I moved to Issaquah Washington when I was 28 years old. We searched for the perfect house for a full year. We finally found it in Issaquah Highlands in a little nook called Dahlia Park. It was a picturesque home with a big lot backing the forest. The first Spring we lived there I saw a mama bear and two cubs outside my back door. Since then, I've owned 6 homes in Issaquah, my kids are now young adults and I feel like I've experienced enough life here to make some solid recommendations!
Let's start with coffee. My number one recommendation for a really decent cappuccino is Issaquah Coffee Company. Yes, the place is cute and they've nailed the ambiance of what a worn-in, authentic coffee shop should be but the highlight is the coffee. Cafe Ladro & 55 Sunset are runner ups but Issaquah Coffee Co is hands down #1.
Next up is Pho. I'm going to cheat here and make you drive outside of Issaquah to Sammamish. Sorry! The nearest, most delicious Pho is Vineson Pho Kitchen in Sammamish. The owner is a very ambitious young guy who opened other locations in Kirkland and next to the T-Mobile field in Seattle. I met him once and he was super personable and nice. Vinison is probably an Americanized version of Pho but it's really delicious. Other highlights are the spring rolls and Bahn Mi.
Are grocery store ratings a thing? I don't know if they are but I'm going to talk about it. The main choices in Issaquah are Trader Joes, Safeway, PCC & QFC. In my opinion, the best overall grocery store is the QFC in Klahanie. For one, the produce is great. QFC seems to have more reasonable prices than other stores. Maybe I shop at off times but it always seems like the check stands are efficient and well-staffed. QFC for the win!
Women Clothing Boutique winner is E&A Boutique in Gilman Village. Sometimes I go in there looking like absolute trash and they never give me the side eye (insert laughing emoji here). They almost always have something I just have to have, the build-out of the space is super cute and their clothing prices are very reasonable. I go to E&A when I don't want to make the trek to Bellevue Square.
The best Home furnishing store is definitely Lucky Home in Gilman Village. They have furniture, accessories, artwork, lighting, kitchenware, seasonal holiday decor, gifts, candles, centerpieces, and on and on and on. That place is jam-packed with goodies and even though it's not a big place you can easily spend an hour in there. What I like about it most is that the items are pretty timeless, versatile & transitional.
The best thing to do on a Summer day is visit Lake Sammamish State Park. Yes, this is in Issaquah but it also borders parts of Sammamish and Bellevue. You'll need a Discover Pass to park at the boat launch and the park. My son and I fish from the boat launch and on the south side of the lake near the beach park year-round. Seasonal rentals of paddle boards & boats are available too. It's never a dull moment just watching the chaos of people putting their boats in and out of the water at the boat ramp! Bring a chair, sit back, and enjoy.
The best burger goes to Tipsy Cow Issaquah which just recently opened. I visited recently and was seated quickly on a busy afternoon, the server was attentive, the food came out quickly and it was delicious. What more can you ask for? I definitely plan on going back soon.
Instead of giving the "best" rating to one restaurant, the following eateries deserve honorable mentions :)
Well and Table Gilan Village
Jaks Grill - Front Street
Orenji Sushi & Ramen - near Costco
Issaquah Cafe - Gilman and 900 in QFC plaza
Black Duck for Cocktails & hangout - Gilman Village
Macky's Dim Sum (literally the nicest people working there and their soup dumplings rock)
Now that I think of it, there's no Pizza place. Can someone get on that, please?
Let me know what your favorite places in Issaquah WA are! I'd love to add them to the list!
