Food

One of Lopez Island’s best traits is its laid-back atmosphere. Unfortunately, this means that store and restaurant hours are pretty fluid, varying greatly depending on the seasons and the whims of the owners. Restaurants that close altogether during low season are noted; call ahead to find out when the others will be open.

Love Dog Café (Lopez Village, 360/468-2150, $15) serves fresh fish, steaks, and sandwiches year-round. The café is open for three meals a day and has a few tables on the patio.

Holly B’s Bakery (360/468-2133, open Apr.–late Nov., $4) in Lopez Village is the place to go for great breads, cookies, scones, and cinnamon rolls. Next door is Caffe La Bohemé (360/468-2294, $4), where you can sip espresso at tables out front. Isabel’s Espresso (Lopez Village, 360/468-4114, $4) is a hip hangout with a large outdoor deck that attracts locals; it sometimes has live music, too.

Lopez Island Pharmacy (Village Rd. in Lopez Village, 360/468-2616, www.lopezislandpharmacy.com [1], $6) has an old-fashioned soda fountain that fills with locals at lunchtime. South End Café (1176 Rural Route 2, 360/468-3198) bakes good pizzas.

The Bay Café (Lopez Village, 360/468-3700, www.bay-cafe.com [2], $25) is Lopez Island’s four-star restaurant, with Northwest cuisine that includes seafood and grilled meats. Open only for dinner. Reservations are essential at this very popular place with a deck facing Fisherman Bay.

Not as expensive, but still very good is Bucky’s Lopez Island Grill (Lopez Village, 360/468-2595, closed Oct.–Mar., $10). Bucky’s has the best burgers in town as well as great fish and chips, barbecued ribs, salads, and chicken.

The Galley Restaurant and Lounge (360/468-2713, $12) on Fisherman Bay is a friendly locals’ joint best known for its enormous omelettes, prime rib, abalone, and rooftop dining.

Get groceries from Village Market (360/468-2266) in Lopez Village. It is closed on Sunday, so stock up ahead of time or eat in a restaurant. The Lopez Island Farmers Market in Lopez Village is open 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday mid-May to early September. Stop by for fresh garden produce and flowers, along with arts and crafts.