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When I travel for pleasure, most of if is done by car. And when I'm out on the road, I'm always looking for a good place to eat.

I try to avoid chain restaurants if I can, even though they have one huge advantage. With a chain, you know exactly what you're going to get - OK food at a reasonable price in a clean, safe place. But with a little luck, you can do better than that.

If possible, I try to find a mom and pop place that looks promising. And about half the time it's no better and no worse than a chain. But I do feel better about eating there because at least my money stays in the local economy.

About 25% of the time it turns out to be a big mistake. Maybe the food is awful. Or it's good, but holy cow. a burger, soda and tip is $26??? Or maybe it's just kinda scary.

But the other 25% is why I make the effort. Once in a while I'll stumble into a place and leave thinking, WOW, that was the best chicken salad sandwich I've ever had. And it was eight bucks and it was huge. If I ever pass through xxxxxx again, I'm definitely coming back. Hell, I might just make a special trip to xxxxxx just to come back.

So let's make a list. Where's a good, local, mom and pop place in your neck of the woods? A place where out-of-towners can get a good meal at a reasonable price and the money stays in town?

 

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Issaquah, WA

An obvious choice is the Issaquah Brew House. It's a little spendy and a little trendy and there's a good chance you'll have to wait for a table, but if you know all that and still go, you can't go wrong. Good food, good drink.

Personally, I'm more of a Malarky's guy. Malarky's is a strip-mall sports bar and doesn't try to be anything more than that. But, they have a big menu and the food is very good and reasonably priced. Service isn't bad - even good if you catch them on a good day. But don't be in a hurry if you pick this place.

North Bend, WA

North Bend has several good, local restaurants, but you can't do better than the North Bend Bar and Grill. It's not particularly cheap - most menu items run $10-15, more if you get the prime rib. (And you should get the prime rib. It's the prime rib against which I compare all other prime rib.) Good selection of beer and cocktails as well.

If you're looking for a quick burger, head out of town towards Snoqualmie. In a couple of miles at the light (literally THE light) there's a tiny little burger joint called Herfy's. Don't be tempted to get the double cheese burger. The single is plenty.

 

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Coming back to the wet side from a two week trip on Montana rivers, I found myself very hungry and a little road weary. Needing gas also, I pulled off in Ritzville on late Sunday evening. Half expecting to see the sidewalks neatly tucked away for the night, I see Perkins is still open and the p-lot nearly empty. While I am usually not fond of chain restaurants, I really didn't have much choice for a sit down meal.
Sipping a cup of coffee, I decided I needed more beef, even after spending quality time in Montana. So I order a nice rib eye, but went out on a limb and ordered a side of onion rings as an appetizer. Best decision I have made in a long time.
Out come a full dinner plate stacked high with golden brown juicy walla walla sweets fried up perfect. No dipping sauce required. Crunchy on the outside, sweet and succulent on the inside.
My steak came out while I was about halfway through the pile of goodness, and I think I only took a few bites of a very good steak and ordered doggy bag. While waiting for my card being processed, I finished every last morsel of rings.
Best road food encounter other than 2$ shots of Crown at the Silver Dollor in Ennis.

Nice.

 

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Fidalina's in Ellensberg. Horchata and carnitas.

No shit? I've driven by there a million times, often on my way to find something to eat. I will stop next time.