Downtown Yakima’s Developing Some Cosmopolitan Tastes

Cowiche Kitchen offers a unique choice to central Washington residents and tourists. But in fact, it's just the latest addition to a downtown that has gone through a huge transformation over the past few years.

If you're from Yakima, you know that downtown has had its fair share of trouble bouncing back from the demise of the old downtown mall and the worst recession in recent memory. Despite some of those challenges, Yakima has felt more and more cosmopolitan, with a number of options from fast food to pub dining to high dining, complete with wine tasting.

Here are a few of my favorite suggestions for your enjoyment the next time you're out and about:

Cowiche Kitchen, 302 N. Third St. -- Green Juice Fizz
Second Street Grill, 28 N. Second St. -- Georgia Peach Martini
5 North, 5 N. Front St. -- Vodka and Soda with extra muddled lime
Sports Center, 214 E. Yakima Ave. -- Gummy Bear
Mickey's Pub 202 E. Chestnut Ave. -- Margarita
Holiday Inn, 802 E. Yakima Ave. -- Gin and Tonic
Hilton Garden Inn, 401 E. Yakima Ave. -- Bloody Mary
Johnny's on the Ave (in the Red Lion Hotel, 607 E. Yakima Ave.)  -- Rum and Coke
Lotus Room (in the Golden Wheel Restaurant, 9 S. First St.) -- Anything with alcohol, you'll get "lotusized."
Cafe Vittore, 212 E. Yakima Ave. -- Cappuccino and crepe
Tap Room, 120 E Yakima Ave. -- Any beer on tap
Beer Shoppe, 302 W. Yakima Ave. - Beer, beer and more beer
Anto-Lin Tasting Room, 14 N. Front St. -- Riesling
Kana Winery, 10 S Second St. -- Dark Star
Gilbert Cellars, 5 N Front St. -- Tempernillo
Carousel, 5 N. Front St -- French Martini

As you can see, there are plenty of choices to wet your whistle and satisfy your appetite in downtown Yakima, whether you're looking for a night out with a tasty meal or just a brew. It's amazing the amount of new business, and it's exciting to think there are more to come.

What are some of your favorite downtown drinks and dishes?