5 Places For Great Eats In Darrington

Seasoned hikers know that there are two important considerations before spending time in the hills. The first is where to go. The second is where to go afterwards. A proper outdoorsy jaunt will wear you out and work up a hearty appetite. Don’t worry -- Darrington’s got your taste buds covered. Here are some of the best bets for eats and treats in the Upper Stilly Valley. 

Note: most of these places can prepare orders to go; feel free to call ahead and order a pickup. 

River Time Brewing

650 Emens Ave N South, Darrington, WA 98241

(267) 483-7411

Come for the brews, stay for the grub. Or is it the other way around? Never mind -- you won’t be disappointed either way. 

If you dig craft IPAs and have a working knowledge of hop varietals, you’ll love River Time Brewing. These guys don’t mess around when it comes to small batches of craft beer, so why not order a bunch in a flight? This beer nerd mecca also serves up slices of comfort food like cheesy ‘za, hot sammies and nachos -- the perfect eats to help sop up an afternoon happy hour.

Dos Agaves Mexican Restaurant 

1215 State Rte 530 NE, Darrington, WA 98241

(360) 436-0311

Oh yes, Mexican-American fare in an endless combinatoria of cheese, rice, beans and spices. Margaritas never tasted so good as they do after a day summiting a peak. A day out in the elements must be followed by the warmth of a cozy taqueria, and Dos Agaves is just the place. 

Rhodes River Ranch 

22016 Entsminger Rd, Arlington, WA 98223

(360) 474-8313

You’ve never been to a restaurant like the Triple-R. Is it a horse arena? A steak house? A place to sip whiskey by the fire, lodge-style? Is it an equestrian corral that sells denim shirts? Yes to all of this. And somehow there are llamas.

Rhodes River Ranch, just down Highway 530 from Darrington, is where you could take your dad who loves John Wayne movies. Savor steaks, baskets, salads, and dessert -- you’re in for a treat. 

Burger Barn

1018 Emens Ave N, Darrington, WA 98241

(360) 436-2070

The Burger Barn is at the crossroads of town, located right at the jumping-off point to both the Mountain Loop and the route to the North Cascades Highway. Perfect! What a great place to refuel. 

But don’t stop at just savory burgers. The Barn also serves upcrispy fish and chips and a locally famous BLT. That will put enough gas in your tank to get you to the trailhead. 

Hometown Bakery Cafe

1180 Cascade St, Darrington, WA 98241

(360) 436-9603

A cafe should have baked goods and coffee. And the Hometown Bakery Cafe has all that. But the real secret at this roadside restaurant is the all-homemade pizza by the slice. Get a few slices to go -- one slice for before your hike, one for the trip back home. 

Hey, eating pizza twice in one day isn’t a sin.