the-old-3

Discover the History Behind The Old #3

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 08:23:53 GMT

Few restaurants can say their story began alongside one of Washington State's most important coal mines.

The Old #3 proudly carries the name of Mine No. 3, one of the most productive mines in the historic Roslyn coal fields. Established in the late 1800s, the mine played a vital role in supplying coal to the Northern Pacific Railroad, helping power steam locomotives and supporting the rapid growth of communities throughout the Pacific Northwest.

The town of Ronald itself was established to support the miners and their families, creating a close-knit community built on hard work, perseverance, and resilience.

The restaurant's own history is equally remarkable. Originally built at the turn of the twentieth century, The Old #3 was rebuilt in 1937 after a devastating fire destroyed much of Ronald. Since then, it has remained a constant presence in the community, serving generations of locals while welcoming visitors from across the region.

The Old #3 also holds a unique place in American food history. Shortly after World War II, it became one of the first places where Oberto's original pepperoni—produced nearby in Cle Elum—was sold commercially, adding another chapter to its rich local heritage.

Today, visitors come not only for hearty meals and friendly service but also to experience a piece of Washington history. The restaurant stands as a reminder of the miners, families, and community members whose stories shaped Ronald into what it is today.

While the coal mines have long since closed, their legacy continues to live on within these walls—through historic photographs, the famous hat collection, and the welcoming spirit that has defined The Old #3 for generations.

Every guest who walks through our doors becomes part of that continuing story, helping preserve a tradition that has been at the heart of Ronald for more than a century.

Why The Old #3 Has Been a Community Gathering Place for Generations

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 08:19:17 GMT

The best restaurants offer more than great food—they create a place where people feel welcome.

For generations, The Old #3 has been exactly that for the community of Ronald and the surrounding Upper Kittitas County area. Long before it became a destination for travelers exploring Cle Elum Lake or Roslyn, it was where neighbors gathered over breakfast, families celebrated milestones, and friends came together after long days at work.

Today, that same welcoming atmosphere continues to define who we are.

Families appreciate our dedicated dining room where everyone can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a relaxed setting. Friends gather in our rustic sports bar to watch the big game on large-screen TVs while enjoying hearty comfort food and cold drinks. Outdoor enthusiasts stop in after hiking, camping, fishing, trail riding, or snowmobiling to refuel before heading home.

Our guests come from all walks of life, but they all have one thing in common—they're looking for a place where good food is paired with genuine hospitality.

It's this sense of community that has kept The Old #3 thriving through generations of change. We've watched families grow, welcomed returning visitors year after year, and built friendships that extend far beyond the dining room.

Whether you're visiting Ronald for the first time or you've been coming here your entire life, our goal remains the same: to make every guest feel like they're part of the family.

Because at The Old #3, you're never just another customer. You're part of our story.

The Legacy of the Hat Tradition

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 08:14:06 GMT

The Old #3 has been part of Ronald's story for generations, and along the way, it's become home to countless traditions. One of the most memorable was the collection of hats that reflected the people, history, and community that have always been at the heart of this iconic establishment.

A Tribute to Ronald's Mining Roots

When Mine No. 3 and the surrounding coal operations closed in 1963, many miners left behind their hard hats as they moved on from an industry that had shaped both their lives and the town itself. It was a simple gesture that honored years of hard work, lifelong friendships, and the close-knit community they helped build.

In the years that followed, guests added to the tradition, leaving hats that represented their own connection to The Old #3. What began with the miners gradually became a unique part of the restaurant's history, with each hat telling a story of someone who had shared in its hospitality.

A Tradition Remembered

Although the hats are no longer part of the restaurant's décor, they remain an important chapter in The Old #3's story. They represent the generations of miners, locals, travelers, and regulars who helped shape the character of this historic gathering place.

Today, that legacy lives on not through the hats themselves, but through the spirit they represented—a welcoming place where people come together, share stories, and create memories. It's that enduring sense of community, rooted in Ronald's mining heritage, that continues to make The Old #3 a favorite destination for both longtime locals and first-time visitors.