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Nodding Donkey Bar

4.4 (10 reviews)
Open • 10:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)
Updated 2 months ago

Nodding Donkey Bar Photos

NODDING DONKEY BAR ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Live music
Outdoor seating

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the donk
Kaitlin K.

TLDR: local spot STAFF is amazing. sydney is one of the best bartenders. she's super sweet and knowledgeable, with attentive/fast service! the donk looks good after the the remodel, great food, solid selection, location and i always miss it but they do have karaoke!! and i think live music every now and then? over all the donk is your spot for welcome local vibes without the headache of downtown. the fact it's right next door to the pot shop is also convenient haha ;) definitely a go to when in the burg. thanks for the good times, food and service noddin donkey!

Lemon drop martini and the menu!
Arline S.

Yum! The menu items are puzzling to understand if you are only reading them online, they have a whole car theme! Now it makes sense! I dont know if Route 66 comes up through Ellensbug, WA but what a fun idea! Staff is happy to be here, they get along well which is really nice to hear them affirming and appreciating each other's efforts, a very welcoming place indeed. Daily specials, really interesting menu items; I'm having the Lead Sled, again, puzzling to read that online, makes perfect sense once you get in here. Variety of newspapers you can peruse while here; adds to the welcoming setting. Dont rush, settle in and enjoy your time at this quirky little hot spot. Outdoor as well as indoor dining, plus delivery. Walking distance from the major truck stops in the area, (although WA state doesn't seem so pedestrian friendly. People here drive like cops: fast, reckless & they don't care who they kill.) They accomodate weird requests without resistance or prying, which is wonderful when you have food allergies. Food is amazing as well. As beautiful as well as tasty.

The nodding Donkey

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5 months ago

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9 months ago

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4 years ago

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8 years ago

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7 years ago

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8 years ago

Amazing first time experience. Not what I had originally expected. But fantastic service from our amazing waitress and great food as well.

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We often drive through the area in our two passenger busses doing senior tours to different areas…read morearound the state. We made it a point to stop here for lunch each year we pass through as their food is REALLY good! And they do not miss! If you are in Ellensburg, and you enjoy good italian dishes, it is a MUST to eat here! thanks for a great meal! (:

What can I say about Simone? She is top notch and has the sweetest demeanour and her smile lights…read moreof the room. We watched her maintain her good attitude even with a dining room full of people, all vying for her attention. The rest of the wait staff was also very nice and we were greeted by friendly enthusiastic hostesses. The restaurant itself is lovely and you really feel like you are having a special night out. As a chef, yous all know i can be tough to please, so i try to give the benefit of the doubt! This is the third time we have eaten here hoping for it to be worthy of the prices. This last time, we decided i will take it home and fix it up to make it more palatable. I did share with Simone our thoughts on the food, and she let us know they have a new chef who is learning their menu. So, we will come back one more time to see if there is a positive change. We really want to enjoy coming here as it is one of the more affordable nicer dining options in the area. Well let yous know how it goes! To be continued...

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The Early Bird -- a truly great, innovative restaurant that is a must-stop if you're passing…read morethrough Ellensburg. I'm lucky to live here so I get to go at least once a month. While every dish is an eating experience, the Early Bird has monthly specials that are as unique as they are wonderful. The only problem: they only exist for that month (although manager Erica tells me they occasionally have made a monthly special a permanent fixture). Come early or late on weekends -- The Early Bird is often difficult to snag a table, especially on Sunday mornings and in the winter when they don't use their outdoor dining area. Also: their adjacent sister eatery, the Night Owl, is a similarly high-quality Korean restaurant.

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Nodding Donkey Bar - bars - Updated October 2026

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