Ten pieces of halibut, plus chips, is an order worth discussing before anyone says, “I’ll just have the same.” It’s on the menu at this tiny seafood cafe, and it gives a casual lunch some fairly ambitious possibilities.
The cod baskets bring their own extras, with Texas toast and slaw on the side. Then there are the milkshakes and malts, with dozens of flavors to consider.
I’d probably spend longer choosing a shake than choosing the fish, especially with that much food already in the plan.
Outside, benches face a working boat marina. You can sit with your meal and watch the boats, giving yourself a little time between bites.
That sounds like a good use of an afternoon you haven’t packed too full.
There’s something appealing about a small cafe where the menu encourages a big appetite and the seating gives you a reason to linger. The ten-piece halibut meal gets your attention first.
Deciding what belongs alongside it could turn out to be the harder part of the order.
The Fish Baskets Here Are Built for Serious Appetites
Generous is the whole point at Sea J’s Cafe. Fish and chips anchor the menu, and the baskets come stacked with battered fish and a pile of fries.
You can choose from cod or halibut. Orders scale up by the piece, from a modest two-piece basket to much bigger spreads.
That flexibility matters when your hunger level is somewhere between peckish and pirate.
Cod baskets arrive with Texas toast and a side of slaw. The toast is a smart extra for mopping up tartar sauce.
The slaw adds a cool crunch next to all that hot fried fish.
Sharing is a real strategy here. A four-piece cod basket can easily feed two people with modest appetites.
Splitting one also leaves room for a shake later, which is never a bad plan.
If you’re traveling with a crew, the larger family-style halibut orders are worth a look. A 10-piece halibut meal is on the table for big groups.
It’s the kind of order that makes the people at the next bench glance over curiously.
Order with your eyes, sure. Just plan on a takeout box for the drive home.
Cod or Halibut? Pick Your Side of the Great Debate
Two fish, one tough decision. Sea J’s Cafe serves both cod and halibut, and each one brings something different to the basket.
Cod is the classic pick for fish and chips. It’s mild, flaky, and familiar, which makes it a safe bet for picky eaters and first-timers.
It also tends to be the friendlier choice for your wallet.
Halibut is the upgrade many seafood fans reach for. It’s a firmer, meatier white fish with a clean flavor.
In the Pacific Northwest, halibut carries a little extra bragging power at the table.
Can’t choose? Bring a friend and order one of each.
Trading pieces is the fairest way to settle the argument, and nobody leaves feeling left out.
The cafe also offers grilled cod for anyone wanting a break from the fryer. That’s a handy option when you want seafood without the full crunchy coating.
My honest advice is simple. Try the fish you rarely get at home.
If you live near a halibut-free grocery store, this might be your best excuse to finally go big.
Grab a Bench and Watch the Boats Drift By
Few lunch views beat a marina full of boats. Outdoor seating at Sea J’s Cafe faces the water, so your fish comes with a side of masts and docks.
The patio benches are where many people choose to eat on nice days. Staff can bring your food outside after you order inside.
That means you can claim your spot and soak up the sunshine while the fryer works.
Port Townsend has deep maritime roots, and the boat scene shows it. Watching vessels come and go gives the meal a laid-back, coastal rhythm.
It feels very Washington in the best way.
Keep an eye on the water while you eat. Marine critters sometimes pop up around the docks, and a sea otter sighting would make any lunch memorable.
No promises, though, since otters keep their own schedules.
Weather here can shift quickly, so a light jacket is smart even in summer. Breezes off the water can turn a warm afternoon cool in minutes.
When the sun cooperates, though, those benches are prime real estate. Hot fries and salty air pair together beautifully.
Save Room, Because the Shake Menu Gets Wild
Over 60 flavors. That’s the kind of number that turns a simple milkshake order into a full-blown committee meeting.
Sea J’s Cafe leans into its vintage vibe with shakes and malts. Pairing a thick shake with fried fish might sound unusual.
It works, though, the same way fries and ice cream somehow make sense together.
Malts deserve special attention here. Malted milk powder adds a toasty, slightly nutty flavor to a regular shake.
It’s an old soda fountain favorite that fits right in at a place with this retro personality.
Picking a flavor is half the fun. Go classic with chocolate or vanilla, or gamble on something you’ve never tried.
Worst case, you’ve discovered what not to order next time.
Kids will love the variety, and adults might secretly love it more. Splitting a few different flavors lets the whole table sample without anyone claiming victory too early.
One tip feels important after a big basket of fish. Consider sharing a shake rather than ordering one each.
Your stomach will appreciate the teamwork on the drive home.
Burgers Big Enough to Steal the Spotlight
Not everyone in your group wants seafood, and that’s fine. Sea J’s Cafe has burgers that can hold their own next to those famous fish baskets.
The Ultimate Sea J’s Burger is a hefty option for big appetites. There’s also a “big burger” built as a double, stacked tall in classic diner style.
Bring two hands and plenty of napkins.
Halibut burgers offer a fun middle ground. You get Pacific Northwest fish in a handheld format, which is great if you want seafood without a full basket.
A fried halibut sandwich also shows up on the menu.
Fries come along for the ride, and they’re worth noticing. Sidewinder-style fries have appeared alongside orders here, giving a fun twist on the usual straight-cut spud.
Burgers make this a strong stop for mixed groups. One person gets cod, another grabs a burger, and everybody stays happy.
That kind of peace is priceless on a road trip.
The old-school burger-and-shake combo fits the vintage feel perfectly. It’s simple food done generously, which seems to be the house style from top to bottom.
Chowder, Crab Cakes, and Other Tasty Detours
Fish and chips gets the headlines, but the supporting cast deserves a curtain call. Clam chowder, crab cakes, and popcorn shrimp all show up at Sea J’s Cafe.
Chowder is a smart starter on a chilly coastal day. A bowl of creamy soup warms you up fast when the marina breeze kicks in.
It’s also filling enough to work as a light meal.
Crab cakes bring a different seafood flavor to the table. They’re a nice pick if you want something fried but not quite as heavy as a big fish basket.
Popcorn shrimp is the ultimate snacking food. Small, crunchy bites make it easy to share around the table.
Kids especially tend to love anything that can be eaten by the handful.
Oyster sandwiches round out the menu with a taste of local waters. Washington is famous for its oysters, so trying one in sandwich form feels fitting.
My suggestion is to treat these as add-ons. Order your main basket, then grab one side for the table.
That way you sample more of the menu without wobbling back to the car.
Early Birds Get Breakfast, Too
Sea J’s Cafe also serves breakfast, which might surprise people who only know this spot for fish. Sea J’s Cafe serves breakfast, so your seafood stop can double as a morning fuel-up.
Omelettes are part of the breakfast lineup. That makes it a handy option before a day of exploring Port Townsend’s waterfront and historic streets.
Starting early also beats the lunch crowd.
Check directly with the cafe for current opening hours, especially if you’re planning an early breakfast. Still, small businesses can change hours, so checking before you go is wise.
Long hours mean flexibility for travelers. You can grab breakfast, come back for lunch, or swing by for an early dinner after a ferry ride.
Few places make planning that easy.
Boaters at the nearby marina probably appreciate an early opening too. A hot breakfast before heading out on the water sounds like a great idea.
So if your morning starts early in Washington, don’t skip this one. Fish and chips might be the star, but breakfast deserves its own spot on your itinerary.
Pack Cash and a Little Patience Before You Go
Card-only travelers, take note. Sea J’s Cafe accepts cash or Venmo, so plan ahead before you pull into the lot.
Ordering has its own charming routine. You may be asked to write your order on an order sheet, which feels refreshingly old-fashioned.
It also helps a small team keep everything straight.
The space is cozy, with only a few tables inside. More seating waits outside, plus long tables that encourage some community dining.
Sitting near strangers might lead to friendly chatter about boats.
This is very much a small-business operation. A tiny crew often handles the kitchen and counter, so busy times can stretch the wait.
Your food is cooked to order, not pulled from a warming tray.
Patience pays off here. Grab a bench, enjoy the marina, and let the fryer do its thing.
Rushing a giant basket of fish never helped anyone.
Tipping well is a kind move for a hardworking team. A friendly attitude goes a long way at a place like this.
Good manners and full bellies make for a great combination.
A Prime Spot for Kicking Off a Port Townsend Day
Location is a big bonus for this little cafe. You’ll find Sea J’s Cafe at 2501 Washington St, Port Townsend, WA 98368, right near the edge of town by the marina.
Port Townsend sits on the northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula. It’s famous for its Victorian buildings, maritime culture, and wooden boat traditions.
A big seafood lunch fits the town’s personality perfectly.
After eating, the historic downtown is a short drive away. Shops, galleries, and old brick buildings line the waterfront streets.
Walking off those fries never felt so scenic.
Fort Worden Historical State Park is another nearby favorite. It offers beaches, trails, and views across the water.
Kids can burn energy while adults recover from the shake they swore they would share.
The Washington State Ferry from Coupeville also docks in town. That makes Sea J’s an easy stop for travelers arriving by water.
Few welcomes beat hot fish right after a ferry ride.
Plan your day around a meal here, and everything else falls into place. Just maybe schedule the hike after lunch settles a bit.
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