In the much-anticipated Pacific Northwest sunny season (approximately July 5-September), we will take every opportunity to enjoy our meals outside. Give us an umbrella table and an umbrella drink and we’ll be something beyond happy campers—gleeful people, that’s for sure.
Edmonds is one of the best places in the world to enjoy a side of salty air with your cappuccino or cheeseburger. We’ve rounded up 25 of our favorite places to eat outside in your favorite big town by the Sound—bookmark it to revisit now and later.
With a Water View
Open air, outdoors, and viewsss. Nothing says al fresco dining like seaside patios that make you want to linger. Anthony’s HomePort has a sizable patio right by the Edmonds Marina where you can watch boats of all sizes come and go, along with lots of wildlife. Order a drink and let happy hour turn into dinner. Got kids? They’ll be occupied all meals long at Anthony’s built-in sandbox.
Kahlo’s Cantina has a straight-line view of the ferry terminal, not to mention an energy-filled patio with great music. Add the guac, and stay a while.
Demitris Woodstone Taverna, right across the street, expanded their patio earlier this year to give us all more space to enjoy both the ferries and the trains going by. Try their famous Firecracker Shrimp, slurp oysters on the half, or fight over the Dungeness Crab Dip, but don’t forget to check out the specials on their Fresh Sheet while you’re there.
If you’re wondering where the party’s at, you can find it on the patio at Rory’s, a longtime Edmonds mainstay. Keep it classic with pub fare and a draft brew, or an almost equally wide selection of non-alcoholic beverages that also pair perfectly with sunshine.
At Salish Crossing
Salish Sea Boat House’s patio is surrounded by art. It’s not exactly at Salish Crossing, but close enough in the old ABC space in Harbor Square. This is another place where you can sip a beer from a frosty glass while watching the trains rumble past. Bring your pup and enjoy flatbreads, apps, snacks, and an impressive array of hot dogs.
At Epulo Bistro across the street, treat yourself to an indoor-outdoor dining experience on their shaded, heat-lamped patio, which is probably the most European of Edmonds al fresco establishments around. This is a deck on which you’ll want to linger, so order (and pace yourself) accordingly. If you’re considering the Short Rib Pappardelle, this is your sign to go for it.
Right out front of Thai By Day is a wonderful built-in outdoor seating area with umbrella tables and access to fantastic people-watching. Order a Limeade Thai Tea, lean back, close your eyes, and feel the sun and breeze brush across your face. You’re on vacation now.
Next door at Niles Peacock Kitchen and Bar, the award-winning team does two key things really, really well: pizza and cocktails. Take yours outside to add a complementary side of fresh air. Mmmm, saluti.
Milkshakes and battered fish more your speed? Walk a few steps down Salish Crossing to SPUD Fish & Chips and enjoy hand-cup filets, local produce, and sweet treats in the open air.
Downtown
In the core of the city, picnic tables abound and umbrellas are positioned just so to optimize both sun and shade. Take advantage of outdoor eats at some of our go-to spots:
Find Filipinx and Hawaiian mixed plates, along with epic slushies and a very fun outside eating area at Barkada.
For something a little fancier with an elegant water feature, reserve a table at Girardi’s Osteria.
The Red Twig Bakery and Cafe spent the last few months upgrading their outdoor patio, which is impossible to miss with its signature red umbrellas. Check out their new digital readerboard for their latest specials, which are always rotating and delicious.
Leftcraft, with its slick, modern, mid-century design is a hoppin’ spot—in many senses. While you enjoy your meal outdoors with them, you’ll have the added benefit of pulling up a front-row seat to all the comings and goings of people walking up and down Main.
Same goes at Maize & Barley, which also offers high-top tables, scratch-made Caribbean fare, highly-curated rotating drinks, and plenty of veggie-forward dishes.
Sit under a black and white striped umbrella at Fire & The Feast and relish in their recently re-launched Brunch offering. A Cast Iron Chocolate Dutch Baby for you and kids’ Charcuterie for your pint-size partners? Certo.
The Loft Lounge boasts covered and heated patios, quality ingredients, and local wines. Come for happy hour, stay for the people-watching and ‘gram-worthy sunsets.
Market has built-in outdoor seating that’s open year-round, although it is significantly more pleasant in the summer months. Their viral lobster rolls are that much more decadent sprinkled with sun rays.
Our tip for the popular patio at Kelnero? Get there right at open for your choice of chairs. Belly up to the edge to watch the happenings at Main Street Commons and keep your tab open. If we know anything, we know you’re going to be there awhile.
On Saturdays from May through early October, an outdoor table at The Rusty Pelican comes with a front-row seat to all the happenings at the Edmonds Summer Market. All-day breakfast? Say no more.
Vinbero’s deck is *intimate,* so snagging a seat on it feels like a real coup. These days, it’s important to find things we can be proud of, so kick back, order that flight of orange wines, and twirl your glass to cast those sparkly shadows only flights of orange wine can.
If you’ve never been to the back patio at ChurchKey Pub, you’re in for a real treat. It’s bigger than you’d think and offers more shade than you’d expect. If you’re wanting to sun yourself like a lizard, there are certainly plenty of places for you to do that, too, you cold-blooded reptile, you. Regardless of the seat you pick, order a double of the Bavarian Pretzel since one won’t be nearly enough.
At Westgate
A popular area for errands, Westgate has grown its food destinations recently, and Jaiiya Cafe is one of its key players. Anything here is worth a try, especially their nutrient-dense, anti-oxidant-rich acai bowls. Take yours to-go and enjoy it at an umbrella table right outside. We swear it’ll taste even better.
Looking for a later-in-the-day meal? FIVE Restaurant has a lovely patio and even lovelier pizzas.
Perrinville and Lake Ballinger
The Hook in extremely pleasant Perrinville has outdoor seating and, usually, some version of “the game” on its bar TVs to check on should your dining dates need. They also have a section of their menu dedicated to gluten-free diners.
Similarly, Scott’s Bar & Grill on Ballinger Way is a local neighborhood institution that offers fresh, local products, meats, and even desserts. Enjoy their indoor-outdoor dining the next time you want to live like a local!
Eat Al Fresco on Your Terms
While there are lots of restaurants where you can eat outdoors in Edmonds, there are even more places that would be glad to make your food to-go. Pack a picnic and head to one of the many outdoor areas around town: the benches and picnic tables on Sunset, pretty much anywhere in the newly-reopened Civic Park, Hazel Miller Plaza, the Marina, Haines Wharf Park, Hickman Park, and more. The places to park and eat are almost as endless as the food options.
Show us where your outdoor eating adventures take you! Tag @exploreedmondswa on Instagram and Facebook. Bon appetit!
Photos by Matt Hulbert
