Rain Gear Required! Besa Gordon’s Ultimate Comfort Food Guide for a Soggy Washington Day
Let’s be real, Seattle. The rain is back.
The gray skies have officially settled in, and there’s only one appropriate response: ditch the salads, find your comfiest hoodie, and wrap your hands around a plate of soul-satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food.
As a Washingtonian, I know the cure for the "Seattle Freeze" is usually just a generous scoop of mac and cheese or some expertly fried chicken. So, I’ve put together a list of my absolute must-hit spots—from the South Sound all the way to Spokane—for when the weather demands nothing less than pure culinary happiness.
Here are a few of Besa Gordon's favorite destinations to find that rainy-day warmth!
Classic Eats: American Comfort with a Creole Kick (Burien, WA)
When you walk into Classic Eats in Burien, you’re not just getting a meal—you’re stepping into a time capsule. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, packed with cool American memorabilia and classic cars. It's the perfect casual backdrop for their menu, which elevates traditional American comfort food with an unexpected and delicious Cajun/Creole flair.
What to Order:
The Cajun Chicken and Waffles: This is the dish everyone raves about. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, and it's served with a rich, delicious gravy that makes this dish an absolute winner.
Triple Stack French Toast: For the truly ambitious, this monster is three layers of thick-cut French toast layered with zesty fried chicken, crisp bacon, ham, chipotle mayo, and melted Swiss cheese. It’s an entire meal—and a memory—on one plate.
Red Rock Meatloaf: If you're going classic comfort, try the meatloaf, which comes smothered and served alongside well-seasoned mashed potatoes.
Classic Eats is a premier, yet casual, spot that manages to capture the feeling of great American food while delivering some serious, regional flavor.
Lizzy Lou's Too: Southern Soul in a Biker Haven (Fife, WA)
Tucked inside the Destination Harley-Davidson in Fife, Lizzy Lou's Too is one of the South Sound’s best-kept secrets for authentic Southern comfort food. Owned by Warnessa Victorian (Nessa), the café is renowned for its Southern hospitality and seriously flavorful, made-to-order meals. Nessa's commitment to quality ensures every dish is made fresh, and the vibrant decor adds to the unique, charming ambiance.
What to Order:
Loaded Shrimp & Grits: This is their signature dish for a reason. It’s consistently praised for its generous portions and layers of flavor, often loaded with shrimp, crab, eggs, and cheese. It’s the definition of a hug in a bowl.
7pt Chicken & Waffle: Their take on this classic features seven flavor points, pairing fluffy waffles with hot honey-dipped chicken.
The Hangover 2.0: A scramble packed with sausage, bacon, ham, cheese, eggs, red potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Whether you're actually hungover or just hungry, this will set you right.
Just a heads up: Since everything is made fresh to order, be prepared for a potential wait during busy periods—but trust me, it’s worth it.
Moe Vegan: Comfort Food, Plant-Based Style (Federal Way, WA)
Who says comfort food can’t be plant-based? Moe Vegan in Federal Way (often listed as Kent) is shattering that myth one delicious, gourmet dish at a time. Dedicated to a relative named Mo, this family-owned business is on a mission to prove that vegan food can be both exquisite and deeply satisfying. Moe Vegan takes classic, indulgent flavors and recreates them with inventive, flavorful vegan alternatives.
What to Order:
Island Pineapple Gourmet Vegan "Beef" Burger: This gourmet burger features a BBQ'd "beef" patty (often Beyond Meat), seasoned cabbage, vegan mozzarella, and a slice of pineapple, all topped with their "Vegan Crack Sauce" on a toasted Hawaiian bun.
Fried Vegan Cajun Seafood Basket: A must-try for those missing that crispy fried bite. It comes with deep-fried vegan halibut and crispy "prawns," served with a side of gourmet fries and tartar sauce.
Gourmet Truffle Parmesan Fries: You can't go wrong with these super delicious, flavorful fries, topped with truffle and parmesan.
From smoked jackfruit quesadillas to Southern Baked Mac N' "Cheese," Moe Vegan delivers all the flavor and none of the compromise, making it a powerful and unique destination for any rainy day.
Fresh Soul: Hearty Tradition in the 509 (Spokane, WA)
If you find yourself on the other side of the mountains in Spokane and need some genuine, authentic soul food, Fresh Soul is where you stop. Known for its commitment to the community (the restaurant supports youth job training programs), Fresh Soul is a vibrant culinary gem serving up generous portions of Southern goodness.
What to Order:
The Catfish Meal: The catfish filet is deep-fried to be light and crispy, served with a lemon wedge and a choice of two sides.
Collard Greens: These gorgeous, homemade greens are slow-cooked for hours with spices and seasonings—a must-order side dish.
Fresh Soul Special Combo: For the ultimate spread, this combo typically includes ribs, a chicken leg, a hot link, two sides, and cornbread. It’s the perfect way to sample a little bit of everything the kitchen has to offer.
Fresh Soul brings vibrant Southern tradition to Eastern Washington, offering a truly fulfilling and delightful experience with every bite. The Sweet Tea and flavored Kool-Aid are the perfect beverages to pair with their slow-cooked, deeply satisfying dishes.
Now go forth, be well-fed, and don't let a little rain ruin your appetite!
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