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Kitsap!
My mom lives in this county, and there's actually some good stuff here!
Agate Pass Cafe
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
7220 NE Pkwy StSuquamish, WA 98392
(360) 930-0911
- Hours:
Wed-Sat 5 pm - 9 pm
Sun 9 am - 2:30 pm
Sun 3:30 pm - 8 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
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$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
24 reviews for Agate Pass Cafe
Review Highlights
"Dark chocolate pot de creme, with polenta cookies."
(in 3 reviews)
"Don't leave Bainbridge Island without trying this excellent..."
(in 3 reviews)
"I had the special - Idaho trout with green beans."
(in 3 reviews)
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Breanne D.
Ventura, CA
4/5/2010
Some friends from Suquamish took us here, we thought we were in the mood for sushi! Boy I'm glad we didn't go for sushi because instead we got such a treat!
Sous Chef Jason created spectacular plate after plate. The sausage and figs with balsamic reduction was a fabulous start, I opted for the hamburger (I was really in the mood for meat, what can I say!), my boyfriend had the meatloaf, bestie had the risotto, and our friends who brought us both opted for the chicken Marsala special with fettuccine. Portions were big, but not overwhelming. We had the "seduction" syrah (i think...) that was fair priced and delicious. The ambiance of this small spot is intimate and cozy, the service spot on and so friendly.
If I was a local, I'd be a regular! A true gem in the Pacific Northwest! -
Review from Maria N.
11/21/2011
Really 4.5 stars--this review is for brunch only.
What a great little brunch spot! I came here a big family group (14 adults + 2 kiddies)--we pretty much took over the small dining area for a Sunday brunch. They were down one cook and one waiter, so it took a while for our food to make it out. Even so, our waitress was attentive, refilling coffee cups and getting our mimosas out quick. Based on the smells coming from the kitchen just behind our table, I was sure the wait would be worth it.
And boy, it was! First of all, everything on the menu sounded amazing, but I finally decided on the croque madame: ham, gruyere, farm-fresh egg, dijon-mornay sauce on grilled bread. It comes with a choice of green salad or frites. The croque madam is one of my favorite dishes ever because it's the perfect example of how differing flavors and textures can meld together to form a perfect bite--you should be able to taste each ingredient, with each ingredient contributing fully to the overall flavor. Agate Pass Cafe definitely does croque madams right. At the time, I thought it was one of the best croque madames I've ever had, but that was before I had gone to Spring Hill (that review is still to come!)
If you order the croque madame, GET THE FRITES! The fries themselves are a little too skinny than what I prefer, but it's really about the smoked paprika aioli that it comes with. Holy crap, that stuff is good! I can't wait to make some on my own. I'm pretty sure I would eat it with everything. I also tried a couple bites of Boyfriend's biscuits and gravy, which was also very good and not as rich as at other brunch spots.
I think this place is definitely worth the ferryboat ride over. The cafe sits on a great scenic area overlooking the Pass, so it's a beautiful view. DO make reservations beforehand as it is a small place and can fill up for brunch.
The only reason I'm not giving this place the full 5 stars is just because I do think Spring Hill has a better brunch. -
Review from Don B.
9/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fresh, farm-to-fork food in Suquamish? Who would have thought? Seriously, not me.
From what I hear Agate Pass has been making a name for itself out on the peninsula at this little bend-in-the-road for a while now. The format is similar to a lot of the places I see in PDX (and some in Seattle) - New American/PacNW cuisine served up on a seasonal menu in a laid back, semi-open-kitchen setting. A short but local wine list and an interesting craft-cocktail selection both accompany the food menu. This is the kind of place that makes me feel right at home.
Food here is going to run you into the mid-$20's, and the wine/cocktails have standard pricing for this style of restaurant. The menu reads well, and offers a ton of mouthwatering choices. Our selections for the day were the anchovy risotto with cauliflower and veggies topped with scallops, the Painted Hills beef steak served with (okay, we subbed in bacon mashers on one and Yukon golds on the second), the meatloaf with bacon mashers and green beans, fried olives (stuffed with smoked mozzarella) and a tomato salad with basil, strawberries and fresh mozz. So a decent cross-section of the menu.
The salad and olives to start were quite impressive and primed us for what was to be a tasty meal. The addition of strawberries to the caprese added a nice sweetness (and a little bit of tart zing) to what could have been a standard dish. The olives are little bites of heaven. Who can argue with smoked mozz inside breaded, fried green onions?
The steaks were beyond ample in serving size - bordering on gigantic. I can't recall what side was on the menu with the meat but nobody in our party seemed to find it exciting enough so other items were subbed. The Yukon golds were as buttery and rich as they should be. The meat itself was delicious and quickly devoured. For the risotto, the fishy anchovy melded in well with the likes of the cauliflower and scallop for a salty and savory deliciousness. Definitely a winner. And the meatloaf was delicious but interesting. It was fried to crispy on the face of each slice, which left it with a texture I'm not used to. Some form of reduction sauce was applied on top saved the dish from being too dry. It really did work out in the end once I got past the odd texture. The flavors of that dish are nuanced and deep. Pork in the meatloaf? Maybe... The bacon mashers? Fantastic.
The wine menu offered up a couple of nice surprises including a JK Carriere pink (yum) and Owen Roe's entry-level Cabernet - Sharecropper - at a fairly reasonable price. We got to sample the house margarita at the table and it was well made by the guest bartender for the night (in from 106 Pine in Seattle).
Dessert was actually the highlight of the meal for me. As gluttons we did the right thing and ordered one of each from the menu: Chocolate Pot de Creme, Bread Pudding and a strawberry nectarine shortcake. All three were mighty impressive, with the shortcake a fresh and delicious stand out in my book (although the other two came in close second). I would be impressed with this quality of dessert execution at any level of restaurant. It really was a surprisingly delicious meal for the location. This is not the quality of dining I'd expect to find out here in Kitsap.
Really the only down-side to the night was the service. While our server was nice as can be, the service was slow. There were times that I found myself looking around the small, tight space trying to catch someone's eye to order another drink, ask a question, get a cup of ice (it was the hottest day of the year) etc. In fact, one of my dining partners and I both commiserated that had we more access to a server we would have ordered a few more drinks for the table. While the feel was surely laid back there's a line between laid-back service and insufficient attention and I feel that for the price of food (over $50/person incl drinks - which I'm happy to pay for this quality) the service should be better.** Again, not stuffy or pretentious, just at our table more. The space is small, there are only a few tables, and with at least 2 servers, a bartender and an expo/manager on, there were plenty of hands on deck.
Beyond that, my only other complaint? After 2 hours of gluttony I need a digestif. Fernet? Grappa? Anything? No, not port. The scotch selection ended up saving the day (Bowmore FTW) but after such great food a nice capstone digestif would really do the trick.
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** Keep in mind I am from Portland - the land of laid-back service. I'm pretty forgiving. I just become less so when my drink is dry.Listed in: Kitsap!
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Review from wesh w.
Seattle, WA
8/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
A smallish, curiously-constructed menu: a surprising find tucked away on a quiet corner of Bainbridge Island. Service was a little slow and the servers seemed rushed, disorganized; as if there's a mixup in their preparation/serving process. Everyone seems to be working very hard with not much getting accomplished.
Our dinners were very good, especially the kale salad. I'd definitely try APC again if I'm out thata'way & peckish. -
Review from Jacob B.
Bainbridge Island, WA
6/7/2011
The food here is pretty good. It isn't ground breaking by any means and at times is not seasonal which these days is a culinary sin at better restaurants.
Ultimately, the food is good, but my main issue is the speed of service. This is truly one of the slowest restaurants around. Not in the "slow food movement" way, but in the slow service way. My wife and I have been here a half dozen times and each time dinner takes three hours or more. We've just stopped going because the food isn't worth the wait. -
Review from Jason and Winter N.
Bremerton, WA
7/13/2011
A wonderful surprise in Suquamish! We have eaten dinner there once and brunch once. Service is friendly and helpful, restaurant itself is cozy, and the food is delicious. I find myself coming up with special occasions so that I can warrant the drive up there.
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Review from Talisha L.
Seattle, WA
5/17/2009
We started with the smoked salmon corn cake blini. The capers served with it were crispy- I've never had them crispy and by themselves they were sooo delicious. The smoked salmon was high quality and so very tasty.
I had the dinner special - prawns that were cooked perfectly, with a hazelnut cream sauce, wild rice, and green beans. Rice pilaf was delicious, and the texture was spot on. The grapes in the sauce worked really well with the prawn taste.
My date had the steak, which was served with rosemary frites. YUM. The frites were thin and crispy with a good amount of rosemary. Their fryer grease was hot enough, the fries were sooo crispy and still soft inside. The aioli that came with the fries was slightly spicy, and very very fresh tasting.
And then, dessert. Dark chocolate pot de creme, with polenta cookies. This was like eating the inside of the best chocolate truffle I've ever had, with a spoon. The cookies had a lovely corn texture, and crispy sugar coating.
Service was friendly, and not rushed, which is always appreciated. Stacy was great. Great atmosphere for a date who you'd like to impress with delicious , local, thoughtful food. -
Review from J C.
Silverdale, WA
2/13/2011
AT LAST! Food that is worth a damn! Although there is decent food on the peninsula, this is what we have been missing since moving here from San Diego. Real gourmet food at reasonable prices. The wife and I went in on Valentine's eve, and already have plans to go back. The staff/owners are very friendly, the cozy dining room is intimate, and the back of the house routinely looks at the customers faces to ensure they are enjoying their food. We started with the smoked salmon blini and some drinks. Then we moved on to the main courses, scallops with some amazing veg and polenta and beef bourguignon. My wife can't wait to eat the leftovers tomorrow. Friendly, cozy and delicious! Will be a regular spot for us from now on... Can't wait to try brunch.
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Review from Kevin A.
Bainbridge Island, WA
1/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of the best restaurants in the area. The location is a little out of the way for most people, but wow, it's worth the trip. The several times I have eaten here for breakfast I have always left satisfied. They even have their own dock, so If you own a boat, you can pull up along their dock and have a great meal. This place is definitely a must try! So go ahead; take the ferry, enjoy a scenic drive down the 305 and have a fantastic meal here.
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Review from Howard S.
Bainbridge Island, WA
2/8/2009
Just possibly the best restaurant meal I've had in years. And in Suquamish, of all places.
My wife and I chose to celebrate our anniversary here after reading about Agate Pass Cafe in the Sound Food newsletter. It's such a thrill to walk into a restaurant and know immediately that these people GET IT. The room is lively but cozy, the staff friendly and welcoming (in that very genuine, we've-seen-you-before-haven't-we? way), the wines excellent, interesting, and reasonably priced, and the food, oh my g*d the food - stunning, unfussy, rustic, and absolutely mouth-watering, plus everything is fresh, local and as seasonable as possible. We ate at the bar, which was great fun, not the least because we were sharing oohs and aahs about the food with our neighbors. (The atmosphere is very conducive to making new friends.)
For two people who don't get out as much as they should, having a restaurant of this caliber without the ferry ride to Seattle is a real treat. We can't wait to return. -
Review from Island Kritic s.
Bainbridge Island, WA
4/11/2011
Well, having lived on Bainbridge for 6 years, I didn't expect to be surprised and find one of the best restaurants in the area - not quite ON Bainbridge, but a stone's throw away on the picturesque, water's edge "overlook" of Suquammish. Super menu, friendly service and VERY reasonable prices. We will be going back again soon!
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Review from J C.
Kirkland, WA
3/6/2011 4 photos
We were there for brunch. It's a lovely restaurant by the water. Food was a bit too salty, the salad was a bit "chunky" - otherwise the presentation looked nice. Coffee & service were excellent.
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Review from Kaitlynn P.
Edmond, OK
11/24/2009
What a delight this place was! The owners are so friendly and the food was delicious! We were pointed in this direction from the owners of Ashton Woods Retreat (also highly recommend!) and were very happy with it!
We started off with an appetizer of sausage and figs poached in Syrah--sounded interesting and it turned out to be plate-licking good! I really had to restrain myself from using my finger to get all the sauce off!
For dinner I had grilled duck--medium/rare. That alone made me nervous but the meat was so succulent and tender I was blown away. The Cherry balsamic reduction gave it a nice zing, sauteed swiss chard a good pop of flavor while the warm lentils brought a nice full balance to the plate.
My hubby had a steak with a blue cheese sauce that was great, his one complaint was that it was a bit fatty. Other than that the flavor was excellent.
What was great was that most foods seemed to have pretty local origins. Wish I lived closer! -
Review from Jane L.
Bainbridge Island, WA
12/16/2008
Let's just say that most of Bainbridge Island is already eating there.
For all of you scallop lovers - they have DRY scallops - and boy do they know how to sear them just so. Yummy. I had a dinner recently of scallops with squash mash and sautéed greens with the most delicate mustard sauce imaginable. Perfectly done. I had the ordered the same thing at the great French restaurant, La Mangeorie in New York, recently and the Agate Pass Café meal was superior. Wowsa.
Regrettably, the wine selection is small. So, I had anticipated that they would have picked just the best wines to complement their food. However, the only disappointment of the meal, in fact, I'm sorry I didn't send it back so others wouldn't suffer the same experience, was a 2006 Pinot from Henry Estates. It was way, way too young (read sharp). I'm a huge fan of red wine (yes, even with seafood) and had had one of the best Pinots of my life (I'm old) from Henry Estates...so steer clear of that wine and you're sure to have a great meal. -
Review from Brittany B.
Poulsbo, WA
1/26/2011
This is an absolute treasure that is still relatively unknown. Most "foodies" have already heard of it but to most, it just looks like another hole in the wall type restaurant. While it appears that way from the outside, it is anything but! The food is absolutely fantastic and their menu changes with the season which I adore! Seasonal menus allow the restaurant to provide the freshest foods around. I have been here several times and will continue to go back because the service is excellent but the food is phenomenal! Those looking for a nice quiet evening filled with amazing cuisine, look no further than the Agate Pass Cafe. Truly a great find in a tiny town.
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Review from Jim S.
Seattle, WA
2/21/2011
We put the food here in the top 5 restaurants we've visited including our top pick in CA wine country! The Croquettes are delicious an there wasn't an item on the menu we didn't like. Good selection of Washington wines. Warm ambiance, friendly staff, cozy. Great for a special occasion for two or four. Only 45 minutes by ferry from Seattle. Yum!
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Review from M W.
Seattle, WA
2/5/2010 4 photos
WHAT? Steamed Clams were some of the most flavorful I've had... Creative appetizers will challenge your senses with a mix of flavors finishing in a way that leaves you wanting more.
KEEPS GETTING BETTER! Agate Pass Cafe (http://www.agatepassca...) has people who work there who are passionate about food as well as making you feel good about life. They truly love it. It shows. They also challenge your taste buds.
DRIVE OR FERRY... IT IS WORTH IT! Don't leave Bainbridge Island without trying this excellent place. You will really start to compare other restaurants flavor of similar dishes and wonder where it went... Find it at Agate Pass Cafe. -
Review from Teresa Y.
Seattle, WA
10/13/2009
Not only the best restaurant in Suquamish but probably one of the best in the entire area. Great food, great owners and great atmosphere! Mimosa with a delicious bfast - who can go wrong?
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Review from john h.
WA
2/26/2009
These reviews are so effusive in their praise, I'll probably go back to Agate Pass a third time, just to be sure the first two times weren't an aberration. I do not think they were. The place is passable but seriously overrated here.
The service was slow. Not wow-she's-so-busy slow, either. It's she's-chatting-with-the-other-waitress-while-you-w atch-your-rosemary-frites-get-stone-cold-on-the-co unter slow. My steak, ordered medium, was bloody, purple, grisly and unsatisfyingly complimented by the scoop of bland cheese plopped on top. The dessert was unmemorable and rather indistinguishable from McDonalds' apple turnovers, which I like well enough but which aren't exactly nine bucks. The bread and French Onion soup were okay but nothing special, and the stuffed dates were startlingly bland for something wrapped in bacon.
Given the reviews here, I expected something better than Molly Ward, Four Swallows, Nola or Mor Mor, but I would rank Agate Pass a notch or two below them all. This is Kingston Ale House quality food. Pretty disappointing. -
Review from Christian v.
Sammamish, WA
8/16/2010
Another great Yelp! find.
This is one of those "Hidden Gem" type restaurants. Located along a small bay, this intimate place has all the right ingredients. Everything we ordered was totally delicious and I can't wait to go back!
With 4 adults we sampled 2 appetizers: clams (amazing chorizo with them) as well as the roasted almond/olives. Simply the best clams I've ever had. For entrees we had fresh local salmon prepared with linguine and mint. One of us had a hamburger. Both were amazing and I think it may have been the best hamburger I've ever tasted (my tablemate ordered it without a bun and didn't add any toppings such as ketchup).
It was fun to watch the chefs just behind us lovingly preparing each dish and the wait staff was super friendly and attentive.
After dinner we all took a walk out to the pier where the locals where fishing (and catching) fish and crab.
This place is a keeper! -
Review from Jennifer A.
Poulsbo, WA
5/3/2008 1 photo
Not to be confused with Agate Pass Deli in the Clearwater Casino, this is the old building that used to be Seaview Chinese for a long time in the color pink. We had a wonderful time eating brunch here and everyone treated us wonderful. The atmosphere was friendly and casual. The food was healthy and light enough to make you feel full. I felt kind of like a movie star because we weren't exactly the first customers but the first to eat brunch and everyone was kind of watching. Well my boyfriend and I share our plates which is kind of romantic. Good place to bring a good book as well. They serve some really good coffee by vitta cafe but just coffee, not like espresso drinks which i would have loved but that's fine. It was a beautiful restaurant anyway.
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Review from Harmony S.
Poulsbo, WA
6/2/2009
A culinary treasure in North Kitsap? Really? Yes, finally. Fresh, simple, elegantly prepared. Excellent wine selection. Wonderful ambiance. (the old beaters as light fixtures: brilliant). Wonderful service. The ladies who runs this place shows infectious passion for what what they do. You feel genuine warmth.
We went here to celebrate a new job and enjoyed ourselves so much we've been planning our trip back ever sense. Need to try out the brunch next! I had the special - Idaho trout with green beans. Husband had the steak. I can't remember the type of wine we had, but it was wonderful. Dessert was pot de creme with a polenta cookie. Outstanding. -
Review from Brent C.
Seattle, WA
7/28/2010
This was the best Sunday brunch we have had in the Bainbridge area by far. Really excellent food, friendly staff, and a beautiful location.
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Review from John W.
Vienna, VA
3/30/2009
Hands down the best restaurant in Kitsap County! People just don't believe me that it is in Suquamish. Looking to enjoy a great meal without a ferry ride to Seattle my wife and I adventured upon Agate Pass Cafe. What a great decision to turn north, vice stay in Poulsbo or head to BI. The place felt intimate, yet very alive. Once I saw the one page menu, I could tell these people knew what a restaurant should be: focused and fresh. Our starter was fried green olives stuffed with smoked mozzarella, something I had never had before. Each bite was a flavor explosion, brine, "green", and smoke. French onion soup and salad before entrees of scallops and a pork chop. The food was delicious and not pretentious. Worth every penny. Everything was complemented by great wines by the glass, even having a Cabernet Franc. Dessert was a traditional tiramisu with excellent Caffe Vita coffee. The friendly staff ensured that we were completely satisfied. Thanks for a memorable meal. A true food lover's destination!
