WHO WE ARE

The Silverwater Cafe story began in 1989, when the founders opened a tiny shack down by the water to serve fish and chips. They started with a small staff and limited menu. Eventually, they moved to our current location at 237 Taylor Street, next to Port Townsend’s famous Rose Theater, in the historic 1889 Elks Building. This wonderful location allowed more space and more options. Extensive renovations, in keeping with the building’s historic integrity and character, transformed this space into what it is today. Since then, Silverwater Cafe has served countless lunches, dinners, glasses of wine and beer, and creative craft cocktails to happy customers. By building long-term connections with our clientele, and by forming solid professional relationships throughout the community, Silverwater has flourished.

We support local farmers, foragers, and ranchers who love the land they work and the animals they keep. We buy from local fisheries that practice sustainable harvesting. Any unusable vegetable waste feeds our chickens or gets turned into compost for our gardens. And it doesn’t stop there. We actively partner with various local non-profits, to broaden our reach throughout our beloved community.

Throughout it all, from 1989 to now, the Silverwater Cafe mission has been to nourish bodies and souls, through our inspired cooking, genuine hearts, and open arms.

In 2026, the founders of Silverwater Cafe decided to step away from the business. After much soul-searching and careful consideration of options, they decided to pass the torch to new owner Rosscoe Bryant. Rosscoe is a seasoned restaurateur, with wide experience in kitchen work, food and beverage management, cattle ranching, deep-sea commercial fishing, agricultural operations, and many other aspects of the fine dining world. He is delighted to maintain the traditions and long-term staff of Silverwater Cafe, and also to be adding refinements in those areas where his experience gives him extra insights.

This iconic destination restaurant and its new steward will be carrying this great tradition forward into the coming decades. Port Townsend residents and returning visitors are happy that Silverwater Cafe is here to stay.