As you contemplate your third walk along Water Street this week, it’s worth noting that Port Townsend’s dining scene offers far more than just historic charm. If you’re ready to explore beyond the obvious, here are the establishments truly worth your time.
Hanazono Asian Noodle
$ | (360) 385-7622 | WEBSITE
We can tell you with confidence that it’s impossible to order incorrectly from Hanazono Asian Noodle – everything is delicious. Plus, they always serve everything carefully and make sure you have enough noodles to go with all the soups you’ve ordered. Get the udon noodle soup, the Donburi, and both the stir fried greens in garlic sauce and seaweed salad with beets – which they’ll prepare with attention, so you don’t have flavors overwhelming each other.
Anchor
$ | (360) 504-6436 | WEBSITE
The Anchor is a popular spot for socializing and enjoying delicious food. The menu offers mouth-watering options, including the renowned smash burger. Order for takeout, or dine in.
Quench Waterfront Kitchen & Bar
$$ | (360) 385-1055 | WEBSITE
Quench Waterfront Kitchen & Bar is a waterfront gem and right now they have a fabulous happy hour on Wednesday afternoons. You’ll find standout dishes like the Aloha Benedict and Coconut crusted halibut and chips, along with brunch favorites like the Salmon Loco Moco. And while sometimes we wish the outdoor decks were a little more sheltered from the breeze, everything is always really impeccable.
Plus, you can enjoy drinks like the gentlemen’s Old Fashioned with personalized recommendations from the friendly bartenders.
Shanghai Chinese Restaurant
$ | (360) 385-4810 | WEBSITE
As the name suggests, this Chinese restaurant focuses on authentic cuisine. You’ll find a menu full of flavorful dishes like dumpling soup and solid yellow curry, with vegetarian options such as garlic green beans. They also have a great lunch special with many options available for dine-in and takeout, too.
Hudson Point Café
$ | (360) 379-0592 | WEBSITE
This has been one of our favorite seafood breakfast spots for a long time, so we’re glad they’re under new ownership, and offering fantastic food along the shore. Get the Rhubarb Waffle, Boatyard Hash, and the Cajun Catfish.
Owl Sprit Cafe
$$ | (360) 385-5275 | WEBSITE
It probably won’t surprise you to find out that ordering the Pork Belly Bahn Mi sandwich at Owl Spirit Cafe is a good idea. But while you’re at it, get the cauliflower bowl. Or better yet, try both for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Available for dine-in in the cozy, bohemian atmosphere.
Sea J’s Cafe
$ | (360) 385-6312 | WEBSITE
Sea J’s Cafe used to be known as a cash-only spot (they only accepted cash or Venmo), perfect for grabbing food by the marina. Now they’re still cash or Venmo only, offering fish’n’chips and fishwiches. That said, it can still be perfectly good seafood food, you just need to remember to bring cash these days. But, we all need to adapt.
The In Between
$$ | (360) 379-2425 | WEBSITE
This speakeasy-style cocktail bar specializes in – you guessed it – inventive drinks and small bites. This means the menu is full of options like pork belly bao, cocktails with dukkah spice, and drinks featuring smoked thyme sprigs. They’re open evenings and available for walk-ins, though parking can be challenging.
Starbucks
$ | (360) 385-2806 | WEBSITE
Starbucks is a coffee shop with solid drinks, and they’re still open for seating and takeout. You’ll find vegetarian options like coffee and sweets, along with very good service from the friendly staff. Get some seating with excellent wheelchair accessibility too.
Uptown Pub
$ | (360) 385-1530 | WEBSITE
This Port Townsend spot has a solid burger selection (like the classic black bean burger), along with a very good fried chicken sandwich. And if you need comfort food (along with everyone else looking to unwind right now), the straight-up BLT will do the trick – it’s made with crisp bacon and fresh lettuce, and will help you forget whatever you left outside the door.
Nicko’s Grotto
$$ | (360) 344-8200 | WEBSITE
The folks behind Nicko’s Grotto have created a cozy underground spot that blends Italian and Mediterranean flavors, so the menu feels familiar yet distinct. But any of the other top Port Townsend restaurants are a solid alternative if you’re either put off by the staircase access and/or it’s a holiday when Nicko’s Grotto gets extra busy.
PhoFilling Restaurant
$ | (360) 385-3240 | WEBSITE
PhoFilling Restaurant used to have dine-in seating, but now only offers takeout after 6:30 pm – which is currently available all day. The menu is varied, but everything is reliable, with dishes like veggie pho, Singapore noodles, chicken bahn mi, and a whole bunch of wings.
Vintage by Port Townsend Vineyards
Vintage by Port Townsend Vineyards is a waterfront gem famous for its stunning patio and wine flights. Now we have to order a few bottles to recreate the experience at home, but at least you get 20% off if you call the winery directly at 360-385-0653 to order.
Better Living Through Coffee
$ | (360) 385-3388 | WEBSITE
We’re big fans of Better Living Through Coffee, so we’re really glad that they’re open right now for in-person service. What makes this place special is its coffee, which takes up a lot of the menu. You’ll find classic pour overs, ones blended with steamed milk like lattes or Americanos, and varieties made with unique twists like the dirty chai. Get an order of buttery shortbread or crisp biscotti while you’re at it.
Ichikawa Sushi Bar
$$ | (360) 379-4000 | WEBSITE
Ichikawa Sushi Bar serves up Japanese cuisine, and there’s plenty to enjoy here. You can order dishes like sushi or bento boxes, or go for the ginger martini – one of the most refreshing drinks in town. Available for takeout and delivery.
Social Fabric Brewing
$ | (360) 344-2999 | WEBSITE
This brewery just outside downtown Port Townsend has an incredibly varied beer selection. In fact, if there’s a local brew you’re craving, you’ll probably find it here. But whatever you decide on, make sure you try one of their homemade sours – it’s a great combination of tart, crisp, and refreshing.
La Cocina Port Townsend
$ | (360) 390-8225 | WEBSITE
This Port Townsend restaurant is another spot that’s well known for its holiday prix fixe menus. But thankfully, the food at La Cocina travels well. They have a few standout dishes – like chile rellenos, carne asada, and the churros for dessert (crispy with a special cinnamon-sugar blend). Do a Zoom at-home taco night with your friends.
Tommyknocker’s Cornish Pasty
$ | (360) 344-2519 | WEBSITE
You can get Tommyknocker’s entire satisfying menu delivered—from the best-selling pasty to the mac’n cheese to the smoked salmon chowder that has a perfectly creamy base. And normally, you’d be waiting patiently for 10 minutes for one of the housemade pasties to heat, but since it’s carryout and delivery, you won’t mind. Even if it did help build character.
Alchemy Bistro & Bar
$$$ | (360) 385-5225 | WEBSITE
Alchemy Bistro & Bar, a renowned spot in Port Townsend, focuses on extraordinary dishes from a well-traveled chef. So, this place doesn’t have a casual vibe – we repeat, doesn’t have a casual vibe. But it does have other charms, like their excellent quiet atmosphere during early summer nights and a cozy piano bar that adds a lovely touch. It also has our favorite fresh Kumamoto oysters in the city, and some of the most delectable seafood and lamb we’ve ever eaten.
Available for celebrating special occasions and enjoying memorable dining experiences.
Hillbottom Pie
$ | (360) 385-1306 | WEBSITE
This Port Townsend pie shop is another spot that’s well known for its daily rotating soup menu. But thankfully, the pizza at Hillbottom Pie travels well. They have a few standout dishes – like the sausage pizza, margherita pizza, and the India apple curry soup. Do a cozy pie-and-soup pairing with your friends.