The 10 Best Restaurants In Dayton and Waitsburg, Washington

Carolyn’s Café is a delicious American breakfast and brunch spot owned and operated by Carolyn Suffield. Open every day except Wednesday and Sunday, this charming joint serves up an enticing array of sweet and savory edibles that are sure to delight many tastes. Jon’s scramble (two scrambled eggs with ham, onion, and cheese); the Belgian waffle with strawberries and freshly whipped cream; and biscuits smothered with sausage gravy are excellent dishes to start the morning off right. For those with a sweet tooth, the café’s famous cinnamon rolls are a definite must-try.

Located in Waitsburg, Laht Neppur Brewing Co. is an award-winning establishment offering guests a selection of handcrafted beer alongside pub eats. Creating unique brews since 2005, the pub features several taps with current highlights being the Peach Hefeweizen, which is an American-style hefeweizen with real peach juice and purée, the Belgian Wit (light and refreshing) and the Strawberry Cream Ale made with real strawberries. Edibles include a variety of pizzas made to order, small bites, such as jalapeño poppers, and a BBQ pulled pork sandwich served with chips. Open every day, Laht Neppur is a venue that the entire family, including the little ones, can enjoy.

Located in historic downtown Dayton, Chief Spring’s Fire and Iron Brew Pub is a friendly place to visit for some good eats and drinks. Nestled inside a historic century-old building, the relaxing atmosphere makes it a great spot for a night out with friends. Some of the handcrafted brews guests might find on tap include the Pike Pole Honey Ale, Back Fire Stout, and Bagpiper Scottish Ale to name but a few. The menu features a variety of tasty pub fare, such as meat pie filled with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables and the smokey burger with smoked cheddar cheese, jalapeño-flavored bacon, lettuce, tomato, and BBQ sauce on a potato bun. Diners may also enjoy a pizza from the adjoining pizza joint.

Opened by Jim German, the eponymous Jimgermanbar is a wonderful Waitsburg-based cocktail bar that also serves delicious small plates. Within a warm environment, complete with great music and furniture made from reclaimed materials, guests can sip classic libations and sample creative eats inspired by the bounty of the region, which in turn allows the team to create new offerings frequently. Recent drink highlights include the blood orange margarita with tequila, blood orange juice, Campari, and smoked salt and Oaxaca old fashioned with tequila, Mezcal, agave, and bitters. As for cuisine, Jim’s marinated olives, Penn Cove mussels in a broth of smoky paprika, white wine, and fennel, and pork belly with puy lentils are just some of the more recent dishes.

Manila Bay Café prides itself on specializing in ‘world eclectic cuisine’. The culinary team procures the freshest ingredients available from local sources when possible for its flavorful dishes. Within a colorful, cozy space adorned with art, guests can feast upon beautifully plated dishes such as pork shank in a blood orange reduction sauce on a bed of mashed potatoes with seasonal vegetables and salad; and pesto salmon and vegetables steamed in a bamboo basket and served with brown rice and salad. Appetizers, soups, desserts, plus refreshing beverages round out the offerings at the café.

Situated inside a colorful cottage in Dayton, Patit Creek Café is a gem of a joint specializing in French cuisine. Opened in 1978 by Bruce and Heather Hiebert, this café is open for both lunch and dinner, check their website for days and hours. Within an intimate space, discerning diners have many outstanding options all made with the best, freshest ingredients often from the café’s own garden. Tantalizing entrées include the filet mignon poivre vert with a Scotch whiskey-red wine reduction sauce; sautéed breast of duck in a red wine-current-port demi-glace; and eggplant parmesan with house-made marinara sauce and melted cheese. Patit Creek Café is a real culinary treat not to be missed.

The Q Wood-Fired Grill delights guests with its delicious fare inspired by the bounty of the Northwest. Open Thursday through Sunday for brunch, this restaurant offers a variety of baked goods, including cinnamon sticky buns with bourbon sauce and blueberry coffee cake, great coffee drinks, breakfast and lunch items along with specials. Within a warm, cozy space, guests can savor biscuits and gravy, the frittata made with seasonal ingredients and served with fresh fruit, and the tri-tip salad on a bed of fresh greens. The grill also features a food truck that can often be found at other area establishments.

Currently owned by Chef Mandi Wendt, Weinhard Café and Bakery is a beloved Dayton haunt that places an emphasis on locally sourced cuisine. Making everything from scratch, including the condiments, the culinary team takes pride in working with the area’s purveyors to not only support their community but also ensure flavorful, fresh dishes that everyone will enjoy. Serving lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, enticing options include the Weinhard signature French toast made with house-made orange cardamom challah bread dipped in cinnamon-vanilla custard and topped with a butterscotch drizzle; and the wild Alaskan halibut pan seared with a white wine provencal sauce, quinoa pilaf, and fresh spring vegetables.

Whoopemup Hollow Café in Waitsburg has been pleasing hungry diners with its incredible Southern cuisine since 2005. Serving lunch and dinner, the café seeks out the freshest ingredients available from local sources when available for its made-from-scratch comfort fare. Within a warm and inviting interior or on a relaxing patio, diners can sample everything from the po’ boy sandwich with remoulade, lettuce, tomatoes, and Cajun piperade; and a choice of fried chicken tenders, oysters, Gulf shrimp, or catfish to Bry’s famous jambalaya with andouille sausage, smoked ham, duck, chicken, and fried okra over rice. Sweet endings plus a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available as well.

Woody’s Bar and Grill is a casual, lively venue providing guests with a selection of local brews plus other drinks and American eats. Tucked inside a historic building, complete with a beautiful original bar back and exposed brick walls, the atmosphere is relaxing. The menu features a variety of pub food, including hamburgers with complementary sides, along with a selection of smaller bites. The bar also features games, including pool and air hockey, adding to the fun environment.