The Happy Wanderer Urban Mexican — Restaurant in College Place

Stepping into The Happy Wanderer felt like crossing the threshold into a vibrant small town in Mexico. The colorful decorations dangling from the ceiling and a stunning mural on the back wall created an immersive atmosphere that sparked excitement for the meal ahead. This lively setting set the perfect stage for a memorable dining experience, and the food delivered with flavors that transported me straight to the heart of Mexican cuisine. The mole chicken enchiladas were the centerpiece of my meal. The mole sauce was rich and complex, weaving together earthy notes—perhaps a hint of chili or cocoa—with a subtle spiciness that warmed the palate without overpowering it. A slightly heavy hand with the salt nudged the balance just off, but the depth of flavor kept the dish captivating. For those who enjoy a touch of heat, these enchiladas are a must-try. The whole pinto beans were a revelation, pairing beautifully with the enchiladas. Their robust, earthy flavor and perfect texture—neither too mushy nor too firm—brought me back to a bustling marketplace in Mexico from a teenage trip. I could almost see myself savoring a simple bowl of beans among the vibrant stalls, the flavors transporting me to that joyful moment of discovery. This nostalgic connection made the beans a standout, complementing the mole’s richness to create a harmonious balance. The rice, while well-prepared, was less remarkable, serving as a neutral side that didn’t distract but didn’t add much excitement either. A sprinkle of herbs or a zest of citrus might have elevated it further. The thin, crispy corn tortilla chips brought a delightful crunch to the table, with a pure corn flavor that shone through. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a salsa, they added a satisfying textural contrast to the softer elements of the meal. The horchata with coconut milk was nearly a highlight, offering a refreshing, not-too-sweet take on the classic drink. The coconut milk added a creamy, tropical note that paired perfectly with the spicy mole and earthy beans, making it an ideal palate cleanser. However, the shredded coconut shavings detracted from the experience. They settled quickly to the bottom, requiring constant stirring before each sip through the straw. Worse, the shavings lingered in the mouth after swallowing, mixing unpleasantly with other foods and adding unnecessary effort to an otherwise delightful drink. Without the shavings, the horchata would have been near perfection. Overall, The Happy Wanderer delivered a vibrant and flavorful experience that captured the spirit of Mexican cuisine. The lively atmosphere, with its colorful décor and mural, made every moment feel like a mini-vacation. The beans, in particular, were a nostalgic highlight, evoking memories of a Mexican marketplace. While a lighter touch on the salt in the mole and omitting the coconut shavings in the horchata would elevate the experience, the core flavors of the beans, chips, and horchata were exceptional. I’d recommend The Happy Wanderer to anyone craving authentic Mexican flavors in a warm, welcoming setting—especially those who love a well-crafted horchata with a hint of spice and a side of nostalgia. I’m eager to return for another taste of this delightful gem, perhaps with a simpler...

I have watched The Happy Wanderer evolve since its opening. This place is the kind of restaurant we need more of in the world. They strive to use fresh, local ingredients. They have a diverse and accessible menu, which honors tradition while exploring new options. The people really care about everyone they serve. My young daughter loves the experience as well, including going to say hi to Happy the Burrito.

One time they made a mistake and added onions to something I ordered without onions. They personally communicated that they called a meeting with all the staff to talk about being careful about the details, and they offered to cover our whole next meal there (I thought that was overkill, so Ideclined). It just goes to show how much they care.

I will say that this restaurant is not what everyone expects Mexican food to be. By that I mean they don’t serve huge quantities of cheap ingredients. They’re not fast food, though their prep is pretty quick. They care about the culinary experience, which can be surprising to customers who just want cheap beans/cheese/tortillas—so if that’s you this might not be your jam.

I’d say, even if it is you, this would be a great restaurant to try expanding your horizons. Just talk to the folks there about what you want to try and I know they’ll...

I was hesitant to try this place. Let me assure you that this place is absolutely amazing. The menu is a little bit difficult for me to understand. It took several explanations for me to finally figure out what they were trying to tell me. If you are a plant-based or a vegan this is a fantastic place to come. I had one of the bowls. So if you get balls which is what I got. The bulls come with rice and beans and lettuce. In addition to that you have your choice of several different toppings. Just to be clear that's to be placed on top of the rice and beans. I guess I was a little slow. But I wanted to make sure that you understood how it worked. I put mushrooms on top of the rice and beans. Let me tell you it was amazing. The portion size was very generous. The guacamole was amazing we got two orders of it we also got two orders of the chips. They were not way too salty and they were the best chips I've ever had. They make them in house. The staff was very friendly. The restaurant and Cook station was very clean. They give you extra condiments in a condiment bar in the main part of the restaurant. This is an absolute Jewel. I strongly recommend going here and tasting their food. You will not be...