Despite the quiet charm of this small town, life’s milestones don’t pause for geography. Whether you’re celebrating a promotion, a first date, or simply surviving another week of Washington drizzle, Graham’s culinary scene rises to the occasion. Here are 11 restaurants that transform ordinary moments into memorable meals – even if the “celebration” is just finding parking downtown.
Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
$ | (253) 262-3340 | WEBSITE
Papa Murphy’s is our favorite option for a convenient pizza night. That’s because we like the chicken garlic pizza just as much as the classic pepperoni (including the pineapple it’s known for). And we especially appreciate its impressive Parmigian cheese – particularly on the gourmet vegetarian, which is one of our favorite pies, ever.
Kelli’s Coffees
$ | (253) 732-1141 | WEBSITE
If no morning feels complete without a cup filled with way too-good coffee, make your daily run to Kelli’s Coffees. This friendly spot in Graham has their whole menu available for walk-in and takeout. Grab a Peanut Butter Big Train, a perfectly made latte, or whatever the helpful baristas recommend – all of which will have you covered in the caffeine department for about three hours.
Dutch Bros Coffee
$ | (877) 899-2767 | WEBSITE
We love the coffee at Dutch Bros Coffee. And like a favorite local spot, we’ve yet to find a morning this place can’t make better. This includes your commute, a rainy afternoon, or the start to a pretty great Saturday with the kids. Brighten your day with smooth coffee that doesn’t have that over-roasted taste, perfectly made drinks (two things that sound great together), and super peppy, friendly staff who make you feel genuinely valued.
Mongolian Grill
$ | (253) 262-2200 | WEBSITE
During busy weeks, Mongolian Grill is a reliable choice for a wide range of needs – from family dinners to office lunches to satisfying that sudden craving for something warm and customizable. And this applies to any situation while being short on time or energy. The buffet selection is straightforward, but it has what matters: fresh vegetables, quality meats, addictive egg drop soup, and crispy pot stickers.
Also, they have General Tso’s chicken which is suspiciously identical to the one from that place you loved back in college.
Puerto Vallarta of Graham Mexican Restaurant
$$ | (253) 847-2151 | WEBSITE
Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican restaurant with excellent food, and they’re open for dine-in and takeout. You’ll find classic dishes like arroz con pollo with generous chicken portions, along with very good fajitas like the mixed vegetable version. And even though the ambiance can be affected by worn booths, we swear some meals (like the carne asada) taste almost as fresh as they do at more upscale spots.
Culpepper’s Bar & Grill
$ | (253) 271-6527 | WEBSITE
Honestly, not having to spend twenty bucks on a fancy meal qualifies as a special occasion by itself. That’s one of the (many) benefits to come out of a place like Culpepper’s. Culpepper’s has the best dive bar experience in town, and now you can enjoy it with pool tables, darts, and pull tabs. Choose between the normal bar fare or specials like the St. Patrick’s Day Rueben, loaded with flavor, and for the love of god, grab a drink and get some friendly service.
Julianito’s Mexican Food
$ | (253) 875-1062 | WEBSITE
While grabbing authentic Mexican street food in Graham used to mean driving to Tacoma or Seattle, now it’s much more affordable ($8.95 – $14.50 per person), and you can get the food in minutes. Right now they have hearty options – the Space Needle Burrito that involves things like perfectly seasoned meats and fresh toppings with red sauce upon request, or the mulitas and rolled tacos that are more casual, but still pretty satisfying for your table.
Thai Mekong
$ | (253) 847-3853 | WEBSITE
This Thai spot in the south hill area is determined to make sure we can all still have flavorful-ass meals despite being in a strip mall. They have fresh spring rolls, yellow curry, pad see ew, pad Thai, Penang curry, and pad Kee Mao available. So locate a takeout container (you’re pretty sure you saw one in the car, right?), break that wrinkled napkin out of the glovebox, and start feasting.
Sun’s Teriyaki
$ | (253) 846-3229 | WEBSITE
Sun’s Teriyaki has consistently delicious food, is known for its friendly atmosphere, and is adorned with many beautiful plants. So basically, it’s designed for a pleasant meal. And while you (probably) can’t get their plants or cheerful staff sent to your house, you can get their fantastic food to go. Everything is carefully packaged, and the food available on the takeout menu somehow travels really well. Get dishes like the Beef Teriyaki, Katsu, Orange Chicken, or egg rolls.
Roundup Restaurant & Lounge
$ | (253) 271-1697 | WEBSITE
Roundup Restaurant & Lounge is our favorite casual hangout spot in Graham, primarily because of the fantastic food (their fish and chips are one of our all-time favorite plates of food), and their bar menu allows you to pick a satisfying meal with friends. You can choose from nachos, wings, or fish and chips, and everything comes with their ice-cold beverages. Which, honestly, are just great.
Olivers Fish and Chips
$ | (253) 262-3474 | WEBSITE
Imagine a fish fry, but instead of one that’s heavy on the grease and light on flavor, it’s full of crispy, satisfying seafood and is actually memorable. That’s the correct way to approach dining at Olivers Fish and Chips. All the fish and chips are generous (with options like halibut and cod to name a few) and it’s impossible to choose just one. That’s why the only real solution is to order a bunch, and create a casual dinner to justify your fried fish feast.
