About us

A Century on Samish Bay

In the 1920's, the Rockpoint Oyster Company was started on Samish Bay by E. N. Steele and J. C. Barnes. During the Great Depression, the market for fresh oysters fell and so a shack was built on Washington State's first scenic highway, Chuckanut Drive, where oysters were sold by the plant manager Zenzaburo Maekawa to the travelers that passed by. The little stand did so well that it was soon enclosed, a lunch counter was added and the Rockpoint Oyster Restaurant was born. The Maekawa family was interned during World War II and the restaurant sat empty from 1942-1946.

When Otto Amos bought the restaurant in 1946 his wife renamed it the Oyster Bar and they coined the slogan 'the oysters that we serve today slept last night in Samish Bay.' The menu consisted of deep fried oysters and a ham dish. When Blanche and William Reinstra bought the restaurant in 1954, they made major renovations and expanded the menu to include prawns, scallops, fish and chips and clam chowder.

Pat and Al Digerness bought the Oyster Bar in 1970, but sold it to Thomas Lee in 1971. Mr. Lee gave the Oyster Bar sophistication with a wonderful menu and structural improvements. Mick, Cheryl and Alex August bought the restaurant in 1977 and expanded the wine cellar. Since 1987 the Oyster Bar has been owned and operated by Guy and Linda Colbert who brought new ideas from their previous restaurants in Southern California.

The Oyster Bar has become a premier dining destination spot. The spectacular views of the San Juan Islands are the perfect backdrop for the stunning dishes served at candlelit tables. The wine cellar consistently wins the Best of Award of Excellence and provides a wonderful array of choices for wine lovers from around the world. The restaurant was renovated in 2000 and has a wonderful lodge flavor that complements the surrounding water, fir trees and wildlife.

Plan Your Pacific Northwest Getaway

Come for the view, stay for the food.

The stunning view from the historic highway – all dappled light, lush greenery, and splashing ocean – is enough of a reason to visit, but why not make a whole day out of exploring the area? The surrounding area is filled with hidden spots that are rich in history with stories to tell. If you're riding the highway, here are things to do around Chuckanut Drive.

Of course, we like to think The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive overlooking Samish Bay is essential to enjoying the full Highway 11 experience. Our restaurant has been a staple of Chuckanut Drive for almost as long as it's been around – starting as a tiny seaside oyster shack in the 1920s and growing into the fine dining establishment it is today. Make a reservation, you are leaving the website, opens in a new tab and end your adventure with local seafood and an unforgettable view.

Larrabee State Park

For those who are tired of watching the trees whizz by and want to get out and explore them, you'll find no better place than Larrabee State Park! Washington's first state park is perfect for families with curious kids, a romantic picnic with your special someone, or a quiet time of reflection on your own. The edge of the park overlooks the bay, where you can see the nearby islands and watch incoming shipping vessels. You'll need to purchase a Discover Pass, but $10 is a small price to pay for the experience.

San Juan Cruises

Get up close and personal with the wonderful Washington wildlife in our waters with San Juan Cruises. The cruise will take you around the San Juan Islands in search of Orcas, Humpback whales sea lions, and more. The captain will share the history of the area and point out areas of interest as you travel through the bay. Along the way, you'll stop at Friday Harbor, a vibrant seaside port.

Historic Fairhaven District

Explore the red-bricked district of historic Fairhaven and discover a Pacific Northwest gem. The area is well-known for its small artisanal shops – you'll find independent bookstores like Village Books, you are leaving the website, opens in a new tab, specialty clothing stores like Fairhaven Runners, you are leaving the website, opens in a new tab, and home boutique shops like the well-named A Lot of Flowers, you are leaving the website, opens in a new tab. Every nook and cranny is bursting with something exciting to see — well worth an afternoon of walking around.

Staying overnight in Whatcom and Skagit counties?