Had a brilliant early dinner here this afternoon. Drove into Anacortes on a surprise sunny day (rain in the forecast) and wandered into this special little place. The layout is a little strange; kind of a "U" shape with a counter plus kitchen on one side, tables on the other. I sat at the counter. First thing I noticed was that nearly the entire kitchen is open to the counter area. I watched as my entire meal and those of numerous other customers was prepared in front of me. Everything was right up front - nothing was hidden, and there was nothing to hide. Watched as my fresh oysters were shucked (they were terrific), my soup was ladled into my bowl, smelled the incredible aroma of one lucky patron's glorious-looking steak. I didn't get the kale salad but it looked superb (and enormous). The kitchen is spotless. This is dinner and a show. The service was without peer, although I'm pretty sure the woman waiting on me was the owner. All of the staff were friendly regardless of whether or not she was around. I've had far worse experiences at much spendier establishments. (An aside: some other reviewers characterize this place as expensive. I didn't find it to be, but I'm accustomed to Seattle prices. It was what I expect to pay for a nice meal out, and this was a very, very nice meal. I enjoyed myself, possibly a little too much.) The food: it was excellent. Started off with the clam chowder. If I had to criticize any aspect of the meal it would be with the soup - it was not very creamy. However, there are so many divergent opinions on what clam chowder is or isn't that I shelved my expectations and enjoyed it. It was fresh and hearty, with plenty of clams and plenty to like. Next: fresh oysters. They were carefully shucked and delicious. For main: the "Salish burger", basically a burger made with pan-fried oysters, topped with rocket, pickled onion, and a green-goddess style avocado sauce. I'd never encountered an oyster burger before and leapt on this as soon as I saw it. It was delicious, with the perfect combination of flavor. Oven fries were superb also. The owner then managed to coax me into a key lime tart for dessert. It was the perfect small finish for a meal. Nothing too big or heavy, just a small something as I chatted with the patron next to me. I'll be back, and I'll bring friends. read more

Ate there yesterday on a day trip after seeing Tulips in Mount Vernon. Husband ordered ordinary burger well done, no extras except ketchup and mustard. No onion. Burger came pink inside with onions, no ketchup and mustard. He asked for oven fries it came with chips. He ordered clam chowder soup, the spoon had dried on food on it. I ordered the fish tacos, they were okay, but nothing special. Would not go back. Former reviews lured us in, pick a different place. read more

The crabcakes were delicious but the potatos were cold. And I have never went to a restaurant that when they seat you let tell you, " you have until 730 to finish your meal because someone else has this table reserved "..... read more

Tasty food. Friendly service. Nice atmosphere. I recommend you try all four cookies- peanut butter, ginger and molasses, chocolate chip walnut, and double chocolate chip. The bread that came with the soups was insanely delicious too. Who is their baker?! read more

The ambiance is great. The service was OK - not sure if she was having an off day. But it definitely brought the experience down a notch. The food was delicious! Highly recommend the seafood entrees over a steak. Sad they aren't open on Sundays. We would have definitely eaten there again. read more

Pricey but worth it! Sit at the bar which doubles as seating to watch the cooks in the open air kitchen prepare dishes or eat in the dining room which is perfectly decorated and comfy. Their fries are some of the best I've ever had and smothered in garlic and everything we've ever had tastes FRESH. read more

I love this place. This is THE place to eat in Anacortes. The vibe is cool and beachy and they try to use as much local fare as possible. My faves: dragon curry clams: so so yummy. Rich green curry sauce, fresh manila clams and the best, crusty bread for dipping. I seriously spooned the creamy sauce into my mouth as if it were soup. yum Poke: Wow. I NEVER order raw fish at a non-sushi restaurant but someone suggested I try it... The most succulent poke ever. The tuna was nicely marbleized and melted in your mouth, and the sauce was nicely salty and acidic. Bahn Mi: Now, I would not call this a Bahn Mi... It was super tastey but definitely not the pickled veggie, vinegar-ey, taste that identifies it with the Vietnamese fare. But, it was delish non the less. All in all, I love this place, the wait staff, the food, the atmosphere!!! read more

Ate at this place at least four times when I was staying the Anacortes area and it never proved to disappoint. Always is a popular spot so I would suggest getting reservations to reserve your chance at delicousness. Certainly worth a stop if in the area. Love the very intimate, casual dining area and very attentive staff. Very cool vibe that is appropriate for any type of event. Hard to go wrong with anything on the menu - fresh ingredients, carefully constructed dishes, hearty portions. I especially have a connection to this place because of the most AMAZING halibut and dungeness crab special over 2 years ago. It not only was a best halibut I've ever had (overtaking my long held #1 from the Lobster in Santa Monica) but perhaps one of the greatest dishes ever. read more

Thank you, Yelpers! Without the reviews, I probably wouldn't have even noticed this place, much less visited. A hidden jewel on the main strip. The food is a true culinary treat. Fresh foods with great flavor. It was like being back in Napa! It's a little pricey, but worth it for the excellent flavors and combinations. Will definitely go again. (Visited 9/20/11 but forgot to finish the review.) read more

Breakfast sandwich off the chain. Great service, ambiance. Great literature. Especially the clinical neurology. This review represents 5 people. read more

Adrift - Tai likes it in here. - Seafood Near Me - Anacortes, Washington

We had about an hour to kill prior to boarding the ferry and we figured we'd give this place a go.... smallish, sortof cottage style decor, friendly service, and decent lunch food. We ordered the crab cakes, the tuna sandwich, and the burger. Everything was A-okay good... a bit on the heavy side.. but nice enough flavors. My tuna sandwich was more like a tuna grilled cheese sandwich and it definitely stuck to my ribs. I only needed to eat about half of it for sure. My fiance felt the same way about his white cheddar burger. Pricing seems slightly high for simple food... (ex. it cost $2 extra to add cheese to our burger). I definitely don't mind shelling out more money, but I expect food that is better balanced in flavor (not just all heavy).. I would've appreciated a little salad on the side which comes with the entree.. or maybe a slice of melon. Just a thought. read more

Adrift was a real find in Anacortes. As a visitor from out of town (LA) we just kind of stumbled across it - the signage was not very clear from the street. Lucky for us that we saw it! Adrift has a good veggie selection (you heard my wife cheering in the background). Her entree of the veggie tacos with sweet potato made with coconut milk, black beans with cinnamon and mango salsa was a major hit. Thai tomato soup was good too. I had the bbq pork ribs, broccolini, potato salad and pickle entree with the grilled artichoke appie. I grow backyard artichokes so I've cooked them in many ways but I have to say what Adrift did was really (really) good. The ribs were excellent. Waitstaff was very nice. We had chocolate mosses with coconut milk and ginger. My wife really liked it but I was meh on it (a bit overwhelming on the chocolate flavor) Overall a 4.5 star experience (lost the half star on the dessert). Would recommend this place to any visitor....or resident! read more

So fresh and so tasty. The produce was all super high quality - I had kale and artichoke and they both tasted like they could have been picked that morning - and the fish was absolutely delicious. If you're in Anacortes, or passing through to one of the islands, definitely stop by. read more

This place delivered in a big way! From books to read sprinkled all over cafe to delicious buttered sourdough toast, you just have to come to experience this food. We stopped by after ferry ride for a quick breakfast, my food was yummy and generous. Waitress was friendly, service was fast, chef waved good bye and thank you. We will definitely be back. read more

Adrift - adrift with smoked trout - Seafood Near Me - Anacortes, Washington

We were looking for some breakfast/ lunch before our ferry to Orcas Island and scored with this place. Really tasty food with good gluten-free options. My wife loved the nautical themed decorations. If we're in Anacortes again, we'll be back. read more

Came to this cute small place and was surprised at how good the food was! The burgers are grass fed, good quality beef. The fries were also seasoned and delicious. Highly recommend this place! read more

Adrift - Good burgers! - Seafood Near Me - Anacortes, Washington

We all liked the place. We went ther for brunch before taking the noon ferry. We hd the veggie starts. It ws great. read more

Adrift - Interesting interiors and very nice place - Seafood Near Me - Anacortes, Washington

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*Wow, just an amazing spot *Food and service were stellar, all around superb *Get the clams, the clams..... read more

We often stop here, in fact everyone in my family does if they're in the Anacortes area. The food is always fresh and thoughtful. We love the sautéed kale salad and usually pair it with any item of the specials sheet. I usually finish off the night with the lemon pie read more

Delicious food and great service. I loved the copper tabletops! The entrance is a little weird however. It really makes you wonder if you're in the right place. You are! read more

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First of all, I kinda fell in love with Anacortes! What makes such a small town special is the food they offer and Adrift definitely fulfills. I had Skagit Burger which was good but oven baked Potatoes were surprisingly delicious!!! read more

Absolutely fantastic food! Nice and homey atmosphere with delicious entrees and desserts. We had the fish tacos with halibut and grass fed roasted garlic burger with brie. Port was a nice touch featured on their dessert menu. Highly recommend! read more

There are a couple good options for breakfast on Commercial Ave. and I highly recommend Adrift! I am a connoisseur of biscuits n' gravy and hands down it's the best I've ever had. The sauce was homemade (not some cheap powder mix) with great savory flavor and hearty sausage over some awesome flakey biscuits. I sat at the counter and watch other orders coming out of the kitchen, I can't wait to come back to try the others! read more

Def. worth taking a moment to give 5 stars. Delicious food! Great service! Totally worth the trip from Seattle.

The people were very nice, the food came quick, and we ordered the steamers with just clams and the drunken sailor sauce and it was amazing! Super good. And it came with bread to dip in the sauce and it was super good too. It was a good amount of food too! Definitely would recommend! read more

The food is great. Breakfast is tasty. However, Yelp states that they are open on Sun but they are not.

This place is the real deal and it's truly excellent! My wife and I came here for dinner one night and were blown away by the food. We were on our way to the San Juan Islands by ferry and spent the night in Anacortes, but didn't know where to eat, so we thought we would try it out. The crab cake was the best I have ever had, and our main courses were top notch. Everything was very fresh, with lots of unique flavors, and served in a beautiful fashion. We liked it so much that we came back for lunch on our way out of the San Juan Islands, which caused us to miss our next ferry - but it was worth it! Definitely give this place a try! read more

Great atmosphere, friendly service, really good food at very reasonable prices. Cinnamon Black Beans used in various items is a wonderful creation! My wife had the pork sweet potato tacos and I the Steamers Cha Cha Verde (see separate photo) both plates cleaned! read more

Adrift - Cha Cha Verde Steamers were terrific! - Seafood Near Me - Anacortes, Washington

Nice atmosphere , friendly staff , decent food. A little touristy :) Fried oysters decent, crab cakes pretty good ! Home made soups very good ! read more

Nice! Quaint ambiance. Good spot for a nice, casual dinner. I ordered the Skagit Burger. The best thing about the burger was the brioche bun. The beef was under seasoned. Over all it was good. The chowder was excellent with a good amount of clams bacon and veg. read more

Adrift - Cup O' Cowdah! - Seafood Near Me - Anacortes, Washington

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The food was amazing, so full of flavor & the quality was top knotch. I had the chicken Marsala which was sooooo good! My husband had their grass fed burger , which he also loved. We shared a fried oyster appetizer which again...... AMAZING. They would of earned 5 starts if the service was better but hey, this place was jammed packed with a line, so they had alot going on. Ah heck, I'm changing my review to 5 starts. Make a reservation read more

I had the tuna salad for lunch. Excellent quality, very tasty and great staff . Organic food is so important and this restaurant does it well. Lots of gluten free options also. read more

Adrift - Tuna salad - Seafood Near Me - Anacortes, Washington

Just a great lunch. Really nice. My wife and I had the crab cakes and the Salmon tacos to split. Just the right amount. (Not huge portions, but enough). Quality was excellent, super flavorful. Great Iced tea and good ambiance. The place you go to to have a quality meal and walk out feeling just right. Highly recommend. I live in Bellingham and stopped by after a ferry trip to the islands. read more

I had the pork and sweet potato tacos -- they were super good! More intense cinnamon flavor than I'd expected, but I liked it. I also had a Caesar salad, and the dressing for that was good but actually quite unexpectedly spicy. My mom and uncle got the cioppino, which they both thought was very good although the broth was fairly salty. Perhaps just a side effect of all the seafood? My mom also commented that it was a bit heavy on the clams. The reason I'm giving it 4 stars and not 5 was our dessert, which was the fruit crisp. It just wasn't as good as I was hoping. The topping was just chewy, slightly stale-seeming oatmeal, and the filling wasn't great either. I'd stick with a different dessert option if I were to go back again! The decor was really neat, and I noticed that some of their booths had books to read! read more

Great service. Good food. Tasty wine! Any restaurant that can alter dishes to be gluten free and dairy free are always winning in my book! So glad we stopped here for quick dinner enroute to Whidbey Island! Looking forward to coming back again soon. read more

Adrift - Coconut chocolate mousse. GF and DF! - Seafood Near Me - Anacortes, Washington

Oh my word we so enjoyed our breakfast here today! It was excellent! We had a side of biscuits with the fresh strawberry jam, fried egg sandwich with avacodo - so yummy and the 222...everything was fresh, delish and filling. Then off to see whales read more

Adrift - Seafood Near Me - Anacortes, Washington

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Quite possibly the best au gratin crab dip- loaded w crab and served w a small baguette. Also the am fried oysters were life changing! #bliss read more

Was just here for lunch and while the food was decent enough but the waiter messed up and added things I didn't want to my "veggie starts" order. He realized after it was made and came over to ask me if it was okay if he brought it out messed up. I said sure, whatever, I'm not picky when it comes to more veggies but then told me when he brought the check (that took forever to flag him down to get) that he had adjusted it so I didn't get charged for the add ons... that I had never added on. Gee, thanks. Service was not that great and food was just okay. Maybe I'd go back at some point but I'm just a passer-through so if nothing else looks appealing I'll probably give it another try. read more

The food was delicious; however the staff was mediocre and the place smelled like a stinky trash bin when we walked in. The decor was great in theory but the place/atmosphere lacked comfort. read more

The food here is really good. There are a few good options right next to each other in this area, but if you're in the mood for some good crab cakes and seafood, give this a try. I went with my son we both left completely happy and sated. read more