Whether you’re making way for Whidbey, Anacortes, or the San Juans, homeward bound from a summer rendezvous, or simply wish to while away a sunny summer’s day, the Port of Everett offers more than just a pit stop. The ever-evolving waterfront district continues to grow and expand as the first of the new dining options now greet boaters with sunny summer patios, and more are forthcoming soon. Add to this equation the many outdoor activities of summer—visits to Jetty Island, tasting events, sail-in cinema movie showings, live music, a host of brokerage offices, and more—and this longtime staple sure proves itself worthy of a leisurely stay-over.
DOCK & DINE
Sally up to a guest dock slip and disembark for some deliciousness. The anchor tenant to what is now being referred to as Restaurant Row—part of the Port’s grand vision for a mixed-use development featuring restaurants, coffee, offices, and retail all on Fisherman’s Harbor—Fisherman Jack’s offers Asian fusion fare in a truly alluring setting. Roll-up garage doors provide access to an expansive patio, while the high ceilings of the main dining area lend openness to the modern, sophisticated vibe. Open since late last August, the eatery fittingly takes cues from its harborside location with loads of fresh seafood on the menu—a la coconut curry mussels, lobster dumplings, seaweed salad, and miso black cod—plus dim sum, zippy noodle dishes, and staples like chow mein and fried rice thrown into the mix. Do yourself a favor: head over during one of the two daily happy hours (2-5 p.m.; and 9 p.m.-close), order up a selection of shareable bites, and unwind with a cocktail as you gaze out upon the water. The aptly-named Siren’s Call should do the trick, crafted with a combination of pineapple, orgeat, tequila, and hibiscus.
Located in the same building, South Fork Baking Co. is pure baked good bliss, offering a rotating selection of sticky buns, cinnamon rolls, danish, cookies, and scones in addition to some pretty killer breakfast and lunch sammies. Grab yours to go if you are setting sail or enjoy from one of the picturesque benches that overlook the harbor.
Due west in the historic Weyerhaeuser building, The Muse Whiskey Bar & Coffee Shop is a cozy coffee shop by day, a swanky cocktail bar by night, and marries these dual identities through mid-century modern furniture, deep rich paint, and gilded details. It all exudes a very in-the-know speakeasy vibe that has visitors raving about everything from the cocktails to the bites to the historic artifacts on the wall. (Maritime enthusiasts should especially enjoy that last bit.)
Nearby, right across from the iconic fisherman’s tribute statue, you can enjoy a great burger and brew at Scuttlebutt Brewing or pick up some organic gin or vodka from Bluewater Organic Distilling. Then, over at Port Gardner Landing, three other classic haunts—Lombardi’s, Anthony’s Homeport, and Anthony’s Woodfire Grill—have been joined by two new establishments. The Woods Coffee offers another option for fueling up and getting your caffeine fix, while their next door neighbor Sound 2 Summit bustles with folks sitting and sampling from selection of craft beers on tap, and brewpub-style bites like quesadillas, nachos, pizza, and eatery’s signature calzone-esque folds. A patio connects the two spots, and well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you for a sunny repast.
PLAY LIKE A KID, INDULGE LIKE A GROWN-UP
Appease your inner child (or perhaps your actual child) with a stop by the new Jetty Island Playset, conveniently situated near to the ferry that spirits you to that said island of sandy beaches, grassy dunes, and often, perfect kite flying weather. With its ship-themed play area, the newly constructed playground pays homage to one of Port of Everett’s longtime former residents—the 1888-era Equator schooner that was chronicled by college students before being dismantled last year. After the tykes get their fill, gather them back up, and set up camp at Boxcar Park for an experience like none other: Sail-In Cinema. Running Friday nights through August, the Port offers free, family-friendly movies projected on a larger-than-life screen right on the waterfront.
Thursday evenings, however, are reserved for the adults, when the ever popular Music at the Marina offers up some great tunes to go along with the summer vibes. Set up your lawn chair, bring your boat to Guest Dock 2, or grab a spot at the concert beer garden or a nearby restaurant patio, and drink in the views, the music, and naturally, also nurse a drink. (The popular 21-plus event, Sip on the Sound, is also scheduled to return this month, with a wealth of local breweries, distilleries, and wineries offering tastings of their latest and greatest in a festival-like setting.) And if a plush bed, fresh sheets, and terra firma are calling your name, Hotel Indigo will do oh-so-nicely with its luxe amenities and the approachable, appealing fare found at the Jetty Bar & Grill.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
There’s much more to come. As you meander the sunny promenade located near the hotel—a worthy activity in its own right—you’ll spy new buildings taking shape. Next to Fisherman Jack’s, a two-story, 12,000-square-foot space currently in construction will house Tapped Public House, Rustic Cork Wine Bar, and an outpost of frozen yogurt chain Menchie’s. Nearby, at the corner of Seiner and West Marine View Drives, another 6,000-square-foot building will host Lazy Boy Brewing and The Net Sheds, a fish market and eatery expected to churn out piping hot fish n’ chips that can be enjoyed on land or back on your own aft deck. Also of special note is the planned- Wine Walk district, a destination area with space for up to twelve tasting suites and buildings that will feature expansive outdoor patios, rooftop decks and connected piazzas. Covington Cellars/Two Vintners and Hamilton Cellars have already inked deals. Most of the aforementioned restaurants should open in the calendar years of 2024 and 2025, with the winery district soon to follow in ‘25 or ‘26—further cementing the Port as a must-stop destination for many summers to come.
>> For more details on summer events, dining destinations, guest dock moorage availability, and the latest news on the expansion at the Port of Everett, go to: portofeverett.com
