Look for the 💗 for I Heart Yakima well-loved spots that we frequent and recommend. We drop wisdom on the spots that we flirt with, but don’t get to as often with a 💡.
We just love this taco truck, dedicated to Single Hill brewery customers. The tacos are delicious, owner Jose is super nice, and the beer and patio seating at Single Hill makes it all even more fun. The taqueso adobado is a fave snack or a torta asada when your tummy needs extra of everything. Don’t forget the salsa!
102 N Naches Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 314-1078 | website
(📷: 5 Salsas/Instagram)
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
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
A bit of a cult-favorite, El Taco Loco is only open for lunch. But if you happen to be downtown during the week at lunch time, you’re in luck. It’s no secret the Yakima Valley has some of the best Mexican food in the state, and El Taco Loco is one reason why…probably because they are all about cooking with love and care.
19 W Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 453-2161 | website
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
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 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
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
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
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
💡 IHY WISDOM: Satisfy your BOBA tea cravings here!
505 W Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 575-7642 | website
💡 IHY WISDOM: Food is cooked-to-order and not really vegetarian-friendly.
621 W Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 248-0888 | website
💡 IHY WISDOM: Vintage shop and order a sandwich! Who knew?! Lunch- and weekdays-only.
106 S 3rd St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 388-4953 | website
💡 IHY WISDOM: Miz Dee’s BBQ is beloved by many. Often catering, they’re only open a few days of the week. Best to give a ring to make sure they are open before you head over.
572 W Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 307-0438 | web mention
💡 IHY WISDOM: This Seattle transplant is right on the ave, and in the warm months, their doors open all the way up. We like the chill vibe and beautiful ceiling. Fingers crossed for dog-friendly approval here soon (like the original in Fremont).
5 N Front St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 902-1505 | website
💡 IHY WISDOM: Watch movies while eating snacks and ordering drinks. (21+)
202 E Chestnut Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 248-0245 | website
💡 IHY WISDOM: Newest restaurant + bar on the block.
306 E Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 367-6680 | website
(📷: Purrr/Facebook)
💡 IHY WISDOM: Cheese zombies and tomato soup on special days.
114 Pendleton Way, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 469-9845 | website
💡 IHY WISDOM: You can catch the Thai House at their storefront restaurant or the farmer’s market.
14 N 2nd St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 469-8986 | website
(📷: Thai House/Facebook)
(Photo Cred: Can’t use this photo, from Trip Advisor)
💡 IHY WISDOM: Unique hot dogs galore. Check out their IG feed for their latest specials!
3 N 6th Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 424-3566 | website
(📷: Winey Dogs/Instagram)