From fishing to hiking and everything in between, there’s plenty to do during your visit to Malcolm Island. But what about places to fuel up before and after a day of fun? Lucky for you, there are several Sointula restaurants to choose from.
Keep reading to learn more about a few of our favorite Sointula restaurants, as well as a few things you should know about dining on Malcolm Island.
Burger Barn
After a long day of hiking in Bere Regional Park or fishing for Pacific salmon, nothing beats a hot, delicious burger and a side of fries to fill your empty stomach. The Burger Barn is a popular Sointula staple for locals and visitors alike. Located around 2 kilometers from the ferry dock in downtown Sointula, this little restaurant is easy to spot for its bright red, barn-inspired look.
There’s no indoor dining here, but you certainly won’t miss it. You’ll step up to the restaurant’s raised platform to order your juicy burger, fried salmon, or other tasty meal. Then, head to one of the restaurant’s scattered picnic tables. A rustic oceanfront eating area offers shelter from the rain and wind, as well as some incredible views of the ocean while you eat.
While at the Burger Barn, make sure to try their special, secret recipe sauce on your burger. The popular Greek Burger is a great choice. This oversized burger features a beef, chicken, veggie, or halibut patty or filet that’s topped with grilled onions, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, black olives, mayo, and feta cheese, as well as the special sauce. You’ll also find a variety of other burgers, fish and chips, chicken, and other options on the menu.
Coho Joe Cafe
The Burger Barn is a great stop after a fun-packed morning or afternoon. But where do you go before you get on the water or hit the trails for the day? One great option is Coho Joe Cafe. This coffee shop and cafe is one of the most popular Sointula restaurants and is a great spot to grab a coffee, a quick breakfast, or a tasty lunch. This cafe is located in downtown Sointula, just one block from the ferry terminal where you’ll arrive on Malcolm Island.
On the drink menu, you’ll find all of your coffee and espresso-based favorites, like lattes, drip coffee, and iced drinks. They also serve a variety of teas and smoothies. Breakfast is a variety of toasted English muffin sandwiches, including egg and cheddar cheese and egg, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Bagel sandwiches and wraps are also available. On the lunch menu, you’ll find a variety of rotating favorites, like fish tacos, Philly cheesesteaks, wraps, and other sandwiches.
Depending on when you visit, you might even get to try one of Coho Joe’s pop-up dinners. These special events are hosted from time to time and usually feature a pre-set, themed dinner. Recently, they hosted an Indian-themed pop-up dinner, which featured several Indian food courses with dishes like Butter Chick and Indian spice cake.
Upper Crust Bakery
Another great spot to grab coffee, breakfast, lunch, or some decadent pastries is Upper Crust Bakery. This family-owned bakery is located in the heart of Malcolm Island, just off the ferry dock. They specialize in Finnish-inspired pastries, coffee, ice cream, and simply lunch items. You can also order cakes for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. Call to order a cake to pick up during your trip to add an extra special touch to your vacation!
Much like at Coho Joe’s, at Upper Crust Bakery, you’ll find a variety of coffees on the menu. They also have a rotating selection of fresh, homemade scones, cookies, muffins, donuts, and more. One of their most popular items is Pulla, a type of traditional Finnish bread that’s sweet, with a touch of cardamom. Sometimes the bakery also has pizzas and freezer meals available. These are perfect for taking back to your vacation rental to enjoy a quick dinner-in.
What to Know About Dining in Sointula Restaurants
While there may not be a ton of choices for Sointula restaurants, the delicious, homemade foods, friendly staff, and unique options more than make up for it. Diners should keep a few things in mind when eating on Malcolm Island.
First, many of the restaurants on the island are open seasonally. Their hours and the days that they’re open each week will likely fluctuate as well. They may have longer hours, and be open more days each week, during the busy summer season. But as fall approaches, or early in the year, hours may be shortened as fewer tourists make their way to the island. If you have your heart set on eating at a particular Sointula restaurant during your stay, consider giving them a call ahead of your trip to check their operating hours during the days that you’ll be visiting.
Another thing to keep in mind is that most of Sointula’s restaurants are on the small side, and offer limited seating. If you plan to eat right at breakfast, lunch, or dinner time during Malcolm Island’s busy season, you may face a wait. Be patient, and consider taking your food to go if you’re in a hurry, and enjoying it somewhere in town with a view of the water or back at your Sointula hotel or vacation rental!
Ready to start planning your next adventure? Check out these travel ideas to get started!