Western Prince Whale Watching

Written by Elah
on May 17, 2023

The Food That Fuels Us: San Juan Island

The Food That Fuels Us: San Juan Island

If you’re thinking of joining one of our whale watching tours you might also be thinking, “how much time should I spend on the island?” A valid question. In this series we’ll explore what to do, where to go and what to eat on San Juan Island. In this first installment we’ll start with the food the fuels us.

San Juan Island, located in the heart of the Salish Sea and roughly 90 miles north of Seattle, is one of the more picturesque places in the country, dare we say the world. If you enjoy natural splendor, walks and talks, delicious food and abundant wildlife, it might be worth carving out a little extra time in your vacation. For a small island community, there’s a wide variety of places to eat for a quick bite or a long meal.

If you’re joining us on the weekend, make sure to stop by the San Juan Island Farmers Market, which offers fresh produce, locally made crafts and an assortment of quick bites. It’s a great spot to chat and mingle and there’s often live music. If you’re staying in town there are a lot of spots within walking distance of the ferry landing.

A local favorite is Mike’s Cafe and Wine Bar . This hidden gem is a delicious spot for plant based meals and wide variety of wines, beer and cider. The cozy restaurant opens up onto a garden patio as the weather is warm to enjoy drinks and cuisine outdoors.

San Juan Island Brewery is a family friendly alehouse with pub fare and occasionally live music. There are plenty of outdoor events held here in the summer time so be sure to check out their events page as we head into summer!
For lots of local gatherings, Ever Else is a cafe with live music and natural wines in a large craftsman house with an accompanying wine garden just minute from the ferry terminal.

For a longer sit down meal with a view of the harbor be sure to make a reservation at Downriggers. Known for their rotating cocktail menu and seafood it’s a lovely place to warmup after a day on the water.

If you’re interested in a more casual atmosphere, you can grab some fish and chips at Friday’s Crabhouse and watch the ferries come and go. The Crabhouse is entirely outdoor so no matter where you sit you’ll have an excellent view.

Another local town favorite is The Market Chef. This gourmet deli in Friday Harbor offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and other prepared foods made with local and organic ingredients. There’s limited seating out front and a small back patio if you want to stay a bit longer.

For a special sit down dinner, check out Coho Restaurant, featuring farm to table Pacific Northwest cuisine with a French twist. The menu changes frequently and includes locally sourced seafood, meat, and produce.

If you’re venturing outside the main town there are a few delicious restaurants worth your time.

Duck Soup Inn is a fine dining restaurant about a ten minute drive outside the main town. Their specialty is duck, however they offer a wide variety of choices to suit anyone’s palette. The inn is situated on a lake with a stunning canopy of trees ensconced in twinkle lights.

One of the loveliest places to spend a sunny afternoon is Westcott Bay Shellfish Co. Make sure to make a reservation to secure your picnic table situated along the waterfront of this working shellfish farm. Here you can shuck your own oysters, but or buy them grilled in one of their signature sauces.

Lastly, if you’re headed to Roche Harbor, The Madrona Bar and Grill is known for its scenic waterfront location, casual atmosphere, and delicious food. It’s one of the best places on the island to enjoy a vivid sunset.

There are many reasons to come to San Juan Island; the whales, the wildlife and the scenery, but make sure you give yourself enough time to stay and enjoy the food.

 

Written by Elah
on May 17, 2023

The Food That Fuels Us: San Juan Island

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