New restaurant in Maple Falls wants you to put it in your mouth hole

Mouth Hole partners Jesse Owen and Jessi Benson. Photo by Louise Mugar.

If you’re looking for a new dining experience on your way up to Baker, it’s worthwhile stopping in Maple Falls again. The people at Mt. Baker Mouth Hole will be happy to serve you with a smile and a cold one.

Partners Jesse Owen and Jessi Benson opened the doors in the fall and word of mouth has been traveling fast.

Owen, who has 20 years’ experience in the food business, says he wanted a restaurant that was “a little brash, something outside of the box. People should go out for the experience, not to get what you could have at home.”

But why the name Mt. Baker Mouth Hole? Owen said he had originally planned to do a cookbook featuring his own recipes, food so good “…you would want to put in your mouth hole.” At that point, he figured he might as well go whole hog, open up a restaurant and give it directly to people. The idea changed, the name stayed the same. Speaking of hog – in the future, the two want to offer food events such as pig roasts and concerts.

All the food is made from scratch – stone-ground pesto, organic salads, hand-pressed hamburgers and pub-style seasoned buns. The two aim for classic modern food with a twist. Above all, consistency in quality and presentation is the goal, he says.

The Sasquatch theme runs through the menu and restaurant. Growing up in the area, Benson remembers how kids would always have the Sasquatch in the back of their minds whenever they went into the woods. Made with marinated prawns and mini-meatballs, the Sasquatch Bloody Mary would probably satisfy even the real creature. It’s a meal in itself.

Located in the middle of Maple Falls, Mt. Baker Mouth Hole is open 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday, until 11 p.m., Friday – Saturday and until 7 p.m. on Sunday. Closed on Monday. Give it a try.