WhyRoslyn Insider Picks

Roslyn is certainly not limited on things to do, see, eat and drink. Still, we thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite picks – which we believe everyone should try at least once.

  1. Red Bird Cafe РThe Corned Beet Reuben: This unique, vegetarian sandwich at the Red Bird Caf̩ will not disappoint. Brined and sliced beets, Kraut, Swiss cheese and 1000 Island dressing on Rye bread makes a marvelous meat free Reuben that will satisfy anyone.
  2. Red Bird Cafe – Bird’s Nest Stacker: Have you ever had an “Egg in the Basket” or a “Toad in the Hole”? These are colloquial names for an egg fried in a hole within a slice of bread. Red Bird Cafe - StackerDelicious in its own right, but now imagine two of these serving as the toast on a breakfast sandwich consisting of ham, bacon, and Havarti cheese. Hidden to the side of the menu, this dish is a fantastic way for any egg and meat lover to start their day.
  3. The Roslyn Theatre – The Loge: Many folks already know the building with the Marlon Brando mural is the Roslyn Theatre. It’s a great little theater with a modern digital projector and a fantastic sound system. Likewise, there is no better way to watch a movie at the Roslyn Theater than from seats in the Loge. The Loge is a small balcony area, perhaps about 15 total seats, that gives you a great vantage point for watching the film. Call ahead and reserve seats, because Loge seating goes quickly.
  4. The Roslyn Theatre – Popcorn with “Gravy”: We’ve all had popcorn at the movies, but the Roslyn Theatre serves popcorn reimagined. The “gravy” we recommend consists of butter and brewer’s yeast. Add a touch of salt, and you will have a tub of popcorn that keeps you content regardless of what movie you’ve chosen to see.
  5. Carek’s – Landjager: Around here, you hear a lot about Owen’s Meats. That said, if you’re in the mood for some delicious German style landjager, Carek’s in Roslyn has you covered. It’s available for purchase by the pound, and you can’t go wrong with either the traditional or Jalapeno flavor.
  6. Mama Valones: Bagna Cauda: Okay, we are cheating a bit to include a recommendation from Cle Elum, but this dish is too great to pass up. The Bagna Cauda is a traditional Italian dish centered around a simmering dip of oil, butter and garlic. The dip is heated at your table on a portable burner, and you are given a wide assortment of vegetables to cook up in the delicious garlic and oil stew (think fondue). Cabbage, artichoke hearts, olives, baby corn, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini typically come in the appetizer. The Bagna Cauda dinner also includes meat options. Either are a fun and tasty dish to share with everyone at the table.
  7. The Village Pizza – Honey on your Pie: We’ll be honest, you can’t go wrong with any pizza from Village Pizza. They are all made with care and love and they never miss a opportunity to delight. However, many fail to notice the honey bottles sitting amongst the condiments on the table. Before a visit to Village Pizza, we never would have considered dipping pizza crust in honey, but it’s encouraged here, and it’s fantastic.
  8. Basecamp – Breakfast Sandwich: This is a traditional breakfast sandwich that includes thick country ham on a kaiser roll. The thing that makes this menu item stand out above other traditional breakfast sandwiches is the hand crafted Beecher’s cheddar cheese that tops it.
  9. Roslyn Brewery – IPL & Root Beer: Everybody knows and loves the Brookside and Roslyn Lagers that are available at the brewery and in stores. One might not know that the brewery often has options which are not available in stores. Often, the India Pale Lager is available on tap. It has the hoppiness of an IPA with the light, refreshing, body of a lager. The #9 Root Beer, also only available at the brewery, is another local favorite. Stop into the brewery to enjoy either of these, but be advised the tasting room is for ages 21 and over, so bring a growler if you want to grab some root beer for the road.

These are just some picks that we feel should be on any visitor’s bucket list.  Did we miss some of your favorites?  Be sure to let us know in the comments!

The Coal Chute Cafe & Pub

Just before you reach Roslyn, nestled on the East side of the 903, you’ll find the recently opened Coal Chute Cafe & Pub. Care and craftsmanship has gone into making the environment inviting and the food delicious. There is ample seating indoors, and also an outdoor patio that overlooks the Duck Town neighborhood of Roslyn. The restaurant serves both breakfast and dinner, and offers coffee,  espresso drinks, beer, and specialty cocktails. We visited for breakfast (served until 11am) and pored over a menu featuring classic breakfasts, skillets, scrambles, specialty egg dishes, and more. I landed on the Meat Lover’s Skillet (pictured) and found it to be both tasty and filling. A nearby patron was very pleased with his Eggs Benedict while his family enjoyed Pancakes and Fresh Fruit.  If you’re visiting Roslyn, be sure to consider this great new dining option on your way into town.

Heritage Distilling Co. Grand Opening

On November 18th, 2017, the long awaited Heritage Distilling Co. opened its doors in Roslyn.  Following is a brief video from the opening day event.

It’s Wintertime in Roslyn!

Santa and FriendsThe snow is falling and the Christmas season is in full swing in Roslyn! In addition to the great restaurants and shops worth visiting, there is also plenty of holiday fun to be had. First, don’t miss your chance for photos with Santa and friends in the historic NWI building mall. They’ll be here for a visit between noon and 3pm on Saturday the 10th and 17th. The mall hosts some fantastic local businesses, including Fused, Roslyn Rags, Hope Gallery, and Willy Nilly Antiques and Relicology. On Saturday, December 10th, the Red Bird Café (located across the street from the NWI building) will also be offering free gift wrapping with all donations going to support a local woman who is currently battling leukemia.

On Saturday December 17th at 3pm, come celebrate the Solstice at the Roslyn Yard. Create your own yule log, then take a luminaria lit walk through the Roslyn Urban Forest and enjoy a short story by fire light. A donation of $20 for families and $10 for couples is suggested (proceeds to support the Roslyn and Ellensburg Outdoor Schools).

There is also plenty going on at Suncadia during Winterfest 2016. Experience the thrill of downhill tubing through the snow with the ease of a rope tow to bring you back to the top! Three hour time blocks are $20 per person and includes use of the tube and the rope tow (weather permitting). Suncadia also offers ice skating at the outdoor rink located at the Village Pavilion. These are just a couple of the activities in Suncadia, so check out the 2016 Winterfest Guide for full details on times, costs, and scheduled activities.

While in the area, be sure to check out the other great shops and restaurants in town, including:

Suncadia Tubing

Basecamp Opens the Basement Bar!

Bloody MaryBasecamp Books and Bites has some great new additions.  The downstairs bar is now open and so is the back patio.  With a direct connection to the neighboring Roslyn Yard, this spot is quickly becoming a popular place to eat, drink, and enjoy the city of Roslyn.  The bar offers a handful of beers on tap, as well as an assortment of bottles and cans.   Wines and specialty cocktails round out the beverage menu, and Friday Night Flights is an opportunity to try something new.  Can’t decide what to order?  Let us recommend the Bloody Mary.  Served with stuffed olive, pepperoncini, celery, lime and a strip of bacon, the Mary is a fantastic way to star your day.

Basecamp Bar

Basecamp Patio

 

Texas Style BBQ Awaits at Roots

Roots BBQAre you craving authentic Texas style BBQ in a great outdoor environment? If so, be sure to visit Roots BBQ, Roslyn’s new outdoor BBQ pit. Brisket and Ribs are available by the pound and smoked chicken and hot links are also at the ready. Side dishes include Collard Greens, Pit Beans, Copper Carrots, and Coleslaw. Of course, beer and wine is also available to help you beat the heat. Brisket and pulled pork sandwiches top off the menu and plenty of condiments and BBQ sauces are available at the tailgate condiment bar (which is constructed form an actual tailgate from an old fashioned pickup truck). Roots is located right behind the Roslyn Café and is open from 11:30am to 9pm Thursday through Sunday.

Steaks Await at #9 Miner’s Grill

#9 Miner's GrilL BurgerIf you’re coming to visit Roslyn, be sure to plan enough time to stop into the new #9 Miner’s Grill for lunch or dinner.  Formerly the Cruise-In Diner, this newly revamped establishment brings the feel of a traditional roadhouse, complete with complimentary peanuts and a license to discard your shells on the floor as you please.  We stopped in for lunch and had a fantastic cheeseburger with all the fixin’s and a trip through the salad bar.  Steak and chicken sandwiches, elk burgers, a fish sandwich, fish and chips, and even a BLT are examples of other items that grace the lunch menu.  Of course, the highlight of the dinner menu is the steaks!  New York, flank, and flat iron steaks are proudly sourced from Cle Elum’s own Owen’s Meats.  No roadhouse grill would be complete without a selection of cocktails, wines and beers. There are no draught beer options currently, but the beer selection includes a wide range of traditional lagers and a solid assortment of Ales in 22 ounce bottles (including options from local brewers like Icicle, Roslyn, and Iron Horse). So, when you’re heading into town, be sure to bring your appetite because the #9 Miner’s Grill is ready to serve.

#9 Miner's Grill

Basecamp Books and Bites Opens Its Doors

Basecamp Make Roslyn your basecamp to outdoor recreation with Basecamp Books and Bites.  As the name implies, Basecamp is a community gathering place, it’s a spot to grab a bite or read a book, and Miner Wallit’s a terrific starting point for any Roslyn area outdoor adventure.  Located in the center of town (in the building known for the historic miner mural), the comfortable setting allows for indoor and outdoor seating while you enjoy an espresso drink, a snack, or even a light meal.  If you’re not sure what the rest of your day has in store, there are plenty of trail guides and hiking books available to help you pull your plans together.  And don’t worry, there are lots of snacks and trail mixes available to provide you nourishment when you hit the trails.  Basecamp is open seven days a week, so come on out to Roslyn and start an adventure!Basecamp

The Swandive Makes a Splash

Swandive Food Truck For some time, the Swandive Food Truck has been stationed at the edge of the roundabout on the way into Roslyn. But recently, the Swandive moved into town and now shares the property with the Roslyn Coffee Company. This makes it much easier to roll in for a taco when you’re exploring Roslyn on foot. Delicious fish, shrimp and pork tacos are available at the truck, and they are also home to a grilled Owen’s bratworst served on a pioneer role with caramelized onions, pulled pork, and BBQ sauce! Soda is available from the truck, but their close proximity to the Roslyn Coffee Company makes an ice latte or mocha pretty irresistible. Meals are made to order and you can also phone ahead so that your food is ready when you arrive (a perfect way to grab a bite if you’re heading out to play in the woods!)

Swandive and Roslyn Coffee Company

Red Bird Café Opens in Roslyn

Red Bird CafeHoagie sandwiches, soups, and  salads are the main focus of the new Red Bird Café, which recently opened just across the street from the historic NWI building.  One look at the menu, and you’ll see that Red Bird is not your typical sandwich shop.  The delicious and unique creations include such delights as “The Roslyn Ridge” – which has hummas, cucumber, carrot, radish, red onion, red pepper and “goddess dressing”.  The sandwich I enoyed was the deliciously garlic drenched “Bagna Beef” – which is basically a beef Bagna Cuada disguised as a sandwich (and it was fantastic!).   Also on the menu is a “Beet Rueben” that puts a unique spin on a traditional corned beef and kraut rueben by replacing the meat with brined and sliced beets.
The café is a very comfortable spot to enjoy a cup of coffee (Batdorf and Bronson) and a meal.  Wifi is available, and the cafe even has a miniature play kitchen for the kids.  Stop in between 9am and 6pm, seven days a week.  If you are on the go, take out is also available and select sandwiches from Red Bird Café are also available at the Roslyn Grocery across the intersection.  Sandwiches will even be made available at Marko’s in case you get the late night munchies.

Bagna Beef

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