Waitsburg Hospitality

Great write-up Ww, I couldn't say it better myself.  I love W-burg!  (check out my list:  <a href="http://www.yelp.com/list/waitsburg-and-dayton-wa-one-of-my-favorite-eastern-wa-towns-dayton">http://www.yelp.com/list…</a>).  

The hour long drive to Waitsburg is a treat in and of itself (you get to drive through the Touchet river valley like Lewis & Clark did, and the Palouse are also beautiful).

But yeah, the jewel of this valley is certainly this little hamlet.  Touchet River Runs Through It.  I've fly fished it in the summer.  The quiet is charming in it's small quietness.  But what makes it shine are its establishments.  

It goes without saying that jimgermanbar is my FAVORITE bar (<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-jimgermanbar-waitsburg#hrid:4kT6782hRU64UNuMkFAk_w">http://www.yelp.com/biz/…</a>).  But the new bar across the street (The Anchor:  <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/anchor-bar-waitsburg#hrid:YSloB6Qu_yXS3v48sShUIA">http://www.yelp.com/biz/…</a>), is another cool one as well.  Of course there is also the Whoopemup (<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/whoopemup-hollow-cafe-waitsburg#hrid:E2OxB3IWErvOPspEyhTd2g">http://www.yelp.com/biz/…</a>).

I mean, these are establishments which could easily hold their own in any big city, yet they are here in this quaint little town.  

Coming out here is definitely a treat, and if you are anywhere in the area code, it is imperative that you experience the hospitality of this town.

This is a review  of not one specific establishment in Waitsburg, but of the environment that Waitsburg fosters among its Bar and Restaurant owners. Waitsburg has always been a quaint little town, with a "old time" feel to it. But now there is a new, interesting development. I am speaking of the "co-habitation", if you will, of the business owners locally.  Specifically, between the owner/managers of the Whoopemup Cafe, The JimGermanBar,  the Anchor Bar, Coppei Coffee,  and Betty's Diner.  

      What makes these five establishments different in my opinion and experience  ( yes, I do know a little bit about the industry. I was a cook for 5 years, studied culinary arts & restaurant management, and have also done a fair piece of traveling and observing different areas,  especially the culinary and hospitality selections throughout the country)    is this:    they  have a symbiotic relationship. When one place is closed, the other is open. They refer people to the other places, and recommend trying out the other establishments. They have positive, kind things to say about the other places. In fact, if the JimGermanBar is closed, you are likely to see the owner over at the anchor, and vise versa. I have personally seen each manager/owner in the 1 of the other 4 establishments that are NOT their own.

     Why does this matter?   It is a unique environment. So often, WAY to often, I have come across the animosity that one place holds toward another "competitor". They view the other place as someone who might take a piece of the pie that they want all for themselves. Don't get me wrong, I understand how hard it is to make a profit, especially in a small town. That only serves to promote my point, which is that this area has a very unique and awesome "thang" going on.   It is a very comfortable environment for a  REGULAR such as myself who likes going to all five establishments. I dont have to feel disloyal being seen going to the "other" bar, restaurant, what have you.  Also, each owner/ manager understands that customers might go to a different place for different reasons. For example, the JimGerman does have higher prices than the Anchor. However, the drinks are of such an incredible quality, and damn strong (they WILL sneak up on you) that they are just what  the doctor ordered some nights. Other times, I just want a cold PBR from a nice clean tap. (dont get me wrong, the anchor also serves some very good, classy drinks. actually a great selection and variety)   Another example is that of the food avaliable in town. Coppei Coffee has incredible food, and coffee. Yet Betty's diner can  hit the spot when you need a stack of pancakes, waffles, burgers, what have you. All of these establishments willingly direct you to what best suits your needs, even if its not their own place.

     The honest truth is, it makes the whole town feel a little more special.  It is a small town, with a small town feel. These five places that I have mentioned are helping to promote that feeling of small town unity and fellowship. They are part of what makes this section of our country worth visiting.  So, if you are thinking of coming out to little old Waitsburg, I strongly encourage you to make it to all of these places. They are great places, and help make the town what it is.

Will T.