Halfway House Restaurant

This place is a hidden gem! The history of this restaurant is beautiful, as is the area in which it abides. The Matheson’s are wonderful people, and they’ve created the best, friendly atmosphere! We went there for my birthday and everyone, made a point, customers & staff, to sing me Happy birthday and then wish me Happy birthday as well. I had the Halfway Burger 1/2 pound charred delicious fresh goodness. The fries are bomb!! Outstanding meal! Chanterelle mushroom sandwich with bacon on sourdough was life changing and makes me want to go back. Their clam chowder is fresh and delicious. Their mushroom soup came fresh from the woods and tastes like heaven. The salad is fresh, and all of their dressings are made fresh by them and delicious. The pie…..so delicious and fresh with the flaky crust I mean who does this?? So so so so yummy. If you drive by and don’t get pie, you will have lost an uplifting experience. The coffee was great, the people are great, This is my new favorite place.

Swung by on a whim as I was heading back to Olympia from Sequim. Never heard of the place. Hands down one of the best Rueben sandwiches I’ve ever had. Nice staff, reasonable prices. I’ll be sure to stop again the next time I find myself out this way.

We went there 2 weeks in a row! Scrumptious food & wonderful staff. I witnessed food disappearing magic with my kids. If you are in the area, definitely check out!

Food is decent but the pies are amazing.

Had a milkshake, ice cream Sunday and cinnamon roll delivered. Everything was still frozen and delicious!

We've driven by this place so many times! Definitely a don't judge a book by its cover situation. We finally stopped in today for lunch and we were so glad we did! Very tasty grilled sandwiches and the side salad and chowder on were also tasty! Service was good and prices were decent. They serve fresh pie and milkshakes but we were too full after lunch. This will be one of our new spots when driving up the 101! 👍🏼

I had Chicken Fried Steak. Cinnamon Roll is worth the stop!!! The three of us split it before breakfast. No pic because we ate it too quick while still warm. Over medium eggs had the whites done. Thank you! Chicken fried steak was fine as was the gravy. Hashbrowns were a little crisp for my liking but fine. Toast was toasted lightly, just like I like it. Added to my SAVED locations and will come back again next trip so we can try the pies.

Recommended. This is a solid 4 star restaurant out in "the middle of nowhere" (spoken by a Seattleite...) . Small town diner feel - pleasant, clean. The proprietor took great care of us - along with one other staff member. Pretty good lunch time rush. The food was all very decent - safe. I had the crab patty cheese sandwich. The bit of disappointment was that this was simply a frozen crab patty with some cheese and toasted. It was totally fine - but if you are expecting some magnificent crab cheese sandwich - try the one that says this (though that crab comes frozen as well...as opposed to fresh from Dungeness)... The Jupiter Melt. The pie was very good - perhaps just a bit undersized - but that might have been my portion. Overall we were quite happy - did really enjoy the proprietor's energy - and would be MORE than happy to stop back in if we were ever in the area again. Recommended.

Went there for the first time and the food was great, but the best part was the friendly environment and wonderful service! I TRIED to take an oyster shooter (idk why b/c I do not like oysters) but I couldn't.. I failed. The host and owner were so kind and understanding that oyster shooters were on them! The fried cod and ships and homemade pies were delicious! I would definitely recommend this place!

Great food and awesome staff. Totally a must stop on 101 in Brinnon have the pie for sure!

My friends and I always stop here for their pies. The staff are very friendly and it seems like all the locals hangout here. There's also a small antique store attached to the restaurant. They have all the American brunch staples as well as a long list of pies. Make sure to order your pie right when you get there and go early. They might sell out before you order. You can't go wrong with any of their homemade pies. They make them right above the restaurant. All their pies are delicious and you can taste the love (aka a lot of butter). They're a little on the sweeter side but that's to be expected at an American diner. Unfortunately the berry crumble filling was from a can, but the shortbread cookie crust made up for it. Their regular brunch items like the oyster omelette was delicious (forgot to take a photo) and had big chunks of oysters from hamma hamma bay. Overall, a can't miss stop if you're camping in dosewalip or just passing by!

No frills American restaurant. It was pretty busy, a large group was celebrating their birthday. Not too big of a restaurant but we didn't have to wait for a table. The service was friendly but definitely between two people they were managing a lot. You get a lot of food! And the desserts are freshly made!

Love the food it's so good!!! The people here were so nice and caring, and it's so calm and fun here. I would definitely recommend and I cleared my plateee!!!

The food was fabulous and the service was amazing! I would highly recommend Halfway House and everything we ordered was delicious! We actually took home a whole pie! We ordered the berry pie and also when you go there order their milkshakes! You won't be disappointed. Nice and friendly family owned business.

Great pie and coffee as we were passing through. Menu looked good but we had dinner plans further down the road.

Last night we didn't have a good experience. I said that we will try again. We did. This morning we came in. It was as busy as last night and we were greeted with a familiar face and a hug. We were greeted, sat, and were able to order. This has been a staple for us since I was little.

We went there on a Saturday morning and were not told about the wait! We ended up waiting for an hour and a half for a cheese quesadilla and a bowl of chili!!

Nice place to go for a good breakfast. There is a long wait but that's fine I have no problem waiting. I even came with my daughter and they gave her crackers and pancakes while we waited. Friendly staff and good food.

Long wait to get food. It wasn't bad, I would say decent for being one of the very few options there. Not the best fries but good burger.

Food was good for diner food. Service left a bit to be desired. Took a long while to be acknowledged and receive menus. Server was friendly but never offered water refills.

It's got to be difficult to have a restaurant in small towns that relies quite a bit on local staffing and tourism to survive. The Halfway House isn't a small restaurant, but it's definitely not large. Staffing has always appeared to be minimal, and during my visits seats are pretty full. So it can take time to get service and it can take time to get your meal. It hasn't been uncommon for my meals to take 30 minutes or more to arrive. I've had a guest leave because she got frustrated with the wait. This isn't a place to go if you're in a rush, to avoid disappointment/frustration. But it is a place to go if you're into local vibe, supporting small rural businesses, and like home cooked meals. They're pretty known for their pie assortment. People with food restrictions (vegans vegetarians GF) don't expect a lot of options on the menu. Parking is plentiful and they have outdoor seating which is nice in the warmer months. Prices are reasonable.

Third time eating here. Not sure why we keep coming back. It's always a LONGwait. Tonight, it's over an hour. I'm ready to leave. The food isn't even that great. But eating locally should be a good thing. Just not this painful. I only ordered a sandwich and tater tots. Not rocket science. They need more help. Ugh

While staying at a nearby vacation rental we decided to try this place based on past reviews. We had a very large order (totaled $225) which included 3 chicken sandwiches, 3 PO boys, 1 French dip, 1 steak dinner, 3 side salads, and 8 pieces of pie. First the positive- food was ready at pick up. Chicken sandwiches, French dip sandwich and salads were all good. The PO Boys (hamburger on a hoagie roll) were cold and very dry )over cooked). The steak was ordered medium but was well done and unable to eat. Being very disappointed that half of our order was underwhelming we at least had pie to look forward to BUT NO! A piece of crust crumbled from the pie so we tasted it and right away it tasted off. The shortening used tasted rancid. Every piece of pie had the same taste from the crust so we never ate any of them. We called to tell them about our order and warn them to taste the pies because something was off. They said they couldn't offer a refund and that we'd have to talk to the owner the next morning. The next morning we went in to the restaurant and spoke with the person at the counter. She told us she tasted the pies the previous night and it was fine. I offered her yo taste the pies we brought back but she refused. The owner came out and was rude and defensive saying they have only ever had 2 complaints the whole time they've been open. I told her there's no mistaking that shortening was rancid. Eat here at your own risk of food poisoning

Great place to stop half-way home. Waitresses are the best! Has everything from breakfast, oysters, and diner favorites.

Highly recommend! Picked up dinner before heading home from camping. Food was great, wait staff was friendly and did an amazing job serving customers, juggling to-go orders, etc. We will definitely be back soon!

Fantastic!! This was the first time we had been here since the change in ownership and we are very impressed! The cinnamon roll is to die for! I had the loaded hash browns and they were delicious! Eggs were cooked perfectly! Service was great and the ambiance was welcoming. We are definitely coming back and we highly recommend. Pies too!!!

This place deserves a 10/10! It was our first time here and my friends and I were blown away by the quality, seasoning and potions of this great American breakfast spot. We ordered the chicken fried steak plate, biscuits and gravy, pancakes and pie. All were phenomenal. My bf claimed the chicken fried steak to be one of the best he's ever had and I felt similarly about the biscuits and gravy. Do yourself a favor and eat at HHR, you won't be disappointed.

Can't review the food because we were never served. Stopped in on our way to the ferry and were ignored for about 5 minutes. There was only one other table and 2 servers. I got up to wash my hands and when I came back my daughter informed me that they had told her it would be 45 minutes before she could take our order. So we left. My thought was it must have been shift change and she didn't want to take another table. I won't be wasting my time again.

Great little local spot. Yummy food and great pies. Check it out if your near thethe hood canal.

It's not normal to get a burger without pickles unless specified is it? This is one more time I've ordered burgers,and they have gotten one thing or another wrong on my order To-go ,I enjoy the burgers otherwise I just wish they would be consistent ,that is key to any kitchen in my opinion.So I hope that the new owners will talk to the kitchen staff about this cuz I would rather not go elsewhere.

We were hungry and out of options. This place does not look like much from the outside. Once we stepped inside, it looked even worse. The locals there were friendly and waved at us, so we were uncomfortable to turn around and run. I hesitantly ordered fish and chips and triple berry pie. My husband ordered their burger. Fish and chips is one of my all time faves, and I've had many different kinds from many different places. This was the best dish and chips I've ever had. My husband said the burger was amazing. The berry pie I had was also one of the best pies I've had. I highly recommend this place and would go again!

So bad... ordered the French dip burned beef ... so dry. Salad was old lettuce. Soup was awful

My travels and recent moving adventure has brought me to this little town of Brinnon, WA. Here at the "Halfway House Restaurant" it's definitely the charm and feel of a Mom and Pop kind of restaurant! I've had the pleasure of visiting before my move, many a years ago, so knew of this quaint establishment! However, back then it didn't quite have the charm and appeal it has now. Due to the worlds current standstill, this little place has had a very nice facelift! What was once visibly dull and a bit tattered is now inviting, cute and freshly painted walls with ocean sea blue and marine grey accents! Very charming and quaint! For tonight's dinner I'm having a Tuna melt! The tuna melt was delicious! Tuna mixture wasn't overly wet and the extra swiss cheese melted to perfection, and the fries were cooked to a light crispness on the outside, but tender inside! DELICIOUS!!! Accompanied by an Angry Orchard, which top it off nicely!

Better service than the Geoduck but the cook is terrible. She is the same cook that also works for the Geoduck and has ruined that place as well.

Stopped in for breakfast on a Sunday morning. Got a couple of drinks to start. Food was delicious. Friendly staff. Cute little diner atmosphere. Looking forward to trying their pie next time!

The Halfway House restaurant is a gem. The food is delicious and the staff are delightful.

Darn good blackberry pie! I was on my way to hike in the Olympics on a Sunday earlier in August, and it was raining in Brinnon, so I decided that I needed a pie break. This place is a typical country diner with a counter, friendly staff, and a few well-spaced tables. The decor and atmosphere certainly fit the location. The pie was fantastic -- definitely homemade with fresh locally picked wild blackberries. The crust was flaky and buttery. The coffee was decent, not the single-origin fancy stuff some of us city folks are used to, but it went well with the atmosphere and the pie. A pre-pie hike is definitely recommended, I would have come back after the hike but they are closed on Mondays. I would love to try the breakfast here as everything about the Halfway House suggests that it would be good.

We had a great lunch. I had a half sandwich and salad while my husband had the clam chowder and a BLT. The ham sandwich was stuffed with almost as much meat as I put on a full sandwich. The salad was nice Romain. My husband loved the clam chowder and he even got some to take home for later along with half of his BLT. Yay. I don't have to cook dinner tonight. I got half a Marionberry pie to go. Reduced seating and reduced hours. No prime rib specials for now. Hours 8-1 and 4-7. There is one table outside. No Mask- no entrance. Curb side delivery for to -go orders.

Great food and friendly staff. Breakfast, lunch or dinner you will find amazing food and leave with a full tummy.

What a find. Came in for dinner. Usually don't do desert but the steady flow of people coming in just for the pie peaked my curiosity. No regrets. Dinner was good and desert was great! I will be coming back.

This is local hangout and yes the pies are awesome. I had the Hama Hama omelet ($15) and it was awesome. One of the better options for breakfast on the Hood Canal. Check it out.

This was a nice surprise in an area that doesn't offer a lot of options. The all-american menu was tasty. The services was great, and kind. They don't have a kids menu, but there is plenty on the menu that kids can split. I would go back.

Friendly local folk making great American food and local seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tons of delicious homemade pies and cobblers that will get me back through their door.

We stopped at the diner for lunch after visiting the marina. The place is cozy. Hubby and I enjoyed our meal - but the best part is our sassy waitress! She adds to the experience. We went back for breakfast a few weeks later and were happy with the flavor and the portions. We plan on stopping there again when we are out that way.

Awesome Special! Fettuccini With Shrimp!! Fast, Hot food, Friendly Service, Just a Honey of a little diner!! If you get a chance stop here for any meal of the Day! breakfast was Amazing last time too..... Home cooking!!

Excellent food and service. We had the BLT, hamburger, fries, and homemade Marionberry pie. The bacon was crispy and the lettuce and tomatoes were fresh. Best fries we've had in a long time. Highly recommend if you are ever in Brinnon.

I moved to Washington about two years ago and came across this little gem on the way to the shrimp festival.. by far the best breakfast I have had so far... highly recommend!!!

Phenomenal!!!! I have Only had Breakfast there, but I've had many different ones- All amazing! Don't forget to have pie, or cobbler! YES, with Breakfast! It will put a smile on your whole day.

2nd time visiting this excellent establishment. Food was fantastic, the fresh Clam Chowder soup was perfect, the clams were fresh and plentiful. I had the BLT, wonderful sandwich. The coffee was hot and tasted great and the service was spot on. We took 3 pieces of the marionberry pie to go, they make the best, fresh, home made pies around. Well worth the drive from Potlatch where we were staying. Got a chowder to go and it tasted great the next day for dinner. The best Clam Chowder I've had in a very long time. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in the taste. Highly recommend.

What a hidden gem. Even though we're not locals we were treated like one. Everyone was so friendly and the food was spot on. I ordered a bay shrimp salad and had to take 2/3 of it with me. My husband had the patty melt with awesome fries, both were amazing.

Good, local, homemade food and excellent pies! You might even get to see the elk as well!

Hour long wait for food and it was subpar. My salad was right out of the deli meat container. The soup was runny, the fried oysters were soggy, every meal was bland. We won't be back. If you are to ask for these high prices your food should be at least mid level.

I wasn't happy to see indoor dining during COVID-19. But, staff and people getting take-out were masked. We had a takeout French Dip w/fries that was better than I expected. We also managed to snag the last slice of pie that day,which was better.

We went here after Geoduck Tavern was behaving me an hour and a half for serving food, glad we did!Jeanie at Halfway was so good peasant as our server, hubby's cod fish and chips were perfect and my rueben was very satisfying. Good wine and beer selection, with great prices. We'll definitely go back to this known gem!

What a great local joint! My aunt and uncle are regulars and the staff not only knows them by name, but knows there orders (drink and food!). Our waitress, Debbie, was a hoot and such a sweet lady. I tried the taco salad with ground beef. It came in a chip bowl and was generously topped with cheese, onion, green pepper, tomatoes and meat. Sour cream and salsa came on the side. I couldn't leave without trying a slice of one of their homemade piesI chose the apple crumb. You guys. I could've eaten an entire pie. The crust was crumbly and buttery, the apple filling was cinnamon-y and sweet. It was warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and everything my second stomach (I have a second stomach for desserts aka I always have room for dessert) could've asked for. I'm sure I'll be back during my next visit out to the PNW. Cannot wait for that pie!

Do not skip this local diner. Off the beaten path for sure but we'll worth the journey along the scenic hood canal. Breakfast portions are large and reasonably priced. I'm fond of their country fried steak and eggs. Eggs are always cooked to order and the steak is a little crispy on the outside. But the highlight is the pie! Homemade by the owner, people travel great distances for her pies and cobblers. To buy a full one you need 24 hours notice but a slice is very ample. In the summer there are a wide variety of berry cobblers to choose from. You can always get one to go, but bear in mind they sell out quickly.

Very tasty food with very friendly staff. I had a halfway house 1/2 lb burger with bacon and fried red onions -- juicy and excellent (bbq sauce on it was a tad sweet for my taste, perfect otherwise). My daughter had a chicken salad, generous size with a perfectly done fried chicken breast diced on top with honey mustard dressing, just right. Very recommended place!