Hattaway's on Alder

In a town known for its fine wines and small-town charm, Hattaway's on Alder brings something unexpected — a taste of the South polished with Northwest finesse. Tucked just off Walla Walla's main drag, the restaurant hums with the low, steady confidence of a kitchen that knows exactly who it is and what it wants to say. The evening begins with a plate of Frog Hollow tomato salad, a vibrant ode to late summer - thick slices of sun-warmed heirloom tomatoes glistening with olive oil, finished with just enough salt and herbs to let their natural sweetness sing. Alongside, the sweet corn beignets arrive like little golden clouds, crisp on the outside and tender within, served with a touch of honey butter that walks the line between indulgent and irresistible. Salads here are far from an afterthought. The celery Parmesan salad is a masterclass in restraint - cool, crisp ribbons of celery tossed with shards of nutty cheese and a whisper of lemon, refreshing the palate between bites. For mains, the pan-seared halibut cheeks prove why this humble cut deserves star billing. Delicately caramelized, the fish yields to the fork with buttery softness, resting on a bed of seasonal vegetables that taste as though they were harvested that morning. The chicken & grits, meanwhile, is Southern comfort at its most elevated - perfectly fried chicken paired with creamy, stone-ground grits that soak up a savory jus with soulful abandon. And just when you think you can't manage another bite, dessert arrives: the Deschutes Black Butte Porter bread pudding. Dense, dark, and lush with malty richness, it's the kind of sweet ending that makes you linger long after the plates have been cleared — a quiet, contemplative finish to a meal that feels deeply rooted yet refreshingly modern. At Hattaway's, hospitality isn't just a gesture; it's a rhythm — one that invites you to slow down, savor, and be reminded that good food, when made with heart, always tells a story.

— Ms May

Came for my birthday dinner and (as always) was completely blown away by how delicious the food was, as well as how wonderful the service was! Libby was our server, and she was great! We had pimento cheese, and it was delicious and a large serving. I ordered the tri tip gratin, and my partner ordered the scallops. We split the broccoli. Everything was absolutely scrumptious, and we cleared our plates. I tried their seasonal "them apples" drink, which is a twist on a Gimlet. My new favorite! The chocolate torte was a great way to end the meal. 100% recomend!

— Nora Marie

We had dinner here for the first time last night, and I can't wait to return! This restaurant had been on our "to try" list for quite a while, so we made it our first stop on the Walla Walla Restaurant Month 2025 tour. We opted for the Prix-Fixe menu (photo included). We brought our own bottle of wine, and the corkage fee was $25 per bottle. We had reservations, and upon arrival, we were promptly welcomed and seated. The service was friendly, attentive, and detail-oriented. Each course was beautifully plated and full of flavor. For appetizers, we shared the Roasted Duck Spring Rolls and the Deviled Eggs—both were fantastic. For our main courses, we had the Chili Braised Pork Shank and the Smoked Steelhead Fettuccine. I loved the meat from the steelhead belly, and the portion of pasta was generous! The Bananas Foster-inspired dessert was the perfect ending to the meal, and the meringue crisps were unique—everything came together perfectly. The entire menu is creative and full of tempting options, and I’m definitely looking forward to coming back soon!

— Cate B

Made advance dinner reservation here for our recent trip to Walla Walla. Ordered the celery salad as a starter. Mentioned that we were going to share it and the waitress had it plated separately without even asking - nice attention to detail. Had the Halibut with grits and Honey Glazed Pork Collar. Both dishes were delicious and well portioned. The service staff was attentive and professional.

— John W

A Must-Visit in Walla Walla! We ended up at Hattaway’s by chance for a birthday dinner, and it outperformed all expectations. The local buzz is true: the smoked ribeye (limited availability!) is incredible, and the sticky ribs are a must-order. Beyond the food, the service is what makes this place shine. From the signed birthday card on the table to Jenatta’s seamless service and the celebratory champagne toast at the end, they made the evening feel special. Professional, warm, and highly recommended.

— Shane Spoerer