We read that the Cafe was located near the ferry dock, yet it was farther away from the dock than we envisioned (but it is still an easy 5-minute, quarter-mile walk). Actually, Lummi Island itself was larger than we expected!
We did not have a reservation to dine, but because it was not crowded, the server directed us to one of the five tiny tables for two located on the front porch. Those tables enjoy a view of the water, the deck / stairs to the public beach, and the ferry landing. The cafe offers additional outdoor seating in the backyard at picnic tables. The kitchen is open to the small dining room, so you can see the chefs work. Art for sale by local artists decorates the dining room walls (the exhibits rotate bi-monthly).
We tried to eat lightly to save our appetites for dinner that evening at the Willows Inn. We ordered a side of sauteed broccoli and cauliflower (which included rarely seen Romanesco cauliflower) accompanied by a basil aioli. The dip / sauce was delicious, but because the vegetables themselves were tasty, we did not need it. We also shared the fish and chips with coleslaw. Finally, for dessert, we were unable to resist one of the two desserts of the day, locally picked blackberries accented by a lemon sauce and lemon sorbet. Food at the Beach Store Cafe was adequately priced (considering the island location), and the servings were plentiful. Service was friendly and casual, in keeping with the laid-back atmosphere of this restaurant.
When we received our credit card statement, the merchant name read “Willows Inn”, so the inn must now own this cafe. In years past, overnight guests at the Willows Inn received breakfast at the Beach Store Cafe the morning following their stay, but the Willows Inn discontinued that amenity in early 2014 when they started to offer guests an a la carte on-site breakfast.
We enjoyed our lunch at the Beach Store Café, and we plan to return for another meal someday because we want to explore their menu more fully.
