If you live in Washington State you are one, you are married to one, you are related to one and/or your best friend is one – a 12th Man. That means from August through at least December, you plan your weekends around the game. No rustic cabin in the mountains without TV, no motel on the ocean with slow wifi and definitely no camping in the wild for you. But wait, can’t you have it all? Outdoorsy weekends in our gorgeous state and an awesome place to watch the game? Yes, you can! On gorgeous San Juan Island. Here are the best places to see the Hawks in Friday Harbor after a busy day playing on the beach, hiking or whale watching. And if there is a non-believer in your party, there is plenty of stuff to do in town while the game is on: shopping, museums, galleries and markets. Go Hawks!
1) Haley’s Sport’s Bar & Grill
Next to the movie theater, smack in the middle of Friday Harbor, on Spring Street, find this roomy family restaurant with equally roomy sports bar. Haley’s has 13 TV’s, friendly service, crab tater tots, burgers, fish & chips and the best clam chowder in town. The walls are decorated with portraits of locals catching insanely large fish. It’s one of the only restaurants on the island with A/C.
Insider Tip: The best game watching seats are the long high tables in the middle of the bar, which are often shared. Perfect to meet new friends.
2) Herb’s Tavern
Herb’s, on the corner of Spring and First Street, is the oldest tavern in town. The dark wood interior with a large mirror behind the bar is reminiscent of an old Western Saloon. The place is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, perfect for games at any time of the day.
Herb’s has a Juke Box, pull tabs, a pool table and four TV’s. There is live music and karaoke on weekends for partying after a win.
Insider Tip: For an early game, treat yourself to the delicious biscuits & gravy and a Bloody Mary.
3) Blue Water Bar & Grill
This light restaurant with cozy bar is right by the ferry dock with an amazing view of the port. Watch seaplanes land, whale watch boats depart and little kids juggling enormous ice cream cones, while you enjoy one of the signature Eggs Benedict for breakfast, a burger for lunch or a good seafood dinner. Watch the game on two unobtrusive TV’s from your comfy wooden booth with a few like-minded souls.
Insider Tip: Check out the Happy Hour menu for inexpensive, gourmet treats.