Silverwater Cafe | Our Story

Thirty-five years of coast, community, and craft

Silverwater Cafe began in 1989 as a tiny shack by the water, and has grown into one of Port Townsend's most beloved gathering places. The food has evolved, the building has changed, but the spirit — nourish bodies and souls — never has.

The shack on the water

It started with a small crew, a limited menu, and a shack by the ferry dock in Port Townsend — serving fish and chips to locals and travellers. From those modest beginnings in 1989, something lasting began to take shape.

Growing into something lasting

Word spread quickly. What started as a simple fish shack grew into a full kitchen with a Mediterranean heartbeat — fresh, local, and deeply rooted in Port Townsend's waterfront community.

Finding home at 237 Taylor Street

The restaurant settled into the historic 1889 Elks Building, next door to Port Townsend's Rose Theater. Careful renovations honored the Victorian character and brought to life the warm, plant-filled two-story bistro guests know today.

Rooted in local producers

Our kitchen depends on farmers, fishermen, shellfish harvesters, and foragers across the Pacific Northwest. Vegetable scraps go to our own chickens or compost — this network isn't a philosophy statement; it's simply how we cook.

New hands, same heart

In 2026, founders handed Silverwater to Rosscoe Bryant — a restaurateur with roots in fine dining, commercial fishing, and ranching. Long-term staff stayed on, traditions held, and the restaurant carries forward with fresh intention.