By definition a libation is the act or an instance of drinking (often ceremoniously) – we invite you to gather together your family and friends, and explore the multitude of options to eat, drink and be merry. Whether you are celebrating a family gathering, a weekend away, or revering in the sunshine of the Pacific Northwest – there is plenty to celebrate and love in the Stanwood-Camano area.
The Picnic Pantry and Parlour in Downtown Stanwood is a gem – with mouth watering food and a wide variety of beverages you will be glad you stopped in. Whether you choose a cozy corner table or sit at the beautiful live edge bar overlooking the street this will soon become one of your favorite places. Be guided through a unique wine experience by sampling an eclectic sample of wines from all over the world. Cider and beer are also available – and after you find your favorite you can purchase a bottle (or bottles) to bring home. Known for creating exquisite charcuterie boards, they are often so beautiful you will hesitate just a second before diving into the local meats and cheeses. If you are looking for more to satiate your palate, fear not – a wide variety of small plate options range from baked brie with apples, pecans and cinnamon caramel sauce to flatbread pizzas made to your specifications. Don’t forget an order of Spankers (yes you read that correctly) – spicy crackers served with a side of red pepper cream cheese – it will give your palette a spank.
Wander across the street to Mammoth Burger Co. – featuring 20 taps with an assortment of local craft breweries, cideries, and even hard kombucha. Don’t feel like a full pint? Get any of the selection as an 8oz pour. Or if you are parched try the 33oz Mammoth mugs to quench your mammoth thirst. Sample six different choices with a beer flight, and for those who prefer grapes – wine is available as well. Known for their fresh hand pressed burgers, beef is sourced locally from family farms and don’t miss out on the french fries – they are to die for. Feeling brave? Tackle the 1½ pound Mammoth Burger – with six strips of Hemplers bacon, ¼ pound of smoked mozzarella cheese, crispy fried onions, lettuce, tomato and Mammoth sauce on a giant handmade bun. Kids (or just ice cream lovers) can delight in the hand crafted milkshakes.
Perhaps you need something a bit stronger? Opening in Spring 2020, The Peoples Union Liquor Bar gives a nod to the history of the granary building which was a People’s Union Hall in the early 1900s and will feature expertly handcrafted cocktails and house infused liquors and bitters. A tapas menu will be available but you can also order from Mammoth or Jasmin and have food delivered to your seat.
Housed in Stanwood’s Historic Volunteer Fire Station – Stanwood Artisan Ale and Lager, SAAL Brewing Company is a community focused brewery. SAAL brings a world class beverage experience to the Stanwood-Camano area with a rotating selection of independent Washington breweries, Washington wines, local hard ciders, craft sodas, featuring Stanwood’s own Black Swan coffee and a rotating selection of hard kombuchas. Family friendly and offering a variety of dishes for omnivores and herbivores to enjoy, this is a must stop in your travels. Read more about SAAL and the history of the building in the article on pg. X.
Located in Terry’s Corner on Camano Island, Tapped Camano is the perfect spot to enjoy beverages on the patio while watching the hustle and bustle of the epicenter of the island. And by hustle and bustle we mean kids playing in the grass, or the local farmers market where Tapped sources many of their ingredients for their scratch made menu. Seafood lovers delight – when in season try out the Camano Roll made with Dungeness Crab, brown butter, roasted garlic aioli and chives served on a brioche bun with a simple salad on the side. The Tapped Burger and Fish & Chips are also staples that will not disappoint. The “what’s on tap” at Tapped is constantly rotating for your own personal beervana experience – check out their website for a list of what is available. If you like cider, try the Camano Cider on tap – a local micro-cidery featuring barn brewed cider.
Ale Spike Camano Island Brewing not only brews their own delicious craft beer but also has one of the largest selections of beers on tap – with something for everyone to enjoy from pale ales to dark imperial stouts. Try the Firechicken Amber – a red ale American Amber brewed by Ale Spike. For the kids (or just root beer lovers) the Diamond Knot Root Beer is creamy with hints of sassafras and vanilla – take one to go in a crowler! As a pet friendly establishment you are welcome to bring your four legged friend along or take your human friend outside to test your golf skills on the mini-golf putting green. Getting hungry? Head over to Crow’s Nest on Camano for family friendly dining, where there is something for everyone on the menu as well as outdoor seating with views of Kristoferson Lake. Crow’s Nest offers a full breakfast menu – and while you are at it treat yourself to their famous Bloody Mary. Another option for delicious dining is Rockaway Bar & Grill (21+ only) with a full menu and great appetizer selection – make sure to try their signature hand-crafted margarita – the Rockaway Rita.
Toward the south end of Camano you will find Journey’s End Cafe inside the Elger Bay Grocery Store – stop by on your way to visiting the two beautiful state parks on the island. Small and unassuming, Journey’s End Cafe is a casual gathering place to enjoy drinks and food and is extremely family friendly. Let the kids play a board game while you make your own custom six pack, or taste from the 12 different varieties of beverages on tap. Make sure to check out their schedule for monthly brewery nights and live music opportunities.
Consider yourself a sommelier? You are in luck – Camano Island has two treasured wineries: Dusty Cellars Winery and Edward Lynne Cellars. Both wineries are open the first weekend of the month with limited hours. Founded in 2006, Dusty Cellars is a family owned and operated winery committed to producing quality wine. Averaging 1,000 cases per year, this boutique winery also hosts summer concerts where you can bring a picnic, listen to music and enjoy a glass (or bottle) of handcrafted wine. On your way off the island be sure to stop by Edward Lynne Cellars where each wine is made in small lots, handcrafted and vinted with the intent to produce wines of quality. The wines are a result of a collaboration and joint endeavor of family and friends who love wine. You will love it too!
