I recently explored Shelton, Washington, and discovered its great food scene along with its beautiful location by Oakland Bay.
Shelton offers a variety of dishes that are sure to make anyone want to return.
Let me share with you the places I found and the standout meals that caught my attention.
10. Squaxin Island Seafood Bar
I recently visited the Squaxin Island Seafood Bar, located just down the hall from the casino gaming floor at Little Creek. After winning a bit at the slots, I decided to treat my friends to lunch. They went for the Prime Rib Dip, while I opted for the Signature Shrimp Scampi Sauté.
We kicked things off with a dozen Pacific Oysters, fresh and ready to be enjoyed with Tabasco and lemon juice. The shrimp scampi portion was generous, allowing me to take some home for later. Both the service and the food were excellent, making for a memorable dining experience.
| Dish | Price |
|---|---|
| Spinach & Artichoke dip | $6.25 |
| Pan Fried Oysters | $10.75 |
| Bay Shrimp Wedge Salad | $8.75 |
| Chicken Mushroom Fettuccini | $11.75 |
| Squaxin Burger | $8.25 |
| Steak Salad | $10.75 |
| Seafood Platter | $15.00 |
| Lobster Dinner | $49.00 |
- The price per person ranges between 5 and 50$
Location and contact
9. Suzan’s Grill
I had an amazing egg Benedict at Suzan’s Grill. The eggs were just right, and the ham was far from the usual thin slice—it was a thick, generous cut on each English muffin.
Personally, I love a bit more lemon in my eggs Benedict, but that’s just my preference for extra lemony flavor, so I won’t hold that against them.
The restaurant was clean, decorated nicely, and the service was top-notch. Honestly, for a breakfast spot in Shelton, this is as good as it gets. I’m excited to return and bring my kids next time.
- Price Range: $6 – $13
- Cuisines
- Special Diets – Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Location and contact
8. Ritz Drive-In
I found the best burger and fries in Shelton, along with great prices to match. The burgers and fries here taste like you’ve made them yourself, complete with all the perfect toppings. This place is incredibly popular—to the point where they sometimes run out of food, and it’s definitely not due to poor planning or ordering.
Be prepared for some parking challenges, and the drive-thru can take a bit of time. However, they’ve got great service, as someone usually comes out to take your order while you’re in line.
Customer favorites orders are some among of these: the Double Cheeseburger, Fish and Chips, Deluxe Burger, Bacon Burger, French Fries, Onion Rings, Blackberry Fry Sauce, Hamburger, and Sandwich. These items suggest a classic American drive-in menu that’s likely to offer good value and satisfying meals. And prices range between 3-14$
Location and contact
7. Taqueria Las Palmas
This place serves authentic Mexican cuisine, not the Americanized versions you often find at resorts. Their menu includes traditional dishes like Pozole, Menudo, Tripas, Carnitas, Birria, Lengua, and all the usual favorites you’d expect. It’s a small, family-owned business, likely run by first-generation Americans.
They’re working hard to provide a great life for their kids and share the rich flavors of their homeland with us, all at a fantastic price. The quality of the food is top-notch, and they don’t skimp on the portions either.
- Price per person range 10–20 $
| Dish | Description | Spiciness Level |
|---|---|---|
| Tacos al Pastor | Marinated pork tacos with pineapple | Mild |
| Chiles Rellenos | Poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, battered and fried | Medium |
| Enchiladas | Tortillas filled with meat or cheese, covered in chili sauce | Medium to Hot |
| Salsa Roja | Red chili sauce made with tomatoes and peppers | Hot |
| Tamales de Rajas | Tamales filled with strips of chili pepper and cheese | Hot |
| Habanero Salsa | Salsa made with habanero peppers | Very Hot |
Location and contact
6. Blondies Restaurant
After a trip to Bremerton, we found ourselves in Shelton with very hungry grandkids and a firm rule against fast food. Searching on TA led us to Blondie’s, and despite arriving at an off-peak time around 2:15 PM, it was still bustling—a promising sign.
The service took a little longer than expected, but the quality of the burgers, grilled chicken sandwich, and spaghetti made up for the wait. The kids were thrilled with their meals, but the highlight was definitely the homemade strawberry rhubarb pie, an absolute must-try.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Club Sandwich with Potato Salad | $16.50 |
| Hash Browns | $3.50 |
| Bacon Cheeseburger & Fries | $16.00 |
| Eggs Benedict | $18.75 |
| Carrot Cake | $5.00 |
| Chocolate Fudge Cake | $5.00 |
| Sausage Links | $5.50 |
| Breakfast Sandwich | $11.00 |
Location and contact
5. Mestizos
After trying several places that wouldn’t allow my 20-year-old daughter inside due to their alcohol policy, we stumbled upon Mestizos. Unlike the others, Mestizos welcomed us with open arms, thanks to their clever layout that includes a divider between the dining area and the bar.
Seating options varied from long, live-edge tables for groups to smaller tables for couples. As we were a party of four, we comfortably settled at one of the larger tables. The service was immediate, with our server being both friendly and efficient throughout our meal. As for the food, it was nothing short of excellent. T
he flavors were fresh, and everyone found something to enjoy. Two of us opted for the trio of tacos, another dived into Carne Asada Nachos, and my wife savored a steak salad. And yes, I drank a couple of really good beers without any issues. Prices are good, they range between 10 and 30 greens.
Location and Contact
4. Wilde Irish Pub
I visited on a Monday night and we found our own seats. Right off the bat, we ordered drinks, and I noticed a new addition to the cocktail menu: a Bloody Mary, which wasn’t available during our last visit. I asked for one, and the waitress checked with the bartender loudly across the room if it was possible.
Luckily, they had just enough mix left for my drink. My son went for a beer. We initially wanted a fried onion appetizer but were informed they were out of onions, along with chicken and a few other items.
We settled for the wonton appetizer instead, which turned out to be delicious, especially with its accompanying sauce.
For the main course, we chose a mushroom burger and fish and chips, both served with fries. Upon delivery, the waitress offered dipping sauces, and we asked for ketchup, only to receive a tiny cup as it was their last. This struck me as odd for a place serving fries.
The burger was notably tasty and moist, with a soft pretzel bun, and my son enjoyed the fish. Despite the minor hiccups, the meal was satisfying overall.
However, when paying, the waitress announced the bill total loudly to a nearby table, which I wasn’t comfortable with. I requested a more discreet approach, and she obliged by showing me the total on the handheld payment device, though I’m not a fan of this payment method. The main issue was the shortage of several menu items.
Location and contact
3. Taylor Station Restaurant and Lounge
I won’t be returning after a disappointing experience where we waited over an hour for our food, which never arrived. Despite assurances that it was nearly ready, we eventually left hungry, with just two other tables in the restaurant. While one waitress was noticeably loud, ours was pleasant.
| Dish | Price |
|---|---|
| Grilled Salmon Caesar Salad | $16.99 |
| Bay Shrimp Caesar Salad | $14.99 |
| Teriyaki Chicken Burger | $10.49 |
| Chicken Strips & Fries | $8.99 |
| French Dip | $9.99 |
| Deep Fried Prawns | $18.99 |
| Choice 12 oz. Bone-in Rib Steak | $21.99 |
| Linguini with Chicken | $14.99 |
2. Spencer Lake Bar & Grill
The restaurant’s ambiance might not stand out, but the food tells a different story. I’ve eaten there multiple times, opting for the chicken fried steak dinner and the club sandwich, both of which were exceptional. Their club sandwich, in particular, is a must-try; every bite is a delight.
Kudos to the chefs for their excellent work. Don’t judge this place by its looks. If you’re searching for delicious comfort food, especially a top-notch club sandwich, this is your spot. The quality of the meals here will surprise you, making it well worth a visit.
- Price range per person $11 – $30
Location and contact
1. El Sarape
I stumbled upon a real treasure of a restaurant recently! Right from the start, it’s clear that they’re serious about their craft, especially their food. The Enchiladas Banderas and Steak Fajitas were standout dishes, showcasing the high-quality ingredients they prioritize.
It’s so nice to see a place that genuinely focuses on the best produce and meats. The staff deserves a shout-out too—they’re amazing! With their friendly, attentive service and constant smiles, they make the whole experience feel like you’re dining with family. The cozy setting, complete with a fireplace, only enhances the whole vibe.
I’m already looking forward to my next visit for more incredible food and warm hospitality. Anyone in search of a top-notch dining experience in a friendly atmosphere needs to check this place out.
Location and contact
Final Thoughts
Here I found a very good food scene filled with diverse culinary offerings.
From the authentic Mexican cuisine at Taqueria Las Palmas to the classic comfort food at Ritz Drive-In, there’s something for everyone.
Standout dishes like the Eggs Benedict at Suzan’s Grill and the Enchiladas Banderas at El Sarape left a lasting impression, making Shelton a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Hello, my name is Harper Barton. The only thing I love more than travelling is writing about it. Sounds strange doesn’t it? But yeah, I adore writing and sharing my experiences about what I have experienced during my travels. Since I am a person who loves being a part of the community, I often write about local festivals with the goal of popularizing outside just small communities they come from.
