The Only Pie Worth Pulling Off I-90 For: A Visit to Twede's Cafe

If you've driven the entire I-90, you deserve a reward. Forget the fancy farm-to-table joints; I'm talking about a spiritual, nostalgic, perfectly executed slice of Americana. I'm talking about the Damn Fine Cherry Pie at Twede's Cafe in North Bend, Washington.

Twin Peaks and the Birth of a Legend

Twede's Cafe occupies a unique place in American pop culture. As the real-life Double R Diner featured in David Lynch's iconic television series Twin Peaks, it has become a pilgrimage site for fans of the show. But the cafe's fame extends far beyond television—it's a genuine institution that has served Washington travelers for generations.

The story begins in 1946 when Floyd and Doris Twede purchased what was then a small roadside cafe. They renamed it Twede's Cafe, and over the decades, it evolved into the quintessential Pacific Northwest diner. The cafe's appearance in Twin Peaks (as the Double R Diner) cemented its place in popular culture, but its real legacy lies in the quality of its food and service.

The Pie Philosophy

At Twede's, pie isn't just dessert—it's a culinary philosophy. The cafe serves over a dozen varieties daily, each made from scratch using traditional techniques passed down through generations. But the cherry pie stands above all others as the signature achievement.

The Crust: A Masterclass in Flakiness

Twede's crust represents the pinnacle of American pie-making. Made with a proprietary blend of flour, butter, and just enough water to bring it together, the crust achieves that elusive balance of tenderness and structure. It's rolled thin but maintains enough substance to support the generous filling.

The crimping technique—those perfectly even flutes around the edge—speaks to decades of practice. Each pie is hand-crimped, ensuring no two are exactly alike but all achieve the same level of perfection.

The Filling: Cherry Perfection

The cherry filling is a masterpiece of balance. Fresh cherries (when in season) or preserved cherries (during the off-season) are cooked with exactly the right amount of sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. The result is a filling that's neither too sweet nor too tart—perfectly balanced to let the natural cherry flavor shine through.

What elevates Twede's cherry pie above others is the texture. The filling maintains just enough chunkiness to remind you of real fruit, while the cornstarch provides the ideal thickness. It's not runny, not gelatinous—just perfect.

The Ice Cream Union

Ordering the cherry pie à la mode transforms it into something transcendent. Twede's vanilla ice cream is made in-house using a custard base that results in exceptional richness and smoothness. When it melts into the warm pie, it creates a symphony of temperatures and textures that's nothing short of magical.

Beyond the Pie: A Complete Dining Experience

While the pie rightfully dominates the conversation, Twede's offers a complete menu that reflects Pacific Northwest sensibilities.

Breakfast Excellence

Twede's all-day breakfast menu is a tribute to the region's logging and outdoor heritage. Flapjacks are light and fluffy, made with a batter that's been perfected over decades. The hash browns are crispy on the outside, tender within, and the bacon achieves that perfect balance of chewiness and crispiness.

Lunch and Dinner Options

The lunch menu features classic diner fare with a Pacific Northwest twist. The tuna melt uses local albacore, the BLT showcases Washington's famous bacon, and the club sandwich is a towering monument to the form.

The Coffee Ritual

No visit to Twede's is complete without a "damn fine cup of coffee." The coffee is fresh, hot, and served in thick ceramic mugs that retain heat perfectly. It's the kind of coffee that warms you from the inside out, perfect for Washington mornings or evenings.

The Cultural Phenomenon

Twede's has achieved a level of cultural significance that transcends its role as a restaurant. The cafe has become a touchstone for Pacific Northwest identity, representing the region's blend of rugged individualism and community spirit.

Twin Peaks Legacy

The cafe's appearance in Twin Peaks has created a unique cultural phenomenon. Fans of the show make pilgrimages to North Bend specifically to visit Twede's, often ordering the cherry pie while discussing their favorite episodes. The cafe has embraced this legacy, maintaining a section of Twin Peaks memorabilia that includes photos from the show's production.

Local Tradition

For locals, Twede's represents continuity and tradition. Families bring their children, introducing them to the same dishes their parents enjoyed. The cafe has become a repository of local history, with regulars who have been coming for decades.

The I-90 Context

Twede's location just off Exit 31 of I-90 makes it the perfect reward for cross-country travelers. The cafe provides a moment of respite from the highway, offering comfort food that nourishes both body and soul.

The journey to Twede's often begins with the dramatic descent from Snoqualmie Pass, where I-90 crosses the Cascade Mountains. After navigating the steep grades and tight curves, Twede's represents a well-earned rest stop. The cafe's warm interior and hearty food provide the perfect counterpoint to the rugged beauty outside.

Seasonal Evolution

Twede's menu evolves with the seasons, reflecting Washington's agricultural bounty. Spring brings rhubarb pies made from local stalks. Summer explodes with berry varieties using Washington's famous fruits. Fall showcases apple and pumpkin pies made from regional orchards. Winter brings comfort pies like pecan and pumpkin.

This seasonal approach ensures that Twede's remains relevant year-round, offering something special for every visit.

The Community Impact

Twede's extends beyond its role as a restaurant to serve as a community hub. The cafe hosts local events, supports regional charities, and maintains relationships with local farmers and suppliers. This commitment to community has made Twede's more than a business—it's an institution.

Craftsmanship and Tradition

What truly sets Twede's apart is the level of craftsmanship that goes into every dish. Nothing is rushed, nothing is compromised. The pie crusts are rolled by hand, the fillings are stirred with care, and every plate receives personal attention.

This commitment to quality has created a standard that other restaurants aspire to. Twede's proves that excellence isn't about innovation—it's about perfecting the fundamentals.

The Visitor Experience

A visit to Twede's follows a predictable but delightful pattern:

1. The Approach: The unassuming exterior gives way to the warm interior.
2. The Ordering: Careful consideration of the pie selection (though cherry usually wins).
3. The Anticipation: The wait for your pie, filled with the aromas of baking.
4. The Moment: That first bite, where perfection is achieved.
5. The Reflection: A moment of contentment before returning to the road.

Practical Information

Location: 45007 SE North Bend Way, North Bend, WA 98045 Hours: 6 AM - 9 PM daily Price Range: $5-15 for pies, $8-20 for meals Reservations: Not accepted—expect a wait during peak hours Parking: Ample parking in the large lot

The Lasting Appeal

Twede's Cafe endures because it represents something timeless. In a world of fast food and food trends, Twede's offers consistency, quality, and authenticity. The cherry pie isn't just dessert—it's a reminder of what great food can be when it's made with care and served with pride.

For I-90 travelers, Twede's represents the perfect blend of journey and destination. It's not just a stop along the way—it's a destination worth the detour. In the vast landscape of American road food, Twede's stands as a beacon of excellence.

Cross-Country Connections

Twede's fits perfectly into the I-90 culinary narrative. Coming from the east, it provides a fitting conclusion to the Washington portion of the journey. Heading west, it serves as an introduction to the Pacific Northwest's culinary heritage.

The cafe connects with other I-90 institutions, creating a network of memorable stops. From the craft beer havens of Bozeman to the spice of Missoula's M-80 Chicken, Twede's represents the comforting, familiar side of the highway experience.

The Pie as Metaphor

Twede's cherry pie serves as a metaphor for the American road trip itself. It's sweet but not cloying, with enough tartness to keep things interesting. The flaky crust represents the journey—delicate but structured—while the filling embodies the destination: rich, complex, and deeply satisfying.

In many ways, Twede's isn't just serving pie—it's serving memories. Every slice connects the present moment to generations of travelers who have found comfort in this unassuming cafe.

Future Generations

Twede's commitment to quality ensures its longevity. The cafe continues to train new generations in the art of pie-making, preserving techniques that might otherwise be lost. This commitment to tradition while adapting to modern needs guarantees that Twede's will continue to serve "damn fine" pie for generations to come.

Final Slice

Twede's Cafe and its legendary cherry pie represent the best of American culinary tradition. In a food landscape dominated by trends and techniques, Twede's proves that excellence lies in mastery of the fundamentals. The pie isn't just food—it's a celebration of craft, community, and the simple pleasure of a job well done.

For anyone traveling I-90, Twede's is more than a restaurant—it's a destination. It's proof that the most memorable meals aren't found in the biggest cities or trendiest restaurants, but in the unassuming places that have perfected their craft over decades.

If you're driving I-90 through Washington, do yourself a favor: take Exit 31. Your taste buds—and your soul—will thank you. The damn fine cherry pie awaits, and it's worth every mile of the journey.