Pullman, Washington – it’s more than just a university town; it’s a vibrant community bursting with hidden culinary gems. Often overlooked, Pullman possesses a diverse and ever-evolving food scene that caters to a variety of tastes and budgets. Whether you’re a student craving comfort food, a visitor seeking a fine dining experience, or a local looking for your next favorite dish, Pullman has something delicious to offer. Get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure as we unveil the best restaurants and dishes in Pullman, Washington that you absolutely need to try. Prepare to discover a world of flavors that might surprise you!
Start Your Day Right Breakfast and Brunch Delights
Nothing sets the stage for a productive day like a satisfying breakfast or a leisurely brunch. Pullman offers a selection of eateries that excel in the morning meal arena.
The Black Cypress
This popular spot, renowned for its modern American cuisine and seasonal menus, also boasts an exceptional brunch service. Imagine starting your day with their lavender lemon pancakes – fluffy stacks infused with delicate floral notes, complemented by a tangy citrus burst. The restaurant meticulously sources local ingredients whenever possible, ensuring that the pancakes are fresh and packed with flavor. These pancakes aren’t just a meal; they are an experience, perfect for a special occasion or a treat-yourself kind of morning. The price for a full plate of these delicious pancakes is moderate, making it a delightful option for anyone seeking a memorable breakfast.
Birch & Barley
Looking for a homestyle breakfast with a touch of country charm? Birch & Barley is the place to be. This cozy restaurant offers classic breakfast plates like biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, and bacon, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The star of their breakfast menu, however, is their famous cinnamon rolls. These warm, gooey pastries are generously drizzled with creamy icing, creating an irresistible treat that melts in your mouth. The cinnamon rolls are perfectly spiced and incredibly moist, making them a comforting and indulgent breakfast option. Birch & Barley’s prices are quite reasonable, making it a great option for those looking for a comforting breakfast that won’t break the bank.
Roost Coffee & Market
While primarily known for its expertly brewed coffee, Roost Coffee & Market is also an excellent place to grab a quick and satisfying breakfast. Their breakfast burritos are a local favorite, filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, potatoes, and your choice of protein. The burritos are generously sized and incredibly flavorful, making them a perfect grab-and-go option for busy mornings. In addition to their breakfast burritos, Roost also offers a selection of pastries, bagels, and other breakfast items. Roost Coffee & Market’s prices are very affordable, making it a popular option for students and locals alike.
Lunchtime Legends Casual Eats and Quick Bites
When lunchtime rolls around, Pullman provides a plethora of casual eateries and quick-bite options to satisfy any craving. Finding the best food in Pullman WA for lunch doesn’t have to be difficult.
South Fork Public House
If you are looking for a perfect sandwich, South Fork Public House has some of the best in town. Their menu features a diverse selection of sandwiches, from classic deli options to creative and unique creations. Their most popular sandwich is the smoked turkey and brie, featuring tender smoked turkey, creamy brie cheese, crisp apple slices, and a tangy honey mustard dressing on toasted sourdough bread. The combination of savory and sweet flavors is simply irresistible. South Fork Public House also offers a selection of soups, salads, and other lunch items. Sandwich prices here are a bit higher, reflecting the quality of the ingredients and preparation.
Rosa’s Latin Kitchen
Craving something international? Rosa’s Latin Kitchen serves up authentic and delicious Mexican cuisine. This family-owned restaurant is known for its flavorful tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. A must-try dish is their carnitas tacos, featuring slow-cooked pork that is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The tacos are served with fresh cilantro, onions, and your choice of salsa. Rosa’s Latin Kitchen also offers a selection of other Mexican specialties, such as tamales and chile relleno. Lunch here is affordable, making it a popular spot for students and families.
Coug Burgers and Brews
For the best burger in town, look no further than Coug Burgers and Brews. Their burgers are made with high-quality beef and topped with fresh ingredients. The Cougar Gold burger is their signature creation, topped with melted Cougar Gold cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and a special sauce. The Cougar Gold cheese, a local delicacy, adds a unique and flavorful twist to this classic burger. The restaurant also offers a selection of other burgers, sandwiches, and sides. The price point for burgers here is mid-range, well worth it for the deliciousness.
Dinner Destinations Fine Dining and Special Occasions
For a truly memorable dining experience, Pullman boasts a selection of fine dining establishments perfect for special occasions. Discover the best food in Pullman WA for dinner at these exceptional places.
The Black Cypress (again)
While great for brunch, it truly shines for dinner. Experience an upscale dining experience at The Black Cypress, where the focus is on modern American cuisine with a Mediterranean influence. The ambiance is elegant and sophisticated, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special celebration. The menu changes seasonally to showcase the freshest ingredients, but one signature dinner dish that is always a crowd-pleaser is their grilled octopus. The octopus is expertly grilled to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. The price range for dinner here is high, but it’s an investment in an unforgettable dining experience.
Paradise Creek Brewery
Perfect for a casual yet sophisticated evening, Paradise Creek offers a delightful combination of craft beers and delicious food. While known for its beers, their menu is also very good. Many find it is perfect for a special dinner. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming. A recommended entree is their brick-oven pizzas, made with fresh ingredients and topped with a variety of creative toppings. They have a constantly rotating menu, but keep an eye out for pizzas featuring seasonal produce and local meats. The price range for entrees is moderate, making it a great option for a relaxed yet memorable evening.
Founding Fathers
Focus on locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus at Founding Fathers. This restaurant is known for its farm-to-table approach, ensuring that every dish is made with the freshest and most flavorful ingredients. Their menu changes regularly to reflect the season’s bounty, but one dish that perfectly showcases this philosophy is their roasted chicken. The chicken is sourced from a local farm and roasted to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. The price range for dinner here is in the middle, reflecting the commitment to quality ingredients.
International Flavors of Pullman
Pullman’s diverse population is reflected in its rich tapestry of international cuisines.
Thai Bamboo Restaurant
Experience authentic Thai cuisine at Thai Bamboo Restaurant, where the dishes are made with fresh ingredients and traditional spices. The restaurant’s atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a casual dinner. A flavorful dish to try is their Pad See Ew, featuring wide rice noodles stir-fried with broccoli, carrots, and your choice of protein in a sweet and savory sauce. The price range for dinner here is affordable, making it a great option for those looking for a delicious and authentic Thai meal.
Taqueria La Escondida
For delicious Mexican food, Taqueria La Escondida is a must-visit. This unassuming restaurant is a local favorite, known for its generous portions and authentic flavors. Popular dishes include their carne asada tacos, enchiladas suizas, and chile verde. The prices are incredibly reasonable, making it a great option for a budget-friendly and satisfying meal.
Biryani Corner
Taste of India offers flavorful and aromatic Indian dishes, ranging from savory curries to tandoori specialties. If you want some of the best food in Pullman WA, this may be for you. Their dishes are rich and decadent. Don’t miss trying their butter chicken and a side of garlic naan. This is a perfect place to visit for lunch or dinner and is very budget friendly.
Sweet Treats & Dessert Havens
No culinary journey is complete without indulging in some sweet treats.
Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe
Located on the WSU campus, Ferdinand’s is a Pullman institution, known for its delicious ice cream and Cougar Gold cheese.
Dissmore’s IGA Bakery
This local grocery store boasts a surprisingly impressive bakery, offering a wide variety of pastries, cakes, and cookies.
The Coffee Bean (for Milkshakes)
In addition to their coffee options, they make some seriously delicious milkshakes that are incredibly decadent.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
Beyond the well-known restaurants, Pullman has a few hidden gems that are worth seeking out.
The Land Thai Restaurant
A family-run place with a dedication to delicious Thai food. The atmosphere may not be fancy, but the food speaks for itself. Be sure to check out their curry dishes, but note that you may need to specify the level of spiciness.
Pizza Perfection
This is where you can find gourmet pizza made with fresh, local ingredients. It is a local’s favorite because the pizza is always made with care and the pizza selection can vary by the day. The pizzas are perfect to share with your friends and family.
Beyond the Food Drinks and Brews
While this guide focuses on food, it’s worth noting that Pullman also has a burgeoning craft beer scene. Paradise Creek Brewery and Foundry Kitchen + Cocktails are popular spots for locally brewed beers and signature cocktails.
Conclusion
Pullman’s diverse and dynamic food scene is a testament to its vibrant community and growing culinary aspirations. From satisfying breakfasts to memorable dinners, and from familiar comfort food to exciting international flavors, Pullman offers a dining experience worth exploring. The next time you are in Pullman, WA make sure you stop by some of the best restaurants in the area for some of the best food in Pullman WA.
This guide is just a starting point, and Pullman has many more culinary treasures waiting to be discovered. We encourage you to explore the restaurants mentioned and share your own favorite Pullman eats in the comments below! What is the best food in Pullman WA that you have had? Let us know!
