If you are traveling to Skagit Valley this month, it’s worth taking your time and enjoying all that our beautiful valley has to offer. Take in the fields of daffodils, tulips and other spring flowers, and plan your route around some of the good food being made here.
Coming down from the north, Edison is a natural stopping point. Whether you want an incredible burrito at Mariposa, a burger at the Old Edison or the Longhorn Saloon, a smoked chicken sandwich with Alabama white sauce at Brando’s BBQ, a happy hour drink at Cob & Cork, a baguette or pastry at the Breadfarm, or a glass of wine and a cheese plate at Slough Food, there are a myriad of options.
If you’re with the whole family and want to hang out a while, head down the back street to Terramar Brewstillery. It has a comfortable taproom and a huge yard out back with plenty of seating for families, kids and dogs, and it makes excellent pizza with a focus on local ingredients. The speakeasy is adults-only, if you’d prefer to chill out with a cocktail.
In Burlington, you can’t go wrong with a stop at the Train Wreck Bar & Grill or The Office Tavern for pub food, but for huge fresh sandwiches and salads head straight to The Fairhaven, either for dine-in or takeout. It’s a toss-up among my friends whether the fried chicken sandwich, the Carolina gold grilled cheese, or the falafel wrap is the best (I’m also very fond of the beet arugula salad with grilled chicken), so be prepared to make a hard choice.
Just down Highway 20 outside of Burlington is Skagit’s Own Fish Market, whose lunch menu includes excellent fish tacos and, in season, some of the best crab sandwiches you’ll ever have, and heading south to the tulip fields, you might pass right by Shawn O’Donnell’s Farmhouse, another handy place for a family lunch. The Guinness beef stew is popular, and the Reuben is very good. The pub area is a cozy spot for lunch on a chilly day, with live Irish music on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
La Conner is the natural gathering place for tulip visitors, and has plenty of places to relax and refuel, from excellent Mexican food at COA to fine dining at Nell Thorn. The Firehall Kitchen and Taphouse, a sister restaurant to La Conner Brewing, has both taproom seating and two patio areas, one of which is kid friendly. They make a fine burger, and the rice bowls are fresh and tasty.
A convenient option for a quick meal is Wayfinder Market, a small deli with panini, soup, salads, and deli sandwiches made with fresh local bread. You can order online and pick up if you’re on your way out of town, and they have a few tables for dining in.
Whether you’re coming or going from the festival, Mount Vernon has a great selection of places these days. Besides the famous deli at the Skagit Valley Food Co-op, I highly recommend checking out the Cajun food at Poirier’s on the River, Detroit-style pizza at District Brewing or Thai food at Rachawadee Thai Cafe, all situated near the downtown Riverwalk Plaza, a nice place to sit with takeout and watch the river roll by.
The Porterhouse Pub, Temperate Habits Brewing Company and Skagit River Brewery, all in downtown Mount Vernon, offer great pub food and excellent beer selections. Cà Phê Sông, a cozy Vietnamese cafe on Pine Square, makes wonderful fresh bánh mì, spring rolls and bubble tea.
Last but not remotely least, plan a stop at Martini Brunch, a truly fantastic eating and drinking experience a few blocks south of downtown. No minors allowed here, but if you’re 21-and-over and in town during breakfast or lunch hours, it’s a must try.
Get one of their excellent eggs benedicts, a crispy chicken sandwich or the rice bowl, which has toppings that change up regularly. Make sure to order one of their cheerful sparkly cocktails.
No matter the weather, or how crowded the tulip fields are, there’s no reason not to have an amazing visit to Skagit Valley in April, or any time of year. Enjoy!
This article was originally published in 2023 and updated for the 2024 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival season.
