Unearth The Voyage
Washington State serves up more than just stunning mountains and coastlines. From Seattle’s bustling Pike Place Market to small-town diners tucked in the Cascade foothills, restaurants across the state have built their reputations on single, unforgettable dishes. Whether you crave a perfectly grilled burger, freshly shucked oysters, or a bowl of creamy chowder, these spots prove that sometimes one menu item is all you need to become legendary.
1. Red Mill Burgers (Seattle)
Red Mill Burgers has been flipping patties in Seattle for decades, and the Bacon Deluxe remains the crown jewel of their menu. Fresh beef patties meet crisp bacon and a secret house Mill Sauce that ties everything together in perfect harmony.
Locals swear by this place, and one bite reveals exactly why the queues never seem to disappear. The burger arrives hot, juicy, and layered with just the right amount of toppings. It’s comfort food done right, without any fancy tricks or gimmicks.
Timing your visit matters here. Go during off-peak hours to skip the crowd and get straight to the good stuff.
2. Pike Place Chowder (Seattle)
Seattle’s Pike Place Market buzzes with energy, and right in the heart of it sits a chowder shop that draws crowds all day long. Pike Place Chowder serves up bowls of smoked salmon chowder that have become synonymous with the city’s food scene. Rich, creamy, and packed with tender salmon, each spoonful tastes like the Pacific Northwest in a bowl.
Food lovers from around the world mark this spot as a must-eat experience. The chowder’s smoky depth balances beautifully with the velvety base, creating a dish that warms you from the inside out.
Lunch rushes can be intense, so arriving early helps you beat the line and secure a seat.
3. Ivar’s Acres of Clams (Seattle Waterfront)
Waterfront dining takes on new meaning when your clam chowder arrives with a side of harbor views. Ivar’s Acres of Clams has anchored Seattle’s seafood tradition for generations, serving up bowls of classic New England-style chowder that locals consider essential eating. Each spoonful delivers tender clams swimming in a rich, creamy broth that speaks to the region’s maritime roots.
This isn’t just soup. It’s a taste of Seattle’s history, ladled into a bowl and served with pride. The chowder’s velvety texture and savory flavor profile make it a year-round favorite.
Snagging a window seat transforms your meal into an experience, pairing every bite with stunning water views.
4. The Walrus & the Carpenter (Ballard/Seattle)
Ballard’s oyster scene finds its beating heart in a casual chic shellfish bar where freshness reigns supreme. The Walrus & the Carpenter plates up locally sourced oysters, shucked to order and served with simple accompaniments that let the briny flavor shine. Washington’s oyster reputation rests on spots like this, where quality and simplicity meet.
Regulars rave about the ever-changing selection, pulled from cold Pacific waters just hours before they land on your plate. Each oyster tastes like the ocean, clean and crisp with a mineral finish that lingers pleasantly.
Popularity means waits, so arriving early or adding your name to the list saves time and guarantees your seat.
5. Uneeda Burger (Seattle)
A converted garage might not sound like fine dining, but Uneeda Burger proves that great food thrives anywhere. Handmade burgers crafted from grass-fed beef arrive with rotating specials that keep the menu fresh and exciting. This spot consistently lands on lists of Washington’s best burger joints, earning praise from locals who know their way around a patty.
The grass-fed beef brings a cleaner, slightly leaner flavor that still delivers plenty of juiciness. Toppings change with the seasons, giving you a reason to return and try something new each time.
If you’re mapping out Washington’s burger scene, pencil this one in as a mandatory stop on your delicious journey.
6. Eastside Big Tom (Olympia)
Olympia’s burger scene gets serious when you order the Big Tom. Double meat, double cheese, and a famous sauce locals call GOOP create a towering masterpiece that demands both hands and a serious appetite. This isn’t a dainty meal. It’s a full-on burger experience that has earned its place among Washington’s most iconic stops outside Seattle.
The GOOP sauce adds a tangy, creamy element that cuts through the richness of all that beef and cheese. Each bite delivers satisfying heft and flavor that sticks with you long after the last fry disappears.
Planning a non-Seattle burger pilgrimage? Make sure Eastside Big Tom sits high on your list of destinations.
7. Zip’s Drive-In (Eastern Washington)
Eastern Washington claims its own burger royalty, and Zip’s Drive-In has worn that crown since 1953. The Zip Burger features a tartar-based sauce that might sound unusual but tastes absolutely perfect once you take that first bite. Locals defend this regional treasure fiercely, and for good reason.
The drive-in experience adds nostalgic charm to every visit. Roll down your window, place your order, and enjoy a slice of mid-century Americana along with your burger. That tartar sauce brings a tangy brightness that sets the Zip Burger apart from every other patty in the state.
This is drive-in dining with a Washington twist, offering flavors you simply cannot find anywhere else.
8. Ray’s Boathouse (Seattle)
Waterfront dining reaches new heights when your fried oysters arrive with a view that rivals the food itself. Ray’s Boathouse serves up crispy, golden oysters and Dungeness crab cakes that appear in nearly every directory of Washington’s signature foods. The location alone makes it special, but the seafood seals the deal.
Each fried oyster delivers a satisfying crunch that gives way to tender, briny goodness inside. The crab cakes pack sweet Dungeness meat into every forkful, lightly bound and perfectly seasoned. These dishes celebrate the Pacific Northwest’s bounty in the most delicious way possible.
Reservations matter here, especially for dinner when sunset paints the water in gold and pink hues.
9. Hama Hama Oyster Saloon (Hood Canal region)
Hood Canal’s waters produce some of Washington’s finest oysters, and Hama Hama Oyster Saloon serves them just steps from where they’re harvested. This rustic shellfish spot taps directly into the state’s oyster-rich identity, offering a farm-to-table experience that couldn’t get any fresher. Each oyster tastes like pure Pacific Northwest, cold and clean with a sweet finish.
The saloon’s casual atmosphere lets the oysters take center stage. No fuss, no fancy plating, just incredible shellfish that speaks for itself. Locals champion this place because it represents everything great about Washington’s coastal bounty.
Exploring the Olympic Peninsula area? Make time for this stop and taste what makes Washington oysters world-famous.
10. Taylor Shellfish Farms – Seattle (Seattle)
Farm-to-table freshness reaches its peak when the farm literally grows the oysters you’re about to eat. Taylor Shellfish Farms brings its own harvest straight to downtown Seattle, serving oysters sourced from their carefully tended beds. Washington’s oyster industry forms a huge part of the state’s food identity, and Taylor’s commitment to quality resonates in every briny bite.
The daily selection rotates based on what’s at peak perfection, giving you a chance to explore different varieties and flavor profiles. Some taste sweet, others more mineral-forward, each one reflecting its specific growing conditions.
Ask your server about the day’s offerings and let them guide you through a tasting journey across Washington’s coastal waters.
11. Duke’s Seafood Market & Grill (Seattle)
Salmon runs deep in Washington’s culinary soul, and Duke’s Seafood Market & Grill celebrates that connection with every plate. The blackened salmon sandwich delivers perfectly seasoned fish with a spicy crust that gives way to tender, flaky meat inside. This is foundational Washington cuisine, prepared with care and served in a casual atmosphere that welcomes everyone.
The blackening spices create a flavorful crust without overwhelming the salmon’s natural richness. Nestled in a soft bun with fresh toppings, it’s a handheld celebration of Pacific Northwest seafood. Duke’s strikes the perfect balance between quality and approachability.
Looking for a high-quality but relaxed salmon experience? This spot delivers exactly that, no reservations or fancy dress code required.
12. Top Pot Doughnuts (Seattle)
Seattle mornings taste sweeter when they start with a Top Pot doughnut. These artisan treats have won over locals with their hand-forged quality and perfect texture, achieving a cult following that extends well beyond the breakfast crowd. While not traditionally featured in savory one-dish lists, Top Pot appears in food guides as a local favorite that simply cannot be ignored.
Each doughnut boasts a tender interior and a glaze that’s sweet but never cloying. The variety keeps things interesting, from classic glazed rounds to seasonal specials that surprise and delight. These aren’t your average drive-through doughnuts.
Perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, Top Pot proves that simple pleasures often taste the best.
13. Brown Bear Baking (Eastsound / Orcas Island)
Island life includes its own delicious discoveries, and Brown Bear Baking on Orcas Island serves up pastries that have become local legends. The bear claw pastry leads the pack, flaky and buttery with just the right amount of almond filling. This charming bakery appears in aggregated lists of recommended spots where signature items make the journey worthwhile.
Baked goods here carry that made-with-love quality that small island businesses do so well. Each pastry emerges from the oven golden and fragrant, ready to fuel your day of island exploration. The cozy atmosphere makes every visit feel like a warm hug.
Island-hopping through the San Juan Archipelago? Add this bakery to your itinerary for a sweet detour you will not regret.
14. Cottage Cafe & Fireside Lounge (Cle Elum)
Mountain towns hide some of Washington’s best comfort food, and Cle Elum’s Cottage Cafe proves that point deliciously. The French-Dip sandwich has earned fame among locals, piled high with tender beef and served with savory au jus for dipping. While the menu also features excellent chicken-fried steak and biscuits with gravy, that French-Dip consistently steals the spotlight.
Each bite combines juicy meat with a soft roll that soaks up just enough au jus without falling apart. It’s hearty mountain fare that warms you after a day of exploring Eastern Washington’s peaks and valleys.
Traveling through the Cascade mountain towns? Stop here for a meal that tastes like home, no matter where you are from originally.
