Tulalip Resort Casino is about a 40-minute drive North of Seattle. With 8 different dining options featuring a variety of cuisines and culinary styles, there’s something for everyone and it has some of the best casino restaurants you’ll find in the Pacific Northwest. I’ll take you through each of Tulalip’s restaurants and eateries with my recommendations and need-to-know items.
Before we get started, I need to let you know that the Eagles Buffet at Tulalip was a casualty of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was shut down and replaced with a different restaurant. It truly was a great spot to grab dinner or weekend brunch with friends.
Blackfish
Blackfish is an intimate dining spot with its main focus being seafood. They use only regional ingredients from the Pacific Northwest and many of their dishes pay tribute to the traditions of the Tulalip Tribe. Be sure to call ahead and make a reservation especially if you’re heading there on a weekend evening as it’s nearly impossible to get a table if you don’t.
Recommendations: Smoked Salmon Plank Flight | Dungeness Crab Cakes | Fresh Oysters | Heritage Salmon (traditional preparation over alder wood coals on hand-carved ironwood sticks) | 24-Layer Chocolate, Chocolate Cake
Tula Bene Pastaria and Chophouse
If you’re in the mood for some Italian food, Tula Bene is the spot for you. The Italian-inspired house-made pastas and steaks are the main features here. Pair any meal with an Italian wine from Tula Bene’s “Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence” wine list and don’t forget to finish things off with the traditional white chocolate Budino.
Recommendations: Antipasto Platter | Sausage D’ Angelo | Leaves of the Season Salad | Lobster Bisque | Cacio E Pepe (prepared tableside) | Garganelle w/Hazelnut Ragu | Lamb Mezzaluna | Berkshire Pork Chop | Bone-In Ribeye | Black Cod | Braised Beef Ribs | Risotto | White Chocolate Budino | Glass of Sangiovese
Journeys East
Journeys East is an Asian-inspired restaurant featuring dishes from Japan, Thailand, China, Korea, and Vietnam. A tranquil and zen environment provides diners with a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the casino floor. There’s a wide range of different soups, noodle and rice dishes, as well as sushi and rolls. They also offer a fantastic selection of sake if you’re in the mood.
Recommendations: Siu Mai (steamed pork, shrimp, and black mushroom dumpling topped with tobiko) | Tempura Shrimp | Karaage (Japanese fried chicken drizzled with spicy mayo) | Wonton Noodle Soup | Journeys East Fried Rice (combo) | Honey Walnut Shrimp | Bo Luc Lac | Spicy Pork Bulgogi | Rainbow Roll | Barbie Roll | Red Dragon Roll
Salish Sun Taqueria Bar & Burgers
If you were wondering which of these restaurants took over the space left by the Eagles Buffet, it’s Salish Sun Taqueria Bar & Burgers. This new restaurant features flavors inspired by ingredients from south of the border and reminds me a bit of Diablo’s Cantina at the Luxor in Las Vegas.
It’s a great place to get away from the casino floor, hang out with friends, and grab a burger and drinks. The restaurant is 21+, but they do also have milkshakes if you’re looking for some non-alcoholic options.
Recommendations: Tequila Sun Double Burger | Crispy Chicken Burger | Crispy Waffle Fries | Chorizo Chili Fries | Northwest Berry Milkshake | Root Beer Float | Cutwater Lime Margarita | Cutwater Tiki Rum Mai Tai | Denali “The Raspberry” Sparkling Lemon Drop
The Draft Sports Bar & Grill
The perfect mix of food, drinks, and sports. Place a few bets on the games and head on over to The Draft to catch all the live action on their dramatic 14’ x 9’ wall matrix of HDTVs. There’s plenty of table and bar seating, but the best spot in the house is right in front where the matrix of HDTVs are. Typically those spots have to be reserved so you’ll want to call ahead or check in with the staff. The menu features exactly what you’d expect at a sports bar. Plenty of crispy fried foods, salads for those looking for something a bit healthier, chicken wings, burgers, sandwiches, and a huge selection of bottled and draft beers.
Recommendations: TD Jumbo Wing Board (honey BBQ, garlic basil parmesan, and Asian chili lime sauces) | Curve Ball Shrimp | 12th Fan Nacho Pile Up | Parmesan Chicken Bites | Mr. Snappy Burger | Carolina BBQ Ribs | Reuben Sandwich | Overkill Sundae
Cedars Cafe
Probably my favorite casino cafe in all of Washington, Cedars Cafe has it all. Whether you’re coming in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, enjoy a wide selection of all your favorite American foods. Cedars is tucked away from the casino floor toward the hotel and resort side of the property. The cafe has a twinkling fiber optic night sky ceiling and is furnished for a casual and comfortable experience.
Recommendations: Strawberries and Cream Belgian Waffle | Cinnamon Swirl French Toast | Pacific Northwest Benedict | Country Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast | The Farmer | Chicken Lettuce Wrap | Northwest Louie Salad | Seafood Chowder | The Cedars Club | The Tulalip Cheeseburger | Local Inlet Manila Clams | Artichoke Crab Dip | Manila Clam Linguini | Creamy Seafood Alfredo | Prime Rib | Bacon Wrapped Center Cut Filet Mignon | Fish and Chips | Apple Pie with Salted Caramel Sauce | Creme Brulee
Blazing Paddles
Blazing Paddles is Tulalip’s version of M.O.D. Pizza, just much better in my opinion. They offer over 50 different choices of cheeses, meats, veggies, greens, dressings, and other finishing touches for you to choose from to put on your pizza. You can also try one of their signature picks in either a calzone or pizza if you’re suffering from decision fatigue. There are plenty of other carbs and proteins on their appetizer menu like cheesy garlic breadsticks and stromboli. Blazing Paddles also offers several salad options if you’re in the mood for something a bit healthier.
Recommendations: Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks | Stromboli | The Ultimate Meat Treat Pizza | The Hungry Roman Pizza | The Spicy Italian Stallion Calzone | Four Alarm Firehouse Pizza | Bacon Burger Pizza | BBQ Chicken Ranch Salad | Taste of Tulalip Smoked Salmon Salad | Cinnalicious Dessert Pizza | The Ultimate BP Brownie | Snoqualmie Ice Cream (salted caramel, Mukilteo Mudd, or Mountain Blackberry)
Canoes Carvery
Everyone needs a place to grab a super quick bite in between rolls at the craps table or shuffles at the blackjack tables. Head on over to Canoe Carvery where you can grab a sandwich or burger, pizza, soups and salads, various pastries, hot dogs, or even a candy bar.
Recommendations: Chili | Super Dog | Jackpot Burger | BBQ Burger | Turkey Bacon Wrap | Nacho Grande | Berry and Custard Pie | Chocolate Banana Cream Pie | Dutch Apple Pie | Nanaimo Bar
