Shelley Taylor

The ubiquitous coffee shop. Always there when you’re hungry.

 

Got something to satisfy every craving?

 

Yes!

 

Got all-day breakfast? Yep, a world of choices.

 

Got seafood? Try Tidbit Seafood plate: four each of fish, prawns, scallops, onion rings ($12.99).

Got steaks? T-bone, top sirloin, filet mignon ($13.99-$21.99).

 

Got homemade soups and salads? Mmm ... Manhattan clam chowder ($5.99 bowl); Raspberry Walnut Chicken Salad ($11.99).

 

Got burgers and sandwiches? The Big Kahuna: a half-pound with pineapple and Swiss cheese ($10.99) or Logger Burger with au jus on a French roll ($9.99), Sloppy Bill with sirloin smothered with Bill’s sassy sauce ($9.99).

 

Got Italian, Asian or Mexican? Seafood Fettuccine ($16.99), Oriental Wrap with crispy noodles, almonds, Mandarin oranges and sesame dressing ($8.99) or Chipotle Burger with double patties, bacon, roasted red peppers and cheddar ($9.99).

 

Got American classics? There’s “to die for” chicken-fried steak ($14.99), country fried steak ($12.99), pork chops ($13.99) or grilled liver and onions ($12.99).

 

Got Early Bird Specials? Seafood Platter with fish, clam strips, fried shrimp, coleslaw and fries ($11.99).

Got Lite Side portions? Macaroni & cheese ($7.99) or “best in town” fish n’ chips ($8.99).

 

Got homemade pies? Try marionberry or cherry or chocolate cream or peanut butter pie — made by Lisa from Carlsborg’s Old Post Office Sweet Shop ($6.99 for a generous slice).

 

Got family? Got that, too.

 

Bill and Shirley Traylor opened their doors in 1955.

 

Family owned businesses are part of the community and judging from the wall of awards of appreciation, Traylor’s is no exception.

 

As I entered, I couldn’t help notice a photo of a lovely young girl dwarfed by a western saddle. Every year Traylor’s commissions a custom-made saddle and donates it to the Peninsula Junior Rodeo Association for the Junior All Around Cowgirl. From the grin on that kid’s face ... they made one little girl mighty happy.

What began as a little shack on the highway, Traylor’s has grown over the years.

 

Now the family can dine in the back room, the sun room, the library, the lounge or at the counter.

 

The back room — our usual place — looks out on a hanging garden of spectacular baskets, there for your viewing pleasure from spring through summer.

 

The sun room faces U.S. Highway 101 and its airy section of windows looks over an explosion of colorful flowerbeds.

 

In fact, I nominate Traylor’s for the “Prettiest Flowers Award” — all that color can’t help but make your day.

 

The library has that Old World fox-and-hounds hunting lodge feel, the perfect place for partying with the girls or a family get-together.

 

The full-bar lounge is a quiet, dark and intimate refuge that serves “buckets of beer” like Pike’s of Seattle.

 

And the counter has the most fabulous, comfy, oversized captain’s chairs, making sitting at the counter an exercise fit for a king or queen.

 

And, there are plenty of booths.

 

Greg and I have been patrons of Traylor’s for a long time. We’ve been building our dream home forever and it’s one of the few places still open for dinner when we’ve rolled up the tools after 9 p.m.

 

Being a frequent customer has its perks. We’ve gotten to know the long-time employees, like Sloane who totally “gets” my “Meg Ryan” drive-you-crazy detailed orders. She understands why I ask for a “glass with nothing but ice and a glass with nothing but diet soda” (method to my madness: I won’t have to wait when I need a refill).

 

Traylor’s serves spectacular onion rings. And their french fries are a close second. I love the grilled chicken sandwich on a sesame bun. Greg always is willing to try something new and most recently ordered the chopped sirloin steak smothered with mushrooms ($12.99). He picked a winner.

 

One reason for Traylor’s success — other than just plain good food — is, as they say in the real estate game: location, location, location.

 

Decades ago, owner Bill Traylor ended up running for state representative to make sure plans to reroute Highway 101 were foiled. Today, daughter Julie keeps the family vision alive.

 

Specials are everyday affairs. There’s a new menu for fall, winter, summer and spring. Early Bird Specials are daily from 4-6 p.m.

 

Even the lounge offers specials.

 

And here’s a tip: If you ever see a special that’s now no longer on the menu, just ask and they’ll serve it right up.

 

Typical lounge specials are an 8-ounce flatiron steak with three breaded shrimp, potato or rice and soup, chowder, or dinner salad for $13.99.

 

For the especially hungry, the Oyster Dinner comes with 10 of ’em and you can choose potato, soup or shrimp salad for $15.99. Or pare down with six oysters, fries and slaw for $9.99.

 

On your way out the door, make sure to take a look at the vintage family photos near the cash register to see a visual history of this local landmark. Remember when family photos had those rippled edges?

Remember when you could hold photos in your hand instead of pointing to a computer screen?

 

All good things: family, history and good food you always can count on.

 

Shelley Taylor and her husband relocated to the peninsula from California. By her own admission, Taylor likes to eat. Reach her at columnists@sequimgazette.com.