All in eat

💗 Cowiche Canyon Kitchen + Icehouse Bar

Arguably one of the most beautiful buildings in downtown, the Graham Baba-designed, family-friendly Cowiche Canyon Kitchen has become a downtown Yakima institution. We love the crispy chicken sandwich, the prime rib dip, the shrimp and avocado salad, and kid’s menu. If you’re looking for a bar scene, head into the gorgeous Icehouse bar (21+) for one of their original concoctions, like the Cowiche Cutter or Farm Water. If you can’t decide, we vote for a can of Rainier while you peruse the menu.

202 E Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 457-2007 | website

(📷: Cowiche Canyon Kitchen + Ice House/Instagram)

💗 Crafted

We’re downright devoted to this gem of a restaurant. Owners Dan and Mollie Koommoo have created one of the best restaurants in the state with this lovely, warm, fun eatery. While Dan is the star chef, their entire staff creates new and different dishes, keeping us curious and returning to see what’s new. The dishes are served family style, so get comfy with your dining party. We heart the chef’s menu for maximum dining enjoyment. In the warmer months, their patio is the place to be for special events, with a casual, upbeat vibe. While Crafted is a bit more upscale for the Yak, you can still wear jeans and bring well-behaved kiddos with adventurous palettes.

22 N 1st St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 426-2220 | website

(📷: Crafted repost @colledamonick /Instagram)

💗 Essencia Artisan Bakery

We’ve got mad respect for this bakery. Essencia has been committed to the revitalization of downtown since the very early days. Their tasty treats and coffee have endured over the years. Get there early for fresh bread and baked yummies like the beehive. Their sandwiches and soup specials are perfect for a quick lunch. We also suggest getting a lemon bar for the road. It continues to be one of our fave places to stop off.

4 N 3rd St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 575-5570 | website

(📷: Yvette Lippert/Instagram)

💗 E.Z Tiger

Located kitty-corner to Cowiche Canyon Kitchen, E.Z Tiger serves Asian-influenced food. Their dishes are family-style and a sure thing for tasty and interesting. Be warned: while you may spy dim sum on the menu, it is not traditional dim sum. They’re small plates served to you without the cart and fung zao in the bamboo steamers. We like to eat the Beijing dumplings fast so we can soak up the leftover sauce with rice. And the cocktail creations? Some of the best in town! Try any of them or keep it simple with their house Japanese whisky on the rocks. The décor is local-luxe with hometown artist Leo Adams taking the lead in design. It’s a perfect date night or pre-theater spot, especially given its short hop to the Capitol Theatre.

222 E Chestnut Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 571-1977 | website

(📷: E.Z. Tiger/Instagram)

💗 Main Stop on the Ave

Main Stop on the Ave is tucked away in the retail spots below the Larson Building. Behind the modest exterior is a fantastic breakfast and lunch spot (they’re open 7a – 3p every day). Their traditional breakfasts are suh-weet, but they've got machaca and chilaquiles. And we prefer those options if we're going to breakfast. We recommend the machaca benedict, skillet, or omelet. And if you can't decide, they're not shy about telling you what is most popular and what they would get. For lunch or a late afternoon snack, pick up a tuna melt or hamburger. You can’t lose with any of their comfort dishes.

120 E Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 571-1533 | website

(📷: Main Stop on the Ave/Facebook)

💗 Second Street Grill

A crowd pleaser, you can find something for your mom or the pickiest of eaters at Second Street Grill. We love their dog-friendly patio in the summertime, complete with frosé and misters to keep diners comfy during Yakima’s hot summers. If you find yourself here on a Sunday, this is a perfect breakfast spot to hit on your way over to the Downtown Farmer’s Market, just a couple blocks away.

28 N 2nd St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 469-1486 | website

(📷: Second Street Grill/Instagram)

💗 Yakima Sports Center

The original downtown restaurant – complete with one of the coolest signs in Yakima and fresh from a remodel – The Sports Center has great bar food, televisions to watch any game, is family-friendly yet serves a stiff drink. They have one of the best taps in town, featuring regional beer. Check out their event page for their happenings such as Open Comedy Mic and Geeks Who Drink. 

214 E Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 453-4647 | website

(📷: Yakima Sports Center/Instagram)

💗Yakima Thai Cuisine

This is our Thai take-out choice. We’ve never actually sat down and eaten there. If you’re feeling adventurous, give it a whirl. Their pad thai, yellow curry, and pad see eew with wide egg noodles, and extra veggies are especially good. Call ahead and give them a little time – they can get slammed with orders in the evening (it is a local favorite).

14 E Staff Sgt Pendleton Way, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 452-0825 | website

(📷: Yakima Thai Cuisine/Facebook)