When Texan Mike Harbin moved to Port Townsend, he brought a talent for Texas barbecue with him. He and his Port Townsend-native wife, Heather, have turned a food truck outside of downtown into a dining destination by serving up delectably tender smoked meats. A fixed location, situated a few dozen feet from where the truck currently resides, is scheduled to open in late summer.

Every town worth its salt has a go-to breakfast diner, and here, that’s Blue Moose Cafe. Tables groan under heaping plates of well-prepared classics: corned beef hash, biscuits and gravy, French toast, all with the option of an egg on top. There are typically long lines on weekends, but the wait gives plenty of time to build up an appetite.

Tucked away in the shipyard southwest of downtown, Sea J’s is locally famous for one thing: crispy, tender fish and chips (though the burgers and milkshakes are popular too). For an old school, hole-in-the-wall experience, there’s no place in Port Townsend quite like it.

From a small, elegant storefront in the Uptown neighborhood, Pan d’Amore sells a remarkable variety of handcrafted breads and pastries. Focaccia and savory croissants are substantial enough to be the centerpiece of a meal; the cookies, cakes, and canelé are sweet indulgences; and the basic breads are made with flair, from seedy sourdough to olive-spiked batards. Success has led to expansion: the actual baking is now done in a larger facility along the waterfront at 2319 Washington Street, where there’s a retail walkup window, and there are locations in Sequim and on Bainbridge Island.

There’s a well-established hippie sensibility in Port Townsend, and it comes through in its most flattering light at this charming little bistro, which has been in business for three decades. The menu dips into several cuisines — highlights include bouillabaisse, Moroccan chicken, and lots of pasta dishes, all made with local ingredients. It also features good vegetarian options.

The name says “noodle,” but Hanazono is Port Townsend’s go-to spot for a range of Japanese cuisine — along with soba, udon, and ramen, they serve sushi rolls, donburi bowls, and classic appetizers, such as curry buns. The dining room — a gussied up diner with towering front windows — is currently closed due to a staffing shortage, but takeout business remains brisk.

The menu at Tommyknocker’s is an unlikely take on fusion comfort food cuisine, mixing traditional Cornish pasties (plump, savory pies stuffed with meat, potato, veg, and gravy) and vegetarian staples like lentil-eggplant lasagna and vegan mac and cheese. The unifying theme is comfort food: everything on offer is satisfying and at least a little indulgent. There’s a similar sensibility in the casual dining room, where the spirit is as welcoming and family-friendly as an English pub.

For over forty years, this spot has been Port Townsend institution, making exceptionally tasty from-scratch frozen confections. New owners took over in 2020, and the good news is they’ve dedicated themselves to maintaining high standards. Some flavors are aimed at a grownup palate (think ginger or cardamom), but this is still the kind of bright, friendly place that makes kids’ eyes light up from a block away.