There is a new restaurant located at Pleasant Harbor Marina on Hood Canal. You may be familiar with the old Galley & Pub, but much more than the name has changed. The Crows Nest Bistro & Café is under the capable management of Liz Gilbert. Liz is somewhat of a local, born and raised in nearby Poulsbo (as the crow flies) located across Hood Canal on the Kitsap Peninsula. She has brought many innovative changes that are certain to appeal to visiting boaters and residents alike. The restaurant welcome’s the public as well as marina tenants.
In the Fall of 2023, the business began its transformation to reflect more of a full-service restaurant featuring menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition, there is an extensive pizza menu available for dining in, to-go, or for ‘Take N Bake’. If it’s an omelet you crave for breakfast after waking up late on your boat, they have you covered with five different kinds. How about a breakfast burrito or biscuits and gravy? No problem. Lunch and dinner feature several varieties of salads, fish tacos, wraps, quesadillas, and sandwiches such as Hawaiian chicken, pulled pork, and salmon fillet. There is also a full-service bar and you can listen to live music on the summer weekends.
The talented staff showcases their culinary skills daily, but especially during special monthly events throughout the year, such as on Saint Patricks Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. For example, the Cinco de Mayo special event dinner featured jicama citrus salad, shrimp cocktail with a hint of habanero, birria tacos, chiles en nogado, and tres leche cake for dessert. Fathers’ Day will feature a seafood boil. Special events sell out quickly so plan ahead by reserving your space.
The Crows Nest Bistro & Café stands ready to meet the needs of hungry boaters and will also tailor a menu for your yacht club cruise to Pleasant Harbor. I recently visited Pleasant Harbor Marina as part of the Port Ludlow Yacht Club’s “Wake-Up Cruise.” Our group of approximately 40 took up most of the seating for three nights. Upon arrival on Friday evening, the group was served burgers, brats, green salad and sweet potato salad. The next night’s dinner featured chicken breast stuffed with mozzarella, spinach, and herbs. The third night, we took full advantage of the pizza and salad buffet. The talented staff will also ensure all special dietary needs are met as they have a home-made vegan patty, gluten-free, and soy-free options available.
The Crows Nest Bistro & Café is open Wednesday through Sunday. Check out their website at https://crowsnestbistroandcafe.com.
By Dale Blackburn
