Mason County’s food scene is built on fresh, local ingredients—especially seafood from Hood Canal. You’ll find everything from casual oyster shacks to upscale waterfront dining, family-friendly restaurants to craft breweries. This guide covers the best places to eat across the county.
Waterfront Dining on Hood Canal
The Oyster Shacks and Seafood
Hood Canal is famous for oysters, and several places let you eat them directly from the water or freshly shucked in casual settings.
Union Oyster Company (Union): The most famous oyster destination in Mason County. A true working oyster farm where you can buy oysters by the dozen and eat them on picnic tables overlooking Hood Canal. Bring your own beverages and snacks, or grab fish and chips from the onsite counter. This is as fresh as it gets—oysters are shucked to order. Cash and cards accepted; arrive early on weekends as seating is limited. Summer is peak season.
Tides Tavern (Shelton): A waterfront institution overlooking Budd Inlet since 1946. Famous for fish and chips, oyster stew, and local beer. The outdoor deck has Hood Canal views. The atmosphere is casual and local (expect fishermen, families, date nights). Full bar with regional craft beers. Moderate prices.
The Skokomish River Grille (Shelton): Fine dining with waterfront views. Seafood-focused (fresh fish, oysters, steamed clams) with land options (beef, pasta). Upscale atmosphere with full bar. Good for special occasions. Reservations recommended on weekends.
Dining by Cuisine Type
Casual American and Comfort Food
Crossroads Restaurant (Shelton): Classic small-town diner. Breakfast is huge here—pancakes, omelets, biscuits and gravy. Lunch features burgers, sandwiches, and daily specials. Coffee is decent. Popular with locals and hikers fueling up before trails. Affordable; cash and cards. Open early (6 a.m.) on weekdays.
The Depot Restaurant (Shelton): Housed in a converted train station. American comfort food—steaks, seafood, pasta. Full bar. Atmosphere is upscale-casual with wood beams and history. Good for families and business lunches. Moderate-to-high prices. Reservations recommended.
Mike’s Place (Shelton): Iconic burger joint. Hand-pattied burgers, hand-cut fries, real milkshakes. Small seating area, mostly takeout. Lines form around lunch time on weekdays. Cash preferred but cards accepted. Inexpensive. A true local institution.
Mexican
Chipotle Grille (Shelton): Casual counter-service Mexican. Burritos, tacos, quesadillas, rice bowls. Fresh ingredients, large portions. Popular with families and office workers. Affordable. Fast service.
El Favorito (Shelton): Family-owned Mexican restaurant. Traditional dishes, homemade salsas, full bar with margaritas. Casual atmosphere. Popular for dinner and special occasions. Moderate prices.
Italian
Macleods Restaurant (Shelton): Upscale American with Italian influences. Pasta, risotto, seafood. Full bar with wine list. Nice atmosphere for special occasions. Moderate-to-high prices.
Asian
Pho House (Shelton): Vietnamese pho and noodle dishes. Flavorful broths, fresh ingredients, good vegetarian options. Casual, quick service. Affordable. A go-to for soup and noodles on rainy days.
Shanghai Restaurant (Shelton): Chinese food. Dim sum, noodles, traditional entrees. Casual atmosphere. Affordable. Popular for lunch.
Breakfast and Coffee
Espresso Depot (Shelton): Quality espresso drinks, locally roasted beans, pastries. Small but comfortable seating. Popular with morning commuters and remote workers. Good wifi. Friendly staff.
Molly’s Cafe (Shelton): Breakfast and brunch destination. Pancakes, omelets, breakfast burritos. Fresh orange juice. Casual, family-friendly. Lines on weekends but worth the wait. Moderate prices.
Crossroads Restaurant Breakfast: (Mentioned above under American.) Best breakfast in Shelton according to many locals. Open early. Affordable.
Breweries and Beer
Schilling Brewing (Shelton): Mason County’s flagship craft brewery. Award-winning IPAs, stouts, lagers, and seasonal beers. Spacious taproom with wood tables, local art on walls. Food trucks usually outside on weekends. Atmosphere is relaxed and local. No kitchen, but you can bring your own food. Kids and dogs welcome on patio. This is a community hub.
Thurston County Brewing (Tumwater, just outside Mason County): Close by in Tumwater. Large taproom, full kitchen, outdoor space. Wider range of food options than Schilling. More upscale atmosphere.
Farm-to-Table and Local Sourcing
Mason County has strong agricultural traditions, and several restaurants emphasize local ingredients:
Skokomish River Grille: (Mentioned above.) Sources local seafood and vegetables. Seasonal menu reflecting what’s available locally.
Farmers Markets: Don’t miss the Shelton Farmers Market (Saturdays, May-October, downtown Shelton). Local vegetables, berries, honey, baked goods, and prepared foods. A great source for fresh ingredients and local connection.
Food Trucks and Quick Eats
Mason County has a growing food truck scene, especially around Shelton:
Taco Trucks: Several taco vendors operate around town, especially near the brewery and downtown. Quality varies but most offer fresh ingredients at budget prices.
BBQ Trucks: Seasonal BBQ vendors appear at farmers markets and community events. Brisket, pulled pork, ribs.
Food Truck Rallies: Downtown Shelton hosts food truck rallies during summer. Check the Shelton Chamber of Commerce website for dates.
Grocery Stores and Food Shopping
Safeway (Shelton): Full-service supermarket. Produce, meat, deli. Good selection of local and regional products. Pharmacy, fuel discounts.
The Market (Shelton): Smaller independent grocery with focus on local products, organic items, and specialty foods. More expensive than Safeway but higher quality and more character.
Costco (Olympia, 30 minutes south): If you need bulk shopping, Costco is in Olympia.
Farmers Market: (Mentioned above.) Best place for fresh, in-season produce and local products. Shelton Farmers Market runs Saturdays May-October.
Specialty Foods and Delicacies
Shellfish and Oysters
Hood Canal is the source of some of the Pacific Northwest’s best oysters. Beyond eating them at restaurants and oyster shacks, you can buy fresh oysters to cook at home from:
- Union Oyster Company (Union)
- Local seafood markets (check the Shelton area)
- Farmers Market (seasonal)
How to eat oysters: Raw on the half shell (with mignonette sauce—vinegar and shallots), steamed and buttered, baked with garlic, or fried. Ask locals for their preference.
Local Berries
Mason County produces excellent berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries). In season (June-August), you’ll find them at farmers markets and farm stands. Some farms allow you-pick operations—call ahead.
Cheese and Dairy
The surrounding Puget Sound region has artisanal cheese makers. Check farmers markets for local cheese, yogurt, and dairy products.
Dining Tips and Etiquette
- Reservations: Call ahead for dinner at nicer restaurants, especially weekends
- Hours: Many small restaurants have limited hours—check before driving
- Seasonal: Some places have seasonal hours or close during off-season
- Cash: Some small places still prefer cash; bring ATM access
- Tipping: Standard 15-20% for sit-down dining; 10-15% for counter service
- Dress code: Casual in most places; dressier for nicer restaurants
Where to Find Current Information
- Google Maps and Yelp: Current hours, reviews, and photos
- Shelton Chamber of Commerce: Directory of restaurants and businesses
- Local newspapers: Shelton-Mason County Journal features restaurant reviews and local food news
- Facebook: Many local restaurants post specials and hours on Facebook
Union Oyster Company is a working oyster farm in Union, Washington where you can buy fresh oysters and eat them on picnic tables overlooking Hood Canal. Oysters are shucked to order. It’s cash and cards, casual seating, and best visited in summer. Bring your own drinks or grab fish and chips from their counter.
Crossroads Restaurant in Shelton and Molly’s Cafe are local favorites for breakfast. Both serve traditional breakfast fare—pancakes, omelets, biscuits and gravy. Crossroads opens early (6 a.m.) and has strong coffee; Molly’s has weekend brunch and pastries. Both are affordable.
For casual dinner, try Mike’s Place for burgers, Chipotle Grille for Mexican, Tides Tavern for fish and chips, or Pho House for Vietnamese noodles. All are affordable with quick service.
Yes, Schilling Brewing in Shelton is Mason County’s main craft brewery with award-winning beers, a spacious taproom, and community atmosphere. Food trucks operate outside on weekends. No kitchen inside, but you can bring your own food.
Union Oyster Company in Union sells fresh oysters that you can take home. You can also find them at the Shelton Farmers Market (Saturdays, May-October) and some local seafood markets. Ask staff for cooking suggestions.
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