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Tony's Just A Bite

Address

679 Peace Portal Dr
Blaine , WA 98230
360-332-8669

Hours

Thurs-Sat 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Sun 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Mon 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Review

Photo Credit: Bud Hardwick
Tony’s Just a Bite is a small intimate restaurant along the historic main street that passes through downtown Blaine above the shoreline. Located on the water side of the street, the views from the window lined back wall of the restaurant overlook the Amtrak railroad line and the nearby Blaine Harbor Marina. Flocks of sea and shorebirds mix with the local boat traffic and the sometimes entertaining activity at the boat launch. In the distance, Boundary Bay and even the “rock” of White Rock, British Columbia can be seen (though you might have to wait for the leaves to drop from the trees in the fall).

Looking over the breakfast and lunch menu items you’ll find the usual dishes that you might expect but also an enjoyable selection of hearty comfort food particularly the variety of burgers and hot sandwiches. This is a small restaurant that is happy to cater to the customer’s desires. From the street you can look inside the large front window and see Tony working in the kitchen. If you arrive during the mid-morning slow time, you may find him sitting at the small front counter reading the local paper. In just the right light, and the right mood, you may feel like you’re entering into Edward Hopper’s painting “Nighthawks” (coincidentally, you can find a copy of the painting hanging on the wall). In the back, his wife Tina holds up the waitressing side of their duo.

Lining the walls is a fascinating collection of antiques, curios, bric-a-brac, and mementos. The entire building, inside and out has the feel of its original 1800s architecture: doors, ceilings, hardware, filigree, and even the kitchen counter. Yet if you have a chance to chat with Tony, you’ll be amazed that none of this is original but a tribute to his and Tina’s dedication to the historic elements during their renovation of the building. It could be fun to bring someone to the restaurant that enjoys antique structures and see if they can tell the original from the renovated. Chances are they won’t.

Tony’s cooking skill along with his selection of menu items has evolved throughout his life. His family has a long and even famous history in the restaurant business and Tony grew up learning his craft from the family. Now, on his own for more than 35 years he brings this wealth of culinary comfort to downtown Blaine.

While the name may be “Tony’s Just A Bite” there’s much more to enjoy here than just the food including the view, the history, the antique décor and the good fellowship of locals enjoying their meal while visiting with Tina and Tony.
Written By: Bud Hardwick
On: 8/19/2009

Directions

Tony’s Just A Bite is located in downtown Blaine on Peace Portal Drive in an historic brick building on the waterside of the street. You can easily access downtown Blaine from I-5 at Exit # 276. Don’t overshoot the exit; it’s the last one before the border crossing if you’re driving north.

Features

Breakfast | Lunch

Map

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