With a recent remodel underway, the Hilton Garden Inn is a sure bet. Clean, affordable, and walkable to all the downtown action.

401 E Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 454-1111 | website

(📷: Hilton Garden Inn)

The Hotel Maison was built in 1911, when Freemasons - desiring both a distinguished, ceremonial meeting space and an investment for their flourishing club - built the magnificent, multi-story building, with a masonic temple on the top floor. Today, the hotel celebrates this history while claiming the title of Yakima’s only true boutique hotel. You can earn Stash rewards while enjoying local luxuries, like complimentary wine tasting or spa services next door at Ummelina. There’s no hotel restaurant, but not to worry, they offer courtesy breakfast pastries and fruits and you can walk to eateries nearby.

321 E Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 571-1900 | website

(📷: Hotel Maison/Instagram)

802 E Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 494-7000 | website

(📷: Holiday Inn)

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

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

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)

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

(📷: El Taco Loco/Facebook)

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)

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

(📷: Main Stop on the Ave/Facebook)

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)

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)

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)

315 W Walnut St, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 453-5159 | website

(📷: El Pastor/Facebook)

15 S 5th Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 248-7590 | website

(📷: El Porton De Pepe/Facebook)

💡 IHY WISDOM: Satisfy your BOBA tea cravings here!

505 W Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 575-7642 | website

(📷: KIKI Restaurant BOBA Tea & Chinese & Teriyaki/Facebook)

💡 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

(📷: Lulu’s Lunchbox/Facebook)

💡 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

(📷: Norm’s of Yakima/Instagram)

💡 IHY WISDOM: Watch movies while eating snacks and ordering drinks. (21+)

202 E Chestnut Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 248-0245 | website

(📷: Orion Cinema & Mickey's Pub /Facebook)

32 N Front St Suite 102, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 453-0325 | website

(📷: Russillo’s Pizza and Gelato/Facebook)

💡 IHY WISDOM: Newest restaurant + bar on the block.

306 E Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 367-6680 | website

(📷: Purrr/Facebook)

💡 IHY WISDOM: All the tequila is here.

111 E Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 453-1644 | website

(📷: Santiago’s on the Ave/Facebook)

💡 IHY WISDOM: Cheese zombies and tomato soup on special days.

114 Pendleton Way, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 469-9845 | website

(📷: Shorty's Sweets, Treats 'N Cakes/Instagram)

110 S 4th St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 248-5565 | website

(📷: Zagat)

💡 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)

3405, 221 W Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 571-1472 | website

(📷: Yakima Steak Company/Facebook)

A newcomer to our coffee scene, Collaboration Coffee is a delight. Serving locally-roasted Basalt coffee and residing next to the Yakima Maker Space, Collab Coffee is bright, friendly, delicious, and just about our favorite place to meet for a chat and a cuppa. Every detail of the café is intentional, from the way their tables are designed to the mugs from which they serve their coffee. They keep it simple at Collab Coffee, no cream and sweetener station and a modest selection of snacks. We like it.

18 S 1st St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 823-4018 | website

(📷: Collab Coffee/Instagram)

Gilbert Cellars has been the tasting room in downtown Yakima for over a decade. Step inside, and you’re immediately welcomed to some of our valley’s best wine (the rosé is without a doubt our favorite, the vin du vallée is crisp and refreshing, and you should also try their award-winning reds). They have small bites (ahem, bacon-wrapped dates), and their outdoor seating on a warm summer evening makes us swoon.

5 N Front St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 249-9049 | website

(📷: Gilbert Cellars/Instagram)

Their pour-overs are delish, and we love the high-ceilings, big windows, and low-key atmosphere. If you are looking to get some late-night work done, this is our go-to place.  Their beans are sourced from small, independent growers from around the world, and they are locally roasted, ensuring you the freshest coffee possible. Their Thursday open-mic nights are popular if you are looking for a friendly evening outing.

28 N 1st St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 317-2150 | website

(📷: MAK Daddy/Instagram)

Serving Stumptown Coffee, North Town legit gave Downtown Yakima its first coffee house. In the historic Yakima Depot, you can catch the trains traveling through town as you sip your beverage of choice. Their meeting rooms are nice, bright, and private, too. And if you’re looking to get married after getting some coffee, there is a judge available onsite to help you out with that!

32 N Front St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 895-7600 | website

(📷: North Town Coffeehouse/Facebook)

Downtown Yakima’s newest brewery, Single Hill is quintessential Yakima. Their line-up is top-notch and varied, offering everything from sours to experimental series. We aren’t big IPA drinkers (shhhhhh!), so we love that there is always something for us to try. (For the record, we are told their IPAs are delish.) The vibe is relaxed and family-friendly. They also offer a line of fun non-alcoholic beverages, including root beer, cold brew, and endless bubbly-water. And if you’re hungry, you can grab a delicious taco from 5 Salsas taco truck, right outside their door.

102 N Naches Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 367-6756 | website

(📷: Single Hill Brewing/Instagram)

While not in downtown proper, Bill’s Place is so well-loved by locals, we had to include it. If you’re looking for exceptional bar food, a great beer selection, and a game, this is your place. (21+)

206 S 3rd Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 575-9513 | website

(📷: Bill’s Place/Facebook)

💡 IHY WISDOM: This is the place for a wine slushy on a hot summer day.

14 N Front St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 961-8370 | website

(📷: AntoLin Cellars/Facebook)

💡 IHY WISDOM: This is a nano-brewery with an intimate tasting room.

25 N Front St # 2, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 225-9610 | website

(📷: Berchman’s Brewing Co./Facebook)

31 N 1st Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 367-6552 | website

(📷: Hop Nation Brewing/instagram)

10 S 2nd St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 453-6611 | website

(📷: Kana Winery/Facebook)

💡 IHY WISDOM: Check out their IG or FB feeds for their taproom happenings. Also, Sunday is often brew day if you want to watch the magic.

123 E Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 424-3400 | website

(📷: Redifer Brewing/Instagram)

If you love the performing arts, then you should definitely check out The Capitol Theatre. Built in 1920, this nearly century old theatre is one of Yakima’s crowning historic glories. It burned to the ground in 1975, and the community came together to restore it (take a look at the ceiling when you step inside). Hosting shows like Rent or Come from Away, to incredible dance productions like Ballet Hispanico, or performers like Mandy Patinkin and the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, The Capitol truly has it all. The hip 4th Street Theatre hosts smaller shows, local events, and auctions. Check online to see what’s in town.

Capitol Theatre
19 S 3rd St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 853-2787 | website

4th Street Theatre
14 S 4th St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 853-2787 | website

(📷: Capitol Theatre)

Tucked into the back of the Golden Wheel, this is our preferred downtown dive bar for late night karaoke and local flare. They pour a stiff drink, and the crowd is always eclectic and enthusiastic (even when your voice is sub-par). Make sure you enter from the parking lot. Settle into a vinyl-lined booth, sign up at the table in the front, and grab the binder of songs to find your favorite tune to belt out. If we’re there, we’ll cheer you on and maybe even order you a chocolate chicken.

9 S 1st St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 457-8400 | nope, no www

(📷: David Paulson)

What once was home to a church, the Seasons Performance Hall is Yakima’s main indoor concert venue. From jazz to the Seattle Rock Orchestra to Macklemore (yes, THAT Macklemore), the Seasons is known for its incredible acoustics and eclectic musical shows. Stop by Single Hill on your way to the show for a beer, a taco, and the local scene.  

101 N Naches Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 453-1888 | website

(📷: The Seasons)

Located in between Hotel Maison and Hilton Garden Inn is this gem of a day spa. This is our go-to spot for pampering, from facials to massages to calming spa products. If we are going deluxe, sign us up for a long soak, too. Their space is tranquil (maybe because you are surrounded by all the essential oils ever) and the staff is warm and friendly. If you are here for a weekend, give them a ring ahead of time to schedule an appointment to make sure you get a slot for some self-care.

399 E Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 225-4772 | website

(📷: Ummelina/Instagram)

Yakima Maker Space (YMS) was created in 2013 with the goal of "galvanizing our City's creative potential." The YMS founders led by example when they took an abandoned downtown building and created a shop where you can make almost anything. They host events like Drag Me Out to the Arts, various art groups, and tool demos. Makers from the community teach numerous classes, from “How to use a 3D printer” to “Intro to Watercolor.” You can find fellow creative thinkers, artists, craftsmen, entrepreneurs, and "nerds of all kinds" there. Check out their calendar of events and classes here. On Saturdays, 10a-2p, you can drop-in via Collab Coffee's shared door with them to see the latest.

16 S 1st St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 571-1215 | website

(📷: YMS/Instagram)

💡 IHY WISDOM: If the Lotus Room isn’t your style, this should fulfill your dive bar needs.

104 S 2nd St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 453-9713 | website

(📷: Brews and Cues/Facebook)

509 W Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 424-3348 | website

(📷: Drink’n Games/Facebook)

💡 IHY WISDOM: Fair warning - you will not find a bowling alley like this on the westside. The prices are legit ridiculous. $2.50 per game and $1.50 for shoes. Unless you are there on Sundays, when games, shoes, and select menu items are all $1.00. Pretty sure, this place has not been updated since the 1970s.

307 1/2 W Chestnut Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 452-0223 | website

(📷: Eagle Lanes/Facebook)

118 S 1st St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 910-3707 | website

(📷: Game and Grog/Facebook)

On Sundays only (Mayish – Octoberish), this is a great stop if you are on your way out of town and want to head home with all things Yakima Valley. You can get locally-sourced in-season produce, cheese, eggs, salami, mushrooms, plants, crafts, and more. After you’re done shopping, there are various international food vendors like Thai House and Lutong Pinoy that are at the ready to feed you before you hit the road. While you’re eating, you can soak in the Eastern Washington sun and enjoy the musical entertainment. Watch out for when they do pet adoption days, you might go home with more than fresh berries and Tieton Creamery cheese!  

22 S 3rd Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
(707) 332-3083 | website

(📷: Downtown Yakima Farmers Market/Instagram)

Local designer + Boss Babe, Jadira Amaya opened up WILDJAY in her downtown location just a year ago. She enjoys a cult following by local fashionistas and hosts the One Love fashion show each year. She bleeds all things GOOD, from her dedication to using local models and vendors to carrying local merch, like YKM in her shop. Check WILDJAY out and follow her on Instagram for good vibes beyond Yakima.

25 N Front St - Shop #3, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 902-8233 | website

(📷: WILDJAY repost @tommy32rico/Instagram)

💡 IHY WISDOM: Adorable little home goods shop. This is a relative newcomer to downtown.

30 N 2nd St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 426-2403 | website

(📷: Adore Decor/Facebook)

125 S 2nd St, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 453-8207 | website

(📷: Churchill’s Booklovers’ Haunt/Facebook)

519 W Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 571-3112 | website

(📷: Flippers Antiques/Facebook)

302 W Yakima Ave Ste 103, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 972-8504 | website

(📷: Little Soapmaker/Facebook)

💡 IHY WISDOM: Skateboards plus hats, kicks, and clothes.

302 W Yakima Ave #105, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 225-7669 | website

(📷: NewYakCity/Instagram)

💡 IHY WISDOM: If you’re relaxing at Ummelina or staying at the Hotel Maison or Hilton Garden Inn, don’t miss this fun wine shop. Stocked with some harder-to-find bottles (that you can often taste!) and cute wine gifts, you can treat friends and family when you return home.

411 E Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 452-8800 | website

(📷: Stems/Facebook)

💡 IHY WISDOM: Peruse vintage items and pick up a sandwich in the back of the shop.

106 S 3rd St, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 834-8166 | website

(📷: Vintage Me/Facebook)

15 W Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 457-4981 | website

(📷: Robert Stephenson/Google Images)