The Go Outside Restaurant Guide: Bow Edison
Edison Slough
As a born-and-bred Skagitonian, Edison has a lot of layers for me. It’s an area where I spent a lot of time in my early twenties, when my mom lived just outside of town and owned the Edison Inn. It’s also where my sister owns a restaurant, so I find myself there often visiting her. And beyond all of that, it’s simply one of the most beautiful corners of the Skagit Valley.
Located at the north end of the Skagit Valley, the landscape here feels a little different. The farmland is more rugged and gently hilly, fed by the Samish River rather than the Skagit. Padilla Bay borders the area to the west, and it’s also the southern starting point of Chuckanut Drive — which has to be one of the prettiest stretches of road in Western Washington. Bow is the larger area, while Edison is the small unincorporated town.
Edison itself is the heart of the community. It’s the cutest little hamlet, full of what I like to call the “2-2-2s”: two art galleries, two bakeries, and two taverns. And a food hub for the Skagit Valley. So I’m breaking my recommendations into three parts: Favorites, Nostalgic Places, and Everybody’s Favorites.
Favorites
I love Slough Foods. It’s just right…cozy, warm, and welcoming. They have a beautiful garden along the Edison slough with little garden enclaves tucked throughout. Each enclave has a table and feels like you are in private garden. It’s the perfect place to linger over an afternoon glass of wine, a snack, and watch the wildlife along the slough.
Favorite Bay and Farmland View from inside Chuckanut Manor
Full disclosure: this is my sister’s restaurant. But even if it weren’t, I would still go, often.
Chuckanut Manor has the friendliest staff and serves such good, classic Northwest food. I love the steak frites and the fish and chips. People rave about the cioppino, though my shellfish allergy keeps me from trying it — that pesky allergy again.
The views are incredible. Looking out over the farmland is beautiful, but the water views at sunset are stunning. In the summer, the patio is the perfect place to order a glass of rosé and watch the evening settle in as the sun sets over the bay.
Breadfarm
Entrance to Breadfarm
Does a bakery count as a restaurant recommendation? I’m not sure, but I have to include it. :-)
Breadfarm has amazing sourdough loaves made with locally sourced grains as much as possible. I think they are even grinding their own flour, which you can buy. And yes, I buy it.
When time allows, I have a Friday ritual of driving to Edison early, before the crowds arrive, and picking up a half-miche loaf. But you can’t leave without getting a pastry treat — usually the Kouign-Amann, though sometimes I branch out with a savory breakfast pastry. They are all so good.
The Corner Pub
I love their fried chicken sandwich… need I say more? Also, in the summer they have a big outdoor garden area with horseshoe games, and kids are allowed.
Cob & Cork
Cob and Cork
My sister and I meet up here often. It is located along SR-11 and totally in the countryside, but inside it has a bit of an urban feel — a dark space with great lighting. They serve great craft cocktails, but it’s the fried chicken that keeps me coming back. I love it with the Caesar salad.
Nostalgic Mentions
Edison Inn
It’s an Edison classic… and fun fact that my mom owned it for a few years in the 2000s. I revisited the other day for the first time since she sold it and the food is still good pub food. The burger is as good as I remembered — and shuffleboard. I love shuffleboard.
Farm to Market Bakery
Farm to Market Bakery
This used to be located where Mariposa is now, but has since moved just outside the main part of town along Chuckanut Drive.
I hadn’t been there since they moved, which means it had been a long time. I stopped in the other day for a little “research,” and it’s still fantastic. Big cookies, a wonderful lime polenta cake, and an amazing blueberry scone. I also ordered a pesto turkey sandwich on a house-made baguette. It did not disappoint. I also love that everyone in there (except me) knew each other. It felt so local.
Everybody’s Favorites
Tweets Café
I don’t get here often because they’re usually only open when I’m working, but when I do make it in, it’s always a treat. Fresh seasonal menu that people absolutely love.
Taylor Shellfish
Fresh oysters served right down by the bay… at the oyster farm… and along Chuckanut Drive…yes please! But alas, my pesky shellfish allergy keeps me from all the fun. But Taylor Shellfish is high on everyone’s list and is a must.
Terramar Brewstillery
Brewstillery… just as it sounds brewery meets distillery. And they serve great pizza with unique toppings. Plus, it has a speakeasy-style section that makes it feel like a little hidden gem.
