Don’s ‘Where to Eat’ Guide

Rather than peruse blogs looking for a good place to eat, here are our top picks by town here in Skagit Valley. We’ve eaten at every one of these places, so we aren’t making blind recommendations.

This guide covers:

• LA CONNER – Top Pick: La Conner Tavern
• EDISON / BOW – Top Pick: Breadfarm
• ANACORTES – Top Pick: Dad’s Diner
• REXVILLE / FIR ISLAND – Top Pick: Snow Goose Produce
• MOUNT VERNON – Top Pick: Rachawadee Thai Cafe
• BURLINGTON – Top Pick: Train Wreck
• BELLINGHAM – Top Pick: D’Anna’s Cafe’ Italiano

Click on the restaurant names to go to their websites for more information, and be sure to check out “DON’S TIPS”!:

LAST UPDATE: December 8, 2020 (We’ll keep updating this, so check back!)

La Conner –

Calico Cupboard – La Conner, 720 S. 1st Street – GREAT homemade real food breakfasts and scrumptious bakery items! Open Daily 8:00am – 3pm (Saturdays til 4pm!) Squeeze into a table as it can be crowded, but the fast service makes up for it. Friendly staff and a focus on LOCAL FOOD. Here is DON’S TIP: Try the “Locals Favorite” Brussels Sprout Hash. It’s for huge appetites, and you won’t be disappointed.

The Firehall Kitchen & Taphouse, 403 Morris Street – The food here is made with such thoughtfulness – try it out! From the brussel sprouts appetizer to some very tasty burgers. Wow! The fish tacos are a favorite, too. Oh, and terrific cocktails – and anything else you would like to drink. DON’S TIP: Sit outside in the summer on the front deck with a cocktail and order the beef sliders with a side of mac-n-cheese. You won’t regret it!

La Conner Tavern, Pub & Eatery, 702 S. 1st Street – A perfect spot for great bar food and local flavor. Eat on the deck! DON’S TIP: FRIES – ORDER FRIES. Fish and Chips are a specialty, and their fries are very crispy. But I have been loving the cheesy Dagwood with au jus lately. Oh, and the quesadillas are very filling! Their dinner specials are great – especially steaks on weekends!

Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Bar, 116 S. 1st Street – Their food is LOCAL and it is reflected in the taste. Exquisite meals and great bar appetizers!  DON’S TIP: The Cedar Manhattan is delightful, and they make the cedar bitters on site! The bartenders have some fun cocktails – ask them to share their favorite!

La Conner Sips, 608 S. 1st Street – Cool outdoor seating! Go for a tasting or a glass of wine with some appetizers.  Owner Anna serves up a wide selection of glass pours and has some delightful edibles to go along with it.  And buy a bottle to take with you at reasonable prices. DON’S TIP: A meat & cheese plate with wine flights for each is a perfect fun meal for two! Ask for the Dashwood sauvignon blanc if they have it (ask for Don’s private stash!)

La Conner Seafood and Prime Rib , 614 S. 1st Street – Traditional fare with some flair – clam chowder is excellent! The 1890s lounge can also make up some fun drinks for you. DON’S TIP: Try to sit out on the deck!

Hellam’s Vineyard, 109 N. 1st Street (in the Limedock Building) – A wonderful place to sit indoor or outside with a bottle of wine and relax. Daily wine tastings from all over the world. Jeff Hellam is amazing at picking out just the right wine for me every time I go. Jeff and his crew can get you set up with a couple meat and cheese plate items.  This can easily make up a light dinner for you, or a terrific lunch out on his dock during the daytime. Saturday and Sunday Jeff serves up piping hot paninis! DON’S TIP: Tell Jeff your wine preference and price range, and he’ll open a bottle for you to enjoy there inside or out.  I like the couch over in the corner for relaxing chats with friends!

COA, 623 Morris Street – Simply great Mexican food.  Excellent drinks. This is where the locals eat. And while they are always busy, there always seems to be a spot left when we go in!  DON’S TIP: Cucumber margarita and the Crispy Tacos for lunch!

Santo Coyote, 201 Morris Street – Look at their menu (link to the left goes to their Facebook page!) Don’t miss this authentic and original food. The fajitas here have such a great flavor, you’ll be hard pressed to try anything different, but please do! DON’S TIP: Order the large Hot Cheese Dip to share at your table – this hot dip is mouth-watering. DON’S TIP #2: Ask for their private homemade hot sauce – Cristal’s mom makes it in the kitchen – it’s hot but soooo good and different every week!

Slider Cafe, 313 Morris Street – (Link is to the Slider Facebook page) Great traditional diner breakfast in town, along with amazing options like breakfast sliders! And lunch is even better with all the great options. Sit outside in the summer and enjoy the day! DON’S TIP: Breakfast – traditional with a side of bacon pancakes, lunch – Duh! Go with the sliders!

 

Wayfinder Market, 110 N. 1st Street – Just across from Hellam’s, this breakfast/lunch deli is fabulous! Don’t miss it for a great breakfast to eat there or on the go. Great sandwiches with all the accompaniments, soups, salads and paninis! Mimosas, beer, wine and more to drink, plus great coffees. There is plenty in the coolers to take and eat on the run, or for a fun picnic in Gilkey Square. They make their own homemade biscuits on Sundays for egg sandwiches. DON’S TIP: Get the biscuits and gravy on a Sunday morning – this is the best I have had in YEARS.

 

Edison / Bow –

Slough Food, 5766 Cains Court, Edison – Blossoming from a unique cheese, meat and grocery, this cool stop features grilled cheese sandwiches, salads and hot soup, along with local tap microbrews to wash all that goodness down!  We’ve made some very cool friends there! DON’S TIP: Go sit out back on the Slough and enjoy a grilled cheese with a brewski. Oh, and pick up a bottle of cherry bitters for your next Manhattan!

The Old Edison, 5829 Cains Court, Edison – Great outdoor seating out back! This place ROCKS with live music Fridays, Saturdays AND Sundays!  Terrific food, lots of people, and definitely a local crowd.  Come on in! DON’S TIP: If you can wrangle a seat at the bar, you’ll meet everyone coming in or out. I’m a people person, so this works well when meeting all the fun people who frequent the Edison!

Terramar Brewstillery, 5712 Gilkey Avenue, Edison – Edison’s newest hangout! Great brews, local people, pet-friendly and wood-fired pizza that is worth the drive to Edison. Did I say wood-fired – EVERYTHING is wood-fired – even most salads and appetizers! DON’S TIP #1: Go ahead and order the beer sampler. The presentation is fun and you really get a feel for their tastes and yours. After countless visits, I still have only had the pepperoni pizza and Average Joe pizzas so far (one of the best in Skagit), but every pizza looks fantastic. DON”S TIP #2: Don’t miss the Terramar Speakeasy around the corner – excellent cocktails! DON”S TIP #3: Go sit outside in back on a sunny day!

Longhorn Saloon, 5754 Cains Court, Edison – This is a bar. A bar that has good drinks. A bar that has AMAZING food!  Stop in for a cold one and grab some grub!  DON’S TIP: Come here to party!

Breadfarm, 5766 Cains Court, Edison – Right next to Slough Food, this walk-up bakery is organic and healthy, handcrafted and made from scratch.  An assortment of breads, cookies and crackers to please your senses. DON’S TIP: Try the shortbread cookies. They will even slice loaf bread for you. Great for on-the-go touring! (Cash or check only!)

Tweets Cafe, 5800 Cains Court, Edison – Their vegetarian Rustica is the best tasting food I’ve ever had – and I’m not even vegetarian. DON’S TIP: Seriously, GO HERE! Plenty of coffees and teas, breakfast and lunch items, and desserts. Only open Friday-Sunday from 9am-6pm. Tell them Don and George sent you!

Mariposa, 14003 Gilmore, Edison – One taco is ALL you need (see picture). They are all handmade, and full of flavor. Unique traditional music in the background of this cool taqueria is spot-on.  No frills, because they put every ounce into the food! DON’S TIP: Order the Carne Asada Taco and wash it down with a bottle of Jarrito’s Tamarind or Grapefruit soda.

 

Samish Bay Cheese, 15115 Bow Hill Road, Bow – CHEESE!!! A quick side trip from downtown Edison, this is so worth the time.

While you are tasting these wonderful varieties of cheeses, take a look at all the extra goodies in the frig and freezer there. From butter to organic grass-fed beef, they have you covered. DON’S TIP: The Aged Ladysmith Gouda cheese is a favorite. Grab some items for a picnic!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rexville / Fir Island (between Conway and La Conner) –

The Rex Bar & Grill, 19271 Best Road – Burgers and Brew – Grab a beer on tap or lots of non-alcoholic options at the small bar here with the locals (including us!) and take in one of the Rexville’s signature deli sandwiches or hot specials right off the grill. GREAT BURGERS. Fish & Chips Thursday is great – wow, the fish is really good! And try out Taco Tuesday but get there early! It gets packed in there and for good reason – the tacos are delicious and filling.  DON’S TIP: Go hang out with the locals on Friday night between 5 to 7-8pmish. Just walk up and say hello! We’re there most Fridays and stay for a beer or two, and sometimes a snacky thing. There is wine and a large soft drink and sparkling water selection as well. (it closes at 8-9pmish, so you can’t get in too much trouble.)

 

Snow Goose Produce, 15170 Fir Island Road – We love this place (see our article here!) Vico and Erika make this place magical. Peruse the local goods
and vegetables, pick from their premier win selection, and get some fresh halibut to bring home – freshly cut by Vico! DON’S TIP: Lemon Meringue Pie Ice Cream – it has chunks of actual LMP in it. Did I mention ice cream? Their ‘immodest portions’ are not to be believed – and good, too!  Oh, and there is usually some in pint containers already in the freezer if you are travelling a little bit. Closed in October for the Winter, but open again March 1st!

Anacortes –

Anthony’s at Cap Sante, 1207 Q Avenue – Part of the renowned Anthony’s Restaurants in the Puget Sound area, this doesn’t disappoint. Terrific happy hour bar menu of drinks and amazing appetizers. Enough for a dinner itself, but have dinner here. It is exceptionally good, fine dining and seafood. Fresh oysters are their specialty. Overlooks Cap Sante Marina – quite a good view! DON’S TIP: Go for the Happy Hour at the bar, and sit outside near the fireplace. The Dungeness crab, shrimp and artichoke dip is very tasty!

Village Pizza, 807 Commercial Avenue – This pizza is probably the best in town. Good, flavorful and when you eat it, you say, “This is pizza!” DON’S TIP: Go over and sit in the adjoining bar for more pub experience and get a pitcher.

Teriyaki Time, 910 11th Street – Hard to find across from Safeway, but worth it. Simple and plain restaurant, but the food and service are excellent.  DON’S TIP: We always get ‘to-go’ teriyaki chicken boxes and they are delicious!

Dad’s Diner, 906 Commercial Avenue – Okay, THIS is diner food. They grind their own meat! Plus, amazing breakfasts, and there can be a wait – because it’s that good! And don’t miss Dad’s Diner A Go-Go down the street at 2219 Commercial Avenue – look for the black trailer in the parking lot. DON’S TIP: Bring a framed picture of your Dad, and they may put it up on the wall of Dads!

Secret Cove, 209 T Avenue – This hard-to-find secret is a good one to know!  Great views from the restaurant or large bar on the second floor.  Terrific lunch specials and great tasting food.  The bar gets going in the evenings, too.  Don’t miss this out-of-the-way restaurant! DON’S TIP: Go here for a great view at lunch in a quiet setting.

Gere-a-Deli, 502 Commercial Avenue – Huge sandwiches and homemade cookies. Enough said.  Okay, how about meatloaf, soups, cobblers, salads and more? At first it seems a bit pricey, but the food portions are huge and scrumptious! DON’S TIP: Get a menu BEFORE you get in line, as ordering goes fast.

Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Avenue – Beers from the Anacortes Brewery next door, Northwest cuisine, wood-fired pizzas, steaks seafood and live music every week!  This is a destination for locals on weekends who want to hear live music. DON’S TIP: The beer is terrific, but they make good cocktails, too!

Mount Vernon –

Rachawadee Thai Café, 410 W. Gates Street – Downtown Mount Vernon’s hidden secret! Even if you just ate, if you can get in here, DO IT!! The food is noticeably fresh and delicious, and the reviews on their Facebook Page reflect it. With just 10 seats inside and only open 11am-3pm and 5-8pm on weekdays (closed weekends), this place is buzzing from opening until closing.  Dishes are on the hot side, so pay attention to their advice on the heat star meter and you will enjoy a wonderful experience. DON’S TIP: Order take-out early, as they stop accepting orders well before closing.

 

 

 

Il Granaio Authentic Italian, 100 E. Montgomery Street – I’ve never had anything but an excellent meal here. Great wine selection and fine desserts. Located in the old Granary building. DON’S TIP: Get a bottle of chianti and enjoy my favorite, Fettucine del Granaio.

Temperate Habits Brewing Company, 500 S. 1st Street – GREAT outdoor seating right on First Street in old downtown. It is fun to watch the cruising cars on Fridays and Saturdays! Lots of beer to choose from and a great cider selection! Food is amazing. Try the extra crispy tater tots for an appetizer. DON’S TIP: If you have a healthy heart, try the luscious Grilled Mac-n-Cheese Sandwich – it’s made with creamy mac-n-cheese, super crispy bacon, cheddar and gouda cheeses. WOW! I can only eat this once a year.

 

 

 

Skagit River Brewery, 404 S. 3rd Street – Since 1995, this brewery has been providing great beer and food, and a fun atmosphere. The bar is a fun place to hang out on weeknights or weekends. Or get a pizza to go! DON’S TIP: Get a beer sampler along with the Third Street pizza – it’s a great pizza and you won’t want to share it! The Third Street Pizza has been a Mount Vernon locals’ favorite for a long time.

 

 

 

 

Skagit Valley Food Co-op, 202 S. 1st Street – Primarily a grocery store, but features excellent prepared hot food, large salad bar and an assortment of pre-cooked homemade food items.  Most is sold by weight, so get just what you want.  VERY good and tasty food here!  Places to sit there or on the second floor above.  And don’t forget to shop in the market or the boutique above.  This co-op features excellent organic choices at the same cost or better than traditional grocery stores.  DON’S TIP: The Skagit Valley Co-op Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream in the freezer (under their name, CONE) is the closest to home churned I’ve had.

 

 

Burlington –

Asian 1, 145 Cascade Place #112 – across from the Cascade Mall – Don’t be fooled like we were for years – this is a VERY unassuming location!  Once inside, you are transported to Asia, with exciting menu items from Chinese to Thai and a wonderful Sushi selection.  They also have a full bar, and expertly stocked with selections that complement the wide variety of offerings.  Read more about their fresh food preparation HERE.  DON’S TIP: Sit in the bar for more privacy. Mongolian Beef is their #1 seller, but I found the Asian pork fried rice to be perfect.  Garlic Sauce with chicken is also very tasty…

Train Wreck Bar, 427 E. Fairhaven Avenue – Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served 7 days a week. Excellent food and drink here. All the locals go here. Bring friends and hang out. VERY friendly. DON’S TIP: Be sure to try out the Breakfast Bloody Mary (you HAVE to see the picture on their Facebook page here), or if not that hungry, their regular Bloody Mary works just fine!

 

 

 

Bellingham –

D’Anna’s Cafe’ Italiano, 1319 N. State Street – OMG, everything here is SO DELICIOUS!!  Fresh homemade pastas, bread, meatballs and more! The cocktails are fabulous – I prefer their Manhattan Baby – cool and refreshing. Everything on the food menu is great. The Calamari appetizer is soft and flavorful – not chewy or rubbery. The tapenade is my top choice though. I’m not a gnocchi fan, but even I liked theirs! DON’S TIP: Order two meatballs on the side (you can do it with any dish) along with the Roasted Red Pepper Ravioli – it’s made with a portobello cream sauce with big chunks of portobello mushrooms in it! DON’S TIP #2: Go early, as they do not take reservations. It is a popular place with lots of seating and fills up fast. They do turn over well though (without being pushy at all!)