Basalt

Have stayed a number of times at the lovely Hotel Windrow, an unexpected oasis in Ellensburg. And had eaten at the restaurant before with no complaints. On our most recent two-night stay we had successive dinners for 3. The first night was great. A nice steak! Good wine! But the second night a bottle of rose was obviously corked, with a terrible bouquet and taste, and for perhaps the first time we sent a bottle of wine back and ordered a new bottle. But to our surprise we were also charged the over-$40 for the corked bottle of wine we didn't drink. The restaurant in that situation shouldn't charge the customer, but simply tell its supplier to replace a bad bottle of wine! No loss to customer or restaurant.

food was great and tasted good quality, but was disappointed when everything was out of stock. for a saturday evening at 7pm, having 2/5 appetizers not available, 2 entrees unavailable, and regular crown on the rocks “all gone” i was very disappointed. our server Tyler K. was so amazing, and we felt bad that every table he went to he had to be the bearer of bad news. we also watched a table get up and leave after ordering food, waiting 15 minutes, and then having someone come up and say they actually didn’t have any of that. the kitchen staff was yelling at the waiters, and the poor waiters looked so stressed out. again, tyler k. was absolutely amazing and for being so young and having to deal with such uncomfortable conversations to guests about how nothing was in stock, he gets a 10/10 from me. kitchen staff should be nicer to the waiters, management should plan for busy nights especially on a saturday evening, and the bar should be better staffed so we don’t have to wait over an hour to get a jameson on the rocks.

So glad Ellensburg got a place like this! We live in Oregon but come here to visit my family and we’re not disappointed with Basalt. Great wine selection! Food was very good. I think it will take time to train staff for being more knowledgeable about the menu and wine lists, but I’m hopeful they’ll get better with time. We will probably go there every time we are in town. Hope to try the rooftop bar, it was closed due to wind (of course) the day we went.

I live in Ellensburg and recently tried out Basalt for the first time. I almost felt a little out of place at such a fancy ritzy restaurant, good thing I dressed for the occasion! The service was very attentive and outstanding. I applaud and thank the staff, the restaurant was busy yet we had all we needed. It was almost like the bartender had telepathy or something. Food and drinks were amazing! Seriously amazing. Rack of lamb was incredibly tender. I think i’ll have to be back !