When the Cowiche Canyon Kitchen and Icehouse Bar opened in December, it ushered in a new era of dining experiences in Downtown Yakima. Graham & Kaulin Snyder are owners of the new dining establishment. Snyder accomplished his idea of creating the ambiance of a “polished American Tavern” with help from Graham Baba, a Seattle-based architect firm. The firm is known for their attention to detail and designing buildings that allow opportunities for local design, construction and craftsmanship. Snyder envisioned that the design, food and service of the restaurant would reflect Yakima’s agriculture. “The building design is inspired by fruit warehouses and the topography of the Pacific Northwest,” states Snyder.
The theme of a “polished American tavern” is carried out in both the exterior and interior of the building. The outside of the restaurant has concrete “boards” that resemble the rustic look of wood that is visible throughout construction process. The interior is surrounded in booth seating and an open kitchen. Customers experience the excitement of watching the preparation and presentation of what they ordered and a view of downtown Yakima while they enjoy their meal. The main dining room can seat up to 130 people and the space is used thoughtfully, providing hooks on the outside of booths and under the bar for coats, purses and scarves.
The Icehouse Bar (reminiscent of a modernized fruit warehouse) is meant to have a similar look to fruit cold storage rooms built in the past. The interior features blocks of “ice” that are actually hanging simulated light fixtures.
While choosing contractors, suppliers and other miscellaneous items for the restaurant, Snyder was conscientious in supporting the Yakima Valley by using local craftsman contractors and recycled materials. The material for the hostess station was made out of old wood from a local hop warehouse, while the greenhouse flooring came from bricks salvaged from the old Terrace Heights elementary school. Light fixtures in the Icehouse came from old smudge pots used to prevent frost in local orchards.
The restaurant’s menu reflects Yakima’s farm fresh bounty. Snyder describes some of the dishes as “thoughtful renditions of American Classics.” He continues to carry on the family tradition of having their own bakery area, as his grandfather owned the local Snyder’s bakery from the Great Depression era until the 1980’s. Whole roasted chickens, prime rib and chicken pot pie are a few of the unique meals offered. The Icehouse Bar cocktails are made with freshly squeezed juices and herbs that are home grown inside the restaurant’s greenhouse. The Bar is dedicated to offering unique spirits not easily found at other locations, local distillers, and some small labels from Europe, Japan and South America. Three beer tap handles have also been dedicated to experimental blends from Haas Hops.
Snyder was born in Yakima but grew up in Southern Idaho and graduated with a degree in social sciences from the University of Southern California. Prior to owning the Cowiche Kitchen and Icehouse Bar, he owned the Osteria La Buca restaurant, in Hollywood.
Next time you’re in town check it out, plus try the other dining and craft beverage options available in Downtown Yakima.
Details: Located at 202 East Yakima Avenue Yakima, WA. . Open Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday & Saturday 11am-11pm. Icehouse Bar hours: Sunday-Wednesday 11am-11pm, Thursday-Saturday 11am – 12am. 509-457-2007
Yakima Valley Spirits & Hops Trail Blog 