10 Quirky Washington Roadside Restaurants That Became Unexpected Landmarks
Washington State serves up more than just coffee and salmon. Along its highways and back roads, you’ll discover restaurants that have become tourist destinations in their own right.
From diners featured in famous TV shows to drive-ins shaped like milk bottles, these quirky eateries prove that sometimes the journey really is more delicious than the destination.
1. Twede’s Cafe, North Bend
Cherry pie and coffee never tasted so mysterious until Twin Peaks made this humble diner famous worldwide.
Fans still flock here hoping to channel Agent Cooper’s enthusiasm for the perfect slice. The original RR Diner sign may be gone, but the nostalgic atmosphere remains intact.
Order the cherry pie and black coffee combo while soaking up the small-town charm that captivated television audiences everywhere.
2. 59er Diner & Cabins, Coles Corner
Gold rush fever lives on at this authentic frontier-themed restaurant where prospectors once gathered for hearty meals.
Mining memorabilia covers every inch of wall space, creating an immersive Wild West experience. The massive portions match the oversized personalities of the staff who serve them.
Try the miner’s breakfast platter while imagining the stories these walls could tell from Washington’s prospecting days.
3. Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle, Spokane
This towering milk bottle structure has been serving burgers and shakes since the roadside architecture craze of the 1930s.
The building itself tells the story of America’s love affair with car culture and creative advertising. Photographers stop constantly to capture this piece of Americana.
Grab a classic milkshake and appreciate how one family’s creative vision became Spokane’s most photographed restaurant landmark.
4. Miner’s Drive-In, Yakima
Carhops on roller skates might be history, but this retro drive-in keeps the spirit of 1950s dining alive.
Families have been creating memories here for three generations, making it more than just a restaurant. The neon signs still buzz with the same energy that attracted teenagers decades ago.
Order from your car window and experience a slice of American nostalgia that refuses to fade away.
5. PICK-QUICK Drive-In, Fife
Speed was everything when this drive-in opened, promising quick service for busy travelers along the Pacific Highway.
The vintage menu board still advertises prices that seem impossible by today’s standards. Local car clubs regularly gather here, turning the parking lot into an impromptu classic car show.
Sample their famous burger combo while watching modern traffic rush past this perfectly preserved piece of roadside history.
6. Zeke’s Drive-In, Gold Bar
Nestled between mountains and rivers, this tiny drive-in punches above its weight with portions that satisfy hungry hikers.
The handwritten daily specials board reflects the owner’s personal touch and seasonal ingredients. Motorcycle groups often make this a mandatory stop during scenic mountain rides.
Fuel up with their legendary breakfast burrito before exploring the nearby wilderness areas that make Gold Bar special.
7. Viking Drive-Inn, Sprague
Nordic heritage meets American comfort food at this unexpected prairie oasis that has fed travelers for decades.
The Viking theme extends from the menu names to the decorative shields adorning the walls. Wheat fields stretch endlessly beyond the windows, creating an almost surreal dining backdrop.
Try their Scandinavian-inspired specialties while contemplating how this unique theme found its home in rural eastern Washington.
8. Country Cousin, Centralia
Home cooking reaches legendary status at this family-owned institution where recipes pass down through generations unchanged.
The dining room feels like visiting your favorite aunt’s house, complete with mismatched chairs and family photos. Regulars have their own unofficial reserved tables and personalized coffee mugs.
Savor their famous chicken and dumplings while experiencing the kind of hospitality that built small-town America’s reputation.
9. Fat Smitty’s, Port Townsend
Burgers reach epic proportions at this no-nonsense joint where bigger really is better for hungry appetites.
The challenge menu items have defeated countless confident eaters who underestimated these massive creations. Local fishing crews fuel up here before heading out to sea for multi-day adventures.
Tackle their signature monster burger if you dare, but maybe share it unless you have a lumberjack’s appetite.
10. Frank’s Diner, Spokane
This converted railroad car has been serving comfort food since the Great Depression, making it a true survivor.
The narrow interior forces strangers to become friends while waiting for counter seats during busy breakfast hours. Train memorabilia and vintage fixtures transport diners back to simpler times.
Order their famous hash browns and imagine the countless stories shared over coffee in this rolling piece of history.