Best Summer Outdoor Dining on San Juan Island

After a day of whale watching, beach combing, meandering the sculpture park and watching Bald Eagles and foxes on the American Camp National Historical Park prairie, it’s time for some excellent island-grown food and handcrafted cocktails, overlooking the water. Here are our absolute favorite places to dine outdoors in cute Friday Harbor and on gorgeous San Juan Island.

FINE DINING WITH A VIEW IN FRIDAY HARBOR

Downriggers

Watch the ferry come in and the whale watch boats return from Downrigger’s spacious wrap-around deck overlooking the harbor. Feast on authentic Pacific Northwest cuisine, fresh seafood and seasonal, handcrafted cocktails.

Oystertale

Tucked underneath Downriggers, enjoying the same view, this lovely place serves fresh, local oysters and sushi, wine, champagne and house-made cocktails.

Friday Harbor House

Perched on a grassy bluff, dotted with comfy chairs and outdoor fireplaces, this oasis overlooks Friday Harbor and the waterfront. Enjoy local, seasonal seafood, made from scratch, a robust wine and beer list and creative specialty cocktails.

OUT OF TOWN

Duck Soup

San Juan Island’s original farm-to-table restaurant in the woods by a lake beckons with local farm produce, meat and seafood, foraged edibles from land and sea, and local goods made from island crafts people. Delight in the abundance on their spacious patio with garden and forest views around a fireplace.

Madrone Grill

Treat yourself to sunset cocktails and uncomplicated fare in festive Roche Harbor after a day of kayaking. Madrone’s historic building and porch sit above the bustling marina, the perfect spot for people and boat watching.

Westcott Bay Seafood Farm (lunch only)

Visit this working farm nestled around peaceful Westcott bay. Treat yourself to freshly shucked oysters, clams, mussels and more on the lawn, watching the Blue Herons fish.

CASUAL

San Juan Brewery

Watch live music, sip a handcrafted island-made ale, have a slice of pizza or a burger on their spacious patio with a beer garden feel in the heart of Friday Harbor.

Friday’s Crabhouse

Be on top of the world at this three-story, open-air restaurant by the ferry landing. Relish in freshly prepared seafood and generous cocktails with Friday Harbor at your feet.

Mike’s Wine Bar

Mike’s cozy wine bar with shady patio and handmade furniture is the only vegan restaurant in Friday Harbor and it is outstanding. Enjoy their extensive selection of international wine and beer and their efforts to live healthy, sustainably, and compassionately on this island called Earth.