Date Night in Ellensburg: Valentine's Edition
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Shower the ones you love while spreading the love to local businesses. Wine, Dine, and show your loved one a good ole time with a night out on the town. Ellensburg has plenty of Dining, Craft beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as local artists sharing their love of art with the public. Don’t forget about local flower shops, and boutique mercantile stores that have you ready in the perfect outfit, or with date night gifts. We’ve put together a list of date night essentials here in our charming Ellensburg.
Dining
They say the ticket to one’s heart is through their stomach and wow, Ellensburg is producing a lot of love because these local restaurants are serving up some delicious food, ambiance for days, and an unforgettable date night.
Canyon River
The Canyon River Grill is the epitome of romantic ambience in Ellensburg. Nestled in the rural outskirts of town, their restaurant overlooks the river and its neighboring cliffs. They describe their dining room as a place “of both energy and serenity” and we couldn’t have said it better ourselves. It’s wilderness dining at its finest. Featuring succulent seafood, and steak cooked to perfection, they immaculately pair their plates with carefully chosen vegetables and sides.
Secret Bonus: We hear they have an awe-truffly special surprise for those who will be attending Valentine’s Day. Click here for more information.
Ellensburg Pasta Co.
Mouth watering plates, attentive service, and dishes made from premium ingredients are why Ellensburg locals keep coming back to celebrate any occasion. Authentic made-to-order pasta dishes, choice steaks, and Coho Salmon are just a few of the many items on their extensive dinner menu. They also offer a Healthy and Lite menu upon request that offers healthier versions of their favorites. Click here for more information.
The Palace
The Palace has been a staple in Ellensburg since 1892 and there’s no wonder why they are continuing into their second century of service! Offering classic hand held’s from the grill such as Prime Rib dip, Reuben, Turkey Hero, and a wide variety of Burgers such as the Mushroom Burger, Screamin’ Jack Burger, or a Bacon Pepper Jack Burger, you can’t make a wrong choice. Pairs nicely with a cold Iron Horse brew or glass of wine for Gård Vitners.Click here for more information.
Dirks Pizza
What date night could go wrong as you sit across the table sharing a pie, melty cheese bringing you closer like Lady and the Tramp? Not much. Especially at Dirk’s Pizza! Locally owned and curated you’ll be offering your date a little slice of heaven. We would recommend the Wildcat Feast with all things meat- pepperoni, ham, sausage, and beef. Maybe you order the Rodeo City with pulled chicken in bbq sauce, bacon, and onions. For our Veg lovers, Dirks offers a Garden Delight loaded with spinach, mushroom, onion, black olive, green peppers and tomatoes.Click here for more information.
Oyama Sushi & Steakhouse
If you’re in the mood for upscale Japanese food, Oyama Sushi & Steak is the place to bring your date this Valentines Day. Premium sushi, fresh seafood, choice Japanese prepared steak, not to mention a variety of Chef Specials are all served beautifully. Just in time for Valentine’s day we present to you the “Be Mine” Roll. This roll for lovers comes with fresh avocado and mango along with diced Yellow Tail, Salmon, Tuna, green onion, and Masago, all tossed in spicy mayo. All of this is wrapped in soy paper and topped with spicy mayo, miso, and raspberry sauce.Click here for more information.
The Huntsman Tavern and Restaurant
At The Huntsman Tavern, you’ll unquestionably impress your date. As you walk in you are greeted with a moody, sophisticated atmosphere lined with woody scents from their wood fire grill. Enjoy a rich, buttery steak or rotisserie chicken, prepared over a wood-fired grill, as well as other elegant American Favorites. Pair your date with an exquisite craft cocktail or glass of whiskey from their whiskey library, and if you’re unsure which to choose, their knowledgeable staff will help guide you giving you a personally cultivated evening.Click here for more information.
The Pearl Bar and Grill
A downtown favorite, The Pearl Bar and Grill, is a scratch kitchen and craft cocktail bar operating on the mentality that life is too short not to enjoy good food and libation. Chef Lacy brings fresh ingredients and a carefully curated menu that brings a new perspective to the dining movement in Ellensburg. Prawn appetizers, Juicy burgers, an elevated vegetarian menu not to mention an entree menu full of dishes to win the hearts and bellies of the ones you love. Try the Ellensburg Blue Steak, The Blackened Ahi Tuna served with mango avocado relish, asparagus, slaw, & yum-yum sauce, or the Artichoke Chicken stuffed with artichokes, spinach, & cream cheese topped with their famous artichoke dip & fried artichokes.Click here for more information.
Blue Rock Saloon
Ellensburg’s #1 Country Restaurant and Bar. They offer Southern Comfort Food that’ll leave your bellies full and your heart happy. Blue Rock’s menu ranges from their Bama Wings; Smoke bone-in, friend until crisp in cajun seasoning. Served with their BSB-BBQ and Alabama white sauce, to Slow and Low cooked St. Louis Ribs. Not to mention an incredible array handheld sandwiches and burgers with meat smoked to perfection. If you’re ready to put all of that comfort food in one giant delicious bite, we recommend their brand new Mac Daddy Burger. This burger has it all; Angus beef patty, mac and cheese, bacon, fried onions, lettuce, tomato, and of course, their famous BSB BBq sauce for the screaming deal of $17.99.Click here for more information.
Brix Wine Bar
Brix, a Wine bar, rebellious in nature, offers a “come as you are” atmosphere. Lined with local art that blends fine wine, delicious eats and treats, and the beloved Ellensbrug lifestyle. Shareable platters, salads, flatbreads, and desserts fill their menu. This Valentine’s Day take your sweet honey for a chocolate and wine pairing featuring 4 top shelf wines and “delectable” chocolate truffles.Click here for more information.
Julep
This scratch kitchen and Craft cocktail Bar is just the place to bring your loved one to if you’re looking for elevated Southern cuisine. Serving up staples such as Fried catfish filet with mashed potatoes and gravy and garlicky green beans or a Po’ Boy with your choice of protein. You can’t skip over their burgers, go big with the Double Rafter Deluxe 4oz grass-fed Double Rafter beef patty, thick cut bacon, sharp cheddar, lettuce, A1 dijonnaise, on a potato bun or their Hail Mary built with 4z grass-fed Double Rafter beef patty, pimento cheese, fried pickles, lettuce, onion, mayo, all sandwiched between a potato bun. Pair with any of their crafted cocktails for an unforgettable experience. Click here for more information.
Food Truck Picnic
Here’s a fun BONUS idea, hit up a local food truck and grab some delicious plates or bites to eat and go for a drive. Enjoy a beautiful (and warm) outdoor adventure!
Craft BEer
Iron Horse
Most notably known for the classic Irish Death, Iron Horse has since expanded their beer portfolio to include 10 rockstar brews making them an award-winning craft Brewery and Washington’s 6th largest beer producer! Their pub is located in Ellensburg, Wa and believe us, this is an absolute “must stop here” location. Like their beer, their story is a bit unconventional but with hits such as the High Five Hefe, Mid-Light Crisis, and Irish Death, you know that something just has to be working. They also feature rotating seasonal brews as well. Check out the seasonal Double Rainbow. A real IPA featuring a sweet malt base mashed together with Eureka hops for a beautifully balanced brew. Click here for more information.
Whipsaw Brewing
Whipsaw Brewing started as a 4 tap, tap room and has quickly risen to one of the most popular breweries in Ellensburg. This nano-brewery and taproom now offers 13 taps and a production facility. They believe that good beer stems from good people and you can taste the difference. Starting with only 4 taps, their portfolio has grown to offer wheat beers, Blonde and pale Ales, Ambers, Reds, Sours and Fruit beers, Ciders, Meads, and even a Hard Seltzer. Talk about variety. While on that note, the only thing we find better than drinking a Whipsaw brew, is the time spent with someone you love.Click here for more information.
Ellensburg Brewing and Tilted Tree Cidery
Ellensburg Brewing and Tilted Tree Cidery and Taproom is serving craft beer, cider and cocktails with scratch-made German bar food, this place is the ultimate Ellensburg tap experience. Open Tuesday-Saturday and Football Sundays, customers can come try a sampler of 4, 4oz beers or ciders, pints from rotating taps, craft cocktails, and an array of German bar food from pretzels with bier cheese to a Haus Salad, to the classics such a schnitzel, jagerschnitzel, and various handhelds. Click here for more information.
Enchantment
Inspired by The Enchantments region within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area of Washington state’s Cascade Mountain Range, this brewery features locally drafted brews. Born in the PNW, Brewed in the Burg… Ellensburg, that is, their taproom offers 15 taps and a Mexican street inspired menu. Their taps include Otter Rock IPA- a classic Northwest beer balancing citrus, hops and malt flavors, their Darkest Hour Stout- a rich, full body stout with hints of chocolate and coffee, and their Apricot Pale Ale made with a real apricot puree that balances the bold Eldorado, Mosaic, and Citra hops. For those of you who are craving a classic beer, don’t worry they have that too! Their Just Beer brew is “exactly what the name implies”, uncomplicated, predictable, reliable, cold beer. Their taproom is cozy and a perfect place to warm your heart while tossing back a few cold ones.Click here for more information.
Dark Moon
Dark Moon is located in the heart of historic downtown. They are passionate about all things craft. Beer is their specialty, they feature the best selections of grain, yeast and water (beer) in the Pacific Northwest, along with excellent wines and ciders. Their selection consistently changes so you and your date will be able to try something new every time. Featuring local artists, this is one place to spark up conversation and try something new.Click here for more information.
Gard Vintners
Wine your date by taking them to a tasting at Gård Vintners. This family owned tasting room is complete with incredible wines from the Royal Slope AVA (located in Central Washington). Treat your date to a beautiful varietal paired with items from the menu that includes not only cheeseboards and flatbreads, but also features items from local businesses including The Jam Shop located in Cle Elum and Ellensburg Desserts. With live music every Friday, paint & sips, pop-up shops, and wine club member events, there is always something fun and exciting happening in their tasting room. https://www.gardwine.com/ellensburg
Foturity Cellars
Fortuity Cellar’s is one of the newest and brightest amongst our craft movement. Partnered with Nuwave Art Gallery, they specialize in blending the beautiful artworks of Erin Oostra, a delightful array of fruit-forward wines;showcasing the best that Yakima Valley has to offer, and inspiring connection with your loved ones. Fortuity Cellars is also hosting a Chocolate and Wine pairing Feb. 17th -19th, a perfectly sweet opportunity for a night out with your loved one.Click here for more information.
The Mule
It’s hard to think of craft cocktails without thinking of a beautiful shiny copper mug. The mule is a craft cocktail bar serving up an array of mules! If traditional moscow mule isn’t your flavor, you’re in luck! There are a wide variety of mules crafted for you! Try the MAUI with Malibu and Bacardi Rum, fresh pineapple juice & ginger beer or the FIREHOUSE with House infused Cinnamon Bourbon, fresh lime juice & ginger beer. Maybe your date doesn’t want to stray too far, guess what! THE MEDITERRANEAN is perfect! Featuring Figenza Fig Vodka, fresh lime juice & ginger beer this mule is one for the date night books. They also have incredible traditional craft cocktails and a full menu that will make this a one stop date.Click here for more information.
Art & Entertainment
Sad songs and Waltzes
If you’re not the red roses and box of chocolates kind of person this might be the perfect night for you. Grab your friends or loved ones and join local musician Riley Schmit for a Sad Song Sing Along on Valentines Day at Iron Horse Brewing.Click here for more information.
Paint and Sip Love Birds
Your host will guide you through painting step-by-step piece at Gård Vintners Feb. 15, 2023. Follow along or feel free to change up colors and go rogue! Supplies included, including an apron to protect your clothes, or wear something you don’t mind decorating with a bit of paint.Click here for more information.
Art Galleries
Ellensburg’s devotion to Visual Arts has created a town-wide art district that stimulates and inspires not only art enthusiasts but the everyday Ellensburg Resident. The outpouring of local support for artists has elevated this town to an art treasure.
Florists
Flowers are a staple gift around Valentine’s Day. Check out these local florists. All are accepting Valentine’s Day Pre-Orders and offer a wide range of bouquets for your budget!
Markets
For an afternoon of shopping or perusing with a loved one on your arm, Ellensburg has many eclectic shops. Check out The Old Country Store, When Life Gives you Lemons, or Evolve. Wander into a clothing boutique for the fashionista in your life. Might we suggest Maurice’s, Flirt, or Claim Clothing? Great style and boutique inventories are sure to keep your wardrobe fresh. Wanting something a bit more rugged? Outdoor stores such as Worley Bugger or Red’s Fly shop are just the thing for your outdoorsy type.
If neither of those strike your fancy, you can always wander through Central City Comics for collectables and comics. Maybe a love fern is your love language, check out The Botany Shop.
Looking to refurbish your home? Ellensburg has an abundance of home stores. Whether you’re shopping for your Ranch, or your apartment, there are many unique gifts perfect for that special space. Nest Design House, House of Hart Boutique Recreate your own home spa with gifts from Divine Wellness and Relaxation. For more place to shop, visit https://myellensburg.com/things-to-do/shopping/
No matter what your loved one’s flavor, Ellensburg has the right ingredients to make them feel so special. Offering dining across diverse cuisines, craft beverages, entertainment, botanicals, and of course a very wide variety of local shops to find the perfect gift or date night outfit, your Valentine’s Day Date will be unforgettable. For more information visit myEllensburg.com.
BATTLE THE BOT
Have you heard of chatGPT? Put simply, ChatGPT is a chatbot that can engage you in a conversation, just like a human would. Is this a breakthrough AI technology with far-reaching impact, or a new, hyped, fad hype that will slowly dissipate as initial curiosity fades?
We thought we’d take some questions to the chat-bot and see how it stands against our expertise. We’re battling the bot!
The screenshot below shows the responses:
As you can see, we can appreciate the generic ideas. However, we see that it’s pulling incorrect information not including Ellensburg businesses, and has no mention of local events. When it comes to a good impression, better leave it to the experts. Find up to date information on our website 24/7 right at your fingertips.
Our Ellensburg Experts win this round! Better luck next time, Chat-bot.
