I'm generally not hungry when sailing but occasionally when coming back in after a day's sail the thought of mooring at a restaurant and having uniformed personnel bring me cold beer and a sandwich is appealing. With this thought in mind I scanned the WYC email list, took a tour through Google and came up with some suggestions. Scott Voltz
Ivar's is the closest place. Go through the Montlake Cut to the north end of Lake Union before Gasworks Park. Sit down inside; the fish bar is outside. They have their own dock, though on nice days it fills up quickly.
I don't think you can get to Aqua Verde by keelboat -- maybe a laser. There is a marina right there, but it is full of mossy boats which never leave.
The complex at the southern end of Lake Union has a tie-up for Chandlers Crab House and Fresh Fish Market, where you can see how much it is possible to pay for crab. Benjamin's and Cucina Cucina are nearby. You might also try to go to other places down there such as TGIFriday's, Hooters, or McDonald's but why would you?
If you can find convenient moorage go to McCormick & Schmick's Harborside or the newly remodeled Hidden Harbor, both on the west side of Lake Union.
Heading west under the Fremont bridge, turn south into the Fishermen's Terminal on Salmon Bay and have a lovely lunch or dinner at Chinook's. To-go service is offered outside at Little Chinook's.
Further west, the Public Dock at the end of 24th street in Ballard is an easy walk to Hattie's Hat (chicken fried chicken) and the People's Pub (German food -- the beet is very good (really!)).
Even further west is the Yankee Grill & Roaster with its public dock.
Out at the Sound, pull up at Shilshole Marina's guest dock and have a bite at Ray's Boathouse or Anthony's Homeport.
Leschi, the development on the Seattle shore half way between the 520 and I-90 bridges, has a public dock. It is located just north of the southern marina. The dock is fairly high and exposed to powerboat wake but open to the public. There are several restaurants within a block. The Leschi Lake Cafe is just above the dock. It is a somewhat spendy place with decent food and a bar.
Corinthian Yacht Club's Leschi Clubhouse is in the basement and is open after racing on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings with self serve burgers, nachos, and a bar. The Leschi Market is across the street with a decent deli counter and all the other normal things. Further north is a place with ice cream and deli food open during the day.
Daniel's Broiler has several mooring slips available. Go inside and have an expensive steak. North of Daniel's is a nice little Thai place.
Across the Lake, south of Kirkland is the Yarrow Bay Grill (spendy) - it has a dock where you can stay for a couple of hours. You will be in the company of the Rich and Botoxified. Cucina Cucina is nearby.
The famous Foghorn restaurant in Kirkland has a dock. Be careful if the wind picks up. Likewise, the Kirkland Marina Park (Fish Café or Anthony's Homeport) has moorage but without a breakwater you could have a rough ride in a south wind.
And then there's Renton and Kenmore but we'll leave those for another time. Now get out there and spend some money!
Data was collected from Christopher Mehlin, Ross Fleming, George Brengelmann, and Scott Voltz.
Commodores' Report/Index Big Cats Don't Right A Word About Instructors Dining on the Water Nautical Quotes Jen's Greek Journal Day Sailor Fleet News UW Sailing Club in The Daily New Year's Trip Report Rascal's Shakedown What's Wrong With This Picture?