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Rhododendron Cafe
Categories: Restaurants Diners Restaurants American (Traditional) Diners, American (Traditional) [Edit]
5521 Chuckanut DrBow, WA 98232
(360) 766-6667
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
24 reviews for Rhododendron Cafe
Review Highlights
"house-made ice cream (caramel): outstanding."
(in 6 reviews)
"Every month is a delight and amazing world cuisine."
(in 4 reviews)
"...Rhody for the freshest pan fried oysters either as a dinner..."
(in 2 reviews)
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Amy H.
Anacortes, WA
9/18/2011
My husband and I will eat here as often as possible. The Mediterranean-themed food was incredibly flavorful, perfectly prepared, and the presentation was beautiful. We started our meal by sharing the hummus and pita plate and a small salad. My husband had the grass-fed organic beef tenderloin with Mediterranean herbs for dinner, and received 3 beef medallions. The steaks were so tender and juicy! He was stuffed by the end of the meal. I had the Mediterranean herbed coho salmon, and it was in the top 10 best plates I have ever eaten. The orange pieces on top of the fish were a perfect compliment to the spices, and the couscous was delicious. We were hoping to try their desserts, but will have to wait until next time since we had more than enough food. It was so refreshing to eat at a restaurant with delicious, organic, sustainably-grown food and not spend as much as one might expect for the quality of the food. Without the tip and including 2 glasses of malbec wine, our dinner was $85 - not bad for all we had.
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Review from Linda C.
11/1/2011
Super cute place in a cute part of town.
It took us a LONG time to find the place, as it's a little bit in the middle of nowhere... but totally worth it.
Feels like you're eating in their living room. Service is attentive and friendly. Food is fresh and tasty! Mussels and clams were delish. Paella was also quite good.
If you're ever in the area (hello, tulip festival), be sure to stop by! -
Review from Lisa M.
Bothell, WA
4/1/2011
Hidden in the sleepy side roads of Burlington, Washington is this charming, clever, unique crown jewel called the Rhododendron Cafe. It's ambiance is quaint, country cottage-like. Ingredients are fresh and flavorful. Oh, and the thing that excites me? The menu changes EVERY month! It could be Jamaican in June, Wild Game in July, Rhododendron Favorites in August...it's ALWAYS changing so you can visit often and never get the same dish! They also make these wonderful rich fresh churned ice cream flavors. I believe the only flavor they don't make in-house is the vanilla bean. You can't go wrong with whatever you order here.
However, be sure you call in advance during the cooler months. As they are a small locally owned business which understands the true meaning of a healthy lifestyle, they do close the restaurant so the staff can enjoy the holidays and get some rest and relaxation.
Oh..and reservations are definitely recommended. This little gem has a 4 diamond rating in several restaurant guides. -
Review from Jeff B.
Redmond, WA
7/23/2011
Lunch for 3 of us.
It felt like the owners strive hard to create great slow food with quality ingredients. The result is uneven--not up the expectations set by the price.
Food: mixed.
- house-made ice cream (caramel): outstanding.
- chocolate mousse: good
- banana crepe: very good
- Paella: two people had it. One person thought it was barely ok. The other would not eat here again. The house-made chorizo tasted like hamburger meat, with very little spice; this was the biggest issue. Note that the style served here has the chicken as a drumstick served whole atop the Paella.
Atmosphere: very good; simple.
Service: good -
Review from Lynda N.
Union City, CA
Thanks to Yelp, my girlfriend and I found this cute little restaurant.
We barely made it in time for breakfast but they made an exception and kept breakfast open for us. So sweet! ... and it was really good. I had their spinach omelet... good amount of spinach with light fluffy eggs. It came with fresh fruit and freshly squeezed OJ! Their hostess & waitresses were all really friendly and nice. -
Review from Kam L.
9/6/2011
Cyclists would love this pit stop.
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Review from Julie K.
Ogden, UT
8/17/2011
Went for dinner. Started with a few fried oysters which were fabulous. Had the NW seafood bouilbasse. It was pretty good. Really enjoyed the smoked salmon in there. The shrimp seemed a bit out of place with everything else seeming so large but not bad. The garlicky bread to absorb the remaining liquids was perfect. The italian cream for dessert was quite tasty too. The guy next to me had pie and gave it a 8/10 which i suppose isn't too bad. Everyone has an opinion about how pie should be. Wanted to try their homemade ice cream, but the vanilla, my standard, wasn't made there. Strange. Very good though. Worth the drive down.
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Review from Best O.
Oakland, CA
6/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Bow Edison #3 I cannot help myself. If I anywhere nearby, it's the Rhody for the freshest pan fried oysters either as a dinner or in a po boy followed by chef Don's Carmel ice cream - so succulent, rich with burnt carmel, it almost has a chewy texture. Molly Moon and BiRite Creamery eat your hearts out!
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Review from Michæl B.
Seattle, WA
10/8/2010
I'm not sure what was worst, the part where the server said I could only get one iced tea refill on a hot sunny day, that my hamburger meat came from a freezer, or that when I ordered it with no bun because I have coeliac they couldn't bother to put a couple extra tiny potatoes on my plate.
Those people saying that this place has anything that resembles "fine food" have clearly never lived anywhere with more than 20 humans per square mile. -
Review from Heather D.
Bow, WA
3/10/2011
This is our favorite restaurant. The menu changes monthly, the food is organic, fresh and you feel so good eating there BUT...there is a group of us who live(d) down the road and the house caught fire. There was many different people who rented rooms and everyone (including us) has had to vacate the premises. We went to take one of the roommates down to the Rhody to eat and Carol the owner returned our money and said that anyone who lived in the home that burned down has been given a free meal. It turned out others from the house had gone there the night before and received the same treatment. The owners Don & Carol are such amazing people, community conscious and always is figuring out what they can do to make their service a better experience for all. We are all overwhelmed with their generosity and appreciate who they are in the community.
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Review from Andy Z.
Mount Vernon, WA
2/2/2011
Locally famous, the Rhododendron Cafe is a hidden hamlet for foodies off the beaten track. They have a new menu featuring different cuisines every month. Fresh, local, tasty it is a must for anyone who likes food.
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Review from Mindy J.
2/27/2011
I've been coming here off and on for 20 something years and it is wonderful each and every time. Ingredients are fresh, local, and hey, they have THE BEST chocolate ice cream ever!! And I would know-- I've had A LOT of chocolate ice cream ;) It's homemade by the owner, Don, and is worth a trip here just to try it. Their clams and muscles are awesome, too. Their menu changes monthly, highlighting a different region of the world with a few steady favorites always on the menu. You won't be disappointed.
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Review from Vicki K.
Everett, WA
3/1/2010
A trip north for bird-watching, mom and I stopped for breakfast here, based on Yelp recommendations. It felt like a message from the cosmos: while I waited for my Finnish Pancake, I fixed my binoculars on the beautiful pair of BALD EAGLES in a tall tree, directly across the street from the quaint cafe!!
Breakfast was beautifully presented, the coffee was delicious and hot. Fruit and a coffee cake of some kind was served as a delightful, surprise appetizer to the meal. Friendly service and some great birding tips from our knowledgable server. -
Review from reese h.
Seattle, WA
5/25/2009
Who knew that way up in Bow, WA there exists this little gem of a cafe?
EXCELLENT local fresh favor with exotic twists, but not overdone.
Friendly staff, great service. I had a lovely chat with some ladies staying at Lake McMurray also lunching at the Rhody, like we were 'ol gal pals.
I'll stop in my next trip up north for sure. -
Review from Anastasia W.
Atlanta, GA
3/25/2011
Quaint location and friendly server. This was my colleague's and my first dining experience here. We were very impressed with the food and disappointed we hadn't left room for the cobbler. We both had specials and would advise the beef tenderloin tips over the tarragon chicken if ever posed with these choices but both were scrummy. Highly recommended.
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Review from Jane D.
Seattle, WA
2/6/2011
I love this place.. I can't say much about the menu, because I always have oysters.. but the staff is willing to be flexible with dietary needs, and I liked the little extras, such as a fruit plate with biscotti before breakfast on the weekend. Very friendly and pleasant place to eat. So glad it's there.
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Review from Shiho F.
Carmel by the Sea, CA
12/28/2009
Killer Cocktail Sauce. Reminded me of salsa since it had a lot of cilantor in it but super tasty. We bought some at Taylor Shellfish Farms and I was using an oyster shell in lieu of a spoon and eating it straight from the container. Wanted to go in to this lovely local's spot but they are closed through the 29th of December. Oh well... next time.
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Review from Alice S.
Stanwood, WA
3/9/2009
The Rhody has been one of our very favorite restaurants for years. It is a little funky and a lot of fun. The exterior has been painted bright, Easter egg colors and the interior is kinda kitchen, uh, flowered provincial tablecloth sort of thing. But the food! Oh, my! The ethnic odyssey specials are not to be missed. They are inevitably creative and delicious. The regular fare is also excellent. Carol runs the front of the house and Don is the primo chef. They use local foodstuffs, including organic vegetables and herbs they grow themselves. We never get to the Oyster Bar because, coming from the south, the Rhody gets in our way and her siren call cannot be resisted. Very nice little gift shop next door is fun to visit also.
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Review from Denice R.
5/22/2010
What a charming little restaurant that's been keeping people warm and happy for nearly 30 years. The wife would be your server, the husband your chef. In addition to the base menu, they're doing ethnic inspired entrees that change each month. They support local food growers and cheese makers and such and just serve good food in a sweet little unpretentious cafe. Support indie business, go dine with them. At the very least stop in and enjoy a glass of wine or some homemade ice cream.
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Review from Pamela L.
Bellingham, WA
1/24/2007 1 photo
Using local fresh food and herbs grown in there own backyard makes this cafe fantastic. They serve local meat, vegetables, chicken and local raised oysters. The menu has a regular section, with sandwiches, burgers, pasta, salads and more. But the really great part is the year round "ethnic odessy" menu that changes every month using what is locally fresh. February is Italian month, throughout the year they have Spain and Portugal, Caribbean, Pacific Rim, France, Fall harvest, and more. They also have a really great weekend brunch. Located on Chuckanut drive north of Burlington, it's a nice drive up the coast to Bellingham if you want to make a day of it.
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Review from Kaari D.
Auburn, WA
4/26/2010
This cafe is a diamond in the rough. In Seattle, this would be serious eats for serious $$. But it exists at the happy intersection of peaceful and sleepy in a tiny community that seems to be just a dot on the map (and some maps might not show it at all). If you find yourself in Anacortes, it's a pretty short drive and I highly recommend their food. Since their menu changes so often, its almost not worth mentioning what we had, but one dish was so good, I have to talk about it.
We had their Memphis BBQ ribs which were easily the best I've ever had. Smoked in house, the meat is luscious, flavorful and fall of the bone. The sauce was perfect- it had plenty of heat, sweetness and a warm savory backbone that had me double dipping. I hope they add it to their regular menu someday.
We also had an app from their regular menu- the crustini with goat cheese and roasted red pepper. It was crazy delicious and I hope to have it again this summer when I pass through there. I think it would make a nice summer meal all by itself, maybe with a salad on the side.
Outback they grow quite a bit of produce and herbs. I was amazed by the number of beds they maintain for their restaurant.
The owners could not have been more friendly. I can't wait to go back!! -
Review from Diana S.
Seattle, WA
9/6/2009
The Rhody Cafe is such a charmer. Great breakfasts and lunches (and can't imagine they'd serve you a bad dinner either) in a homey little cafe on the start of the ramble northward on Chuckanut Dr. Super friendly staff, funky atmosphere and delicious food. I really enjoyed my Greek pasta with tomatoes, artichokes and cheese. Before you get back in the car, be sure to check out the neighboring gift shop/gallery...full of one-of-a-kind finds from local artists and craftsmen.
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Review from Damian V.
Sedro-Woolley, WA
10/21/2009
Fantastic! Every month is a delight and amazing world cuisine
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Review from Rachael H.
Bow, WA
1/24/2010
A great meal. Every time.
