In the 60s, the rail road company moved about 20 miles to Wenatchee. Losing its largest, and probably the only, employer, this city was to become another rail road ghost town. The mayor went to Solvang, CA, and the new Leavenworth was born.
What exactly is Bavarian, I mean, as a theme for a city?
The mountain setting, similarity in climate, architectural style, murals on the walls, town center, street signs, authentically brewed beers, bratwursts, pretzels, and all the German styled foods. And, of course, Bavarian attired serving staff. It worked! Leavenworth is now a thriving tourist destination. In the winter time, it is supposed to be a ski resort serving several slopes nearby. But this year, strangely, it is a destination for Seattleites seeking sunshine on the other side of the Cascade. People were literally sun bathing in Leavenworth, ice cream cone in hand.
On your way to Leavenworth, or Steven Pass, from Seattle, you must pass the city of Monroe. Not much to see, keep on driving. But just out of the town on highway 2, look out for two school buses parked on the other side of the rail road. That’s the Old School BBQ. It will be wise to arrange your trip so that you can have a meal there. (We skipped the reptile museum and the espresso stand, on the same parking lot.) What I yelped:
The host greets you from the window. Her Texan accent wins you over. Then you see the smoker emitting aroma that envelops you. Your saliva started to flow. Hmm, this is a good start!
But which to order? 4-meat combo it is. The brisket is as advertised to be tender, juicy, and flavorful. The ribs were heavily smoky that I can smell in 4 hours after I have eaten there. The pull pork was good. The sausage kind of average. There were three kinds of sauces and all good, but I like the original spicy best.
This place managed to thrive as a permanent food truck, from two school buses, on a parking lot with the “Reptile Museum” that is out of no where. Talk about low over-head. If you are on your way to Stevens Pass or near Monroe, this is a must-eat.
Of course, just for those BBQ enthusiasts