Tommyknocker's Cornish Pasty

If you're looking for a place with soul and true British character, Tommyknockers Cornish Pasty will be a pleasant discovery. Located in the historic center of Port Townsend, this cozy restaurant specializes in traditional Cornish pasties and classic English cuisine. It harmoniously combines the atmosphere of an old pub, Washington State hospitality, and the high culinary standards of the USA.

The founders, Chef Nikki Skipper and her husband Thomas, have infused the menu with their extensive international experience. Nikki studied culinary arts in Manila and worked in prestigious restaurants around the world, from Peru to Japan. The restaurant's main pride is its authentic Cornish pasties, made from scratch using fresh local and organic ingredients. The menu includes options for vegetarians, vegans, and guests following a gluten-free diet.

The establishment stands out not only for its cuisine but also for its commitment to the environment and support for local farmers. Thanks to high ratings and sincere guest reviews, this restaurant is considered one of the best places in town for a family lunch or a romantic dinner in a relaxed setting.

For more details or to book a table for a large group, you can contact the staff directly. The restaurant is active on social media, where they share news and photos of seasonal specials.

The main reason to visit is to taste the famous Cornish pasties. Try the classic steak version or experiment with original fillings like BBQ pork or vegan lasagna. In addition to pasties, guests are offered legendary Scotch eggs with spicy mustard, meatloaf sandwiches, and fragrant salmon stew. All dishes are prepared exclusively by hand, ensuring a homemade taste and freshness.

At the restaurant, you can settle comfortably in the main hall, steeped in a pub atmosphere, or take a table on the cozy back patio. If the weather permits, dining in the fresh air is an excellent addition to your experience. For those traveling with pets, there's a nice bonus — the establishment is dog-friendly, and your four-legged friends are more than welcome here.

If you're planning a special event, the restaurant offers the possibility of hosting private functions in a separate room for 30 people. A personalized menu and warm atmosphere will make a birthday or corporate event truly memorable. Don't forget to drop by mid-day to avoid the crowds and fully enjoy Port Townsend's relaxed pace of life.

The establishment is located at 711 Water St, in the heart of the city's historic district. Due to its central location, the restaurant is very easy to reach on foot if you are already strolling along the waterfront or exploring the architecture of the old center. For those arriving by car, city parking is available along the street.

Travelers from Seattle usually take the ferry to Keystone Point and then continue by car on highway WA-20. The entire trip takes about 2–3 hours and is a scenic adventure in itself. If you are staying at one of the local hotels, a walk to Tommyknockers Cornish Pasty will be a pleasant addition to your itinerary.

The restaurant's name is rooted in deep history and British folklore. Tommyknockers are mythical creatures, benevolent spirits that, according to belief, inhabited the tin mines of Cornwall. It was thought that they warned miners of danger by knocking on the mine walls. As a token of gratitude, miners would leave the spirits the crust of their pasty — the hard part of the dough used to hold the pasty with dirty hands.

The pasty format itself was perfectly adapted for harsh working conditions: a hearty pie that stayed warm for a long time and served as a complete lunch for Welsh and Cornish workers. The owners, the Skippers, chose this concept for a reason. Thomas Skipper previously worked as a miner in the Colorado Rockies, which helped him feel the connection between traditional food and the spirit of camaraderie.

Today, this Port Townsend restaurant combines ancient British culinary traditions with a modern approach to ingredient quality. Although the establishment is relatively young, it has already become an important part of the city's gastronomic map, carefully preserving stories of mining life and creating a cozy old-pub atmosphere on the American coast.

For a full visit to Tommyknockers Cornish Pasty, it's worth setting aside 1 to 1.5 hours. This is plenty of time to unhurriedly enjoy a hot pasty, try some signature snacks, and appreciate the selection of drinks in the cozy pub setting.

It can get quite crowded during popular lunch hours or on weekends, so there may be a short wait. If you're in a hurry or planning a picnic by the shore, ordering takeaway takes about 20–30 minutes.

The restaurant warmly opens its doors to visitors six days a week. The main operating hours are from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, which is convenient for both an early lunch and a substantial dinner after exploring the city.

Please note that Tuesday is the day off when the restaurant is closed. On all other days, including Saturday and Sunday, Tommyknockers Cornish Pasty operates as usual, delighting guests with hot baked goods until the evening.

After a hearty lunch, it's a great idea to stroll around the area, as Port Townsend is famous for its Victorian architecture and maritime charm. A walk through the historic center will allow you to see unique buildings and landmarks just a few minutes' walk from the restaurant.

Particular attention should be paid to the historic towers and mansions that form the city's unique skyline. If you have more time, you can head towards the coast, where marine science centers and historic forts offer breathtaking views of the bay.