#2552 - Geoduck Restaurant and Lounge, Brinnon, WA - 5/31/2014

For people outside of western Washington, that's pronounced the "gooey duck," named for the revolting and huge saltwater clams that many locals, as well as a large number of people in China, inexplicably consider edible. The Geoduck Tavern has been in this location on Highway 101, north of Dosewallips River and the Duckabrush trail, since 1938. It was largely destroyed by fire in 1989, but quickly rebuilt as the Geoduck Restaurant and Lounge, with expanded space for family dining. Murray and Sue Perley bought the place in 1978, and it has remained in the family since. It is fairly modern feeling inside, but still has a cabin-like feel, with an aged wood exterior, animal heads and memorablia inside, and a view across a grassy slough where the Dosewallips empties into the Hood Canal.

In fact one of the animal heads started taunting me as I took pictures of the place. I eventually tracked this down to a bushy bearded local named Mark, as he tucked away the microphone retrieved from behind the bar, and stared away a little too obliviously to be innocent. Mark later explained that the locals call this game "Brinnon karaoke." This side of the canal is a bit more blue collar than much of Kitsap peninsula on the eastern side, and most of the people at the Geoduck are locals. You can't get geoduck at the Geoduck, but you can choose from a dependable selection of American comfort foods with several seafood options, and a good selection of beers on tap. Esquire has actually repeatedly named it one of the best bars in America, based largely on their salmon derby and burger dip.

For its friendly and funny people, the view, and satisfying meals, and the history of the place, its a relaxing and satisfying stop along the Olympic peninsula loop.

307103 U.S. 101, Brinnon, WA 98320 - (360) 796-4430
Est. 1938 (rebuilt 1990)
Previous bars in this location: None known
Web site: facebook
Reviews: kitsapsun - peninsuladailynews - esquire - yelp - tripadvisor