There’s nothing quite like grabbing a bite to eat from a mom & pop place. The ambiance is way more cozy than at fast food joints, and their home cooked meals just taste so much fresher. Next time you’re hungry for something new, try stopping by one of these family-owned spots across the state.
1. Homeskillet, Bellingham (521 Kentucky St.)
There aren't many better places in Bellingham to grab breakfast than this quirky little joint. They serve well-cooked skillets, packed with egg scrambles and your choice of meat and/or veggies. And if you like it on the hot side, they have a wonderful selection of fiery sauces to heat things up, too.
2. Time Out :: Greek & American Restaurant, Mountlake Terrace (5807 244th St. SW)
For those days when you're just craving gyros - but still could go for a burger or breakfast foods - this locally-owned joint from the Flemetakis Family will give you the best of both worlds. Their menu has it all: appetizers, Greek plates, gyros and sandwiches, and American-style favorites like burgers, breakfast, salads, and fried foods, like fish & chips.
3. Sweet Basil Pizzeria, Walla Walla (5 S 1st Ave.)
Instead of calling up Pizza Hut, try grabbing a slice at this small joint downtown. The owners Stephanie and John Bowen first brought their New York-style pizza to the Walla Walla Valley almost a decade ago, and have since been a local favorite. While you're dining, you can catch the game on one of their TVs, or sit outside and sip on one of their fabulous local wines, or beers on tap.
4. La Tarasca, Centralia (1001 W Main St.)
You won't be able to get real, authentic Mexican food at Taco Bell, but you can find some at this small taqueria on Centralia's W Main Street. They don't serve chips & salsa, but they do have fantastic tacos made with real corn tortillas and all fresh ingredients.
5. Smacky's On Broadway, Spokane Valley (6415 E Broadway Ave.)
Subway doesn't even compare to this local sandwich shop. With their huge variety of sandwiches, you could try something new everyday for years without having the same thing twice. They make everything from gourmet specialty sandwiches to French dip, grilled paninis on Focaccia bread, twice-toasted hoagies and more. And no matter which one you go with, it always comes with pretzels and a pickle.
6. Old Milwaukee Cafe & Dessert Company, Tacoma (3102 6th Ave.)
Operated by husband-and-wife team Chad and Patricia Kerth, this little cafe on 6th Ave is always a great choice for a homecooked breakfast. You can sit and savor some of their fluffy pancakes, egg scrambles, crispy hash browns or French toast, and top it all off with a warm cup of coffee.
7. Pete's Eggnest, Seattle (7717 Greenwood Ave. N)
This family-run cafe in the Phinney/Greenwood area offers massive breakfasts for champions all day long - including some of the most appetizing breakfast burritos. Their portions are always huge, and the owner Pete may even stop by your table himself to kindly refill your coffee.
8. Campus U-Totem, Ellensburg (810 E University Way)
Rather than hitting up the McDonalds drive-thru, try one of the gourmet burgers from this small joint. The restaurant is locally owned by Rick and Cindy Williams, but the establishment has actually seen five owners since opening in 1947. They have an extensive menu with burgers, sandwiches, chicken nuggets and even creamy shakes, malts, and sundaes.
9. Captain Bob's Chowder, Long Beach (409 Pacific Ave.)
Captain Bob's Chowder is always worth a stop while you're in Long Beach. The locally-owned coastal restaurant makes some of the most delicious crab cakes, and clam chowder in bread bowls.
10. Brewed Cafe & Pub, Vancouver (603 Main Street)
Brewed is a small, cozy blend of a coffee house and restaurant, so you'll be able to pair your latte with a wide array of eats, including sandwiches, soups and salads, plus beer, wine and spirits. And on Sundays, they also have a "Waffle Sunday" to pair with your cup of joe.
11. Prima Bistro, Langley (201 1/2 1st Street, on Whidbey Island)
Prima Bistro is a French-inspired place by the waterfront that serves fresh Northwest dishes. They have a kids menu, as well as plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. And over the summer (weather permitting), you can grab a seat on their deck outside and enjoy the views overlooking Saratoga Passage.
12. Hi-Lo's 15th St. Cafe, Bremerton (2720 15th St.)
This charming little corner cafe is a staple in west Bremerton. They cook up all-American breakfast and lunches, with plenty of warm coffee to top it all off.
Have you been to any of these places before? What are some of your favorite Mom & Pop restaurants in Washington? Love finding new, local places to eat? Check out these 12 Hole-In-The-Walls In Washington .
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