If you love finding new places to eat, you’re in luck here in Washington. We have top-rated restaurants everywhere, many of which are hidden off the main streets. Small town cafes, food trucks, and unassuming storefronts are often home to some of the most mouthwatering dishes around. Here are 10 of the many secret hidden restaurants in Washington you’ve got to add to your dining bucket list:
- Maltby Cafe, Snohomish
Krish S. / Yelp
Jeff W. / Yelp Located in an old 1937 school gym, this cafe is one of the best little-known restaurants in Washington. Their homestyle cooking has won them several “Best Breakfast” awards, and for good reason. They’re known especially for their signature cinnamon rolls, which are “bigger than your head”.
To learn more, visit the Maltby Cafe website. 8809 Maltby Rd, Snohomish, WA 98296, USA
- Royal Grinders, Seattle, Fremont
Yelp / Kristine H.
Julio Lamar/Google This warm sub paradise can be found hidden behind the Lenin Statue in Fremont. They make oven roasted sandwiches, as well as a variety of fresh gelato flavors. To avoid the wait, you can even call here ahead and get your grinder to go.
To learn more, visit the Royal Grinders website. 3526 Fremont Pl N, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
- Rusty Moose, Spokane
Yelp / Alaric C.
Facebook / Rusty Moose Right by the airport, one of the most rustic hidden gems in Washington is a cozy place to grab a bite to eat before catching a flight. Premium burgers, steaks, and sandwiches are only a few of the great options on the menu along with an extensive wine and spirit selection.
To learn more, visit the Rusty Moose website. 9105 US-2, Spokane, WA 99224, USA
- Mukilteo Coffee Roasters, Langley
Mike T. / Yelp
Mike T. / Yelp There’s more to this cafe on Whidbey Island than just premium coffee. They also serve fresh organic fare with a menu that varies with the seasons. There’s always something new to try at the cafe at Mukilteo Coffee Roasters.
To learn more, visit the Mukilteo Coffee Roasters website. 5331 S Crawford Rd, Langley, WA 98260, USA
- Annapurna Cafe, Seattle, Capitol Hill
Jeff N. / Yelp
Khristine H. / Yelp If you’re craving for something in the city, check out this place in Capitol Hill. They serve authentic Indian cuisine, hidden in a private, underground setting. Their Paneer naan, as pictured, is a must-try.
To learn more, visit the Annapurna Cafe website. 1833 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
- Berry Fields, Centralia
Yelp / Bliss S.
Berry Fields Cafe/Facebook Tucked inside of the Star Center Antique Mall, this cafe is one of the most delicious little-known restaurants in Washington. It offers a perfect place to stop for lunch after a morning of shopping for vintage finds. They make fresh sandwiches on homemade bread, plus huge slices of pie to top it all off.
Visit our previous coverage to learn more about Berry Fields. 201 S Pearl St, Centralia, WA 98531, USA
- Secret Cove, Anacortes
Dan F. / Trip Advisor
Marlyse S. / Yelp This locally-owned spot is hidden off the main part of town in Anacortes. They make everything from tacos (like beer-battered fish tacos) to fish & chips, burgers, steaks, and more. From their seaside location, you’ll be able to look out and catch gorgeous views of the Guemes Channel.
To learn more, visit the Secret Cove website. 209 T Ave, Anacortes, WA 98221, USA
- Skylark’s Hidden Cafe, Bellingham/Fairhaven
crosscountrytraveler / Trip Advisor
Lori B. / Trip Advisor You know you’ve found one of the best hidden gems in Washington when you visit a place called Skylark’s Hidden Cafe. The storefront here may not catch your eye at first, but this cafe is more than worth stopping by in Fairhaven. They feature spectacular live jazz, as well as fresh food cooked from scratch, like sandwiches, salads, and soups - including an award-winning Clam Chowder. The venue’s open early to late at night, with wonderful happy hour options.
To learn more, visit Skylark’s Hidden Cafe website. 1308 11th St, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA
- El Fat Cat Grill, Kennewick
I/Google
Brian G. / Yelp Hidden behind a car wash, this food truck in Kennewick is definitely not the easiest to find. The hunt is worth it, though - their tortas, burritos, tostadas and burgers are some of the best in the Tri-Cities. Check out their “Triple Threat” with grilled adobada pork, ham and bacon, onions, mozzarella, and more on a toasted torta bun.
To learn more, visit the El Fat Cat Grill website. 539 N Edison St, Kennewick, WA 99336, USA
- Soulful Soups & Spirits, Spokane
Soulful Soups / Facebook
Vncent C. / Yelp This spot can be found in Spokane right by River Park Square. They serve homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches, like their Tomato Basil Soup with croutons, as pictured. They also offer a delicious beer bread, spicy Mac and Cheese, and cocktails in the evening.
Visit our previous coverage to learn more about Soulful Soups & Spirits. 117 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201, USA
This only covers 10 of the countless hidden restaurants in Washington. Have you been to any of these gems in our state before? Where are your favorite places to grab a bite to eat in Washington?
Krish S. / Yelp
Jeff W. / Yelp
Located in an old 1937 school gym, this cafe is one of the best little-known restaurants in Washington. Their homestyle cooking has won them several “Best Breakfast” awards, and for good reason. They’re known especially for their signature cinnamon rolls, which are “bigger than your head”.
To learn more, visit the Maltby Cafe website.
8809 Maltby Rd, Snohomish, WA 98296, USA
Yelp / Kristine H.
Julio Lamar/Google
This warm sub paradise can be found hidden behind the Lenin Statue in Fremont. They make oven roasted sandwiches, as well as a variety of fresh gelato flavors. To avoid the wait, you can even call here ahead and get your grinder to go.
To learn more, visit the Royal Grinders website.
3526 Fremont Pl N, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
Yelp / Alaric C.
Facebook / Rusty Moose
Right by the airport, one of the most rustic hidden gems in Washington is a cozy place to grab a bite to eat before catching a flight. Premium burgers, steaks, and sandwiches are only a few of the great options on the menu along with an extensive wine and spirit selection.
To learn more, visit the Rusty Moose website.
9105 US-2, Spokane, WA 99224, USA
Mike T. / Yelp
There’s more to this cafe on Whidbey Island than just premium coffee. They also serve fresh organic fare with a menu that varies with the seasons. There’s always something new to try at the cafe at Mukilteo Coffee Roasters.
To learn more, visit the Mukilteo Coffee Roasters website.
5331 S Crawford Rd, Langley, WA 98260, USA
Jeff N. / Yelp
Khristine H. / Yelp
If you’re craving for something in the city, check out this place in Capitol Hill. They serve authentic Indian cuisine, hidden in a private, underground setting. Their Paneer naan, as pictured, is a must-try.
To learn more, visit the Annapurna Cafe website.
1833 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
Yelp / Bliss S.
Berry Fields Cafe/Facebook
Tucked inside of the Star Center Antique Mall, this cafe is one of the most delicious little-known restaurants in Washington. It offers a perfect place to stop for lunch after a morning of shopping for vintage finds. They make fresh sandwiches on homemade bread, plus huge slices of pie to top it all off.
Visit our previous coverage to learn more about Berry Fields.
201 S Pearl St, Centralia, WA 98531, USA
Dan F. / Trip Advisor
Marlyse S. / Yelp
This locally-owned spot is hidden off the main part of town in Anacortes. They make everything from tacos (like beer-battered fish tacos) to fish & chips, burgers, steaks, and more. From their seaside location, you’ll be able to look out and catch gorgeous views of the Guemes Channel.
To learn more, visit the Secret Cove website.
209 T Ave, Anacortes, WA 98221, USA
crosscountrytraveler / Trip Advisor
Lori B. / Trip Advisor
You know you’ve found one of the best hidden gems in Washington when you visit a place called Skylark’s Hidden Cafe. The storefront here may not catch your eye at first, but this cafe is more than worth stopping by in Fairhaven. They feature spectacular live jazz, as well as fresh food cooked from scratch, like sandwiches, salads, and soups - including an award-winning Clam Chowder. The venue’s open early to late at night, with wonderful happy hour options.
To learn more, visit Skylark’s Hidden Cafe website.
1308 11th St, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA
I/Google
Brian G. / Yelp
Hidden behind a car wash, this food truck in Kennewick is definitely not the easiest to find. The hunt is worth it, though - their tortas, burritos, tostadas and burgers are some of the best in the Tri-Cities. Check out their “Triple Threat” with grilled adobada pork, ham and bacon, onions, mozzarella, and more on a toasted torta bun.
To learn more, visit the El Fat Cat Grill website.
539 N Edison St, Kennewick, WA 99336, USA
Soulful Soups / Facebook
Vncent C. / Yelp
This spot can be found in Spokane right by River Park Square. They serve homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches, like their Tomato Basil Soup with croutons, as pictured. They also offer a delicious beer bread, spicy Mac and Cheese, and cocktails in the evening.
Visit our previous coverage to learn more about Soulful Soups & Spirits.
117 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Restaurants In Washington August 27, 2021 Melissa M. What are the best hidden gems in Washington? Aside from the incredible hidden gem restaurants you learned about above, Washington has countless other hidden gems, both natural and man-made, that are worthy of a visit. You can visit some of these hidden gems on our Ultimate Washington Hidden Gems Road Trip. Along the way, you can stop by Madison Falls in Port Angeles, Joyce General Store which is the oldest continuously operating store of its kind in the state, and Hoko Falls. What are some of the most remote restaurants in Washington? Tucked away in Ashford, Washington, Copper Creek Inn is close to Mount Rainier and an easy top to make after a strenuous hike. It’s been open since 1946 and serves up some delicious home-cooked food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Even more remote, the Summit House is located on a mountain-top and is reachable via a gondola. It’s so worth it for the views as well as its incredible meals. This remote restaurant even hosts meteor shower and full moon dinners which sound pretty incredible! What are some of the best mom-and-pop restaurants in Washington? If you’re craving a good taco, Bookmark Taco-Book in Everett is the place to go! This mom-and-pop Mexican eatery cooks everything to order using family recipes, so you know you’re getting something authentic. Davy’s Burger Ranch in Prosser has a large menu with many classics but burgers are definitely the thing to order here!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Restaurants In Washington
August 27, 2021
Melissa M.
What are the best hidden gems in Washington? Aside from the incredible hidden gem restaurants you learned about above, Washington has countless other hidden gems, both natural and man-made, that are worthy of a visit. You can visit some of these hidden gems on our Ultimate Washington Hidden Gems Road Trip. Along the way, you can stop by Madison Falls in Port Angeles, Joyce General Store which is the oldest continuously operating store of its kind in the state, and Hoko Falls. What are some of the most remote restaurants in Washington? Tucked away in Ashford, Washington, Copper Creek Inn is close to Mount Rainier and an easy top to make after a strenuous hike. It’s been open since 1946 and serves up some delicious home-cooked food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Even more remote, the Summit House is located on a mountain-top and is reachable via a gondola. It’s so worth it for the views as well as its incredible meals. This remote restaurant even hosts meteor shower and full moon dinners which sound pretty incredible! What are some of the best mom-and-pop restaurants in Washington? If you’re craving a good taco, Bookmark Taco-Book in Everett is the place to go! This mom-and-pop Mexican eatery cooks everything to order using family recipes, so you know you’re getting something authentic. Davy’s Burger Ranch in Prosser has a large menu with many classics but burgers are definitely the thing to order here!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Aside from the incredible hidden gem restaurants you learned about above, Washington has countless other hidden gems, both natural and man-made, that are worthy of a visit. You can visit some of these hidden gems on our Ultimate Washington Hidden Gems Road Trip. Along the way, you can stop by Madison Falls in Port Angeles, Joyce General Store which is the oldest continuously operating store of its kind in the state, and Hoko Falls.
What are some of the most remote restaurants in Washington?
Tucked away in Ashford, Washington, Copper Creek Inn is close to Mount Rainier and an easy top to make after a strenuous hike. It’s been open since 1946 and serves up some delicious home-cooked food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Even more remote, the Summit House is located on a mountain-top and is reachable via a gondola. It’s so worth it for the views as well as its incredible meals. This remote restaurant even hosts meteor shower and full moon dinners which sound pretty incredible!
What are some of the best mom-and-pop restaurants in Washington?
If you’re craving a good taco, Bookmark Taco-Book in Everett is the place to go! This mom-and-pop Mexican eatery cooks everything to order using family recipes, so you know you’re getting something authentic. Davy’s Burger Ranch in Prosser has a large menu with many classics but burgers are definitely the thing to order here!
