Summertime is truly magical in the Pacific Northwest. The water glistens, flowers are bloom, and excitement for the season is palpable. As the temperature rises and the sun sets later and later, I seek opportunities to stay outdoors as much as possible. There are many Port Townsend restaurants and eateries that offer patios and decks for outdoor dining, so here are just a five of my favorites.
Photo c/o Fort Worden
Taps at the Guardhouse
Taps at the Guardhouse offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and is one of my favorite spots for Happy Hour or to end the day with a delicious cocktail. The restaurant is located in Fort Worden’s former 25-cell jailhouse for soldiers who breached military discipline. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, respectively, Taps offers “Tequila Tuesday” and “Whiskey Wednesday” with themed food & beverage specials.
After your meal take a walk around the Fort’s campus and marvel at the historic buildings, Rhody Garden - which is stunning at this time of year, amazing views of Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, and beautiful beach with miles of coastline to stroll.
Photo c/o Finistere
Finistere
Enjoy a quintessential PNW meal in a sweet courtyard underneath a picturesque wisteria tree. Finistere prides itself on serving the native foods of the Olympic Peninsula including shellfish, cider, and produce from the local farms. Their delicious menu offerings include entrees like SpringRain Farm Duck Breast, Nettle Strozzapreti, and Seared Halibut.
Finistere is located in historic Uptown and is open Wednesday-Sunday for Dinner and Happy Hour and Saturday & Sunday for Brunch.
Photo by Kit Oldham c/o Historylink.org
Chetzemoka Park
Order takeout food or create a picnic with goodies from the Co-op or Aldrich’s and head over to Chetzemoka Park.
The park has dedicated picnic areas for you and your partner to enjoy a romantic meal surrounded by lush gardens and trees.Chetzemoka has amazing views of Admiralty Inlet, the Cascade Mountains, and Whidbey Island.
Photo c/p Pourhouse
Pourhouse
Sip on a craft beer on a Port Townsend beach while you dine on takeout food of your choice at the Pourhouse. The beer garden, “The Impound Lot”, is the perfect place for a picnic as you sit by the firepit or play a round of ping pong or bocce ball as you watch the sun go down. The Pourhouse has 12 beers and two ciders rotating on draft as well as over 200 beers in bottles & cans and extensive wine list.
Photo c/o Paella House
Farmers Market
The Port Townsend Farmers Market is the perfect place for a Saturday lunch (and later this season Wednesday afternoon lunch!)
Enjoy farm fresh delicacies from food vendors like the Paella House, La Crepe de Quimper, Crust, Cape Cleare Salmon Wagon, and more. Listen to live music as you stroll the aisles booths comprised of local fruit, vegetable, and flower farmers, arts & crafts vendors, and community nonprofits.