Food

Gig Harbor’s [1] most acclaimed venue for victuals and vino is the hip bistro Brix 25 (7707 Pioneer Way, 253/858-6626, www.harborbrix.com [2], 4:30–9:30 p.m. Mon.–Thurs., 4:30–11 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 4:30–9 p.m. Sun.). Creative and sumptuous dishes such as piccata-style trout ($25) and duck in onion demi glace ($29) are paired with an unparalleled wine list that exclusively features Washington and Oregon wines. Washington Wine Commission named Brix as the Wine Restaurant of the Year in 2008, and it is no wonder. There are over 25 wines that can be ordered by the glass or by a petite two-ounce serving to create your own wine flight.

Let your nose lead you to Susanne’s Bakery & Deli (3411 Harborview Dr., 253/853-6220, www.susannesbakery.com [3], 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Tues.–Sun., closed Mon.). In the morning, pair up the freshly baked pastries and sweets with an espresso or latte. Come lunchtime, pick up a sandwich served on fresh baked bread.

Arrive by car or by boat at the bustling Tides Tavern (2925 Harborview, 253/858-3982). This classic dive joint has a small harborside deck to enjoy the views while munching on a burger and a beer. Besides burgers, the Tides offers pizza, sandwiches, and the best local fish and chips, plus live music on weekends.

For something a little fancier served under the sun, The Green Turtle (2905 Harborview Dr., 253/851-3167, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Tues.–Fri. and 4:30–9 p.m. Tues.–Sun., closed Mon.) also has a harbor-facing deck. The menu ventures eastward, with distinctively creative Thai- and Chinese-inspired meals. Lunch is pretty casual here, but reservations are recommended come dinnertime.

Or you can just do the takeout thing and picnic at Gig Harbor City Park. Pick up fiery hot Chinese food at Harbor Monsoon Restaurant (4628 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW, 253/858-9838, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. daily) or very good, from-scratch pizzas, pasta, subs, and salads from Spiro’s Pizza & Pasta (3108 Harborview Dr., 253/851-9200, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. daily).

For the freshest local produce, baked goods, and crafts, head to the Gig Harbor Farmers Market (3500 Hunt St. NW, 253/884-2496, www.gigharborfarmersmarket.com [4]) held 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday May–mid-October.