This Washington Coastal Bistro Serves Pacific Views As Fresh As Its Salmon
I’ve eaten at countless restaurants across the Pacific Northwest, but nothing quite compares to Waterline Pub on Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula.
Perched dramatically on pilings above the ocean, this hidden treasure offers panoramic views that are every bit as memorable as the food itself. The menu highlights locally sourced seafood, each dish tasting as fresh as the salt air outside.
On my first visit, I was so mesmerized by the waves crashing just feet from my table that I forgot to even glance at the menu for several minutes. At Waterline, dining becomes an experience where flavor and scenery blend seamlessly.
Panoramic Ocean Views From Every Table
The architects behind Waterline Pub deserve a standing ovation. They designed this place so that no matter where you sit, you’re treated to breathtaking Pacific Ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
I remember bringing my parents here last summer. Mom actually gasped when we were seated – the horizon stretched endlessly before us, with waves rolling in beneath the restaurant’s stilted foundation. You could literally feel the gentle vibration of the tide through the floorboards!
During winter storms, regulars book tables weeks in advance just to watch nature’s spectacular show while staying perfectly cozy indoors. The changing light throughout the day transforms both the ocean and your dining experience.
Sustainable Salmon Caught By Local Fishermen
“Know your fisherman” isn’t just a cute slogan here – it’s their business model. The chef partners exclusively with sustainable fishing operations along the Washington coast, ensuring every salmon dish arrives at your table within 24 hours of being caught.
Their signature blackened salmon sliders changed my entire perspective on seafood. The fish was so fresh it practically melted on my tongue, with none of that fishy aftertaste you get at lesser establishments. The chef told me they receive deliveries twice daily during peak season.
What really impressed me was learning how they rotate their menu based on what’s running well that week. If Coho isn’t at its prime, they won’t serve it – period.
The Magic Of Dining Directly Above The Waves
Eating at Waterline feels like dining on a luxury cruise ship that never leaves port. The restaurant’s structure extends completely over the water, creating an immersive experience you simply can’t find elsewhere on the peninsula.
My favorite table sits in the corner where two glass walls meet. Last spring, we spotted a pod of dolphins playing just yards away while enjoying our appetizers! The gentle rocking motion during high tide adds another dimension to your meal – though they’ve thoughtfully installed stabilizers for those with sensitive stomachs.
The sound design deserves special mention too. They’ve engineered the acoustics so you can clearly hear the rhythmic crashing of waves without drowning out conversation.
Sunset Dining That Transforms Your Meal
Scoring a reservation for the 7:30 seating during summer months requires planning weeks ahead – and for good reason. As the sun begins its descent over the Pacific, the entire restaurant transforms into a canvas of gold, amber and crimson hues.
My anniversary dinner here last July remains etched in my memory. Our server timed each course perfectly with the changing light. The citrus glaze on my salmon literally sparkled as the setting sun’s rays streamed through it!
Photographers frequently request the westernmost tables to capture this daily spectacle. Even the most jaded locals admit they never tire of watching day transition to night over dinner at Waterline, with the menu’s seasonal offerings complementing nature’s display.
Open Kitchen Showcasing Culinary Artistry
The heartbeat of Waterline Pub isn’t just the ocean – it’s the completely open kitchen where you can watch culinary magic unfold. Chef Marina Townsend, a Long Beach native who trained in Seattle before returning home, orchestrates her team with the precision of a symphony conductor.
I’ve spent entire evenings mesmerized by their choreographed movements. The sizzle of fresh salmon hitting cast iron, the flame-kissed finish on their cedar plank specialties, the artistic plating that happens right before your eyes – it’s dinner and a show rolled into one unforgettable experience.
Unlike stuffy establishments where chefs hide behind walls, Marina encourages questions from curious diners. She once spent ten minutes explaining her secret brine recipe to my seafood-skeptical brother!
Seasonal Menu That Tells The Coast’s Story
Waterline’s menu reads like a love letter to the Pacific Northwest. Beyond their famous salmon, each seasonal offering narrates the current chapter of coastal Washington’s ecological story.
Spring brings delicate spot prawns harvested from nearby waters. Summer showcases vibrant salads with ingredients from peninsula farms paired with Dungeness crab. Fall introduces heartier preparations featuring mushrooms foraged from coastal forests. Winter comforts with rich seafood stews that warm you as storms rage outside.
The chef’s tasting menu, which I splurged on for my birthday, took us on a six-course journey through microseasons even locals don’t know exist. Each plate arrived with a story about its ingredients’ origin and the hands that brought it from sea to table.
Community Tables That Create Lasting Connections
Waterline breaks the mold of typical fine dining with their massive driftwood community tables. These 12-person masterpieces, crafted by local artisan Theo Simmons, have become legendary for the friendships they’ve sparked.
My shyness initially made me hesitate when offered seating at one. Three hours later, I was exchanging contact information with a retired marine biologist who shared fascinating insights about the very seafood we were enjoying! The owners intentionally designed these tables to foster connection between visitors and locals.
They host monthly “Fisherman’s Table” events where diners share meals with the very people who caught their dinner. I’ve never experienced anything that more authentically captures the spirit of coastal Washington than these gatherings around Waterline’s community tables.