Whether you want to go for a day or a long weekend, San Juan Island offers a wide variety of places to fill your senses.  I’ve put together some of my favorite places to go, from restaurants to wine tasting with a little history thrown in, San Juan Island is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a weekend “Island Style”.

Beer tasting at Front Street Ale House

Bakery San Juan is a great place to get a morning pastry or a fresh baguette for an evening appetizer.  Their hours are short on the weekends so make sure plan ahead.

Front Street Ale House, located in Friday Harbor near the ferry terminal, is known to the locals for serving great pub food and local brews. Their arrogant bastard ale is an A+ staple. Ask to do a beer tasting and try a sample of all they offer.

Sweet Re-treat Need an afternoon pick me up? Grab a latte or a chocolate milk shake at this little stand in the heart of Friday Harbor.

Historic Roche Harbor's Madrona Grill and Hotel de Haro

Roche Harbor offers several places to eat, but my favorite is on the deck for lunch at the Madrona Bar & Grill.  Start out with the blue cheese chopped salad, with eggs and almonds, then satisfy your hunger with the roast beef sandwich and be sure to add cheddar.  Wash it all down with a house specialty Berry Mojito.  This is a great meal to split for two as the portions are generous.

Duck Soup Inn
50 Duck Soup Ln
Friday Harbor, WA 98250-6929
(360) 378-4878

When approaching the Duck Soup Inn, keep your eyes peeled because the one small sign at the end of the drive way passes quickly.
Once you turn into the drive way the trees and grasses open up to a small pond and a quaint little cabin. Right away this sets the local mood. The inside is all wood with charming paintings hung on the wall. The service is friendly and knowledgeable. They serve a full bar, but have some great options on their cocktail menu. The wine and beer selection isn’t large but well appointed, offering some delicious local wines from San Juan Vineyards. The menu is well rounded and so far the steak diane (tenderloin medallions with shallots sherry and cream), The fillet mignon and the  Cheese soufflé are all winners on the set menu. They have nightly specials such as the Columbia river sturgeon with a cilantro burr blanc, corn relish and balsamic squiggle was executed perfectly. Each meal comes with homemade soup and salad, made fresh everyday.
The prices range from $24-$36 per entrée.
Overall the experience was just what I was looking for, local, fresh, creative and delicious. Chef, Gretchen Allison really puts a personal touch on every plate.