6 Washington Weekend Getaways With Iconic Restaurants

Washington State is a mix of rugged coastlines, mountain towns, and small cities, each with its own food identity. When I’ve planned short trips here, I’ve often looked for destinations where the meals are as memorable as the scenery. From fresh seafood to historic dining rooms, these spots combine a weekend away with restaurants that locals consider part of the state’s story.

1. Seattle, Canlis

The anticipation starts as soon as I pull up the winding driveway to Canlis. This Seattle landmark, family-owned since 1950, sits high above Lake Union, offering views that become part of the meal. It’s a place where getting dressed up feels right and where each course tells a story rooted in both innovation and tradition.

Sitting at Canlis, I noticed how every detail, from the attentive service to the Pacific Northwest ingredients, comes together without feeling stuffy. The menu changes with the seasons, but local Dungeness crab and their famous Canlis salad are always standouts. It’s the sort of experience where you catch yourself pausing between bites, just to take it all in.

Pairing a meal at Canlis with a weekend in Seattle never disappoints. One day might bring a wander through Pike Place Market or a stroll along the waterfront. Another could mean exploring the city’s museums or finding a quiet bench by the water. For me, Canlis always becomes the highlight of the trip, one that feels both classic and very much alive in 2025.

2. Spokane, The Steam Plant

Walking inside The Steam Plant feels like discovering a secret from Spokane’s past. The restaurant fills a real 1916 power plant, where massive pipes snake through the dining rooms and tall smokestacks reach overhead. History isn’t just on display here, it’s the heartbeat of the place, inviting you to look up, touch the brick walls, and imagine another era.

Every time I visit, I’m struck by how this spot blends industrial grit with local warmth. The menu is approachable enough for families but offers inventive touches: wood-fired pizzas, seafood pasta, and hearty burgers all with a nod to the region’s flavors. Staff are happy to share stories about the building, making dinner feel like a guided tour with forks in hand.

A Spokane weekend feels richer with The Steam Plant in the mix. After biking the Centennial Trail or watching the falls downtown, I find myself craving the energy of this space. It’s more than a meal; it’s a tangible piece of Washington’s story, reimagined for today’s travelers and food lovers alike.

3. Olympia, The Spar

If walls could talk, The Spar’s would have a few tales. Open since the 1930s, this Olympia gathering spot has seen generations of conversations, live music, and perfectly crispy fish and chips. It’s casual, sure, but there’s a gravity in the way regulars linger over burgers and fries, soaking in the history that clings to every corner booth.

I love how The Spar’s menu stays true to its roots. You’ll find recognizable pub classics, made with local ingredients when possible, and the kind of breakfasts that fuel a day of exploring. Sometimes there’s live music, folk, blues, and everything in between, which brings an extra layer of charm to an already inviting space.

A weekend in Olympia often centers around the Capitol campus and the waterfront, but The Spar is the place where I end up feeling at home. After a morning at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, sliding into a booth at The Spar feels just right. For me, it’s a taste of old Washington that never goes out of style.

4. Walla Walla, Whitehouse-Crawford

Stepping inside Whitehouse-Crawford, I always pause to admire the soaring ceilings and wooden beams. Housed in a restored 1904 sawmill, this Walla Walla restaurant gives a nod to the past while focusing firmly on what’s fresh and local.

Whitehouse-Crawford briefly closed in 2022, but reopened in 2023 under new ownership. The refreshed space keeps its historic character while carrying on the farm-to-table traditions that made it beloved in the first place. It’s where you’ll find thoughtfully crafted dishes, think roasted root vegetables, tender local beef, and inventive vegetarian options, served in a space where time slows down.

The kitchen celebrates ingredients from farmers within the valley, and the staff love talking about what’s in season. There’s a quiet confidence here, matched by a menu that always feels just right for the moment. Even the bread is memorable, often baked from regional grains and paired with local butter.

Walla Walla weekends for me are a blend of wandering downtown, popping into tasting rooms, and enjoying art galleries. Yet no visit feels complete without a meal at Whitehouse-Crawford. Its calm energy and focus on the land’s bounty remind me why Washington’s food scene matters, and why I keep coming back.

5. Tacoma, El Gaucho

Sliding into a leather booth at El Gaucho, I get a sense of Tacoma’s old-school glamour. This isn’t just another steakhouse; it’s a place where every detail, from the tableside Caesar salad to the soft piano notes drifting through the air, feels carefully curated. The mood is intimate, with art deco touches and attentive service that never rushes you through the experience.

Steaks take center stage here, prepared with precision and confidence. The sides, like creamy potatoes and crisp vegetables, are no afterthought, and even the dessert feels celebratory. I appreciate how El Gaucho honors tradition without becoming predictable, always finding ways to make a meal feel like a special event.

When I think of a Tacoma weekend, I picture mornings at Point Defiance Park, glassblowing at the Museum of Glass, and evenings wrapped up at El Gaucho. It’s where I go to mark an occasion or simply indulge in a quiet moment of luxury. In Washington, this spot stands out for blending nostalgia with a lively, present-day spirit.

6. Bellingham, Anthony’s at Squalicum Harbor

Nothing says Pacific Northwest quite like sitting by the water with a plate of just-caught seafood. At Anthony’s in Bellingham, the harbor views stretch out to the San Juan Islands, and the salty air pairs perfectly with whatever arrives from the kitchen. This spot has a relaxed energy, where kayakers and families gather after days spent outside.

The seafood menu highlights the best of local waters: wild salmon, Dungeness crab, and oysters that need nothing but a squeeze of lemon. There’s an easy confidence to the way meals are served, unfussy, generous, and always fresh. Even on a rainy day, the big windows keep the marina in view, making every meal feel bright.

Bellingham weekends are about exploring Fairhaven’s bookshops or hiking the Chuckanut Mountains, but Anthony’s always calls me back. It’s the natural anchor for a trip to this corner of Washington, offering flavors and sights that linger long after the last bite. For anyone chasing both adventure and comfort, it hits the mark.