Must-see restaurants in Washington Cascades

  • Stehekin Pastry Company

    North Cascades

    In a large city this improbable coffee and pastry shop would do a roaring trade. Out in the middle of a wilderness area it appears like a mirage and is…

  • Rifugio's Country Italian Cuisine

    North Cascades

    Just when you thought you were entering the wilderness, a bit of urban foodie culture pops up. In rural Deming, this Euro-centric cafe-restaurant offers…

  • Trout Lake Country Inn

    Washington Cascades

    It calls itself a true honky-tonk and that's exactly what this Wild West, bluegrass band–playing, creaky wood floor–stomping, roast-chicken-with-a-side-of…

  • Copper Creek Inn

    Washington Cascades

    Forget the historic inns. This is one of the state's great rural restaurants, and breakfast is an absolute must if you're heading off for a lengthy hike…

  • Cinnamon Twisp

    North Cascades

    Folks from all around the valley drive in for this homey place's fresh-baked breads, terrific sandwiches, smoothies, coffee and pastries, including the…

  • Sorrento's Ristorante

    North Cascades

    Dine at upscale, delicious and romantic Sorrento's, the finest restaurant in the region, in a sublime winery setting. Take your time and order Italian…

  • Old Schoolhouse Brewing

    North Cascades

    Carb-load on beer in this unusual pub that occupies a little red former schoolhouse on the main street. You can choose from an impressive range of home…

  • Arrowleaf Bistro

    North Cascades

    Winthrop's poshest restaurant, with its starched white tablecloths and polished wine glasses, is a notable departure from the saloon-bar staples elsewhere…

  • Wake & Bakery

    North Cascades

    Even before pot became legal in Washington, you could safely 'get sconed' at this cozy bakery with – as you'd expect – exceptionally happy service. Take a…

  • Mazama Store

    North Cascades

    Walk in from the boondocks and arrive amid the busy scene of an organic market and deli. Everything's pretty pricey, but after you've spent a day in the…

  • Glover Street Market

    North Cascades

    Stop in for organic groceries, hearty breakfasts, healthy meals such as a quinoa bowl with spinach, roasted veg, tahini and avocado – as well as the best…

  • Stehekin Valley Ranch

    North Cascades

    Even if you're not staying overnight at the ranch, you can still show up for the daily set dinner menu (there's a shuttle service – adult/child $6/3 –…

  • East 20 Pizza

    North Cascades

    Who'd expect such fine, authentic pizzas way out here? After a day in the mountains you can't get much better than these thin-crusted pies – topped with…

  • National Park Inn

    Washington Cascades

    Hearty hiking fare is served at this homely inn-restaurant and – in the absence of competition – it's surprisingly good. Try the cedar-plank trout or the…

  • Vogue

    North Cascades

    Putting aside the ubiquitous chai lattes and blueberry muffins, this venerable and popular 'cafe' showcases everything from live music (at weekends) and…

  • Sheri's

    North Cascades

    This delightful alfresco cafe and ice-cream parlor adjacent to Sheri's Sweet Shoppe is the best place to snatch an espresso and a hot, sticky cinnamon bun…

  • Graham's

    North Cascades

    Here's your perfect modern-day Western saloon, with a clunky piano at the back, Willie Nelson on the stereo and rusty tools on the walls. The old…

  • Mountain Goat Coffee

    Washington Cascades

    While cops eat doughnuts, park rangers seem to prefer muffins. Stop in at this cozy morning spot for the best coffee in town (they roast their own beans),…

  • Cougar Grill

    Washington Cascades

    Before or after your hike, load up with a green-chili Cougar Burger or a slab of chicken-fried steak smothered in gravy at this divey little roadside cafe…

  • Milano's Restaurant & Deli

    North Cascades

    In common with much of the Mt Baker area, Milano's doesn't win any 'wows' for its decor. But when the pasta's al dente, the bread's oven fresh and you've…

  • Duck Brand Cantina

    North Cascades

    No standard Mexican restaurant, the 'Duck' nonetheless serves quesadillas, enchiladas and tacos that'll roast your socks off. The Wild West saloon–style…

  • Whittaker's Café & Espresso

    Washington Cascades

    If you've ever pondered huckleberry ice cream for breakfast (why not?), this is the place for it. The cute little cafe attached to a bunkhouse also serves…

  • Fire Mountain Grill

    Washington Cascades

    A typical American grill menu of burgers, fish-and-chips, salads and steaks is enhanced here by its unexpectedness (there’s nothing else for miles around)…

  • Sunrise Day Lodge

    Washington Cascades

    As it's the only eating joint within a 30-mile radius, Sunrise's posthike chili can look pretty appetizing. There's not a lot else here apart from hot…

  • Marblemount Diner

    North Cascades

    This friendly, seasonal diner with booths, tables and seating at the bar cranks out burgers, milkshakes and deep-fried everything. Top it off with a slice…

  • Bear Foods & Creperie

    North Cascades

    Inside the natural-food market are the locals' favorite quick bites: sweet and savory crepes (try the hummus, roast pepper and olive), and fresh soups and…

  • Buffalo Run Restaurant

    North Cascades

    If your Cascade Loop dining experiences have been a little too ordinary, you're in luck: at Buffalo Run you can order alligator, kangaroo, yak, ostrich or…

  • Paradise Inn

    Washington Cascades

    The huge stone fireplace is the highlight of this dining room and it easily overshadows the food. Apart from a good hearty Sunday brunch, the seared local…