Food and Dining

Western Red Brewing Poulsbo is one of the town's many small, craft, breweries. It has a nice taproom on Jensen Way near downtown Poulsbo.

They occasionally have game nights or pizza events.

You might not even be aware of Viking Ice Cream Poulsbo. It's "Forge" is located in a strip mall off Viking way. Visitors are more likely to buy ice cream at Island Cool when they visit town due to the location.

But you may have encountered it if you:

1. Live here


2. Have gone to VikingFest (and as aside, I seem to recall the ice cream being called Viking FEAST and note that this has changed. Or was that my imagination?)


3. Have shopped in a few of the local retailers that carry it (Red Apple grocery next door to the "Forge" does).

So if you want some authentic Poulsbo ice cream, I recommend it. My favorite is the pumpkin, which you can only get seasonally.

If you visit the Forge, they are open odd hours, generally around 11:00 but check the door as the sign may make it look like they're not open.

Valhöll Brewing Poulsbo is one of the city's many small craft breweries. They feature a very nice small seating area.

It's easy to notice this one. The building may be a bit nondescript but you'll notice the huge Viking logo on the front.

I'm not a beer drinker, but my spouse reassures me that their beer is very good.

If you're in Poulsbo and want some schitzel/German food and beer, Tizley's Europub Poulsbo is your place. It's upstairs in the building next to Sluy's Bakery.

There's a small deck where you can find outdoor seating, if you're lucky. Prepare not to get that spot on the day of the Viking Fest parade.

The Loft is one of our go-to places when we need to take visitors to Poulsbo out to dinner because of their good seafood and large outdoor area -- part of it covered -- overlooking Liberty Bay.

Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room is located pretty close to Starbucks actual original location. It's a unique space with coffee roasting, food, cocktails and, of course, gourmet coffee.

Photo by Herry Sutanto on Unsplash

If there's one thing visitors to Poulsbo seem to like to do, it's to get something at Sluy's Bakery Poulsbo.

It's where Poulsbo Bread originated -- but visitors are more likely to purchase sweet treats.

Our recommendation? Things vary from time to time, but we think you should try the Viking Cup, which is essentially a cinnamon roll with a bunch of cream cheese frosting. The dough boys were popular with my kids, and you can usually find some smiley or frownie face cookies -- get one based on your mood for the day!

Beware, though, because on sunny days with lots of traffic a line sometimes forms down the block.

Sluy's is generally open from 5AM - 6PM daily. Get there early for less traffic and best selection!

Read our post about things to do in Poulsbo.

Slippery Pig Brewery Poulsbo actually used to be located outside of the "main" part of Poulsbo on Slippery Pig road, where they hosted events, but they moved their operation to this brewpup in "downtown" Poulsbo years ago.

The brewery serves food -- pub fare but good! You won't find too much for vegetarian selections here. If you're not vegan, the Boss Man is a grilled cheese sandwich with brie and pears that I love. My spouse likes to get stew, when they have it.

I'm not a beer drinker -- my spouse likes to characterize Slippery Pig's beers as "interesting." And, in fact, they've been represented at Strange Brewfest in Port Townsend. Along with more traditional beers, you might find beers like "Pie Banana" and "Orange Ginger Wit." It's not hard to find. You'll find the big Uff Da mural on the side of the building if you're not sure!

They also host a number of events, including "Beer Church" on Sunday mornings, live music in the evenings and often pinball contests or trivia nights.

Read our post about things to do in Poulsbo.

Rainy Daze Brewing Poulsbo is a microbrewery a bit off the main drag of Front Street in Poulsbo -- but nothing's too far away. It has a nice outdoor seating area and is a favorite of my spouse and friends due to the location, outdoor seating and my spouse's love for IPA.

The Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse is a favorite go-to place for coffee in Poulsbo. While you can grab a to-go cup, I'd recommend, if it's not too busy, getting your coffee in a ceramic cup and staying.

My favorite spot (don't take it) is the comfy chair at the back where I used to plant myself on a quiet morning to work on some writing tasks while being able to gaze out at Liberty Bay.

You'll also find some outdoor chairs and tables in front -- great if you're there with your dog -- and a couple of Adirondack-style chairs at the side of the building where you can sit and gaze out at the bay if weather permits.

Like most coffee shops, the Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse features varying artwork by local artists on its walls. And, like most coffee houses, wi-fi is available so you can grab a table and work on your tasks, if you want. But, of course, it's also great place to sit and chat, or sit and be quiet if that's your style (like me).

The Poulsbohemian Coffee House opened in 1993 and is owned by Marianna Mears according to this 1997 Kitsap Sun article.

Prior to the pandemic, they used to have many "armchair poetry" readings but, unfortunately, those haven't resumed since at the time of this writing.

Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse Hours

At the time we're writing this, the Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse is open 8-4 Tuesday-Sunday and is closed on Mondays.

For more things to to in Poulsbo visit our post about Visiting Poulsbo WA.