
Smoke & Cedar at Muckleshoot Casino Resort has been named the No. 1 best casino steakhouse in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Polls, earning national recognitionfrom diners across the country.
Located on the 19th floor of the resort, Smoke & Cedar is known for its Pacific Northwest focused menu.
“Winning the best casino steakhouse award is an incredible honor for Smoke & Cedar. Our team takes pride in crafting an unforgettable dining experience pairing locally sourced ingredients premium meats and seafood and exceptional service with the breathtaking views of Mount Rainier. This recognition reflects our commitment to excellence and our passion for creating a destination where every guest feels truly special. Most importantly, it honors the strength of our Tribal heritage and the dedication of our people, reminding us that every achievement is rooted in our traditions and community.”
— Junior Maldonado, Chief Operating Officer
The 2026 recognition builds on recent praises for Smoke & Cedar. The restaurant was named best steakhouse in 2024 and best fine dining in 2025 in The Seattle Times Best in the Pacific Northwest People’s Choice Awards, reflecting continued excellence and consistency from the culinary and service teams.
Smoke & Cedar’s success also contributes to the community. Revenue from the resort supports Tribal programs like education, health care, housing and cultural preservation while helping fund regional philanthropic efforts from schools to first responders and local nonprofits. Dinner at Smoke & Cedar is not just a night out. It is part of how the Tribe uplifts the community and sustains a legacy of giving back.

It's been a long, frustrating hassle for Tribal members, students, workers, or anyone trying to come to Muckleshoot — or go home — over the White River Bridge on State Route 410 between Buckley and Enumclaw.

Muckleshoot and Tribes from around the region danced, drummed, sang, and celebrated over 3 days at the Skopabsh Powwow in late August.

In June, Muckleshoot witnessed the graduation of 42 Muckleshoot Tribal Members with college degrees and 134 Muckleshoot Tribal Members who earned their technical education and vocational certificates.

Muckleshoot celebrated its Warrior traditions and veterans service with Tribes from around the region at the 2025 Veterans Powwow last month. Photos courtesy of Danielle Wilcox.
The Muckleshoot Messenger is a Tribal publication created by the Muckleshoot Office of Media Services. Tribal community members and Tribal employees are welcome to submit items to the newspaper such as news, calendar items, photos, poems, and artwork.