Eats & Drinks on Whidbey
I recently got away for a quick little weekend trip to Whidbey Island and it was absolutely gorgeous!
The trip over on the Mukilteo Ferry is stunning! And the island itself, is such a wonderful mini-vacay spot. If you live in Seattle and you’re looking for an easy weekend getaway, book your next stay on Whidbey.
A dear friend of mine had a catering gig on the island and invited me along for the ride.
This quick trip to South Whidbey was 100% fueled by food.
She was working food; I was thinking about food.
We nestled up in our adorable AirBNB and she cooked her heart out. While she was cooking, I was researching where we were going to share our next meal. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; the 3 essentials. We were lucky enough to eat each of these meals on the Island, and boy were they delicious!
Breakfast
Useless Bay Coffee Co.
Not useless at all… Very useful actually.
Artisanal. Located in Langley’s seaside village.
Like a chef, baristas have to be good at understanding flavors. An owner of a successful coffee shop has to take multiple steps to maintain their following. Useless Bay Coffee Co. is one of those successful places.
Useless Bay Coffee Co.’s Recipe for success
- Buy the best beans (they’re organic!)
- Roast the best beans with care and attention (small batch)
- Use great water
- Hire the right staff and train them correctly
- Serve drinks (and snacks) with a smile
- Cook food from scratch (including house-made sausage & chorizo)
In case you’re an indecisive individual and or just like choices, then Useless Bay might just be for you because they have multiple places on site for you to sip your java. You can sit in green gardens, hang out in their outdoor bocce ball courts, drink your coffee inside the coffee shop, nestle yourself in their retro-diner-inspired cafe towards the back of the house, or you could always take your coffee to-go (but that’s not as fun).
Wondering who the mastermind is behind this place is? His name is Des Rock and yes, he rocks. Not just the owner, but also the coffee roaster, the dish washer, the server, you get the idea. He believes in not just owning the shop, but being a part of the shop. No wonder the locals love him and his coffee.
ft. house-made sausage
Side note: there are at least 20 wild bunnies that hop around outside and they are the absolute cutest.
Lunch
Flower House Cafe
Located within a nursery (Bayview Farm & Garden), this cafe is a hidden gem. A beautiful, shiny, yummy gem.
First of all, the coffee they use for their espresso is from Useless Bay. I had no idea! But I sure do love it with things come full circle like this! Or maybe that’s just what happens when you visit a small, local community like Whidbey; the local businesses actually support each other. Either way, I like it.
Not only are they serving up organic coffee; they are also serving up local, (mostly) organic and seasonal food. That means their menu is always changing to match the current produce available for the season.
Once again, I like it!
Their offerings:
Full Espresso Bar | House-made Pastries | Breakfast and Lunch Menus | Locally Sourced Beer and Wine | Wifi |Patio dining | Kid, Dog and Big Group Friendly | To-go Food | Vegetarian, Dairy Free and Gluten Free Options
And because you’re already 25 feet away from it, you might as well check out the nursery next door that has been open for over 25 years.
Dinner
Ultra House
The second I walked in I was transported back to Japan. A tiny yet efficient space; lightly crowded but not uncomfortable, happy employees greeting you the second you walk in the door, and delicious food.
Ultra House is owned and operated by a lovely couple; Denis and Cheryl.
Denis grew up in Japan and knew he wanted to share his roots with his community in Whidbey.
Cheryl owned a Natural Food shop and Apothecary on Whidbey.
Together, they united forces and Ultra House was born.
Located in Langley Village, they are serving up amazing Japanese ramen, imported beer & sake,
Japanese Snacks/ Candy plus a tiny corner filled with oils & herbs for your apothecary needs.
While ramen on Whidbey island seems out of place, let me be the first to tell you it was the best thing I ate all weekend.
Denis and Cheryl were both in house the night we dined here.
Denis was cooking and Cheryl was working the front of the house.
She took the time to welcome us into the restaurant, explain the menu (pointing out their multiple vegetarian options) and hand deliver our food.
Along with their yummy food, they truly have more Japanese beer, sake and fun drinks than you know what to do with. With more than 2 refrigerated cases featuring their available drinks.
Plus they have some fun non-alcoholic drinks for the kiddos.
