Animated conversation saturates the large atmosphere of Cowiche Canyon Kitchen + Icehouse Bar. And with the small-town dynamic of Yakima, customers mix around to greet friends of other tables. Everybody knows somebody.
Maybe that was the intention of owners Graham Snyder and Mark Di Pietro; to enrich the Yakima community. It seems to be working: Cowiche Canyon opened its doors in late 2014, and has been hustling every night since.
The “polished American tavern” and open-concept kitchen boast industrial style décor. It’s busy yet spacious, not too overwhelming to the average patron. The overall ambience feels contemporary while maintaining the small-town charm.
While the Icehouse Bar attachment is designed an ideal space for friends, light snacks and specialty drinks, the restaurant hosts an all-encompassing menu of seasonal dishes. Chef Cameron Slaugh hails from more bustling cities, like New York and Los Angeles, but found his way to the blank canvas of Yakima and pulls inspiration from the rich resources of the area’s agricultural background. Though the cuisine is more welcoming than innovative, it is elevated American fare executed well.
Start with the handmade ricotta with a caramelized verjus reduction, or snack on made-to-order guacamole. Cowiche offers its mainstay entrees, like the steak frites with peppercorn sauce, but there are plenty of seasonal entrees to choose from, like the Moroccan bowl with Merguez sausage or the soothing Chicken & Dumplings. For the more hands-on personalities, dive into a Cowiche Canyon burger prepared with housemade roll and paired with addictive matchstick fries.
But please, don’t forget the drink. Cowiche Canyon has become a frequent stop for cocktails; the bar do not take its crafted mixers lightly. Classic renditions are served up alongside and other specialties; including the Mt. Adams with Jerry Thomas bitters, or the raspberry-basil Farm Water.
Partake in the “farm-to-glass” experience with Yakima-sourced wine, beer and cider. Cowiche Canyon stunts an impressive beer lineup with local brews from Bale Breaker, the newly opened Cowiche Creek Brewing Co. and exclusive small batches of Haas Innovations Brewing. Sip from the extensive arrangement of wine, including Treveri Cellars and Naches Heights Vineyard.
Cowiche Canyon is working away at opening another location across its parking lot in the near future. The concept is under wraps, but patrons can anticipate a much different experience with a large outdoor dining area.
If 300 days of sunshine a year wasn’t enticing enough, this lively, Yakima favorite should make it worth the trip.
