Locals’ favorite summertime dining destinations
It’s patio season and we know just where to go for great outdoor dining. The Yakima Valley’s sunny, summertime days are in full swing, complete with long, warm evenings just made for getting together with family and friends. Luckily, you won’t have to look far to find great spots to gather outdoors over delicious bites. Check out our lineup of outdoor dining destinations, from cozy, shaded courtyards and spacious patios to wide open outdoor spaces.
COURTYARDS & PATIOS
Caffé 11th Avenue
This quaint restaurant is one of the Valley’s go-to brunch stops but don’t forget about their house-made lunch specialties and creative cocktails. You’ve never seen anything quite like their Monstrous Mimosa and Monstrous Mary. In addition to the cozy inside space, their patio is a perfect place to spend a weekend morning or long lunch with friends.
What to Try: You can’t miss with the piled-high brunch plates featuring all the classic favorites with creative twists, such as eggs Benedict four different ways or fresh toast made coconut, cinnamon roll or caramel apple-style. Lunchtime is for pastas and signature sandwiches such as house-made prime rib dips.
Crafted – An Eatery & Bar
Crafted is known for its elevated, farm-to-table dining experience delivered in this sophisticated, historic space. They also have an eclectic, enclosed patio tucked against the exterior of the downtown building. It may feel a bit more casual, but they serve the same exquisite cuisine outdoors.
What to Try: The menu here is always evolving. Committed to working in partnership with regional farmers, foragers and ranchers, the menu reflects the changing seasons. The chef’s menu allows you to experience a curated selection with a sharable, seven-source meal.
The Distillarium
Head here for award-winning spirits handcrafted with the practices of master distillers from bygone eras. Settle in under an umbrella or the pergolas on their cozy patio or enjoy an afternoon on the lawn, complete with games with friends.
What to Try: Perfectly paired bites are the place to start. Sweet Heat Shrimp Crostini or Copper Still Lobster Puffs, each thoughtfully matched with house spirits. Next, try the Iron Talon Chicken & Waffles or Sky Captain Shrimp n’ Grits. Flights of signature spirits are also available, along with creatively crafted cocktails made with their artisanal whiskeys, bourbon, brandy and vodka. Reservations highly recommended.
The Kiln
This taproom is born of inspiration between a group of family and friends with roots in the Valley’s ag and hop industries. Relax by the indoor/outdoor fireplace on the large, covered patio or enjoy the half-acre enclosed yard and signature “beer berm.” Keep an eye on social channels for live music and more.
What to Try: Share artisanal, woodfired pizzas, of course. The Dad Bod and Aloha ‘Oe have die hard following among locals. They also have a selection of salads and specialty handhelds, including the much-loved steak sandwich with chimichurri and caramelized onions.. Choose from an extensive array of local and regional craft beer on 30 taps, as well as regional cider and wine options.
McGuire’s Irish Pub
If you’re lucky, you might just be able to snag a spot on the secluded outdoor patio under the shade of an umbrella at this iconic, multi-generational, family-owned restaurant and bar. Whether you enjoy a seat indoors or out, you’ll be surrounded by local regulars who can attest that it’s the McGuire’s team that makes this spot special.
What to Try: Order one of the made-from-scratch specials offered daily, along with homemade clam chowder or 10 -ounce prime rib on Fridays. Don’t skip the authentic, homemade Irish soda bread, available by the slice, basket or loaf to take home. Don’t miss breakfast on the weekends!
Public House of Yakima West and East
How does 120 taps pouring local and regional craft beverages sound? Find them all at the west and east locations of the Public House of Yakima. Both locations boast outstanding patio spaces with a variety of seating, grassy areas and outdoor games and activities. Both locations promise plenty of shade.
What to Try: The monthly flatbread specials never disappoint, but the giant Bavarian pretzel with house-made beer mustard and beer cheese is a must. You’ll also find a selection of sharable bites, salads and grilled sandwiches. Keep an eye on their social channels for outdoor grilling days, live music and events at both locations during the summer. Did we mention the 120 taps? They serve up a wide, rotating selection of local and regional craft beer and cider, along with local wine.
Provisions Restaurant + Market
Step outside the main dining room and enjoy a relaxing meal on the charming (dog friendly) patio, complete with shaded umbrellas and the soothing sounds of a tranquil water feature. It’s the perfect place to savor summer weather with one of their refreshing zero-proof cocktails, such as the Pirate Mule, or a house favorite such as the strawberry champagne lemondrop. Whether you’re there for a quiet evening or a festive occasion, the patio dining experience blends comfort, beauty and flavor.
What to Try: Explore the rotating fresh sheet, featuring seasonal highlights from the Yakima Valley. There’s no better way to toast to summer. Be sure to try the Pirate Mule, strawberry champagne lemondrop, seasonal burrata, Amy’s Salad and seasonal seafood specials.
WaterFire Restaurant & Bar
Take in glimpses of the hills surrounding Yakima from their large courtyard. Spend an afternoon with friends under the shade from plenty of umbrellas or enjoy a leisurely evening in the peaceful, enclosed space. Reserve your outdoor table online or call ahead.
What to Try: This is your spot for the freshest seafood in the Yakima Valley, so enjoy a refreshing ahi poke buddha bowl on a warm day, along with the signature Dungeness crab cakes and premium seafood specialties from the grill. You’ll also find casual favorites and seasonal fresh sheet specials, along with rotating seasonal cocktails and zero-proof creations..
Whistlin’ Jack’s Outpost and Lodge
This refuge has been a mountain mainstay for decades. It’s the perfect place to slow down and relish a leisurely afternoon or evening alongside the Naches River. Make a night (or weekend of it) and reserve a room at the Lodge.
What to Try: Enjoy full menu service on the riverside patio. Try hearty burgers and sandwiches from the grill for lunch. For dinner, crispy artichokes, garlic cheese curds and truffle sea salt fries are a good place to start. Steak and seafood specialties make for a memorable evening.
WIDE OPEN SPACES
Bron Yr Aur Brewing
In addition to being an award-winning brewery, Bron Yr Aur also serves up fantastic handcrafted pizza and other house-made specialties to be savored on their covered patio and sweeping green space. Nestled against the Cascade Mountain foothills off of Highway 12 just before the point where two scenic byways meet, there’s plenty of room for family fun.
What to Try: Signature pizzas on beer-infused crust, sweet and salty balls, otherwise known as meatballs in house-made barbecue sauce, and beer-infused brownie desserts are all local favorites with a nod to being in the heart of hop country and on the Hop Country Craft Beer Trail.
Cowiche Creek Brewing Co.
Tucked into the Naches Heights hillside, the expansive outdoor space delivers picture-perfect views of the surrounding canyons. In summertime, the indoor dining space opens onto a lovely, covered patio and you’ll also find abundant seating under a large shade structure on the sweeping lawn. On event weekends, bring a blanket to enjoy an afternoon on the lawn.
What to Try: Signature chuck and brisket burgers can’t be missed. In addition, they regularly roll out house-made specialties ranging from locals’ favorite lobster rolls to specialties featuring harvests from the house garden and house-smoked prime rib dips. Tiny Dog Session IPA is a favorite brew, named after the brewery owners’ pint-sized black lab. A new brew, Mini Dog hazy IPA, is named after the latest furry addition.
HopTown Wood-Fired Pizza
Just a few minutes down I-82 in Donald, WA, stake your spot in the Hop Yard. The dining space outside the lovingly restored 1911 mercantile country store building makes for a perfect summer afternoon and evening. Enhanced with lush hops, vintage wagon wheels and wine barrels, along with lawn activities and games, this is an ideal summertime stop.
What to Try: Any of the hand-tossed, wood-fired pizzas finished with a sprinkle of Cascade hops are a win, but don’t skip the seasonal specials or the Hey Elote corn dip! Enjoy your favorite Yakima Valley craft beverages, along with their house ciders and wine.
The Outskirts Brewing Co.
This is Yakima’s newest addition to the Hop Country Craft Beer Trail. They feature a full-service restaurant inside as well as an expansive patio overlooking a large green space and outdoor stage along-side the tree-lined creek. This is the place to find an extensive lineup of fantastic live music all summer long, including the ticketed summer concert series on Thursdays. Check their social channels and website for upcoming artists and dates.
What to Try: For outdoor bites to share, you can’t beat garlic parm cheese curds or waffle fry nachos. The signature Outskirts smash burgers and bison burgers have a well-earned cult following. Of course, don’t miss the house-brewed craft beers and cocktails from the well-stocked bar!
DINING WITH A VIEW
Apple Tree Grill
Whether you golf or not, dine at the Apple Tree Resort. Who doesn’t love a great view? Take in the iconic view of the hills, the golf course, the iconic, apple-shaped 17th hole and the century-old apple orchards.
What to Try: Whether you choose the deck or the Slice Outdoor Lounge, the daily breakfast is a must before hitting the green. Casual favorites abound on afternoon and evening menus.
Canyon River Grill
Dine at the only restaurant in the Yakima River Canyon, just feet from the Yakima River. The large wooden deck, boasting a new shade structure and enclosure, is on the second story of the building. Take in picturesque views of the Yakima River, the boat launch and dramatic, basalt canyon walls.
What to Try: The menu changes often, but premium seafood from regional waterways and beyond is a specialty, along with regional meats and dishes highlighting local, seasonal produce and harvests from the restaurant garden. Be sure to enjoy the rotating wine selection.
WATCHING THE WORLD GO BY
2nd Street Grill offers sidewalk dining under umbrellas in Downtown Yakima. This restaurant is a local favorite for its happy hour and menu of American favorites.
Bob’s Burgers & Brews has an elevated patio with a fire feature for chilly evenings to enjoy signature cocktails or a frosty cold premium beer on tap.
Cowiche Canyon Kitchen & Ice House Bar in Downtown Yakima is a place for people watching from the vantage point of their patio with a beautiful, architectural fire feature. Dine on modern tavern fare.
The Tap is a downtown spot serving craft beer, cider and wine from self-pour taps. Casual menu options are available for sidewalk dining open to the inside.
Yakima Steak Company welcomes guests for shady sidewalk dining at a local steak house.
Zesta Cucina is located in a beautifully refurbished fruit warehouse built in 1910, complete with original brick walls, hardwood floors and rough timber beams. Sit on the outside wooden deck under beautiful flowering hanging baskets.
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Categorized in: Food and Dining