Ellensburg's Top Outdoor Dining Spots
By Aaron Fong
With the arrival of summer, everyone wants to get outside and enjoy the nice weather. One of the best things to do is have an amazing meal outdoors. In Ellensburg there are a multitude of places that provide outdoor patios and places to eat. Here are some of the best places to check out in Ellensburg if you’re looking for a bite outside:
The Early Bird
Voted the best breakfast in Kittitas County, The Early Bird is a spot you need to try. From classic breakfast items like waffles to new favorites such as avocado toast and the Early Burger, The Early Bird has a variety of different flavors for you to experience. This great meal only gets better when seated on their beautiful outdoor patio. With the benches and tables accompanied by space heaters and plants, The Early Bird gives the customer a very comfortable and cozy vibe while eating some fantastic food!
Ellensburg Canyon Winery
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some wine and a great view, Ellensburg Canyon Winery is the place for you! Boasting award-winning wines that are quite inexpensive considering their exceptional quality (less than $25 a bottle!), this is the perfect place to go relax and have a drink. To top it off, the outdoor seating is spectacular. With views of the winery and the Yakima River Canyon, you will be blown away by the natural beauty. It is truly a sight to see. There is also a picnic area that you can rest at and enjoy the views. Ellensburg Canyon Winery is a must go destination for wine and nature lovers alike.
Canyon River Grill
Lunch and dinner couldn’t get any better than at Canyon River Grill. With food served by executive chef Kevin Davis, it is bound to be fresh and delightful. King salmon and Wagyu beef burgers are just two of the delicious dishes that Canyon River Grill specializes in. The best of Canyon River Grill is the atmosphere. Located right in the heart of the Yakima RIver Canyon, you get some very scenic views. When on the outside patio, you can really bring everything in. With canyon cliffs above and the river flowing below, this dining experience combines the luxury of a fancy restaurant with the astounding beauty of the great outdoors. This is the perfect spot to treat yourself to an amazing experience.
The Porch
Located in the heart of Ellensburg, The Porch offers something different than the last few restaurants. The Porch thrives on a philosophy that whoever walks into their restaurant is their friend or they will be. This allows for an amazing atmosphere, inside or outside. The Porch has outside seating accompanied by space heaters and a couple small overhangs. While dining outside, you can enjoy one of their outstanding steaks and a drink from their bar. With new daily specials, the occasional live entertainment, and a large venue, The Porch can be your new go-to restaurant for a great night out.
Top of the Burg Rooftop Deck (Basalt)
Located on top of the Windrow Hotel, this newly opened rooftop restaurant will allow you to eat great food and overlook all of Ellensburg. Hosted by Basalt, the Top of the Burg will be serving delicious craft cocktails, wine, and beer, and will slowly introduce snacks and menu items. The dining experience will be one to remember. Being on top of the highest point in Ellensburg will allow the diner to look upon the valley and the Manastash Ridge. Rooftop deck hours may vary based on weather, so keep an eye out!
Wheel Line Cider
This small craft cidery is the place to be if you’re looking for a nice cider and a great place to relax. Wheel Line Cidery has their very own orchard on site where they grow a variety of different apples used to make their ciders. The outdoor seating has a very rustic feel to it, complimenting the style of the business itself. The orchard is in view of the outside seating area, giving you a look at where your drink came from. The Mobile Cider Bar takes place in an airstream and is located right next to the outside seating! With four taps inside of the airstream, it’s easy access to your favorite ciders! This is a bucket list destination for the avid cider lover!
