This is a spot we hit up every time we're in town. Food is really tasty, the beer selection isn't extensive but they have something for everyone. I've read reviews about the service not being very good, but in the half dozen times I've been there the service has been excellent. read more

Monday night dinner in early June meant that they weren't too busy. We both ordered the steak salad-one rare and one medium. The medium one came out fine. The rare steak was, at best, medium well. Pointed out to server the over done steak which she agreed was not correct. Ten minutes later a more rare steak came out. Odd that it took longer to get the replacement steak than the original orders. Anyway, the steak and balsamic dressing salad were average. The steak was gristly and small. It would have been nice if someone like the cook or server had actually looked at what they made to ensure that it was done correctly. Lastly, the server never came back to the table to check on our meal after dropping off the food. This restaurant seems to be one of those that survives on tourism volume and not quality of food. There are several others nearby, including the Downrigger, that are better. read more

Blue Water Bar & Grill - American Near Me - Friday Harbor, Washington

Recently tried this place and decided on it because the menu looked decent. My wife decided to try the crab & shrimp cakes. it was 2 patties that was $29. When she cut in to them, it wasn't very impressive. They did t have much tase and they were pretty dry. I had the fish and chips and wasn't impressed either. the batter wasn't crispy and the fish wasn't flaky. It was just battered fish which wasn't that tasty. I know they aren't a Japanese restaurant so I can't fault them for it, but I also ordered a Ramen for my daughter. When it came out, the broth was just ok but the noodles that were in it, was pretty much like the packaged kine in Top Ramen. Just a Pricey menu for ordinary food. read more

This is not the best choice in Friday Harbor. We were starving after a day of traveling and stopped at the first place we saw after we parked essentially. Group of 6 and ordered a variety of dishes. Wings, no flavor. Not a spectacular cook on them either. Chicken skewers in the happy hour menu $11 for 3 tiny skewers that equaled maybe one chicken tender all together. Not seasoning on it whatsoever. Chicken sandwich. Nothing to write home about. Just all bland. Burria sandwich was flavorful. Service was ok but not too friendly. read more

Stopped in while waiting for a wedding reception to start at the yacht club. We were seated immediately outside near the water. I ordered the fish and chips and they were good. The service was excellent. Pretty cool looking over the bay while enjoying a late lunch. Beautiful day and a nice lunch. read more

Blue Water Bar & Grill - Fish and chips - American Near Me - Friday Harbor, Washington

Ate here while waiting for the ferry because I didn't want to go too far away from my car. It was okay. They have a Hawaiian fusion brunch menu which looked cool, but zero vegetarian or gluten free options so I had to order something standard. Got the veggie and cheese omelette. No gluten free toast options here. The omelette was fine. Similar, if not slightly lower quality than what you would get at iHop or another inexpensive chain. Wayyyyy too much spinach which was an odd texture, but the rest of the veggies were good. The breakfast potatoes were good, but I am sure they were frozen and heated up. My boyfriend got an Irish coffee and liked it. There was a TON of whipped cream, but I think he liked that. The ambiance is fine. We LOVED the view, but it wasn't exactly bustling and lively on a Saturday at brunch on a sunny day. The price was crazy for what it was. I think my omelette was like $25 and the quality was giving like $8. Maybe this is just what island prices look like. I might try somewhere else next time I wait for the ferry. read more

We had a tasty late lunch here while waiting for the ferry. They have cold beer, an array of seafood, endless people watching, and if you're lucky enough to snag a window, the lovely views. Our table collectively had clam chowder, manilla clams, fried clams, and a burger. I know, burger man needs to be voted off the island. Being from New England, we have opinions on (bur are also suckers for) clams. They were very good, and you can win me over if you have steamed clams in white wine with garlic and butter. I'd get them again. The only minus, and thus a star loss, is the service. I want to give people the benefit of the doubt and try to sympathize that it's hard to find good work, it's hard when you are completely understaffed, and with tourists from all over come attitudes from all over. But it wasn't great, and while it wasn't totally the server's fault, I think management could have handled delays a bit better. read more

If you are a fan, just like, or love clams then you are in luck. 1/2lb. manila clams, white wine, butter, garlic, tomato, onion and garlic bread. These were some of the cleanest tasting clams I've ever had. The sauce was very light and super complimentary. The resraraunt has a nice open seating arrangement with windows galore. Gaze out at the boats docked in Friday Harbor and enjoy enjoy enjoy. read more

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Superb! Best seafood on the planet with 5-star service. Very attentive staff. You can't go wrong.

The food is delicious, and the service is attentive and friendly. I also loved the beautiful view while dining in It made the whole experience even better. read more

Blue Water Bar & Grill - American Near Me - Friday Harbor, Washington

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Wait staff was few and overworked. I ended up getting food poisoning from the blackened ahi. It was supposed to be a fun dinner celebrating our last night on San Juan Island; instead, I was up being sick half the night and next day. Don't advise coming here. read more

I absolutely loved this restaurant. We sat outside and had a couple of drinks and food. Staff was very friendly and of course the views were gorgeous. read more

The prices were a bit high for the quality of the food. The food was OK but not fantastic by any means. The service was also ok but not fastastic. It's a place to fill the need but would rather go to Downriggers just across the street. We had the ramen when tasted somewhat like it came out of a box. The good part is that they were open later at night when Downriggers were closed, which is why they got our business. read more

Although there aren't too many restaurant options in Friday Harbor, if you are visiting and have no idea where to eat, here's my advice. Just don't come here! This is just an overpriced mediocre diner. The crab cake sandwich was ok but was not worth $26. Because the restaurant is located in front of the Washington State ferry terminal, the view of the harbor is mostly blocked. Don't waste your money or your precious time exploring the island. read more

Decent restaurant on the harbor. Big menu selection from apps to salads to sandwiches...and the food was tasty. Our server was super friendly and attentive. We sat inside but they have a small patio as well. read more

Blue Water Bar & Grill - Fish & Chips - American Near Me - Friday Harbor, Washington

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Clam chowder was nice. Well, maybe it was a little bit salty, but the crackers kinda take care of that. I like the potato skins and the bacon. I could also taste at least several pieces of clam. Overall, the flavor was pretty good. The steamers, on the other hand, were the world's smallest and saddest clams I have ever seen. And there was so much sand. There will always be some sand of course, but I popped the world's smallest clam into my mouth, and it was like 50% sand. I joked that they already put the clams in the chowder and the steamers are just empty shells. Rant begins: I see quite a few reviews complaining that this place isn't worth the cost. I sorta have an opposite view. Between this and Tina's, I think restaurants on Friday Harbor aren't expensive enough. I assume these restaurants have struggles with supply and from COVID still, but in the end, this is a higher income tourist spot. I see a lot of nice cars coming off of the ferry. These people can afford to pay a lot more. A successful restaurant here should be one that drains my wallet to make amazing food, not one that cuts corners to make mediocre food. Or maybe I'm wasting my breath and this is the best quality seafood they can currently get, which would be pretty depressing. Or there are already expensive joints around Friday Harbor that make better seafood, but regretfully I did not find such a place. /rant read more

Blue Water Bar & Grill - Already took a couple spoonfuls, woops. - American Near Me - Friday Harbor, Washington

Don't go, over salted fries, lipstick on glasses, had to ask for silver ware, napkins ect. Salmon burger was super fishy. Tacos were soggy, drinks seemed like they were made by a first time bartender. All around terrible. read more

Poor service. Only saw our server twice, when he took our order and when he brought our check without asking us if we wanted anything else. We decided to go elsewhere for dessert. I ordered the "crab and shrimp" Caesar salad. I was disappointed to learn the crab and shrimp was a crab cake! The menu really needs to say that it's a crab cake, not crab and shrimp. I ended up eating half of it; it was not very good. Will not return. read more

Nice restaurant by the ferry dock, with nice views. I ordered a crab cake sandwich that was very delicious but wish it had a bit more crab and a little less breading. The french fries were also very good. The space is very large and has a wood panel vibe. read more

Had Biscuits and gravy for breakfast before take the ferry to Anacortes, it also eggs over easy and potato cubes

Go here if you like being served by bored teenagers. Waitress drops off menus before we are halfway to the table and walks away. Waitress stops by once to see how we are doing with her hands full of dirty dishes. Forgotten drink orders, etc. read more

The lobster roll was full of large lobster claws, so yummy, the coconut shrimp and California roll were well prepared and delicious. Fantastic view over the harbor. Very happy with our choice of restaurant. read more

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Food and service was spectacular. We had an amazing view of the harbor and everything was quick. We had the teriyaki bowls and they were amazing. We needed a break from all the seafood and this was the perfect spot! read more

Gluten free entree option is grilled fish tacos on soft corn tortillas; spicy, fresh and really good. Really enjoyed the cilantro, cabbage, mango salsa and cream sauce. Yum. Service was a little slow but it's island time so no rush on my part. read more

Went for lunch and then drinks in the evening. Neat spot in Friday Harbor to people watch and enjoy a meal or a drink and dessert. Pricey, but everything on this island is expensive for obvious reasons. Service was good. Food was as expected. read more

We ordered clam chowders and lumpia to go. Price was way too expensive. The clam chowder didn't even taste like clam chowder. Imagine chicken bouillon soup with a few added clam chunks and passing it off as clam chowder. read more

Pretty bad. Seafood that is not fresh but is overpriced. A manhattan for $18! Are you serious? Skip this place. I'm just hoping I don't get sick. read more

Nice and friendly staff, pretty view of the harbor and the veggie omelette and loco mock was yummy!

I feel sorry for the tourists who go here. Although the service was quick, the food was barely edible: grilled chicken sandwich with tough chicken, fries that were mealy, and obviously had been frozen. The nachos that were horrible: cold tortilla chips, a queso sauce instead of real melted cheese, tiny bits of hamburger, what tasted like the juice from the jalepenos spread on the top, and worst of all, kalamata olives. Who puts kalamata olives on nachos ? - just the wrong flavor profile. Salsa so so and came in a separate ramakin with sour cream. Glass of beer and glass of wine okay. For $75 plus tip, not worth it. read more

Excellent wait staff with Reed as a favorite server. Excellent chowder and fresh salads. Great view of the ferries from their deck. Highly recommend. read more

While visiting for the weekend and looking for a dinner spot on a Saturday night, we were struggling to find a restaurant that had a table without a long wait until we stumbled upon this place. Located near the water with nice views from the patio, we were excited when we were seated immediately. Unfortunately, it all went downhill from there. Our waitress came pretty quickly with our menus and took our drink orders, but you could tell she was frazzled/stressed from the start. She was still nice for the most part and not rude at all, but seemed almost uninterested in helping us which is not what you want from someone in a service role. However, the menu items looked good and we all ordered, including a few appetizers. The Loaded Tots sounded good on paper, but in reality, were what you'd expect from a dive bar. The tots themselves were okay, but all the toppings tasted like they'd been microwaved and thrown on top. For the fries, they were actually crunchy and tasty, but we found a hair at the bottom of the basket with only a few fries left. We tried to chalk it up as a simple mistake and didn't mention it to the waitress. For the main entrees, the portions were decent, but everyone was fairly underwhelmed with the taste as everything just lacked much flavor. My Chicken Fried Chicken was probably the best part, but even that was nothing too special. However, it got worse when ANOTHER hair was found in one of the pasta dishes. When we finally brought this up to the waitress, she sighed and said "Yeah, this is a recurring issue". While I appreciate her honesty, that is simply an unacceptable answer from an employee without any type of solution or compensation offered. In the end, I don't blame her as she has clearly been put in terrible situations like this many times by poor kitchen staff and apathetic management. We ended up just paying the bill as fast as we could and left the restaurant. We still left a decent tip for the waitress, even though the overall service was lacking. To top it off, the prices here were way too high for the quality of food/experience. They definitely benefit from their location and views and are likely kept afloat by tourists. Do yourself a favor and wait in line at one of the other places for a better time, at least until this place addresses some of their issues. read more

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Apparently I should have checked the Yelp reviews ahead of time. We stopped by early on a Sunday afternoon and it was unexpectedly empty. We were quickly seated and our order arrived in a reasonable time. The fish and chips was heavily breaded and flavorless. The clam chowder was grossly over salted, to the point that we could not finish it. Prices were high, especially given the mediocre food quality. read more

Blue Water Bar & Grill - the entrance to the restaurant - American Near Me - Friday Harbor, Washington

Good service. Really good food. My party had the Caesar salad with shrimp (excellent) and a seafood platter which was also good. Nice service and fun atmosphere. Near the harbor and pier so nice view. read more

Yikes. I knew we should've listened to the reviews but we were starving and of course it had availability, because it was terrible haha. So expensive, why is a omelette $18 plus like another $3-6 for meat?? I got a breakfast sandwich that was soooo sad. Literally two eggs, sliced cheese, spicy turkey sausage, which I didn't love that it was spicy and no where said it would be, and sourdough bread toasted with nothing on it. Like literally just dry bread. Not even butter LOL I couldn't made this better at home. Unfortunately I would never come back. read more

I was pleasantly surprised by my experience at Blue Water Bar & Grill last Sunday evening. Picture yourself waiting for the 5:30 pm ferry to take you from Friday Harbor on San Juan Island back to Lopez Island where you've been staying in a gorgeous waterfront home, only to learn that your ferry has been redirected and will not be taking you home. The good news is that sometime after 10:15pm (actual time 11:25pm) there will be another ferry. You're dressed for a beautiful sunny fall day, with a few extra layers in your day bag, you quickly open Yelp on your phone to see where you can hang for the next many hours... you learn that many of the restaurants and bars that are open on Sunday, are already closing or will be soon. There is one place that stays open until 7, another til 8pm, one that closes at 9pm and then there is Blue Water Bar & Grill that closes at 10pm. You hesitate because the ratings aren't consistent - with 2.5 stars, you're conflicted. You wander around for an hour or so, checking out the wait times at the other places (40-50 minutes), eventually you make your way into Blue Water and speak with the hostess who can seat you on the patio as you've requested. We weren't expecting much more than high prices and mediocre food and service. I can tell you now, the food and staff completely blew our low expectations out of the water! We ordered alcoholic libations, I chose their version of an Italian Strawberry Soda that is made with vodka and my friend chose something equally delicious made with whiskey. After a hesitant sip we each heartily agreed that the drinks were very pleasing and the price was competitive. We'd had a late lunch followed by ice cream (see separate reviews) so neither of us was super hungry. She ordered the fish and chips (choice of 2 for $18 or 3 pieces - not sure of the price) while I ordered the soup and salad ($17) - cup of very nice clam chowder and house salad with their vinaigrette with blue cheese crumbles and garlic bread. All of the food was good and again, the price seemed fair and competitive with other Island restaurants. The staff were so kind and invited us to stay as long as we liked, they made sure we had plenty of water to go along with our adult libations. So my final word on this place - I thank them for their hospitality, their friendly welcome attitudes, and for the yummy drinks and good tasting food. read more

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Glad to find a place I didn't need reservations for at 6:30pm on a Saturday. I've been trying to give restaurants grace as they are all making due in Covid times. This place was busy. It felt very safe, but it was lacking a hostess and service was poor. There is indoor outdoor seating and because the outdoor seating isn't closed off I ended up coming up through the outdoor patio. No one was there to say hello so I figured I'd go inside. Again no one said anything and I made my way to the front entrance where it said wait to be seated. I stood there alone for a a few minutes not on my phone just waiting until someone asked if I need a table. Atleast 3 servers walked back without even saying "someone will be with you shortly." I got seated at a both by the door that swings back and worth to the outside. Honestly was probably warmer if I sat outside. Keep that in mind and don't sit there. Again it took several minutes for a server to even come say hello. I did thankfully get water in the meantime. Tacos were okay not worth the $21 for the chips and weird fruity(?) salsa that came with. I'd stick to a mild or medium salsa versus what I could taste. Maybe their other menu items are better, but pricey for what you get. Thankfully they did have 2 TVs so I could catch some news while I waited. I'd try somewhere else first. read more

Blue Water Bar & Grill - Indoor decor - American Near Me - Friday Harbor, Washington

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2.5 for service, 5 for food and drink... too lazy to do the math, but probably somewhere around a 4. We got to Friday Harbor for our whale-watching pretty early, and luckily Friday Harbor happens to be an adorable little seaside village with restaurants and shops abound! We stopped in here for brunch and a few hot spiked treats to warm us up (it was c h i l l y.) I can't say enough about the Hot Apple Pie drink. Probably the tastiest alcoholic beverage I've ever had in my life. I need that recipe. I got an Italian frittata too, which was also delicious. Our waitress really sucked though. I get that she works at a probably low-traffic restaurant, but she was so completely inattentive. I was trying to flag her down for like ten minutes to order my food and finally spotted her texting behind the bar. Come on. Still recommend though and HIGHLY recommend that Hot Apple Pie drink. read more

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Not many breakfast choices at 10:30am. We tried salty fox but they had an extremely limited menu. We had only an hour before our whale watching tour and we were seated quickly. It took a few minutes for someone to come around to take our drink order so we just ordered food as well to save time. I got the chicken and waffles. The waffles were bad but very sweet. The chicken tenders were low quality and flavorless. Not worth $18. My partner got the crab Benedict and the "poached" egg was so over cooked and yolk was hard. The crab cake was okay and the tots were good. Not worth $24. It was getting close to when we needed to leave for our tour and no one had come around after our food was dropped off. No one came to refill drinks. I'd been out of water for over 20 minutes. We continued to wait and saw no one enter the dining area to ask for a check for 10 minutes. I added up our total and left cash so we wouldn't miss our boat. I've never had such poor service where I couldn't find anyone to refill water or get a check. Go literally anywhere else. read more

I should've known better than to order anything from a bar and grill joint that is NOT deep fried, but I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. I should've listened to my gut. Does the dish in photo 1 look like it should cost $33? If you said "yes," then you're just the kind of rube this place wants as a customer. I'm just glad I asked for the hollandaise sauce to be put on the side. I had a taste and yeah, no. That sauce is NSFW. Honestly, I came here for dinner because all the other places in town were already closed. So I guess if you find yourself in the same predicament, go ahead and eat at Blue Water Grill but don't order the so-called Special because honey it is mosdef not special. read more

Blue Water Bar & Grill - Today's Special: seared scallops with hollandaise mashed potatoes and sautéed "seasonal" vegetables - American Near Me - Friday Harbor, Washington

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Nice little bar & grill right in front of the ferry. Got our seats rather quickly and water immediately. Waitress was nice and welcoming. Ordered the Seafood plate as I wanted to try the cod, calamari and prawns. Took about 10 minestrone for the food. The dish looked amazing. Only con I have is they all must of been fried in the same basket because they tasted the same. Either same batter or vegetable oil. Besides that, the view and ambiance was quite calm and casual. read more

Blue Water Bar & Grill - Seafood Plate $33 - American Near Me - Friday Harbor, Washington