As soon as upon a time, sausages and large pretzels have been the peak of consuming out in Leavenworth. However a current bust of artistic culinary choices means the mountain city can present all the pieces from novel quick meals to effective eating, all below the cheery decor borrowed from Bavaria. Word that the busy vacationer hub isn’t sluggish; reservations, the place accessible, are really useful.
Watershed Cafe
It isn’t {that a} meatloaf specialty is odd—it is that it is the signature meal on a menu that additionally boasts two sorts of carpaccio and a broad cognac choice. However the million greenback meatloaf, topped with a cabernet and inexperienced peppercorn herb gravy, bridges the hole between diner basic and subtly flavored meat entree. With a porch hanging off a brick constructing on the sting of downtown, the low-lit eating room feels restful however in some way extra city than touristy Leavenworth; it could really feel at residence in Georgetown or Ballard.
Larch Handcrafted Pasta and Cocktails
Do not be alarmed by the mountain goat head mounted above the bar; this is not a recent sport type of place. Reasonably the star of the present are the handmade pastas, twisted into campanelle or die-pressed into pappardelle. Every dish has so many parts—mushrooms and smoked meats and flavored butters and cheese—that the fragile pastas can typically get misplaced, however the sheer energy of the flavour is simple. The aggressively seasonal however wholly chill restaurant comes from chef Ben Herreid, additionally of Wildflour simply exterior of city.
München Haus and Leavenworth Sausage Garten
Sausage is inevitable in a city populated by nearly as many nutcrackers and locals. Luckily, bratwurst alternatives abound, greatest at this downtown pair of mostly-outdoor eateries. Behind the welcoming arch of München Haus, grillmasters fastidiously temperature-check every sausage. Jalapeno, veggie, and part-veal variations exist, however the 1/3-pound all-pork Large Bob is the undisputed king, topped with apple cider sauerkraut and a buffet of mustards. Throughout the road at Leavenworth Sausage Garten, an identical menu hypes a spicy or a currywurst sausage. Each spots function lined outside seating with heaters for even the coldest days; common guests could also be a fan of a favourite, whereas newcomers can merely hop into no matter line is shortest.
Yodelin Broth Firm
Named for an extinct ski resort subsequent to Stevens Move—not a misspelled tackle yodeling—the health-minded Yodelin has effortlessly redefined the signature flavors of downtown Leavenworth. Bone broths comprised of wild halibut, salmon, or rooster turn out to be hearty soups based mostly on noodles and veggies. Protein add-ins are an possibility, however the 24-ounce parts barely want it; you’ll be able to style the wealthy halibut within the signature Yodelin bowl simply from the broth. Rice dishes and burgers share the menu, and the cavernous basement restaurant and bar is larger than it seems from the road. The again patio is without doubt one of the greatest and most serene on the town.
Whistlepunk Ice Cream Firm
When is there not a line at Whistlepunk? Unsurprising that ice cream is fashionable in a vacationer city, however the store—its identify harking back to the native whistle pigs, or marmots—takes it severely. Flavors come from Leavenworth espresso roasters or native honey producers, and in summer season mountain fruits like blueberries and blackberries abound. A waffle cone would not come low-cost, however scoopers will break up flavors.
Andreas Keller
Courting again to 1989, the comfy basement on Entrance Road remembers a time when Leavenworth’s Bavarian schtick was fairly new and never a assured hit. Feeling like the within of a beer barrel—in a great way—the curved picket partitions hug diners as a lot as the comfy consolation meals. It is a menu of schnitzel and spätzle, the place notes level out that they make the sauerkraut with white wine as a substitute of vinegar, potato salad with out mayo. With the bouncing melody of accordion music as soundtrack, the throwback restaurant seems like a practice even the primary time you enter.
Icicle Brewing Firm
The decor could also be German, however the beers are largely native from Leavenworth-area faucets, and Icicle’s model is among the many hottest. Many are named for native mountains like Dragontail and Dirtyface, and the founder can declare real Yakima Valley credentials as a fifth-generation hop farmer. Some tables are huge and shareable, and the meals menu of grilled cheese and landjaeger is clearly there to focus on the beer, by no means overshadow it. Rotating faucets and a cheery environment are a mix of outdoorsy bar and European-style brewhouse.