No one likes to wait in line when they’re hungry, but sometimes the meal at the end of the wait is well worth it. The restaurants on this list are either known statewide or well-loved spots in their cities. And while it’s almost a guarantee that you’ll have to wait for a table, you’ll be glad you did.
- Easy Street Records and Cafe, 4559 California Ave. SW, Seattle
Ted P / Yelp
Jackie O / Yelp This classic record store in West Seattle is known for their mouthwatering breakfast and brunch. The cafe is small, but charming, and there’s almost always a wait for seating – but once there’s a plate of food before you, you’ll understand the hype.
- Clinkerdagger, 621 W Mallon Ave., Ste 404, Spokane
Ashley T / Yelp
Clinkerdagger / Yelp You can make a reservation for dinner at Clinkerdagger, and even if you don’t, there isn’t always a wait… but if you show up spontaneously and there’s a line at the door, stick around for one of the best dining experiences in the city.
- Yakima Steak Company, 221 W Yakima Ave., Yakima
Yakima Steak Company Facebook
Yakima Steak Company Facebook Yakima’s newest steakhouse is already a popular place, so you may want to make a reservation, especially on a weekend. With an elegant but laid back ambiance, delicious food and friendly service, it’s no wonder people love it.
- Beaches Restaurant & Bar, 1919 SE Columbia River Dr., Vancouver
TG S / Yelp
TG S. / Yelp The best time to enjoy Beaches is obviously in the summer, and that’s when you’ll find the longest waits for patio dining. But as you can see, the waits are worth it.
- Bizarro Italian Cafe, 1307 N. 46th St., Seattle
Ana P. / Yelp
Brittany L / Yelp Once featured on Diner, Drive-Ins and Dives, this eccentric restaurant serves some of the best Italian food in the city. They also don’t take reservations (ever), so prepare to wait awhile to enjoy it.
- Southern Kitchen, 1716 6th Ave., Tacoma
Mad M / Yelp
Giovanna F / Yelp Southern Kitchen is another spot made famous by the Food Network. Everything is made from scratch, and it’s amazing – and needless to say, it gets pretty crowded.
- Hart’s Mesa, 903 Rogers St. NW, Olympia
Michael C / Yelp
Katrin J / Yelp Unless you live in Olympia, you’ve probably never heard of Hart’s Mesa… but those who do know that there’s usually a wait for these epic Tex-Mex breakfasts.
- Frank’s Diner, 1516 W 2nd Ave., Spokane
Michael C / Yelp
AI L / Yelp While it’s true that Frank’s sees some pretty insane wait times on the weekends, the end result is a hearty breakfast inside an old train car.
- Andreas Keller, 829 Front St., Leavenworth
Janelle J / Yelp
Brian B / Yelp Andreas Keller serves authentic German food in a beautiful setting in a Bavarian village… so, naturally, it remains perpetually packed. The dining experience is worth the wait.
- Silverwater Cafe, 237 Taylor St., Port Townsend
Kevin E / Yelp
Pamela N / Yelp There may be a bit of a wait to enjoy a meal at this Port Townsend gem, but that’s probably because everyone stays for dessert (or at least they should).
While these restaurants are definitely worth the wait, the fact is, sometimes you just done have time. And that’s when you should head to one of our charming neighborhood gems.
Ted P / Yelp
Jackie O / Yelp
This classic record store in West Seattle is known for their mouthwatering breakfast and brunch. The cafe is small, but charming, and there’s almost always a wait for seating – but once there’s a plate of food before you, you’ll understand the hype.
Ashley T / Yelp
Clinkerdagger / Yelp
You can make a reservation for dinner at Clinkerdagger, and even if you don’t, there isn’t always a wait… but if you show up spontaneously and there’s a line at the door, stick around for one of the best dining experiences in the city.
Yakima Steak Company Facebook
Yakima’s newest steakhouse is already a popular place, so you may want to make a reservation, especially on a weekend. With an elegant but laid back ambiance, delicious food and friendly service, it’s no wonder people love it.
TG S / Yelp
TG S. / Yelp
The best time to enjoy Beaches is obviously in the summer, and that’s when you’ll find the longest waits for patio dining. But as you can see, the waits are worth it.
Ana P. / Yelp
Brittany L / Yelp
Once featured on Diner, Drive-Ins and Dives, this eccentric restaurant serves some of the best Italian food in the city. They also don’t take reservations (ever), so prepare to wait awhile to enjoy it.
Mad M / Yelp
Giovanna F / Yelp
Southern Kitchen is another spot made famous by the Food Network. Everything is made from scratch, and it’s amazing – and needless to say, it gets pretty crowded.
Michael C / Yelp
Katrin J / Yelp
Unless you live in Olympia, you’ve probably never heard of Hart’s Mesa… but those who do know that there’s usually a wait for these epic Tex-Mex breakfasts.
AI L / Yelp
While it’s true that Frank’s sees some pretty insane wait times on the weekends, the end result is a hearty breakfast inside an old train car.
Janelle J / Yelp
Brian B / Yelp
Andreas Keller serves authentic German food in a beautiful setting in a Bavarian village… so, naturally, it remains perpetually packed. The dining experience is worth the wait.
Kevin E / Yelp
Pamela N / Yelp
There may be a bit of a wait to enjoy a meal at this Port Townsend gem, but that’s probably because everyone stays for dessert (or at least they should).
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