Smoke & Cedar at Muckleshoot Casino Resort Earns 2026 Wine Spectator Restaurant Award

Auburn, WA (June 30, 2026) — Smoke & Cedar, perched atop the 19^th floor of Muckleshoot Casino Resort has been honored for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2026 Restaurant Awards, which celebrate the world’s best restaurants for wine.

“The restaurant industry is rapidly transforming as diners become more selective about when, how and what they drink. As wine drinkers grow more mindful, restaurants are adapting with creative wine programs,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Chairman and CEO, Wine Spectator. “Congratulations to the 4,012 restaurants that earned a Restaurant Award and continue to elevate the wine experience for guests around the world. We raise a glass to your success.”

“At Smoke & Cedar, we believe a great wine program should do more than accompany a meal—it should elevate the entire experience,” said Sam Askew, Executive Director of Resorts at Muckleshoot Casino Resort. “This recognition from Wine Spectator is a testament to the passion, expertise, and attention to detail our culinary and beverage teams bring to every guest interaction. We are proud to continue raising the bar for fine dining and hospitality in the Pacific Northwest.”

Launched in 1981, the Restaurant Awards recognize excellence in restaurant wine service across three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award, with 2,083, 1,830, and 99 winners this year in each respective category.

Smoke & Cedar has won the Award of Excellence which recognizes restaurants whose wine lists offer at least 75 selections and feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.

Wine Spectator’s special Restaurant Awards issue is available on newsstands on July 21st.

Follow Wine Spectator on Instagram (@wine_spectator) and use hashtag #WSRestaurantAwards for posts about this year's awards. WineSpectator.com/Restaurants also features coverage of winners, interviews with leading wine directors, wine picks and pairing tips from sommeliers at award-winning programs. In the Restaurant Search, all winners can be searched by name, location, award level, cuisine, wine specialties and pricing. Winners are also profiled in the free Restaurant Awards app, available for iPhone and iPad users.

About Wine Spectator

Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches around 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the Web’s most comprehensive wine site (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms and a series of signature events. Wine Spectator examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews. Parent company M. Shanken Communications, Inc., also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily and Shanken’s Impact Newsletter.

About Smoke & Cedar

Smoke & Cedar is Muckleshoot Casino Resort's award-winning rooftop steakhouse, located on the 19th floor and showcasing the finest flavors of the Pacific Northwest. Known for its exceptional steaks, fresh seafood, extensive wine program, and panoramic views, Smoke & Cedar delivers a refined dining experience that celebrates regional ingredients and culinary craftsmanship. Honored as Newsweek's #1 Best Casino Steakhouse in America in 2026, Smoke & Cedar continues to set the standard for fine dining in the Pacific Northwest, offering guests an unforgettable combination of world-class cuisine, impeccable service, and spectacular scenery. Muckleshootcasino.com/smokecedar

About Muckleshoot Casino Resort

Muckleshoot Casino Resort, known as the "Biggest and Best in the Northwest," offers an unmatched experience that blends luxury, entertainment, and comfort. Guests can unwind in one of 401 beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites, take in the serenity of the indoor pool, rejuvenate at the full-service labcəbut spa, or savor exceptional cuisine at the rooftop steakhouse, Smoke & Cedar—featuring sweeping views of Mt. Rainier, the Olympic Mountain range, and the Seattle skyline. As one of Washington’s premier casino destinations, Muckleshoot Casino Resort features the state’s largest selection of games, including over 3,400 gaming machines, 67 table games, and one of the largest smoke-free gaming rooms in the region. Dining options span the globe, taking guests on a culinary adventure, while the Muckleshoot Events Center and Galaxy deliver world-class entertainment year-round. Visitors also enjoy thoughtful amenities like complimentary valet service, Wi-Fi, covered parking, and free electric vehicle charging stations—ensuring every stay is as convenient as it is unforgettable. Muckleshootcasino.com

Contact:
Muckleshoot Casino Resort

Robert Dearstine, Chief Marketing Officer
Phone: 800.804.4944 ext. 2011
Email: robert.dearstine@muckleshootcasino.com