Guidebook for Port Orchard

Frances
Guidebook for Port Orchard

Everything Else

The Southworth Ferry takes you to Vashon Island and to West Seattle. It's a delightful cruise!
14 locals recommend
Southworth Ferry Dock station
11564 SE State Highway 160
14 locals recommend
The Southworth Ferry takes you to Vashon Island and to West Seattle. It's a delightful cruise!

Food Scene

Bay Street Bistro offers a sophisticated menu and wine list. Try the pork chop; plenty of vegetarian entrees as well. (Note: This is a 21 and over establishment. No kids!) Please check their website for hours: https://www.baystreetbistro.com/
14 locals recommend
Bay Street Bistro On The Bay
834 Bay St
14 locals recommend
Bay Street Bistro offers a sophisticated menu and wine list. Try the pork chop; plenty of vegetarian entrees as well. (Note: This is a 21 and over establishment. No kids!) Please check their website for hours: https://www.baystreetbistro.com/
If you want to spend the day exploring Vashon Island - a 10 minute ferry ride from Southworth - here is the place to get started or to end your day. Located right at the "downtown" intersection, it's the hub of local life on the island. Please check their website for hours.
66 locals recommend
The Hardware Store Restaurant
17601 Vashon Hwy SW
66 locals recommend
If you want to spend the day exploring Vashon Island - a 10 minute ferry ride from Southworth - here is the place to get started or to end your day. Located right at the "downtown" intersection, it's the hub of local life on the island. Please check their website for hours.
Old industrial building - gutted and remodeled to house a number of different vendors. It is a nice space. Great concept in theory but it has been struggling so please support the businesses here. Inside, "Central Dock" is a decent restaurant + bar with great local crafted beers, good burgers and sandwiches + some basic seafood items. Really nice staff and you can watch a game out of the corner of your eye but in an enjoyable atmosphere. Visit Matt's Chocolate Shop next door for excellent hand-crafted ice creams and wonderful locally made chocolates.
Port Orchard Public Market
715 Bay St
Old industrial building - gutted and remodeled to house a number of different vendors. It is a nice space. Great concept in theory but it has been struggling so please support the businesses here. Inside, "Central Dock" is a decent restaurant + bar with great local crafted beers, good burgers and sandwiches + some basic seafood items. Really nice staff and you can watch a game out of the corner of your eye but in an enjoyable atmosphere. Visit Matt's Chocolate Shop next door for excellent hand-crafted ice creams and wonderful locally made chocolates.
Technically the only restaurant within walking distance from Harper Hill (walk to the ferry, get on, walk off...). But in West Seattle - right by the Fauntleroy Ferry. Friendly bar, family food, monthly themes. Open late. Good place to grab a bite/drink if you are waiting for the ferry. Basic fare.
95 locals recommend
Endolyne Joe's
9261 45th Ave SW
95 locals recommend
Technically the only restaurant within walking distance from Harper Hill (walk to the ferry, get on, walk off...). But in West Seattle - right by the Fauntleroy Ferry. Friendly bar, family food, monthly themes. Open late. Good place to grab a bite/drink if you are waiting for the ferry. Basic fare.
The Dock Bar is a decent pub / bar with great local crafted beers, good burgers and sandwiches + some basic seafood items. Really nice staff and you can watch a game out of the corner of your eye but in an enjoyable atmosphere with a good playlist. Please check their website for hours: https://www.thedockpo.com/
6 locals recommend
The Dock Bar & Eatery
715 Bay St
6 locals recommend
The Dock Bar is a decent pub / bar with great local crafted beers, good burgers and sandwiches + some basic seafood items. Really nice staff and you can watch a game out of the corner of your eye but in an enjoyable atmosphere with a good playlist. Please check their website for hours: https://www.thedockpo.com/
A neighborhood gem in W. Seattle convenient (coming or going) to the Fauntleroy ferry and Lincoln Park. A charming, classic, brick & mortar building houses the café. Walk up to the window which is a pretty good setup as an alternative to their cozy interior during the pandemic. There’s short-term parking in front. Good coffee and homemade food with excellent service makes it a pleasure to swing by to pick up a coffee. An auto-bubble machine makes it kid-friendly and there are dogs treats from the coffee window for pet owners! We love the smoothies (nutty and berry), scones, twice-baked almond croissant, super-burrito (vegan and veg option) the smoked salmon bagel, and Mom’s BLAT. And it’s not uncommon for something to be coming out of the oven as you arrive. A handful of vegetarian and vegan options are offered as well. Espresso is "Raven's Dark Roast", one of our favorites, with all the typical alternative milk options. Ask about their “Take & Bake” options in the freezer. Location is a nice peaceful & pleasant residential neighborhood corner just off of 35th, on the way to the Fauntleroy ferry. Bus 21 https://www.thebirdhousews.com/#/
36 locals recommend
The Birdhouse
3507 SW Henderson St
36 locals recommend
A neighborhood gem in W. Seattle convenient (coming or going) to the Fauntleroy ferry and Lincoln Park. A charming, classic, brick & mortar building houses the café. Walk up to the window which is a pretty good setup as an alternative to their cozy interior during the pandemic. There’s short-term parking in front. Good coffee and homemade food with excellent service makes it a pleasure to swing by to pick up a coffee. An auto-bubble machine makes it kid-friendly and there are dogs treats from the coffee window for pet owners! We love the smoothies (nutty and berry), scones, twice-baked almond croissant, super-burrito (vegan and veg option) the smoked salmon bagel, and Mom’s BLAT. And it’s not uncommon for something to be coming out of the oven as you arrive. A handful of vegetarian and vegan options are offered as well. Espresso is "Raven's Dark Roast", one of our favorites, with all the typical alternative milk options. Ask about their “Take & Bake” options in the freezer. Location is a nice peaceful & pleasant residential neighborhood corner just off of 35th, on the way to the Fauntleroy ferry. Bus 21 https://www.thebirdhousews.com/#/
Excellent outdoor oyster bar and shop right on the famous oyster beds. Scenic drive with great hikes nearby including our favorite, Lena Lake. Please check website for hours and updates before making the trek. https://hamahamaoysters.com/
71 locals recommend
Hama Hama Farm Store
35846 US-101
71 locals recommend
Excellent outdoor oyster bar and shop right on the famous oyster beds. Scenic drive with great hikes nearby including our favorite, Lena Lake. Please check website for hours and updates before making the trek. https://hamahamaoysters.com/
Phoenica (West Seattle) Great wine bar and restaurant with excellent Middle Eastern-inspired food. Family run, Lebanese inspired cuisine with an excellent wine selection. A West Seattle favorite! Please check their website for hours and updates: https://www.phoeneciawestseattle.com/
38 locals recommend
Phoenecia
4717 42nd Avenue Southwest
38 locals recommend
Phoenica (West Seattle) Great wine bar and restaurant with excellent Middle Eastern-inspired food. Family run, Lebanese inspired cuisine with an excellent wine selection. A West Seattle favorite! Please check their website for hours and updates: https://www.phoeneciawestseattle.com/
We love to drive onto the ferry and take the ten minute ride over to Vashon Island. (Note: you pay the round trip ferry fare on the Southworth side.) One of our favorite spots there is a Thai restaurant: MAY KITCHEN + BAR. A local favorite! From the 150 year old dark teak paneling to the hand crafted iron work, the interior whisks you away to a far away place. Crafted cocktails made with exotic ingredients. Owner May Chaleoy is known for her ability to bring out a depth and complexity of flavor in all your favorite Thai dishes. Please check their website for hours. https://www.maykitchen.com/
92 locals recommend
May Kitchen + Bar
17614 Vashon Hwy SW
92 locals recommend
We love to drive onto the ferry and take the ten minute ride over to Vashon Island. (Note: you pay the round trip ferry fare on the Southworth side.) One of our favorite spots there is a Thai restaurant: MAY KITCHEN + BAR. A local favorite! From the 150 year old dark teak paneling to the hand crafted iron work, the interior whisks you away to a far away place. Crafted cocktails made with exotic ingredients. Owner May Chaleoy is known for her ability to bring out a depth and complexity of flavor in all your favorite Thai dishes. Please check their website for hours. https://www.maykitchen.com/
Best bowl of pho near Poulsbo which is a great spot to visit for a day trip. For more info and to check hours: https://www.photnpoulsbo.com/
12 locals recommend
Pho T & N
19641 7th Ave NE
12 locals recommend
Best bowl of pho near Poulsbo which is a great spot to visit for a day trip. For more info and to check hours: https://www.photnpoulsbo.com/
The first location of this great ice cream shop opened on Bainbridge Island in 2006. The second in Poulsbo. Both are fun day trip locations to poke around shops, rent kayaks, eat at restaurants or take walks in the woods. Mora has unusual flavors made with wonderful ingredients the old-fashioned way. Be sure to check out their website for hours of operation or updates. Poulsbo Mora: https://moraicecream.com/mora-ice-cream-locations-2/mora-ice-cream-poulsbo/
44 locals recommend
Mora Iced Creamery
139 Madrone Ln N
44 locals recommend
The first location of this great ice cream shop opened on Bainbridge Island in 2006. The second in Poulsbo. Both are fun day trip locations to poke around shops, rent kayaks, eat at restaurants or take walks in the woods. Mora has unusual flavors made with wonderful ingredients the old-fashioned way. Be sure to check out their website for hours of operation or updates. Poulsbo Mora: https://moraicecream.com/mora-ice-cream-locations-2/mora-ice-cream-poulsbo/
The 69,000-square-foot Central Market is a “destination food store,” which continues to draw customers from as far south as the Tacoma Narrows Bridge area, west to the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas and throughout Kitsap County. Stop for picnic supplies, the freshest seafood, bbq or lattes. It is worth the drive! More info and hours here: https://central-market.com/store-landings/poulsbo/
53 locals recommend
Central Market
20148 10th Ave NE
53 locals recommend
The 69,000-square-foot Central Market is a “destination food store,” which continues to draw customers from as far south as the Tacoma Narrows Bridge area, west to the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas and throughout Kitsap County. Stop for picnic supplies, the freshest seafood, bbq or lattes. It is worth the drive! More info and hours here: https://central-market.com/store-landings/poulsbo/

Essentials

Farmer George is famous here on the peninsula. It's a third-generation, unpretentious butcher shop with farm eggs, fresh meats on Thursdays and Fridays. The epitome of local.
Farmer George Meats
3870 Bethel Rd SE
Farmer George is famous here on the peninsula. It's a third-generation, unpretentious butcher shop with farm eggs, fresh meats on Thursdays and Fridays. The epitome of local.

Sightseeing

Lovely park with trails and beach access.
32 locals recommend
Manchester State Park
7767 E Hilldale Rd
32 locals recommend
Lovely park with trails and beach access.
Beautiful short hike through a forest down Frenchman's Cove, a waterfront with expansive views facing towering peaks of Olympic National Park
7 locals recommend
Kitsap County Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve
19235 NW Stavis Bay Rd
7 locals recommend
Beautiful short hike through a forest down Frenchman's Cove, a waterfront with expansive views facing towering peaks of Olympic National Park
88 acre camping park with 1500 ft of salt water beach front on Hood Canal. Stunning views of the Olympic Mountains.
28 locals recommend
Scenic Beach State Park
9565 Scenic Beach Rd NW
28 locals recommend
88 acre camping park with 1500 ft of salt water beach front on Hood Canal. Stunning views of the Olympic Mountains.
Check out the local scene: Fresh seafood, fruits & vegetables, vendors serving delicious delights, fresh seafood, and your requisite doilie makers. Saturdays 9-3.
Kitsap Regional Library, Port Orchard
87 Sidney Ave
Check out the local scene: Fresh seafood, fruits & vegetables, vendors serving delicious delights, fresh seafood, and your requisite doilie makers. Saturdays 9-3.
This is one of our favorite hikes in the Olympics - just over an hour drive from Harper (mostly along the water), a one-hour climb through the forests, and a beautiful alpine lake you can swim in!
12 locals recommend
Lena Lake
12 locals recommend
This is one of our favorite hikes in the Olympics - just over an hour drive from Harper (mostly along the water), a one-hour climb through the forests, and a beautiful alpine lake you can swim in!
A 59 acre park with a non motorized boat launch, ball field, picnic gazebo, and trails - one of which starts right near our own property! Check it out here: https://www.kitsapgov.com/parks/Pages/HarperPark.aspx
6 locals recommend
Harper Park
3500 SE Southworth Dr
6 locals recommend
A 59 acre park with a non motorized boat launch, ball field, picnic gazebo, and trails - one of which starts right near our own property! Check it out here: https://www.kitsapgov.com/parks/Pages/HarperPark.aspx

Entertainment & Activities

A rather unique salt water swimming pool which you can reach by walking on to the Fauntleroy ferry.
34 locals recommend
Colman Pool
8603 Fauntleroy Way SW
34 locals recommend
A rather unique salt water swimming pool which you can reach by walking on to the Fauntleroy ferry.
Lincoln park is right at the other end of the ferry to Fauntleroy. No need to bring your car, just park it in the Southworth dock parking lot.
389 locals recommend
Lincoln Park
801 S 37th St
389 locals recommend
Lincoln park is right at the other end of the ferry to Fauntleroy. No need to bring your car, just park it in the Southworth dock parking lot.

Getting Around

10 minute drive from Harper Hill, park your car and take the ferry across the harbor to downtown Bremerton - or transfer there to downtown Seattle!
7 locals recommend
Port Orchard Foot Ferry Dock station
7 locals recommend
10 minute drive from Harper Hill, park your car and take the ferry across the harbor to downtown Bremerton - or transfer there to downtown Seattle!
We now have a FAST FERRY that takes you into downtown Seattle on foot. More info here: https://www.kitsaptransit.com/service/fast-ferry/southworth-fast-ferry
14 locals recommend
Southworth Ferry Dock station
11564 SE State Highway 160
14 locals recommend
We now have a FAST FERRY that takes you into downtown Seattle on foot. More info here: https://www.kitsaptransit.com/service/fast-ferry/southworth-fast-ferry

Drinks & Nightlife

A 20 minute drive from Harper. Nice ambiance, across the street from a park. Great drinks and interesting bistro fare. Please check their website for hours and updates: https://houndandbottle.com/
30 locals recommend
Hound & Bottle
2109 E 11th St
30 locals recommend
A 20 minute drive from Harper. Nice ambiance, across the street from a park. Great drinks and interesting bistro fare. Please check their website for hours and updates: https://houndandbottle.com/