Hattaway's on Alder

“A favorite dinner spot while in Walla Walla. Lured by the promise of southern inspired food, we made a reservation for a midweek dinner. From arrival, service was smooth and easy. We sat on the patio with our pup (who was graciously offered a bowl of water) and the evening was off to a good start. For apps, we started with the shrimp toast. It was amazing - probably the favorite plate we had. For entrees, we tried the halibut cheeks (4 out of 5) and the pork noodles (3.7 out of 5). From previous reviews, our expectations were too high. Don’t get me wrong, dishes were good, but they weren’t quite great. Then dessert- the porter bread pudding. As good as the app! So our meal started and ended on top. We’ll come back for sure, but maybe with different entrees.”

“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.”

“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.”

“I made our reservation 2 weeks in advance and the only table available was outside. Fine. But when we got there for the reservation, there were several outside tables available and we were seated in the one that was in the direct path of the late afternoon sun. We were baking within minutes. After tolerating this for a bit, and even discussing it with the waitress who shared our lamentation, one of our party got up and begged the hostess to move us. She begrudgingly did so. This is not service. The food was fine, although there was hardly anything on the menu for someone like me who cannot have gluten or dairy. They were accommodating enough to make an off-menu dish of fried rice with vegetables for me. If you don't eat meat, there's not a lot on the menu for you, either.”

“I visited Hattawy’s for a birthday celebration and was unfortunately disappointed by the overall value and experience. With only five pasture main courses available, the selection was quite narrow; two of the options featured the same pork-based protein, leaving very little variety for those not choosing seafood. The atmosphere was also a significant drawback. The acoustics in the dining room were poor, and once a large group was seated nearby, the noise level became overwhelming to the point that conversation at our table was impossible. Most disappointing was the lack of attention to detail; despite the reservation noting a birthday, and was mentioned to our waiter again, the occasion was completely ignored by the staff. For the premium cost, I expected a more diverse menu, better noise management, and a higher standard of hospitality.”