Mule & Elk Brewing — Restaurant in Cle Elum

We were in Cle Elem to do our meat run at Owens meats before winter set in. Planning on going to Smokey’s bbq but unfortunately it was no longer open. Did a quick Google and came up with this place. Really exceeded my expectations since I didn’t even know they existed, the space was comfortable with a nice outdoor area in better weather ( did have an outdoor gas heater if that’s your thing) and the beer was good. Since we had to drive back home we just had one beer but they had tasters which would have been nice to try more than one kind But the tacos!!! I had just come back from Tucson so I kinda know good tacos. They were so yummy , street taco size but with loads of filling . They had chicken tinga, birria, and quesabirria and they were all very good. Would definitely come back to eat...

What a great find in Cle Elum!!

Pros: 1.) Their own beers are very solid. Not maybe world class but very good. And they only seem to make a few, which is a good thing. So many breweries attempt to make too many varieties and end up with watery beers or underwhelming beer. These are very nice. We liked the Warrior 2.0 IPA.

2.) They have a nice selection of a few guest beers and ciders. They only had one cider during our visit but it was good.

3.) TACOS! Very tasty tacos!! Their other food looked good too but we didn’t try anything else. We had both the chicken and the quesabirria tacos, and both were very good. Excellent actually.

4.) Nice outdoor area with a real-wood fire pit.

Cons: None really come to mind other than you have to get to Cle Elum.

Give this...

Mule & Elk Brewing is an absolute gem in Cle Elum. The staff here are amazing—so friendly, accommodating, and genuinely great people. Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first time in, they make you feel right at home.

Trivia nights are always a fun time, and the whole place has a relaxed, welcoming vibe that’s great for families and friends. The food is seriously incredible—those birria tacos are on another level! And of course, the beer selection is top-notch with something for everyone.

The outdoor seating area is perfect, and the central location makes it a go-to hangout spot. Just a really great local place to kick back, enjoy some great brews, and connect with good people....