Where to eat out...
You have VERY limited choices if you don't want to cook for yourself out here. And although we have a well-stocked kitchen, you can usually find us at the Geoduck and Hama Hama Oyster Saloon, because we're lazy and we like what we like. (These are listed roughly as closest to farthest from our house. Except Hama Hama, but it's literally my favorite place in the world so it has to be on top.)
HAMA HAMA OYSTER SALOON
Not saying we bought this place just to be close to Hama Hama Oyster Saloon, but we totally did. The OUTDOOR saloon is open 365 days a year, rain or shine, so dress accordingly. They do have "heated" A-Frames to keep you dry and less cold. During the summer, those are available every day and you'll want to make a reservation. You can always you-shuck your own in the walk-up section, which is also covered with heaters. They also have a little store at which you can buy goodies to take home, including things like pasta and sauces and cookies.... It's just an incredible place and we love it. (Pro-tip, go for lunch so that you're hungry enough to go to the Geoduck for dinner. They're not always open for dinner anyway.)
THE GEODUCK
When you think of the archetypal roadside diner, you think of The Geoduck. We love it enough that we eat there almost every day when we're in Brinnon. Burgers, fried things, beer. During the summer, that patio is the place to be, and everyone knows it so it gets full. But inside is awesome year round. You might have to wait a bit for food if they're slammed because their kitchen is small, but their hearts are big, their vibe is warm and it's worth the wait. Best roadside diner I've ever been to, and that's saying something because I hunt them out around the world. They're generally always open, but you can check their Facebook page to be sure.
PALLIN' AROUND CHARTERS
Ya, we put Katherine and Kelly's sweet boat in the "adventure" section, but they also belong in the dining section because y'all, Katherine CAN COOK! And having her serve you delicious food on a summer night while Kelly makes sure you see all the gorgeous spots is just a thing you do not want to miss. You have to book in advance, so if you know you're coming, reach out and book a special night for you and yours. Trust us.
CROW'S NEST BISTRO in Pleasant Harbor Marina
During the summer months, Pleasant Harbor has a great rooftop restaurant, and full-service cafe, pizza, restaurant joint. It's so peaceful there, with great views of Pleasant Harbor. Covered to protect you from sun and rain. Check their website to see what's open. But it's a lovely spot.
THE HALFWAY HOUSE
The only restaurant in "downtown Brinnon," this is the other place (other than the Geoduck) where you'll find all the locals. This one isn't a roadside diner, but a small restaurant that somehow feels like it's lost in time in the 1950's. And that's not a bad thing. It's been here forever, but was recently bought by a family with deep roots - and love - for the neighborhood, so it didn't lose an ounce a cred. Even if you don't feel like a meal, you owe yourself a slice of pie, trust us. (We don't know what the name means, but we assume it's because you're about halfway up - or down - the 101 between Olympia and Pt. Townsend when you're in Brinnon.)
QUILBILLY'S
In downtown Quilcene, Quilbilly's will always win the "best play on words in a name" contest. About a 20-minute drive North on the 101 from our place, we often venture over Mt. Walker to go here for a change of pace. We love their sandwiches, pizza does the job, salads hit the spot and the people are top of the line. They also have a great beer list, which, ya know, sometimes that's what you need. And it's a lovely drive.
GEAR HEAD DELI
Also in Quilcene, this is an awesome lunch, or "grab a picnic" spot. Deli counter with fresh made sandwiches, deli meat and cheese by the pound, smoked turkey breast, pulled pork, chopped brisket, fresh homemade soups and daily specials. They make their own BBQ sauces and dressings, potato salad and coleslaw.
FINN RIVER CIDERY
We're not the boss of you, but if we were, we'd tell you not to miss Finn River Cidery. Like, make a day of it. It's about 40 minutes from our place, but a gorgeous drive! Then you're rewarded with many acres of organic orchards, a gorgeous indoor / outdoor seating area, and a huge yard for kids to run and play and jump and be free. The cider is top notch, though they also have non alcoholic drinks. And the food! This is the best food you'll find in these parts. Truly delicious. The cidery kitchen has fabulous sausages and salads and such. But there is also wood-fired pizza, oysters, ice cream and a rotating collection of food trucks. Check their site for details, and really, don't miss this place. (Look, we had our daughter's rehearsal dinner here, if that tells you how we feel about it.) When you're done, do yourself a favor and head to the Chimacum Farm Store, it might be the cutest store in the world.