Those familiar with Walla Walla Steak Co. know that, as delicious as the food is, it’s the historic train depot setting that makes the dining experience so magical. The recent addition of the new Woodinville location may have left some wondering if it would be possible to replicate the ambiance of the Walla Walla icon. And while it’s safe to say you’ll never mistake one location for the other, the new spot has a character that’s all its own while still serving the same ranch-to-table cuisine that made it so successful.
Walla Walla Steak Co. sits in Woodinville’s Schoolhouse District, which includes a renovated and modernized version of the historic Schoolhouse 23. While the space is quite contemporary, the team does an exceptional job of creating a cozy, welcoming space by highlighting the history of the building. The exposed brick and highlighted salvaged elements from the schoolhouse pay homage to its past.
The menu includes the standard steakhouse fare we all know and love, although it’s quite sizable — there are several non-steak entree options, like the woodstone-roasted half chicken and a ratatouille and linguine dish.
Appetizers include tempting Dungeness crab cakes and some of the world’s most savory crispy brussels — but save room for a starter of W2 Onion Soup, especially on a cold rainy evening. It’s made with Walla Walla sweet onions, topped with white cheddar, and is actually a great deal at $12.
All of the signature steaks are served with a baked potato, with additional sides like mashed potatoes, roasted mushrooms and cauliflower gratin available for adding on. If you’re dining with a date with a large appetite, The Hatchet is worth the splurge. The hearty 34-oz. prime bone-in ribeye is carved tableside moments after it’s pulled from the charcoal grill.
The beef at Walla Walla Steak Co. is as local as it gets, coming from Cattle Company Beef, a cooperative of family-owned regional ranches. And while the optional sauces for the steaks are quite tasty (who doesn’t love a good demi-glace?), they aren’t necessary, as those unbeatable charcoal flavors stand out on their own.
With an original home like Walla Walla, you’d expect a place like this to have a good wine list, and it does not disappoint. There are over two dozen offered by the glass, so there’s no need to commit to a bottle unless you find your favorite. The restaurant sits next to Crossbuck Brewing (under the same ownership), so you can treat yourself to an extremely local beer as well.
Saving room for dessert here is almost impossible. Please do it anyway. The Hearth Oven Cookie is topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate ganache, while the Bananas Foster comes with a nice tableside flambe. If you’d prefer to drink your dessert, note that the espresso martini here is famous for a reason.
Walla Walla Steak Co. is part of the Revelers Club, a dining rewards program that also features high-end spots like El Gaucho and Aerlume. It seems that everything the Revelers Club touches turns to gold, and this place is no exception.
The restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday for dinner, and reservations are recommended on weekends. For more information, visit wwsteakco.com.
13205 NE 175th St.
Woodinville, WA 98072