In Sequim, the question of where to eat seafood is not a simple one. You can get a seared ahi that rivals Hawaii at a dive bar, or all-you-can-eat grilled oysters from a leather booth.

I've eaten my way through the options, from a water-adjacent crab feast to a breakfast scramble that justified the whole trip. One place, I’ll note, should be avoided at all costs; call it Paradise Lost.

These are the spots that earned another visit.

Peninsula Taproom

Highlights
Rotating beer and cider taps
Friendly, generous bartender service
Homemade pretzels with secret seasoning
Welcoming owner with curated picks
Walkable local favorite for drinks

The Peninsula Taproom is a straightforward stop. I walked in and found a seat at the bar. The rotating taps keep things interesting, and the cider selection was crisp. The bartender poured generously and knew the menu well. I ordered the homemade pretzels. The secret seasoning is worth the trip alone. The owner stopped by to chat and recommended a local pale ale. It felt genuine, not performative. This place is walkable from downtown, which is a plus. If you want a relaxed drink without fuss, this is your spot. I left satisfied and a little buzzed. That's a good sign.

Salty Girls Seafood Co

Highlights
Fresh, unique oysters
Tasty chowder and ahi
Great crab melt
Dog-friendly patio
Attentive, hardworking staff

Salty Seafood Co surprised me. I sat on the dog-friendly patio with my pup. The staff worked hard and stayed attentive despite the crowd. I started with the oysters. They were fresh, briny, and unique. The chowder was thick and comforting. The ahi was seared well, flaky inside. The crab melt was messy in the best way. Everything tasted like it came from the water that day. The patio had a relaxed vibe. Nothing felt rushed. I appreciated the honest, no-frills approach. If you're after straightforward seafood done right, this is the place. Worth the drive from town.

Dockside Grill

Highlights
Incredible crab and shrimp dishes
Attentive, standout bar service
Excellent tomato cream pasta
Worth the Sequim visit

Dockside Grill sits right on the water. I grabbed a table with a view. The crab dishes were incredible, sweet and tender. The shrimp were plump and well-seasoned. The tomato pasta was a surprise standout; creamy and rich. The bar service was attentive, even on a busy evening. My drink never sat empty. The staff knew the menu well. The atmosphere was lively but not chaotic. It felt like a proper seafood spot. The view added to the meal. The bill was fair for the quality. I left impressed. If you're in Sequim and want seafood with a view, this is a reliable choice.

The House of Seven Brothers

Highlights
Friendly service, quick seating
Delicious food, quality cooking
Great drink selection available
Memorable spot worth returning

The House of Seven Brothers is a local staple. I walked in without a reservation. The seating was quick, which surprised me. The service was friendly and efficient. The food came out hot and well-prepared. The drink selection was solid, plenty of local options. The cooking felt careful and consistent. It wasn't flashy, but it was good. The place had a warm, unpretentious energy. The staff remembered my name by the end of the meal. That's rare these days. I left feeling like a regular, even on my first visit. A memorable spot worth a return trip. No complaints.

Alder Wood Bistro and Wood-Fired Pizza

Highlights
Crispy calamari, unique peppers
Meaty, crispy fish and chips
Tender steak, umami-kimchi butter
Fire-roasted crust, sweet toppings
Local art, cozy atmosphere

Alder Wood Bistro and Wood-Fired Pizza is a cut above. I went for the pizza but stayed for everything else. The calamari was crispy, not chewy. The peppers added a nice kick. The fish and chips were meaty and flaky. The steak came with a umami-kimchi butter that was surprising and good. The crust had a proper fire-roasted char. The toppings were fresh and sweet. The space felt artsy with local pieces on the wall. It was cozy without being cramped. The service was attentive but not hovering. I left impressed. This place knows what it's doing.

Double Eagle Steak & Seafood

Highlights
Beautifully landscaped, modern building
Attentive server with blue hair
Tasty carrots and green beans
Filet arrived properly cooked
Easy, smooth ordering process

Double Eagle Steak & Seafood is a solid choice. The building is modern and well-kept. The landscaping outside is nice, sets the tone. My server had blue hair and was excellent; attentive and friendly. The carrots and green beans were cooked well, not overcooked. The filet arrived exactly as ordered, medium rare. The seafood was fresh. The ordering process was smooth, no hiccups. The place felt polished but not stuffy. The prices were on the higher side, but the quality matched. I left satisfied. It's a dependable spot for a nice meal without the pretense. Worth a visit.

Stymie's Bar And Grill

Highlights
Strong drinks, welcoming staff
Rotating whiskeys and microbrews
Seared ahi rivals Hawaii
Elk burger cooked right
Consistent, quality food

Stymie's Bar and Grill is a comfortable hangout. I sat at the bar and chatted with the staff. The drinks were strong, exactly what I needed. The rotating whiskey list is impressive. The microbrews were local and well-picked. The seared ahi was surprisingly good; it rivaled anything I've had on the coast. The elk burger was cooked right, juicy and lean. The service was consistent throughout my visit. The food was quality, not just bar snacks. This place has a good energy. I felt welcome. A solid spot for a drink and a meal. I'll be back.

Mariner Cafe

Highlights
Fresh, homemade, full of flavor
Sincere, thoughtful hospitality
No surprise extra charges
Warm, cozy, relaxing ambience
Supports kids through fundraising

Mariner Cafe feels like a home kitchen. I walked in and smelled something good. The food was fresh and homemade. The hospitality was sincere, not forced. The owner checked on me twice. No surprise charges on the bill, which I appreciate. The room was warm and relaxing. The coffee was good and kept coming. They support kids through fundraising, which says something about the owners. The vibe was quiet and steady. I didn't want to leave. It's a small place, so come early. But it's worth it. Simple food, honest service. That's rare these days.

Old Mill Cafe

Highlights
Warm, attentive service
Crab scramble is perfect
Cozy, happy atmosphere
Clean and welcoming space
Toast and jam shine

Old Mill Cafe is a charming breakfast spot. I ordered the crab scramble. It was perfect, creamy and full of crab. The toast and jam were simple but excellent. The jam tasted homemade. The service was warm and attentive. The room was clean and bright. The atmosphere was cozy in a good way. I felt relaxed and well-cared for. Nothing felt rushed. The prices were fair. I left with a full stomach and a smile. It's the kind of place you return to. If you want a comforting start to your day, this is it. No complaints.

The Big Elk Restaurant

Highlights
All-you-can-eat grilled oysters
Tasty coleslaw and chowder
Friendly, attentive staff
Comfortable leather booth seating
Wide menu variety

The Big Elk Restaurant is a classic diner. I walked in and the smell of grilled oysters hit me. The all-you-can-eat oysters were the highlight. They came out hot and buttery. The coleslaw was crunchy and fresh. The chowder was thick and hearty. The staff were friendly and attentive. The leather booths were comfortable, a nice touch. The menu was extensive, something for everyone. I tried the oysters and a bit of everything else. Nothing disappointed. The place felt lively and local. It's not fancy, but it doesn't need to be. A solid, dependable spot. Worth the trip.

Paradise Cafe

Highlights
Worst meal in town
Uneatable brisket and burger
Strange fry flavor
Poor service experience

Paradise Cafe is a misnomer. I went in expecting something decent. The brisket was uneatable, dry and tough. The burger had no flavor. The fries had a strange aftertaste, almost chemical. The service was slow and disinterested. My water stayed empty for ten minutes. The room felt cramped and loud. I wanted to like it. I really did. But nothing worked. I left hungry and annoyed. For a place called Paradise, this was closer to purgatory. There are better options in Sequim. Skip this one. Save your money and your appetite. I won't be back.

Da Kindz Island Grill

Highlights
Spicy garlic shrimp
Generous, satisfying portions
Hawaiian favorites done right
Worth the drive home

Da Kindz Island Grill is a hidden win. I stopped in on a whim and was glad I did. The spicy garlic shrimp had real heat and flavor. The portions were generous, more than I could finish. The Hawaiian plate was comforting and familiar. The owner was friendly and made sure everything was hot. The service was quick without feeling rushed. The space is small but clean. It felt like a family operation, and that's a compliment. I left full and happy. The drive home was quiet. I'd come back just for the shrimp. This place is a solid bet for casual island food.