Prusik Kitchen + Bar — Restaurant in Leavenworth

Context is essential for the merit of this review. It is astonishing when we meet someone who has exemplary grace embodied in care and human dignity within them that they completely alter the course of an evening that began in emotional disaster but ended in ultimate joy. I'm speaking of my server Sam. On October 20th I traveled to Leavenworth. This was a dream come true. I had stayed in Seattle two days before. I wanted to see this part of the country especially the mountains before I die which will not be long from now due to a recurrence of brain cancer. After arriving to gorgeous Leavenworth I stopped into an establishment a couple of doors down from this particular restaurant. I did not know what I was walking into and there was a local crowd and as I have found out subsequently from several people at the hotel where I was staying it is a rough crowd. I am not an attractive man because of what this disease has done to me and I am also gay but not overtly. I had asked if I could see a menu and the bartender told me that they don't serve food. Knowing that I would be in town for a few more days I asked if they would serve food any other time of the week and I was told no. I knew this was a blatant lie. I did not use those words or cuss or raise my voice but I simply said then why do you have menus and I said I don't believe you. At this point I was called a derogatory name for gay men that begins with f and ends in t. I was told I was not welcome and to leave. I was crushed. Not that I can't handle it but in my profession where I have been a practitioner for mental health I am all too aware that the leading cause for most people who take their own lives are teenagers who do not feel any sense of welcome to the human race due to sexual orientation. I walked out and I came to the realization that I was naive to think that just because I am dying that my trip would be perfect bucket list excursion. I didn't know where I was going but I walked into this restaurant. Sam asked if I was ready to order and I said I'm not even sure that I am staying. She sensed something was wrong and she gently prompted me with just a couple of questions opening an invitation for me to speak of what had occurred moments ago elsewhere. Sam's genuine empathy came from her heart. She is not a server that was acting a part hoping for a nice gratuity although she did get one. She cared and she made my evening splendid. There were so many little details where she exceeded anything I could have expected including a wonderful complimentary tiramisu. She also gave me a piece of paper where she wrote down six different places that she hoped I would enjoy and visit in the area while in town. I would be stunned if this establishment did not already recognize how exceptional she is therefore I would like my review to simply be an additional bonus awareness to what is already known about this very fine extraordinary woman. The focaccia bread and the tomato paste are worth flying back to from New England. And of course to see Sam's genuine smile. The establishment is immaculately clean with beautiful lighting and decor creating an ambiance of serenity. This is a complete opposition of what I had experienced two doors down earlier. I am beyond grateful for the existence of this place that restored my respect and admiration for beautiful Leavenworth....

I have eaten at Prusik for dinner and brunch multiple times, and I have yet to be disappointed. For dinner, I tend to pick from the Trailhead portion of the menu. I always go for the Kebab's -- big fan of the Chimichurri.

The potatoes and salads during brunch or dinner have also yet to fail me. The Smashed Potatoes and Parm Truffle Fries are tasty and come in large portions. They also reheat very well in the oven if/when you cannot eat them all and want to take them home.

I haven't had a lot of drinks there, but I definitely enjoyed the most recent cocktail that I had. I cannot remember its name, but I know that it had Chai and complimented the chocolate cake incredibly well.

Speaking of dessert, I long for the day that Prusik's dessert menu features a passion fruit coulis again. I LOVED LOVED LOVED their Vanilla Panna Cotta ft. Passion Fruit Coulis, but they took that dessert off their menu (weeps in *Seasonal, subject to change disclaimer from their menu). I am seasonally lurking on the menu waiting for the passionfruit coulis to make its comeback.

Other things of note: Service has always been a treat, noise levels will depend on the time of day (there can be some really lovely quiet time in there), and the stools are not my favorite (would avoid if wearing shorts and your...

It was a rough Monday night at Prusik. Cannot blame our server as she had the entire dining room by herself and seemed somewhat new.

Host had to be pointed out a table that was open when he said there was a wait. Drinks arrived somewhat promptly.

Appetizers were okay the cauliflower had a good flavor and maybe was the best dish of the night. The Thai wings (server brought them and said “thigh wings” come on now) were just fish sauce and maybe honey. Not great flavor, slaw was basic and no dipping sauce.

Entrees were a real struggle, server didn’t realize some of us didn’t have our plates yet. Burger presentation left a LOT to be desired, use a smaller plate or give more fries. Ingall burger was entirely different than was mentioned on menu, no arugula (just a normal sad burger bar lettuce piece), no fried jalapeños, no habanero jam. Fries were soggy and looked incredibly sad. Side salad for veggie burger had chocolate shavings on it which is bizarre but honestly kind of good?

Pizzas were fine, though those in my party that had had them before said they weren’t as good as previous times.

Just a not great experience overall and I’m not sure if we’d go back. We love Larch and used to love Wildflower so...