Food, Wine, Travel and Dining Out: Out and about – Day trip to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island Washington

Out and about…

Day trip to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island Washington

Anacortes Washington Ferry Dock

In July of this year, we had the great fun of taking, for the first time, the ferry from Anacortes, Washington to Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands. Day trip here we come!

The ferry ride itself takes about one hour. You could also take a roundabout ferry ride that last a few hours.

Once we arrive it was time for lunch. So off to the popular Downrigger's Restaurant we went.

Located next to the ferry landing in Friday Harbor. Downriggers offers fresh seafood, steak, poultry and pasta, local Northwest cuisine.

Downriggers Restaurant Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

Downriggers Restaurant San Juan Island

http://www.downriggerssanjuan.com/

Downriggers Restaurant Friday Harbor, San Juan Island - Downriggers Clam Chowder

Downriggers Clam Chowder

Downriggers Restaurant Friday Harbor, San Juan Island - Grilled Crab Sandwich

Grilled Crab Sandwich

Downriggers Restaurant Friday Harbor, San Juan Island - Crab Burger

Crab Burger

Downriggers Restaurant Friday Harbor, San Juan Island - Northwest Smoked Salmon Plate

Northwest Smoked Salmon Plate

Downriggers Restaurant Friday Harbor, San Juan Island - Judd Cove Oysters on the Half Shell

Judd Cove Oysters on the Half Shell

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Unfortunately, a month after our visit Downrigger's Restaurant burnt to the ground.

“By KOMO StaffPublished: Aug 17, 2013 at 8:31 AM PDT

FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash. - A raging early morning fire gutted a waterfront building housing several well-known tourism-related businesses in the heart of San Juan Island's picturesque Friday Harbor.

Fire crews responded to the scene, at 10 Front Street, at about 2:40 a.m. Saturday after receiving a report of flames and smoke billowing from the structure, which houses the Downriggers Restaurant and several other businesses.

As the first firefighters battled the blaze, more crews were brought in by ferry from Anacortes and from Orcas and Lopez islands to aid in the firefighting effort.

"There were flames at least 20 or 30 feet high coming out of the building at one point," said Carolyn Hudson, spokeswoman for San Juan Island Fire & Rescue.

She said the building appears to be a total loss.

Crews continued to battle the blaze several hours later in an attempt to keep it contained to one building. Hudson said firefighting efforts would continue all day long Saturday.

There were no reports of injuries.

Other businesses in the building include Friday Harbor Marine, Friday Harbor Yachts, San Juan Safaris and San Juan Excursions.

"This is a very big hit. Downriggers (Restaurant) employs about 50 people, so that's a big economic loss for the community, and that restaurant has been there for many years," Hudson said.”

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After walking around town, shopping and enjoying the scenery we decided it was time for some refreshments.

Herb's Tavern