A Foodie’s Guide to San Juan Island

There aren’t a TON of restaurants on the island but there are many good ones. I’ll let you know the best spot for a view, the best food, and which places are dog friendly. Here are my favorite coffee shops, snack stops, and restaurants on San Juan Island. Just click the name of the restaurant to view more info like hours, menu, and location.

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Friday Harbor Ice Cream Co
We couldn’t resist grabbing an ice cream as soon as we stepped off the ferry in Friday Harbor. We actually visited a few times throughout our stay on the island because it was so yummy! I got the birthday cake. When we went, they were not taking cards, it was cash only.

Cask & Schooner
This pub is one of the top rated restaurants in Friday Harbor, and for good reason. Unfortunately dine in was closed when we visited (thanks Corona) but take out was available. We grabbed our food and took it back to our Bed & Breakfast which is why the photos are in take out boxes. I ordered the Shepherd’s Pie and I stuffed myself so full trying to eat it all. It was a huge portion and so delicious, worth every bite. They actually cook the biscuits on top of it (it’s hard to tell what that is in the photo). Travis ordered the fish n chips and it was good, but not as good as mine.

San Juan Vineyard
If you’re a wino, then you’re in luck because there is a vineyard on the island! The vineyard is gorgeous and on the grounds they have a tasting room, cottage, chapel, and large outdoor patio with seating and firepits. When we visited they were operating only on the weekend and only serving by the glass (not full tastings) and were not serving food.

Crow’s Nest Coffee Shop
Yall know I have to have my coffee every morning and I love trying out the local cafes. This one was good and had a ton of different drink and food options. Very small so there’s no indoor seating. I will say I preffered the other one we visited (keep scrolling) but this one was good too.

Friday Harbor House
This was the nicest view and fanciest meal we had on the island. I highly suggest calling to make a reservation ahead of time. They are only open for breakfast and dinner. At dinner time they have the fireplaces on and its a gorgeous view of the harbor and the ferries coming in and out. There is indoor and outdoor seating, the patio is pet friendly.

This deliciousness is the Hanger Steak & Potatoes. It was $40 and worth every penny. Travis ate the rest of mine because my order was the best. He ordered the Chorizo Burrito and it was okay.

We also ordered the home made bread as an appetizer and it was delicious also! A really unique flavor.

Downriggers Friday Harbor
This restaurant also has a fantastic view of the harbor and water. Indoor and outdoor seating, the patio is pet friendly. I ordered the Grilled Crab Sandwich which sounds really interesting but let me assure you it was delectable. Its grilled crab mixed with swiss cheese and spinach artichoke dip on toasted bread. I got the house made chips on the side. I’ve never seen this anywhere on a menu so I had to try it, SO GOOD! If you like spinach artichoke then I highly recommend ordering it.

Travis ordered the Salmon Reuben. He really liked it, I’m just not a fan of rye bread or sauerkraut.

Salty Fox Coffee
This is my favorite coffee shop on the island! It is in a gorgeous white house and not only did they have really good coffee but they also had Acai bowls, smoothies, and a really cute gift shop. I’m obsessed with collecting stickers on our travels and they had the best stickers designed by a local artist!

San Juan Island Brewery
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t a big fan of the brewery. I would say 100% go for the beer if that’s your thing but not for the food. Aurora and I split the barren rock cheese pizza and Travis ordered the Pig War pizza. Our pizza was gross, Travis liked his. I thought maybe dessert would make up for it so I ordered the smore’s bites, but those were also a disappointment. Stick to the drinks here!

Friday Harbor Chocolates
If you’re in need of a sweet treat then head here! I had the cutest little dog truffle which was also delicious. Aurora grabbed the whale shaped chocolate pop and loved it.

Cafe Demeter & Bakery
This bakery is one of the most delicious meals we had on the island. They were also very reasonably priced. We were looking for a lighter lunch and decided to split a sandwich and cruffin. A cruffin is basically a muffin made with croissant dough and smothered in sugar. Absolutely the best cruffin I’ve ever tasted. The sandwich was made with very fresh ingredients. There is very limited seating as the inside is small and only has a few outdoor tables.

Madrona Grill (Roche Harbor)
Last but certainly not least, Madrona Grill is a must if you visit Roche Harbor (the only other harbor on the island). Since I had already tried and loved a crab with spinach artichoke dish on the island, I ordered the Crab with Spinach Artichoke Quesadillas, They were equally as good. Travis ordered the Clam Chowder and it was delicious too.

They have an extensive drink menu so we decided to try the Pig War Martini. It was actually really good and sweet (just how I like it) and came with the little souvenir pig.