-
$ | |
Just across Port Washington Narrows (via the Manette Bridge) from downtown, this unassuming, almost industrial-looking space is helmed by James Beard Foundation award semi-finalist Matt Tinder, who draws folks from throughout the Puget Sound region with his artisan baked goods. Breads, sandwiches, and sweets are all exquisite, including harissa-tofu sandwiches, Swiss herb quiche, and coconut tropezienne (a flaky brioche with coconut custard filling). Because Saboteur produces different breads and sweets depending on the day, it's best to phone ahead if you're craving a particular item.
2110 E. 11th St., Bremerton, Washington, 98310, USA
Known For
- Sandwiches filled with seasonal greens and produce
- Espresso drinks made with Stumptown Coffee
- To-die-for pastries
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Thurs. No dinner
-
$ | |
Rhyme it with "pies" and you'll sound like a local when you enter the town's most famous bakery, a fixture since the early 1900s. Gorgeous Norwegian pastries, braided bread, and lefse (traditional round flatbread) line the shelves. There's only strong coffee and milk to drink, and there are no seats, but you can grab a bench along busy Front Street or take your goodies to the waterfront at Liberty Bay Park.
18924 Front St., Poulsbo, Washington, 98370, USA
Known For
- Colorfully decorated cookies
- Scandinavian pastries from old family recipes
- Tasty frosted doughnuts
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
-
$$ | |
This bustling, casual spot along Tacoma's colorful 6th Avenue strip serves remarkably authentic and absolutely delicious soul food. In the morning, regulars swing by for heaping plates of chicken-fried steak with grits and eggs, or homemade biscuits and gravy. Later, move on to fried catfish strips with a side of hush puppies, Texas-style hand-trimmed brisket, and hot-links sandwiches. Dinners come with corn cakes and lots of tasty sides.
1716 6th Ave., Tacoma, Washington, 98405, USA
Known For
- Rich sweet-potato pie
- Hand-battered fried catfish and butterfish
- Jalapeño hush puppies
-
$$ | |
Reasonably priced pastas and pizzas with local and seasonal ingredients, expertly crafted cocktails, a large covered sidewalk seating area, and a convenient downtown location are the hallmarks of this casually hip trattoria. Menu highlights include squid ink mezze maniche pasta (a ridged, tube-shape pasta) with shrimp, clams, pancetta, and chiles in white wine sauce, and the starter of house-made pork-beef meatballs with focaccia.
109 Grand Ave., Bellingham, Washington, 98225, USA
Known For
- Pizzas with dough created from a 1971 sourdough starter
- Made-from-scratch pastas
- Happy hour deals
-
$$$$ | |
A couple of blocks from the river on a bluff with expansive views of the village, this homey restaurant with a rustic dark-wood interior serves superb seafood, including clams steamed in white wine with smoked tomatoes and bacon, and seared sea scallops with creamed-leek risotto. There are also always a few well-prepared French-inspired classics, such as baked escargots and dry-aged rib eye with confit potatoes and foie gras–anchovy butter.
205 E. Washington St., La Conner, Washington, 98257, USA
Known For
- Extensive selection of regional oysters
- Impressive list of Washington and French wines
- Specialties like paella and Northwest fish stew
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed.
-
Recommended Fodor’s Video
-
-
$ | |
The first thing you notice inside this bustling tavern and hot-dog joint are the dozens of beer taps hanging from the ceiling, each one representing a particular ale that's been poured here. Indeed, this quirky spot is a must for beer lovers, with plenty of interesting varieties on tap and available by the bottle, but it's the dogs and brats that set Red Hot apart. The kitchen serves up the classics, like a Chicago-style beef dog topped with mustard, relish, and celery salt, as well as unusual versions, like the Hound Dog, which is slathered in peanut butter and crowned with crispy bacon. Vegan dogs are served, too.
2914 6th Ave., Tacoma, Washington, 98406, USA
Known For
- The place for German-style bratwurst
- Classic and creative hot dogs, including a vegan option
- Late-night dining
-
$ | |
This hillside neighborhood tavern just south of downtown doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's an appealing option for lunch (or weekend brunch), dinner, or cocktails, as the drinks selection is extensive and the affordable food—from tacos to tofu—far exceeds typical pub grub. Favorites include crispy pork-belly tacos with apple-cabbage slaw and tart cherries, Moroccan-style quinoa salad with harissa-agave vinaigrette and seared tofu, and a commendable Reuben on rye bread. For brunch, fill up on chorizo Benedicts or the dangerously decadent "hangover homies"—home fries topped with melted cheese, scallions, two fried eggs, and spicy cheddar sour cream.
3529 McKinley Ave., Tacoma, Washington, 98438, USA
Known For
- Sidewalk seating on warm days
- Jukebox with plenty of old-school tunes
- Some of the best sandwiches in town
-
$$$ | |
Located on the edge of downtown's lively theater district, this swanky eatery with brick walls, high-top tables, and a bar lighted by dangling Edison bulbs is the perfect go-to spot for date night. The consistently outstanding food ranges from shareable small plates of creamy burrata and garlic toast with pimento cheese to thin-crust pizzas topped with sausage and cremini mushrooms.
714 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, Washington, 98402, USA
Known For
- Festive and well-priced happy hour
- Imaginative cocktails
- Stylish yet casual vibe
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
-
$$$$ | |
Exquisite farm-to-table Pacific Northwest fare stars at this upscale, dimly lighted bistro at the foot of the harbor, next to the Harbor History Museum. Dishes like coffee-rubbed pork tenderloin with sweet-corn tamales and a honey-walnut glaze, and pan-seared black cod with roasted beets and miso reveal the deft touch and creative inspiration in the kitchen.
4107 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, Washington, 98332, USA
Known For
- Three-course prix-fixe dinners during the winter off-season
- Lighter tapas and cocktails from the "speakeasy" menu
- Summer dining on the charming side patio
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Tues. No lunch
-
$ | |
The spacious, high-ceilinged downtown branch of this local chain is steps from the Museum of Glass and other attractions. It's a great place to kick off the day with a well-crafted espresso drink and breakfast sandwich, or linger later in the day over a naan flatbread pizza.
1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, Washington, 98402, USA
Known For
- Outdoor tables on warm days
- Tall windows let in plenty of sunlight
- Craft beers and local wines
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
-
-
$$$ | |
Tucked into chic Marina Village, this handsome waterfront outpost of the popular Washington-based seafood chain has large windows opening on to a panorama of Port Gardner Bay. The specials, which change daily, might include meaty Dungeness crab, wild chinook salmon, and other sea creatures caught just offshore. Desserts are fabulous, especially those crafted from the state's succulent berries and fruits.
1726 W. Marine View Dr., Everett, Washington, 98201, USA
Known For
- Renowned clam chowder
- Weekday three-course "sunset dinners" for $30
- Superb fruit desserts
-
$$ | |
A good bet for tasty bar food or a more substantial meal before or after visiting Bremerton's museums, this stylishly rustic gastropub with varnished wood tables, ample bar seating, and exposed ducts is just a couple of blocks from the USS Turner Joy battleship. Good bets from the kitchen, which specializes in American and Pacific Islander fare, include smoked kalua pork sliders, Wagyu beef loco moco, and Polynesian-style tempura fish tacos.
232 4th St., Bremerton, Washington, 98337, USA
Known For
- Warmly lighted, convivial dining room
- Chocolate lava cake
- Extensive beer list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
-
$$ | |
Drop by this urbane, high-ceilinged gastropub with an industrial-chic vibe for anything from creative cocktails and fine wines with a few snacks to a full dinner. The menu leans toward shareable appetizers—avocado fries, sautéed haloumi cheese with dates, flatbread with crab-artichoke gratin dip—and more substantial large plates, often with Latin American and Asian influences.
919 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, Washington, 98004, USA
Known For
- Spicy laab gai (gound chicken) with lime and mint leaves
- Many wines by the glass and beers on tap
- Lemon curd ricotta cake
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
-
$ | |
It's all about the fresh and flavorful tacos at this hip little tavern with exposed brick walls, a white tile and varnished wood bar, and a light-filled upstairs seating annex—oh, and the deftly poured cocktails. The hand-pressed soft tacos are available in about 10 flavors, both meat and veggie, and are served with house-made salsas.
211 W. Holly St., Bellingham, Washington, 98225, USA
Known For
- Creative fillings like rockfish, sweet potato, and steak-and-egg
- Cocktails with premium tequila and mezcal
- Covered sidewalk seating
-
$$ | |
At this deliberately rustic waterfront eatery with impressive water views, diners share a casual, seaside camaraderie as they slurp up clam chowder, steamed clams, and mussels, plus larger plates of creatively prepared seafood grills and pastas—cioppino, chargrilled garlic prawns, and smoked-salmon linguine are some of the best bets. Sailors, who enjoy free boat moorage, arrive early for the popular weekend brunch.
101 Shore Dr., Bremerton, Washington, 98311, USA
Known For
- Expansive patio overlooking the water
- Good variety of seafood pasta dishes
- Cod fish-and-chips
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
-
-
$$ | |
An artificial cherry tree in full bloom rises over the brick-walled dining room of this superb ramen and cocktail bar on a historic block of downtown Everett. Warm your soul with a steaming bowl of vegetarian shoyu, pork tonkatsu, spicy miso, or seafood ramen. Tack on a couple of the tasty sides, like squid salad or pork belly buns.
2803 Colby Ave., Everett, Washington, 98201, USA
Known For
- Extensive selection of appetizers
- Interesting cocktails made with shochu (a Japanese liquor)
- Generous portions
-
$ | |
Brightly painted alebrijes (carved wooden animal figurines) and folk art lend warmth and authenticity to this friendly Old Town restaurant and bar that specializes in the richly complex cuisine of Oaxaca as well as artisan mezcal. Start with a few antojitos (snacks), such as prawn ceviche, braised chicken tostadas, and molotes (potato and chorizo pastries), before moving on to a platter of pork in a fragrant red mole sauce or chili-cheese tamales.
8030 Railroad Ave., Snoqualmie, Washington, 98065, USA
Known For
- Interesting mezcal and tequila cocktails
- Flavorful sauces made from scratch
- Hearty pozole and other soups
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
-
$ | |
A local favorite, this storefront bakery, with branches nearby in Anacortes and Mount Vernon, turns out heavenly pastries, plus big portions of breakfast and lunch fare. Lunches focus on fresh and creative salads, soups, and burgers; huge and hearty breakfasts may leave you with little need for lunch—the roasted-butternut-squash hash and migas are a couple of favorites. Buy goodies at the take-out counter for a picnic adventure.
720 S. 1st St., La Conner, Washington, 98257, USA
Known For
- Deck seating overlooking Swinomish Channel
- Filling and delicious breakfasts served all day
- Rustic, savory breads
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner, Credit cards accepted
-
$$$ | |
The evocative name of this cozy downtown storefront eatery with a spacious and prettily landscaped side patio speaks directly to what you'll find on the menu: rather decadent contemporary Pacific Northwestern fare with an emphasis on flame-grilled meat (and seafood). Standouts include steelhead trout tartare with charred yams and mandarins, and slow-cooked bone-in short ribs with black truffles and a smoked-parsnip béarnaise sauce.
1234 N. State St., Bellingham, Washington, 98225, USA
Known For
- Fireplace-warmed dining room
- Chicken wings roasted in chicken fat
- After-dinner drinks made with charred pineapples and other unusual ingredients
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
-
$$$$ | |
This old-fashioned, glassed-in dining room and bar overlook the mouth of the Samish River, Samish Bay, and the mudflats, where great blue herons hang out and bald eagles are occasionally spotted gliding by. It's a popular spot for bird-watching, with finches, chickadees, and red-winged blackbirds at the feeders outside the picture windows. Besides the view, folks come here for inventive American fare with an emphasis on steak and fresh seafood, from miso-glazed black cod to coffee-crusted filet mignon.
3056 Chuckanut Dr., Bow, Washington, 98232, USA
Known For
- Hosts a popular Champagne brunch on Sunday
- Sunset views of Samish Bay
- Tasty whiskey crab soup
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Credit cards accepted
