SHAMBALA BAKERY & BISTRO American 614 S. 1st Ave., Mount Vernon 360.588.6600, shambalabakery.com Crack open Shambala Bakery and Bistro’s menu to find all-day breakfast options and an array of sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and lighter fare items such as quiche and soup. Their daily specials take advantage of what’s in season.
Swim Club Bramble Ingredients: Gin, house-made cranberry mulled wine syrup, lemon, pebble ice. $10
SKAGIT VALLEY’S FARMHOUSE American 13724 Laconner Whitney Rd., Mount Vernon 360.466.4411, thefarmhouserestaurant.net Craving home-cooked food but don’t want to make it yourself? Skagit Valley’s Farmhouse may be what you’re looking for. When first entering the building, you walk past a mouthwatering pie showcase and through a gift shop that has the perfect items for Ma and Pa. The decor is reminiscent of country living. Even though their breakfasts are famous, try their lunch and dinner menus as well — when you eat here, you’re home. THIRD STREET CAFE Mexican 309 S. 3rd St., Mount Vernon 360.542.5022, csquare.coop Third Street Cafe stands out from the many other restaurants serving locally procured, organic dishes. The menu offers a range of dishes from simple to fancier options. Burgers and fried oysters are listed alongside pork belly lollipops and roasted beet salad. TRUMPETER PUBLIC HOUSE Gastropub
© Kelly Pearce
416 Myrtle St., Mount Vernon 360.588.4515, trumpeterpublichouse.com
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undle up against the early fall chill and take a high dive into this rich, spiced cocktail that you can cuddle up with all evening. Swim Club Wet Bar, Fairhaven’s south-of-Francethemed lounge, offers a year-round beverage whose flavor and name will have you ready for autumn. The Bramble is as gorgeous as it is tasty. It’s full-bodied and flavorful, but the ice and lemon add a lightness that guarantees you’ll finish it feeling refreshed. Strong cinnamon, sugar, and clove notes come through from 74
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their house-made syrup, which is the best way to welcome fall. Use the outdoor seating on a sunny September day, or cozy up on their rose-colored booths. It’s classy and comfortable all in one: Perfect for taking yourself or friends out on the town. Swim Club is also eco-friendly, serving metal straws in every drink. Swim on over this September — you won’t want to leave. Kelly Pearce 1147 11th St., Bellingham swimclubbar.com
Trumpeter is an ideal combination of high-end, fine dining, and English pub fare. Try traditional pub selections or more unique seafood-style choices. Additionally, Trumpeter looks to accommodate all tastes with gluten-free dishes, and the option to make any dish gluten-free. Of course, a pub isn’t complete without beer and Trumpeter completes the dining experience with 18 taps of local and European brews. THE UNION TAVERN — LOCAL 902 American 902 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.873.8245, theuniontavern-local902.com Patrons can get the perfect-size dish in a flavor profile to satisfy any craving. With plenty of beers on rotation, there’s the basics plus a surprise or two. Cocktails are another highlight — you won’t find Red Bull vodkas or overly sweetened Mai Tais here. The staff uses fresh juice, quality spirits, and house-made sours and grenadine. Staffers are encouraged to create their own cocktails, and the tastiest concoctions get a place on the menu.