During the holidays, San Juan Island transforms into a little slice of heaven with Christmas lights strung around the town, wreaths on every door, and the smell of festivities in the air. Spending the holiday season on the island is a long-time tradition for some families that wish to get away and connect with each other. If you are coming to Friday Harbor during Christmas week, just be aware that some restaurants are closed for the holidays. Luckily for you, we’ve found the perfect places to dine throughout your stay.
Cask and Schooner on Christmas Eve:
Cask and Schooner is a favorite local hangout in Friday Harbor, known for its nautical ambiance, rustic fare, refreshing libations, and friendly faces gathered around every table. While the public house isn’t open on Christmas Day, they are welcoming in the public for Christmas Eve. Warm up with a plate of their daily changing homemade gnocchi or a bowl of mussels in a savory white wine tomato broth.
S’mores on South Beach:
A long-time tradition among the year-round residents of the island is to build a fire on South Beach and bring libations and ingredients for s’mores. Take advantage of the early sunset and make your way over to the beach at 3:30 p.m., and you can build a fire, watch the sunset, and snuggle up while stars take over the night sky. Enjoy your dessert before dinner—it is Christmas after all. You can then make your way to Coho Restaurant for a dinner reservation and warm up with a glass of one of Chef Tim’s recommended holiday wines.
Coho Restaurant on Christmas Day:
Treat yourself to a Christmas dinner for the books. Coho Restaurant is known for its sustainable, farm-to-table fare created with ingredients from farmers and distributors on the San Juan Islands. Each plate is masterfully curated to allow the individual ingredients to complement one another and resonate on your palate. Opt in for the wine pairings selected from their extensive, locally curated wine list and let the chefs take you on a culinary experience with a five-course holiday menu. Pro Tip: If you love your Christmas dinner, you won’t have to wait 365 days to treat yourself again. Coho Restaurant is hosting a similar event on New Year’s Eve.
Mike’s Cafe & Wine Bar on New Year’s Day:
What are your New Year’s resolutions? Would you like to eat healthier food? Are you looking to cut meat out of your diet? Maybe you want to seize the day and enjoy every moment. No matter which resolution you are committing to, dinner at Mike’s Cafe & Wine Bar can help you achieve it. At this chic eatery, you’ll find vegan fare made with the best ingredients from around Washington, along with an impressive selection of Pacific Northwest wines. Power up for a day of island explorations with a hearty ‘Phili-Up Cheese Steak’ made with plant-based beef tips and vegan provolone cheese or their Super Salad packed with energizing ingredients like avocado, spinach, quinoa, and a garlic vinaigrette. Eating better has never been so tasty!
Daily Gourmet Breakfast at Harrison House Suites:
Stay at Harrison House Suites and you won’t have to worry about finding a restaurant open for breakfast in December. A three-course breakfast with fresh fruit, house-made granola, and a festive breakfast entree will be delivered right to your door. Your holidays have never been easier (or tastier).
Your holiday vacation on San Juan Island can be as easy as making a booking at Harrison House Suites. The innkeepers can help you make a reservation at Coho Restaurant or point you towards their favorite firework viewing area on the island. Get away from the stress of having to cook and clean your way through Christmas and start a new tradition in Friday Harbor.
