Gig Harbor has taken its rich history of commercial fishing and boat building and turned its downtown area into a historic waterfront community, attracting visitors with its galleries, parks, public and private docks and marinas, shopping, and dining. It is also one of the many small towns that promote itself as the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula.
It’s easy to think of Gig Harbor as a summer destination, and it is a great one, but there is plenty of reason to visit all year round. An easy 20 minutes drive from downtown Tacoma to Gig Harbor and about a 45 minutes drive from Sea-Tac Airport.
With Mothers Day just a couple of weeks away, and spring weather knocking on our doors, it's a good time to cross the Narrows Bridge for a special family time.
Here are six dining options in Gig Harbor to celebrate with your Mom. All are operating in accordance with Washington State guidelines for capacity, masks, and social distancing. We recommend checking directly with the restaurant as things can change.
Don't forget - Mothers Day is Sunday, May 9th!
1. Brix 25°
Located on the waterfront in downtown Gig Harbor, Brix 25° is a small, intimate restaurant offering seasonal Northwest cuisine. Although Brix offers a gourmet dining experience, it's still casual and not fussy.
The menu is updated regularly to ensure the best of local products. Current entrees include Walnut Smoke Filet Mignon, Spiced Rub Chicken, and Troll-Caught King Salmon.
Open on Mothers Day for dinner, 4-7:30 pm. Reservations required. Brix is also offering multi-course to-go packages that are perfect for a special occasion. Website here.
2. NetShed No. 9
This family-owned restaurant is also located on the water in downtown Gig Harbor and offers both indoor and outdoor dining. The restaurant name comes from the Croatian fishermen who used netsheds to house their fishing boars, nets, and equipment. The deck is especially charming in the warm weather.
This is one of my favorite go-to spots for breakfast or brunch. A skillet of warm cinnamon rolls, a cup of hot coffee, and great family and friends make a fine celebratory way to start the day. Other recommendations include lemon curd and blueberry french toast and chilaquiles.
While the restaurant is not open on Sunday, this is a great option for breakfast the day before (breakfast and lunch served Monday-Saturday). Also, open for dinner on Friday and Saturday.Website here.
3. Il Lucano
There's nothing pretentious about the menu or atmosphere at Il Lucano, just a room full of locals enjoying delicious Italian food that features fresh local ingredients. The chef comes from Oppido Lucano, a small town in southern Italy, the source of the restaurant's name.
Start your meal off with an order of bruschetta and wine. The Pollo Gorgonzola is a big favorite, as is their Puttanesca. If Osso Buco is on the nightly special list, don't pass it up.
Open on Sunday for dinner 4-9 pm, indoor and outdoor dining available. Reservations are not required but strongly recommended (especially for Mothers Day). Website here.
4. The Tides
Loud and raucous, the Tides Tavern is a favorite whether you're coming by food, car, or boat. Sports are always on the television, conversations are loud, and it's crowded (in keeping with capacity limitations, of course). Indoor and deck dining is available.
The Tides gets rave reviews for the halibut and chips, burgers, and beer selections. They also have pizza, sandwiches, and salads.
Open on Sunday, 11 am-8 pm. No reservations, so plan for a wait. 21 and over only. Website here.
5. Morso Wine Bistro
If you're sharing mom with others this Mothers Day, a stop-off at Morso's Wine Bar makes for a nice respite in her busy day. The outdoor patio has heaters, but its location across the street from the water can still be chilly this time of year.
The menu is lots of small plates to nibble (hot and cold) and a rotating list of wines. You can't go wrong with the Vintners Board and a glass of bubbly. The freshly baked bread is delicious, as is the patatas bravas (brings back fond memories of Catalonia), and wild mushroom risotto.
Open on Sunday, noon-7 pm. 21 and over only. Website here.
We hope you'll celebrate with your mom on Mothers Day. Whether that's your mom by birth or by choice, whether she's physically present or there only in spirit, it's a day to honor the special women in all of our lives.
#HappyMothersDay