Rhododendron Cafe

Looking for feedback (no pun intended) on the Rhododendron Cafe in Bow, WA. Thank you!

[april8114]

I realize this is an old post, but...

I have recently gotten the urge to travel north along the Chuckanut Drive route and have been researching places to eat along the way. The Rhodie Cafe seemed like the winner. My daughter and I are planning a trip next week and I am looking forward to stopping in and trying them out.

[paulj]

A stop in nearby Edison will also be worth your while. There's a great bakery there, and an interesting deli.

[april8114]

paulj, if you're referring to the Breadfarm, then yes! it's on my list of places to stop. I like that they're organic and source local ingredients. Is the deli near the bakery?

[Freida]

Slough Food is a fabulous shop right next door to the Breadfarm, with excellent cheeses and cured meats. They have a few tables and can make simple sandwiches and salads. Also, just down the street is the Farm to Market Bakery. I highly recommend whatever sandwiches Jim is making that day. Or if you're in a burger mood, go to the Old Edison Inn. Edison is where it's at these days!

And, of course, the Rhody is very good too :)

I have been to the Rhododendron three times. Twice for lunch and once for dinner. Both times I had someone with me. I thought the food was good but not incredible, the cafe it self was cozy~ nice interior, very intimate feeling.
However, all three times, the staff person at the Rhododendron was incredibly snobbish and rude. I'm referring to the person who greets and seats you when you go in. The first time we were treated like dirt because we got there near the end of their lunchtime. Near the end, but not after the end. We were tourists, we didn't know. They would not seat us and basically told us to leave, with no suggestions about where else we could find food. The second time, we were seated and served, but the service was snippy. The third time, for dinner, I had my teenaged niece with me. Our requests for simple things like more bread or a water refill was met with great huffiness and not only did they not ask how things were going, they would not come back to the table when I waved to them. When we did get them to come to the table, they were so rude and snippy that my niece cried. And no, no apology or behavior modification on their part.

I would NOT recommend the rhododendron because I don't feel that it's reasonable to treat your clientele like dirt. And I have NO idea why this happened, we were very polite, well dressed, no reason for it that I could come up with whatsoever. It was just bizarre.
And too bad, it's a cute place and I would have liked to be able to stop in there when we are driving through the area. O well!

[bluesriff]

Sounds to me like porupine's quills are over extended. The service at the Rhody is as friendly as you will find anywhere. The service has always been excellent and the staff over the years is refreshing and accomodating. it is such a treat to eat well prepared, innovative food in a casual and friendly atmosphere. If you are in the area - it is not to be missed.

[rifflefisher]

Porcupine seems a fitting name for this reviewer. The comment on service could not be more wrong! The service at this restaurant is friendly and professional. The comment about not being seated is hogwash as the restaurant stays open from lunch through dinner. They would have been seated at any time during the afternoon.

[paulj]

Note that the Porcupine posting is from 2004 - a lot could have changed since then.

It is my humble opinion that the Rhododendron is the best dining experience in the Valley. Great food, great service, great ambiance. All around exactly what you want. And, it's refreshing to head out of Mt Vernon and check out the fields/farmlands

My husband and I frequented the Rhody Cafe freqently while we were planning our wedding in Bow, WA last year. We loved the place. They have a rotating menu selection, based upon the season. The only menu I wasn't thrilled with was the menu featuring 'wild meats' but they always have standard options. We consistently had very well prepared meals, good service (don't expect to be rushed by any means) and an extensive wine list. It's small and comfortable. We took some of our wedding party there for a 'thank you' dinner and everyone was thrilled with their meal. They accomodated a large party easily. We find their steaks delicious and the soups are fabulous. Dessert is not to be missed.

Thank you for the information. I have an older friend who is celebrating her 80th birthday and would love to go for a drive somewhere for dinner. The Rhododendron cafe should be just the place to go.