It wasn’t long ago that the best options for sophisticated dining were found south of the Columbia River. But now Clark County offers a few neighborhood gems of its own.
These restaurants are distinguished largely by Northwest cuisine made with local ingredients, set in a variety of classy but comfortable atmospheres, in locations from strip malls to hotels to historic homes.
Roots Restaurant and Bar (19215 S.E. 34th St., http://www.rootsrestaurantandbar.com) remains committed to using local sources, tailoring the menu to the season.
Gray’s at the Park (301 W. Sixth St., http://www.graysatthepark.com) has established a customer base apart from the Hilton Vancouver Washington, which houses the restaurant. If you’re ready to drop $7 for a dinner salad, this is the place to do it.
At the well-established Hudson’s Bar & Grill (7805 N.E. Greenwood Drive, https://www.facebook.com/hudsonsbarandgrill), seasonal Northwest cuisine and desserts blend perfectly with the rustic lodge atmosphere.
Vinotopia, the restaurant at Cinetopia (11700 S.E. Seventh St., http://www.cinetopiatheaters.com/restaura/pr/progress_v.htm), has paired wine with a classy atmosphere and Brewtopia, the restaurant at Cinetopia Vancouver Mall 23 (8500 N.E. Vancouver Mall Drive, http://www.cinetopiatheaters.com/restaura/vm/vancmall_b.htm) is starting to gain notoriety for pairing beer with food.
The unique dining experience offered at The Grant House at Vancouver’s Historic Reserve (1101 Officers Row, http://thegranthouse.us) combines a sense of history with simple, elegant meals.
Tommy O’s Pacific Rim Bistro isn’t Northwest focused, but it serves up fine food in an atmosphere where either casual or dressy is accepted attire. At Tommy O’s second location (4101 S.E. 192nd Ave., http://www.tommyosaloha.com), the vibe is a bit more upscale, with more room to dine, a sushi bar and an expanded menu.
Shelby’s (419 E St., Washougal, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shelbys-Grille/212718532134033?ref=ts&fref=ts)) has expanded on its American offerings to include Italian, French and Greek cuisine since the arrival of chef Rudy Garcia, formerly of Portland’s R Palate. The restaurant also offers breakfast on weekends.
K’Syrah Bistro (316 N.E. Dallas, Camas, http://bistro.ksyrahcatering.com) offers occasional prix fixe dining nights, with three-course meals for $50, plus wine tasting for an additional fee.
Bone’s Steak & Chop House has brought some diversity to the dining scene with a modern steakhouse in Battle Ground Village (1207 S.E. Rasmussen Blvd., http://www.bonessteak.com). Pairing classic cuts of meat with inventive sides brings about a sophisticated atmosphere.
Laurelwood (1401 S.E. Rasmussen Blvd., http://laurelwoodbrewpub.com/locations-menus/battleground) is just a stone’s throw from Bone’s Steak & Chop House. A place for the whole family to enjoy pub fare, this is restaurant number six for the Portland chain known for brewing Oregon’s first certified organic beer.
Duck Tales Kitchen (612 N. Devine Road, http://ducktaleskitchen.com) is owned and operated by the Waddle family, which built a reputation with Waddle’s at Jantzen Beach. From-scratch dishes are served in an upscale diner atmosphere.
