In some ways my husband is more psychic than I am. After being "cooped up" for a week during our recent wicked weather, my loving spouse took me out to dinner. Now, mind you, this was to an establishment that I have driven by nearly every day for almost two years. In doing so, I always wondered what it was like. Boy, did I wait TOO long to find out! Just like unexpectingly finding a Japanese float, agate or that perfect seashell while walking on a Pacific beach, Barnacles at Des Moines Restaurant and Bar is an absolute 'gem' of a find in the vast sea of culinary delight. Walking through the door to this inviting eatery I noticed that it was packed with customers whose power had gone out. No one seemed to mind, though, as they sat blissfully chatting over wine and glowing lit candles.
Little did I know what a treat I was in for! We were cheerfully seated immediately and given a substantial mug of Seattle's Best Coffee to sip (and warm our hands around.) Then, came the salad with the most crispy and fresh ingredients served at just the perfect temperature of cold...but the ranch dressing was what really set it apart for me...in a word: delicious! Next, the homemade bread was hearty and sweet; perfectly complimented by the spread of real butter. My hubby had ordered the Pan Fried Oysters and of course I had to try a nibble. It is a veritable testament to 'they definitely know what they are doing' in it's own right if a restaurant can get oysters to melt in your mouth at first bite like these did. My entree was the Spicy Seafood Pasta. When this perfect combination of cream, basil, thyme, parsley, green onions, cheese, pasta, chili flakes, shrimp and scallops first hit my tastebuds I thought I had died and gone to heaven partaking of this expert blend of these homemade and gourmet flavors. Everything, and I mean everything, was primo and excellent!
The vision of parents Steve & Sandy, along with their 3 children: Jake, Austin and Fawn is to 'create food that's both yummy and healthy, attract many regulars and have a busy restaurant while still giving excellent service'...this they have DEFINITELY accomplished already even before their two year anniversary which lands on March 1st. They have managed to do this by making their food fresh from scratch daily and using local suppliers like B & E Meats and Ocean Beauty Seafood. Couple all that with varied activities nightly, beautiful decor, lunch specials and outdoor seating (during nice weather) and you spell S-U-C-C-E-S-S! I am so happy to have found this enticing treasure near the sea in the beach community of Des Moines that I can't wait to thank Neptune, himself!
22636 Marine View Drive S.
Des Moines, WA 98198
Phone: 206-878-5000
Check out Barnacles' menu on their website and prepare to salivate:
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