I grew up in a small town just outside of an Air Force base in California, so I can definitely appreciate a military town. While Bremerton, Washington is certainly home to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Naval Base Kitsap, this town is also home to an incredible community of individuals and businesses that support one another through the good and bad times (read: COVID!).
Bremerton has an estimated population of around 42,000 and is connected to downtown Seattle by ferry. It boasts a historic downtown and plenty of neighborhoods filled with bars, breweries and restaurants.
My boyfriend and I recently traveled to Bremerton to explore the little town on the Kitsap Peninsula and had the chance to meet Alan and Jodi, owners of Hound + Bottle.
Hound + Bottle is located across the bridge from Bremerton in Manette, on a cozy little street with incredible views that only Washington can offer. The restaurant offers a full menu featuring seasonal dishes with fresh local ingredients.
Alan started his career as a chef at Queen City Grill in Seattle, mastering his culinary skills for almost 18 years. Jodi grew up in Bremerton and while living in Seattle, just happened to live across the street from Queen City Grill, where a mutual friend introduced her to Alan and… well the rest is history.
Alan and Jodi eventually moved to Bremerton, and Alan commuted to Seattle everyday to work at Queen City Grill. After being told for years that the town needed more amenities, they finally gave in. Alan left Queen City Grill and together they opened a small bakery and café in 2013. With many twists and turns that life throws at us all, the bakery eventually closed and the duo opened Hound + Bottle.
The menu was designed for accessibility and with the seasons in mind – there is literally something for everyone and all of the ingredients are fresh. With Jodi being a vegetarian, they were also very cognizant of making sure that vegans wouldn’t have to piecemeal side dishes together – offering so much more than just a pasta side dish and salad to accommodate diets. Everyone is welcome at Hound + Bottle!
Speaking of menu accessibility, like so many businesses, Hound + Bottle had to reinvent the dining experience when COVID first hit the world. They paired down the menu to their “greatest hits” and made sure each item would be able to travel well from restaurant to home when patrons would order and pick up from the restaurant instead of dining in. That pivot is still reflected today in their menu. If you still aren’t comfortable with dining in a restaurant, visitors can order their food online for pick up and it will still be as delicious as if you were sitting at one of their tables!
And a fun side note, after one of their dearly beloved bartenders left, Alan learned the art of cocktail-making, and you can now often find him behind the bar creating some unbelievable and colorful beverages!
I highly recommend exploring Bremerton and visiting Hound + Bottle for incredible food, amazing cocktails and a comforting and welcoming atmosphere!
Hound + Bottle
2109 E. 11th Street
Bremerton, WA 98310
Hours:
Wednesday–Saturday from 4 pm –9 pm
