunch with that kind of food available. Michael got some kind of hash. I was too busy downing my flatbread.
Besaw's- Brunch, again. More Hash. Lots of Coffee.
Stumptown Coffee- Portland does coffee well. I'll give them that.
Blue Star- Sea Salt Caramel Donuts. That is all.
Rocket Fizz- This candy store has everything you could ever dream of, especially vintage candies & sodas. Clearly I just got an obscene amount of Salt Water taffy...
Washington (Tacoma, Seattle, Woodinville)
Net Shed #9- We stumbled across this place in Gig Harbor & it was fantastic! Right on the water with a goregous outdoor patio. My veggie & hummus sandwich was the best vegetarian sandwich I've had in a long time.
Dirty Oscars Annex- We checked out this place because it was on Diner, Drive Ins, and Dives. The Tacoma Tea was delish, and the Parmesan Tots were so effing amazing. Everyone drop what you're doing and drive there right now and get some! M's Tasso Tacos were awesome- but unfortunately my Smoked Cheddar nachos were less than stellar. If you go here, just skip those!
The Original Starbucks-Touristy? Yes. We got a Pike Place roast, since we were at Pike Place and all...
Michou (Pike Place Market)- For the love of all that is good, go here an get a Bomboloni. Look kind of like a donut- but much bigger with a bigger hole. Covered in sugar and heavenly. My mouth is watering right now thinking of them. Gah.
7 Seas Brewery- MUST visit- serious gem hidden in Gig Harbor. We did a sampling- and the Rude Parrot IPA was by far our favorite. Best craft beer on our trip!
Harmon Brewing Co.- This spot in Tacoma had okay beer and okay food. Nothing too special.
Rock Bottom Brewery- Definitely not a place I'd visit again in Seattle. Bad beer, bad service.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery- While the customer service of the lady doing our tasting was lacking, the wine was great, and the estate was completely stunning.
Red Hook Brewery- People, you MUST go for their $1 tour of the place. You get to sample a bunch of their beer and if you're lucky like we were- you'll get a great tour guide. When you go there, ask for Sophie to do your tour. We learned a lot about the brews, as well as the history of RedHook. If we went back to WA, we'd do this tour again for sure.
Forecasters Pub- RedHook Brewery has a full restaurant in it- with awesome food. The meal-type food was great- but the pretzel with beer cheese dip was the BOMB. I could eat it every. single. day.
So, if you're planning on going to the PNW, take this guide with you- or pass it on to someone you know might be traveling there!
Been to OR/WA and have a cool place you'd like to add?
Leave it in the comments for others to find!
xo, lp
