The best restaurants in Ellensburg

24 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Ellensburg’s best · Arts & Culture · Shopping · Beauty · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Home & Garden · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Nightlife

Pinned in Ellensburg today

This spot is open today.

Two pinned places a day in Ellensburg — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

Paid placements are always marked.

Restaurants · 24 places · showing the latest additions first

Chain outlet offering build-your-own takeaway pizzas, to be cooked at home.

205 W Tacoma Ave

Chain outlet offering build-your-own takeaway pizzas, to be cooked at home.

Website ↗

Pita Pit

Restaurants

Diners create their own sandwiches at this health-oriented counter-serve chain.

111 W 3rd Ave

Diners create their own sandwiches at this health-oriented counter-serve chain.

Website ↗

Campus U-Tote-Em

Restaurants

Campus U-Tote-Em keeps it simple in the best way, slinging juicy burgers, crispy fries, and thick shakes that hit like nostalgia after a…

810 E University Way

Campus U-Tote-Em keeps it simple in the best way, slinging juicy burgers, crispy fries, and thick shakes that hit like nostalgia after a long day. Counter-service comfort food, zero fuss, maximum satisfaction... perfect for those nights when cooking feels wildly overrated.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, August 8, 2026

Website ↗

The Porch

Restaurants

Whether you're craving a satisfying steak, a burger fix, or something gluten-free that actually tastes great, The Porch keeps Ellensburg…

608 N Main St

Whether you're craving a satisfying steak, a burger fix, or something gluten-free that actually tastes great, The Porch keeps Ellensburg fed with daily specials, weekend live music, and a full bar of signature cocktails, rotating taps, and wine that pairs with pretty much everything.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, August 3, 2026

Website ↗
Run a Ellensburg business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

1201 Bagels

Restaurants

1201 Bagels is Ellensburg’s quick move when you want restaurant-quality breakfast or lunch without sitting down. Made-to-order bagel…

1201 S Canyon Rd

1201 Bagels is Ellensburg’s quick move when you want restaurant-quality breakfast or lunch without sitting down. Made-to-order bagel sandwiches on fresh-baked rounds, drive-thru or walk-up, so you can grab something legit between errands and still feel like you treated yourself.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, August 31, 2026

Website ↗

When the week calls for a warming bowl and a little fun, Maelstrom Noodle Bar delivers soul-soothing ramen, creative noodle dishes, and…

119 W 5th Ave Ste 110

When the week calls for a warming bowl and a little fun, Maelstrom Noodle Bar delivers soul-soothing ramen, creative noodle dishes, and izakaya bites that hit the spot. Pair it with a cocktail, sake, or a zero-proof sip and consider dinner decisively handled.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, September 7, 2026

Website ↗

Whether you're plotting an easy date night or corralling the fam, Bruces Place at Ellensburg Pasta Company delivers the cozy-carb vibe with…

604 N Main St

Whether you're plotting an easy date night or corralling the fam, Bruces Place at Ellensburg Pasta Company delivers the cozy-carb vibe with pasta favorites, that beloved house lemon dressing, and hearty classics. They also cater and host groups, so your next party basically plans itself.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, August 24, 2026

Website ↗

Born from Cambodian backyard gatherings, Yeay and Ta Grill turns weeknights into a smoky, share-the-plate situation with lemongrass-kissed…

201 E University Way

Born from Cambodian backyard gatherings, Yeay and Ta Grill turns weeknights into a smoky, share-the-plate situation with lemongrass-kissed skewers, Cantonese-style char siu, and Korean bulgogi. In a rush? Hit their self-serve noodle bar for a fast, customizable bowl that still brings big flavor.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, September 1, 2026

Website ↗

From saucy, signature wings to juicy burgers and a cold pint, W.C. Roadhouse Grill nails the comfort-food trifecta locals actually crave.…

101 Umptanum Rd

C. Roadhouse Grill nails the comfort-food trifecta locals actually crave. Bring your crew or let them cater your next get-together, then finish with the Banana Cookie Crunch Pie because you earned it.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, August 20, 2026

Website ↗

Pit Master James "Smokey" Jones brings his competition-honed brisket, ribs, and pulled pork to Smokey's on Pearl Street, with juicy cuts,…

417 N Pearl St

Pit Master James "Smokey" Jones brings his competition-honed brisket, ribs, and pulled pork to Smokey's on Pearl Street, with juicy cuts, bark for days, and sides like mac 'n' cheese and cornbread that steal bites from your plate. Perfect for a midweek treat or to cater the next backyard hang.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, August 15, 2026

Website ↗

Palace Cafe

Restaurants

Tin ceilings, wainscoting, and straight-up American comfort food, Palace Cafe has been the downtown Ellensburg family tradition since 1892.…

323 N Main St

Tin ceilings, wainscoting, and straight-up American comfort food, Palace Cafe has been the downtown Ellensburg family tradition since 1892. It’s the kind of place locals slide into when they want a reliable plate, a little history with the coffee, and easy online ordering when home wins.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, August 31, 2026

Website ↗

Royal Junction

Restaurants

Whether you’re plotting an easy weeknight win or a full-on feast, Royal Junction Indian Cuisine & Bar brings legit Indian comfort food to…

420 N Pearl St

Whether you’re plotting an easy weeknight win or a full-on feast, Royal Junction Indian Cuisine & Bar brings legit Indian comfort food to your table, from butter chicken and palak paneer to momo and fresh naan. Order online for pickup or delivery when you want flavor without the fuss.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, August 28, 2026

Website ↗

BRIX Wine Bar & Restaurant keeps it come as you are and delicious, serving creative, hand crafted pizzas with a solid lineup of wines,…

109 W 3rd Ave

BRIX Wine Bar & Restaurant keeps it come as you are and delicious, serving creative, hand crafted pizzas with a solid lineup of wines, beers, and other sips. Locals Josh and Erin Bender honor Ellensburg’s historic brick walls with a menu built for lingering catch ups and easy weeknight wins this week.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, August 29, 2026

Website ↗

Country Cafe

Restaurants

Family-owned eatery and cafe serving breakfast items such as pancakes, eggs and hashes, along with brunch specials.

105 W 3rd Ave

Family-owned eatery and cafe serving breakfast items such as pancakes, eggs and hashes, along with brunch specials.

Website ↗

Ellensburg Pasta Company hits the sweet spot for a midweek reset, with comforting pastas, crisp salads dressed in that lemon garlic house…

600 N Main St

Ellensburg Pasta Company hits the sweet spot for a midweek reset, with comforting pastas, crisp salads dressed in that lemon garlic house vinaigrette, and the kind of cozy vibe you don’t have to think about. Got a crew to feed this week? Their catering and private-party setup keeps it easy.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, August 21, 2026

Website ↗

Craving a legit date-night upgrade? The Huntsman Tavern is bringing buttery, wood-fired steaks, rotisserie chicken and an 8oz prime burger…

307 N Pearl St

Craving a legit date-night upgrade?

From the Kittitas County newsletter, August 10, 2026

Website ↗

Wing Central

Restaurants

Wing Central brings 14 signature wing sauces, 13 unique burgers, and 101+ beers to try. Born in 2002 and proudly local, they keep the…

1801 N Walnut St Ste 3

Wing Central brings 14 signature wing sauces, 13 unique burgers, and 101+ beers to try. Born in 2002 and proudly local, they keep the flavor big and the vibes friendly, which is exactly what this week deserves.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, August 22, 2026

Website ↗

Craving fried chicken that actually crackles and cocktails worth lingering over? Julep Kitchen & Bar delivers Southern comfort with serious…

429 N Main St

Craving fried chicken that actually crackles and cocktails worth lingering over? Julep Kitchen & Bar delivers Southern comfort with serious sips, voted Best Cocktails five years running, so post up, order something crispy and let this week handle itself.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, August 26, 2026

Website ↗

Family-owned Daily Bread & Mercantile is the kind of place you swing in for a legit lunch and leave with tomorrow’s snacks, too. Think…

306 S Main St #2

Family-owned Daily Bread & Mercantile is the kind of place you swing in for a legit lunch and leave with tomorrow’s snacks, too. Think stick-to-your-ribs cafe plates, fresh baked goods, quality deli meats, plus specialty bulk staples that make pantry restocks painless.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, September 1, 2026

Website ↗

Good Mood Food

Restaurants

Casual restaurant offering American comfort food such as burgers with Asian accents.

704 N Wenas St

Casual restaurant offering American comfort food such as burgers with Asian accents.

Website ↗

Pop Pot & Bowl

Restaurants

When you're craving something warming in Ellensburg, Pop Pot & Bowl nails it with slurpable ramen, a build-your-own boiled hot pot…

213 W 4th Ave Unit 104

When you're craving something warming in Ellensburg, Pop Pot & Bowl nails it with slurpable ramen, a build-your-own boiled hot pot situation, and tender chicken plates that taste like care went into them. Friendly vibe, generous portions, and a menu that keeps weekday dinners interesting.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, September 2, 2026

Website ↗

If your week needs a little sizzle, Oyama Japanese Steak House brings flaming hibachi theatrics, fresh sushi rolls, and comfort-food…

506 S Main St #1

If your week needs a little sizzle, Oyama Japanese Steak House brings flaming hibachi theatrics, fresh sushi rolls, and comfort-food Japanese favorites that hit the spot. Perfect for a low-key date night or corralling the crew when you want dinner and a show without leaving Ellensburg.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, August 29, 2026

Website ↗

The GrassRoots Grill is a locally owned staple that’s been serving locals for over 48 years, now out from the corporate shadow and leaning…

1504 US-97 (Cle Elum)

The GrassRoots Grill is a locally owned staple that’s been serving locals for over 48 years, now out from the corporate shadow and leaning into fresh-ingredient, homestyle plates. Planning a get-together this week? Their easy online ordering and custom catering make hosting a total breeze.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, August 14, 2026

Website ↗

Los Chilangos Food Truck & Catering brings Mexico City roots and a legit all-you-can-eat taco bar to your get-together, with meats like…

310 S Main St

Los Chilangos Food Truck & Catering brings Mexico City roots and a legit all-you-can-eat taco bar to your get-together, with meats like carne asada, adobada or tinga, homemade salsas, chips and fresh horchata. They also do boxed lunches and taco boxes, perfect for office days or backyard hangs.

From the Yakima newsletter, August 12, 2026

Website ↗

Listed here?

You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →