Based on the sad recent report about Copper Pot Caramels candy boutique closing up shop permanently, I want us locals to know about the many unique and marvelous places and businesses in Yakima. I don't, however, want to tell any more people about some of my favorite Yakima hidden gems discoveries because then everybody and their mama will be there, too, and I won't be able to enjoy them anymore.

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Even though I don't want you to know about these Yakima hidden gems, I'm telling you about them anyway so they don't close down! So can I trust you to keep these hidden gems a secret from the masses? Hmmm, I don't know about you...

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You see, Yakima is starting to get a little bit bigger and of course, this means bigger traffic jams and longer lines at our favorite spots to eat, drink, and relax. That ALSO means MORE KARENS, Kens, and Chadleys mucking up my happy times and good vibes in my favorite places! They'll start bringing in their over-the-top complaints and other sordid bits of behavior. Just thinking about this makes me want to channel my inner Clint Eastwood and tell you to "Git off my lawn!" 😂

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I don't even care that I am coming across as so selfish because, dang, can you blame me?

I really want these places to thrive so they don't close down, too, just like Copper Pot Caramels just did. That was a rude awakening for some of us locals in Yakima: the possibility that consumers don't even KNOW about the existence of these amazing places until they're GONE.

FINE! I'll share with you a few of my favorite hidden gems. I have just decided that if they end up getting "too busy" and teeming with customers, then that can only be a GOOD THING. ❤️

UPDATE: Since I wrote this article, we'e already lost one on this list. See, that's what I'm saying! 😪

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Here's my list:

  • Punks Bar in Yakima, 31 N 1st Ave, Yakima, WA 98902

  • *PERMANENTLY CLOSED 😪
Punks Bar Yakima
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    • The Distillarium, 2305 Industry Ln, Yakima, WA 98901

Drink at The Distillarium in Yakima
Credit: Reesha Cosby
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Drink at The Distillarium in Yakima
Credit: Reesha Cosby
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Drink at The Distillarium in Yakima
Credit: Reesha Cosby
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Drink at The Distillarium in Yakima
Credit: Reesha Cosby
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Drinks at The Distillarium in Yakima
Credit: Reesha Cosby
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    • 617 Nomad Tieton Restaurant, 617 Elm St, Tieton, WA 98947

617 Tieton Restaurant in Tieton, WA
Credit: Reesha Cosby
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617 Tieton Restaurant in Tieton, WA
Credit: Reesha Cosby
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617 Tieton Restaurant in Tieton, WA
Credit: Reesha Cosby
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Chefs at 617 Tieton Restaurant in Tieton, WA
Credit: Reesha Cosby
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617 Tieton Restaurant in Tieton, WA
Credit: Reesha Cosby
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    • The Lotus Room/Golden Wheel Chinese Restaurant, 9 S 1st St, Yakima, WA 98901

GET LOTUSIZED at least once in your adult life.

Karaoke at the Lotus Room - Reesha
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    • Trivia Night at Single Hill Brewing, 102 N Naches Ave, Yakima, WA 98901

Trivia Night and Bingo are fun things to do here when they have it.

499 Sergeant Pendleton Way, Single Hill Brewing
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    • Open Mic Comedy Night at Bill's Place, 206 S 3rd Ave, Yakima, WA 98902

on Tuesdays

Comedy Night
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Bill's Place Open Mic Comedy Night
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    • Drag Nights at Drink N Games Arcade Bar, 509 W Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902

Drink'n Games Bar in Yakima
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    • El Rinconsito Drive-thru Mexican Restaurant, 1101 S 3rd Ave, Yakima, WA 98902

 

They have the BEST chicken mole in town, in my not-so-humble opinion!

El Rinconsito Mexican Restaurant with Drive-Thru
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