Header image: Bering Sea Cod Burger, Crispy Bay Scallops ‘n Chips and a Best of Season Lemonade // Linda War Bonnet (who went the very next day when she learned they had finally opened)

I recently struck out trying to get a table outside at Anthony's and Anthony's Woodfire Grill. It was the middle of a Friday afternoon, and outdoor dining wouldn't be ready at Anthony's for an hour. Over at Woodfire, they hadn't opened it because it was windy on their deck. But the good news was that on the way out, I found a sign announcing that Woody's was open for the season, Mondays and Tuesdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting July 26.

I was back on Monday for a late lunch and was thrilled to find three of the four tables in cool, shady spots under a large tree. Since I'm not a fan of the sun, I snatched one up and was glad it was almost 2 p.m. and I wasn't forced by a full patio to find something else along the waterfront walkway. If you need a little vitamin D and want an even better view, head east once your food's ready.

Everything on the menu sounds great, but as soon as I saw scallops were an option, my order was locked in. They aren't as common as I wish they were, and they're one food I've never been able to make well. Woody's gives their bay scallops a crunchy panko coating and serves them in a perfect boat with incredible seasoned fries, a huge lemon wedge, and ketchup, cocktail sauce, and tartar sauce for dipping. 

I really appreciate the care and finesse that went into this order of food, and that it wasn't gigantic. A lot of seafood meals come with a huge pile of fries, and if they're this good, you want to eat them all because leftover fries are disappointing but you also don't want them to go to waste. I'd already resolved not to overdo it but there was nothing to worry about after all.

I might have overdone it if they served milkshakes, but they only serve regular ice cream. Crisis averted.

One thing I was surprised to see was a to-go cocktail menu. Woody's isn't set up for alcohol on their patio, which would require a barrier, but if you're ordering food to go, they have cocktails you can take with you and enjoy elsewhere. 

Parking in this section of the marina is always easy, and my food came out quickly, too. I was frazzled due to car trouble and running a couple of hours behind when I got there, but once I started popping those perfect scallops, all felt right with the world.

Woody's 
(open seasonally at Anthony's Woodfire)
1722 W Marine View Dr
(425) 258-4000

Christopher Bragg works from home in Everett and loves walking, swimming, and cats. You can find him all over town, but only if you keep weird hours and avoid crowds like he does.